Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
SOPHIE
“Good morning, ma’am,” Ms. Hale greeted me when I entered the kitchen. “Would you like to have brunch on the patio?”
I stumbled. My head still heavy from sleep. “Is my husband at work?”
“Yes, he left early this morning.”
A hint of disappointment tugged at my stomach when I realized Viktor hadn’t asked her to wake me up like yesterday.
“But he asked me to pass along a gift for you.” Ms. Hale pointed at the coffee table in the dining area. Pink roses sat on the table beside a few wrapped boxes. “Would you like to keep the flowers there, or should I bring them up to your room?”
“Mmm.” I moved to the dining room, pulling the note off the top box.
Sophie,
Sorry I didn’t wake you. I thought you’d need the sleep. I hope you’d like these gifts as a little thank you for a great evening.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Viktor.
My cheeks heated as I read the message, and I pushed back the little squeeze in my throat before reaching for the first box.
A complete set of a necklace, bracelet, and a pair of earrings with sapphires and diamonds gleamed up at me from the first box. Elegant, graceful. This must have cost him a lot.
“So beautiful.” Ms. Hale gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “Do you want me to help you try them on?”
“No!” I put my hand up, not letting Ms. Hale come closer.
Concern flashed in Ms. Hale’s eyes. “You don’t like it?”
“I like it! I’ll just do it myself.” I gave her an apologetic look.
“Ah, excuse me, ma’am.” Ms. Hale took a step back, panic painting her face.
The woman was always respectful of my desire not to be touched and kept her distance. This was the first time she had ever tried to come close.
“Don’t worry.” I picked up the box and went toward the mirror. Was the choice of the stone a coincidence? It complemented my eyes almost too well.
“It makes me happy, seeing you spend time together.” Ms. Hale’s voice was soft. She watched me as I put the bracelet on. “I know there are many bad rumors about Mr. Rowks, but he has a very warm heart.”
My hand trembled at her words. “How long have you been working here?”
“Around the time Viktor was brought into this home.”
“How was he as a kid?”
“He was always joyful. Sometimes overly mischievous.” A fond smile crossed Ms. Hale’s face. “But good.”
I looked at her in the mirror while putting the earrings on. “I heard he was insufferable.”
“You can’t keep pushing a child into the shadows and then act surprised when they set the whole house on fire to be seen.” Ms. Hale’s voice was steady.
“Oh.” Something twisted in my ribs.
“I’m not blaming Ms. Cecilia. She married a man, then was confronted with the fact that he had another son on the side and was forced to live with a constant reminder of his unfaithfulness.” Her gaze shifted toward the window, her eyes becoming glassy. “But Viktor was just a child.”
I looked back at myself, horrified by the pain on my own face.
I’d never thought my reactions were so clearly written on my face.
Yet I wasn’t sure what was more painful.
The fact that Viktor grew up facing hatred, or the fact that I’d never truly questioned all the rumors I heard about him. Never even considered him good.
God! Him being bad… him being a rotten fruit was the reason I chose to marry him! To punish myself. And here I was, standing among his gifts, in his home, feeling alive for the first time in five years?
“Sorry for rambling,” Ms. Hale said, her face apologetic. “I didn’t intend to sway your mood. Those look great on you.”
I gave her a small smile. “Take these to my room.” I pulled off my earrings, putting them back in the jewelry box, then reached for my necklace and bracelet. “As for the flowers, move them to the patio.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And Ms. Hale.” I paused. “Thank you for telling me.”
Ms. Hale gave me a small smile before heading toward the flowers. A moment later I followed her, only to stumble once again. There was a second gift, and as I opened it, my heart ached so sweetly.
“Is everything okay?” Ms. Hale asked.
“Y-Yes.” I couldn’t fight the shaking in my voice.
“You’re crying.”
“Ah—” I wiped my face. Indeed.
But there was no reason. Yes, I was a bit sad, maybe a little angry.
But the gift wasn’t something that was supposed to make me feel worse.
And I couldn’t understand all those things that were tangled in my chest. I looked back at the present, at another note on it, at the ink smudged from my earlier teardrop.
I had an impression you enjoyed business.
I wasn’t sure what materials you already read, but this one was published recently, so I hope it’s something new for you and that you’ll enjoy it.
Judging from the title it was something about recent business strategies. And while the jewelry I could explain away—pre-prepared, waiting for the right moment—this meant more than any gift he could have possibly given me. He had listened. And that… that was everything.
“Everything is fine.” And to my surprise the smile that lit my lips wasn’t forced at all.
Ms. Hale looked confused, and I shook my head, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. I took the book to my chest. “I’ll be on the patio. With this.”
“Liked it?” Viktor appeared in the doorway, leaning against it and nodding at the book in my hands.
It was dark outside, and the clock was reading seven. “Very much. Thank you for the gifts.” I put the marker on the page I’d stopped at and placed the book on the coffee table. “Have you eaten?”
A soft smile touched Viktor’s lips. His hair was messy again, his eyes slightly red at the edges.
“I thought we were having dinner together?” He shrugged out of his suit jacket and loosened his tie.
I followed his movement before I could stop myself. “We are. But aren’t you tired?”
He shook his head with a quiet laugh in his throat. “Just give me five minutes and I’ll be back.” He gestured to the jacket in his hand, then looked at me before turning to leave the room.
I couldn’t resist the pull at the edge of my lips.
When I entered the dining room, the table was ready; Ms. Hale was finishing the setup.
And once she left, wishing us a good evening, I sat in my chair.
My palms unsteady, my eyes fixed on the door.
Only when Viktor appeared, rolling his sleeves in the same manner as last evening, did I manage to breathe.
“Apologies,” he said. “Did I make you wait?”
“Not at all.”
He followed my gaze, looking down at his arms. “Is there something on my shirt?”
“No!” My voice trembled. This was so embarrassing. “You look tired,” I blurted. “You didn’t sleep much, did you?” In his place, I’d have gone straight to bed.
“Don’t worry.” He chuckled. “Tomorrow is Saturday. I’ll sleep in.”
“You’ll be home?”
His fork clicked against the plate. “I have a business lunch, but that’ll only be for a few hours.”
Disappointment stung my stomach, and it was probably printed on my face, as worry crossed Viktor’s expression.
“You could come with me, if you’d like?”
“No.” The word came out much harsher than I intended.
“Oh…” His expression faltered for a moment. “I would be more than happy if you’d come,” he said, his voice calm. “But if you want to stay at home, maybe you can finish the book? I noticed you’re past three quarters?”
My eyebrow lifted on its own.
“I also wanted to read it. But didn’t get the time. So, if you could tell me about it, I’d be very grateful. And I’ll be home on Sunday. I promise.”
A pulse pounded in my ears. Something about this man was starting to feel dangerous.
I straightened, pushing the thought aside.
“Sounds like a great deal.” I smiled, finally picking up my cutlery.