Chapter 18
Vulcan
Karina hasn’t brought up the incident at her apartment almost a week ago, and I’ve let it drop too. I occasionally catch a glossy look in her eyes and am reminded that she’s hurting. Having a fallout with your parents is never easy, no matter who is in the wrong.
I see why she didn’t want her mother to know about our upcoming nuptials. I can’t blame her. It’s a miracle Karina turned out to be such a kind and caring person despite her mother’s influence.
A few nights ago, she came home from her shift with red and swollen eyes, and I knew something had happened.
She told me that her mother had called and things had gotten heated.
I could feel the hurt making her fragile, the weight of it all on her shoulders.
I never pried or asked for details, knowing it’s a sensitive topic for her.
But fucking hell, it made me angry that her own mother could cause her so much pain.
As I walk through Central Park, trying to clear my head, I think about ways to make Karina feel better.
I want her to know that she has me and that I’ll always be there for her, no matter what.
But as the days pass, I see her become more withdrawn, throwing herself into her work.
When she’s home, she holes up in her room, and I know she hasn’t caught up with Cass in weeks.
The leaves crunch under my sneakers as I dodge a puddle, my breath visible in the chilly September air. I can’t shake the image of Karina’s exhausted face as she trudges through our front door every night. It’s hard to watch someone you care about struggle and not be able to fix it.
As it is, I’m past trying to respect boundaries. I’m all in. I want to be a part of every aspect of Karina’s life, even the mess she tries to shield me from. She has every right to deal with things her way, but damn it, I want to help—need to help.
I find a park bench and pull out my phone, deciding it’s time to check in with Minji.
“Good morning, Vulcan.” Her voice sounds far too bright for this early in the day. “The paperwork is ready. I have reached out to Mrs. Reyes, and she’s set to arrive in an hour.”
“Perfect, I’ll be there shortly.” I end the call and walk back home, taking in the scenery and trying to calm my nerves.
Karina will either love or hate me for what I’m about to do.
But I can’t just stand by and watch her crumble at the hand of her toxic mother.
I’m determined to find a way to fix it, to be the support she needs, even if it means playing it risky.
The air feels colder as I cross the street toward my building, my heart pounding. What if Gabriella doesn’t sign the contract? What if I only make things worse? But I can’t back down now. I set this plan in motion and have to see it through.
I shower quickly, the steam fogging up the bathroom mirrors, and talk myself off the ledge. It might be the wrong move, getting involved with Karina’s mother again, but it’s worth the gamble.
The air fills with the scents of soap and my determination as I towel off. I move quickly back into my bedroom, where I pull on a crisp white shirt, my fingers fumbling with the buttons, and slip into navy trousers. I wince as a sharp pain shoot through my shoulder, the injury protesting my rush.
I make it to Minji’s office ahead of time, which gives me a few moments to prepare. I rehearse what I’m going to say, envisioning every possible scenario.
Minji offers me a cup of coffee while we wait. “I don’t think I can drink anything right now,” I admit.
“For the last time, Vulcan, do you need to think this through? I know you’re coming from a place of care, but have you considered how Karina will react when she finds out?”
I rub the back of my neck. She’s right. If this doesn’t go as planned, it could cause more harm than good. But I can’t stand by and watch her suffer, not when I’m in a position to help.
I shake my head. “She’s been through so much already. And her mother is beyond toxic. I would have run away from home before I turned ten if she were my mother,” I say with a bitter laugh. “The sooner I can do this, the sooner Karina will finally be able to enjoy the life she deserves.”
Before she can respond, we hear the sound of Mrs. Reyes’s heels clicking against the marble floor. Her posture is stiff as she enters the office, her expression serious. She looks genuinely surprised when her eyes land on me, but she twists her face back to its original grimace just as quickly.
Minji stands to greet her. “We appreciate you coming today, Mrs. Reyes. Please sit.”
As she launches into small talk, Mrs. Reyes maintains a stoic expression, making it difficult to gauge her thoughts.
I wait until there’s a lull in conversation to begin, choosing my words carefully. “This isn’t just about an agreement. It’s also about understanding and, hopefully, mending some of the fractures in your relationship with Karina.”
“Mr. Montgomery, while I appreciate your concern, I assure you that my daughter and I have our way of handling things.” She arches an eyebrow.
“There is no need for you to get involved in something that does not concern you. I’m sure you understand that friends should stay in their place when it comes to family affairs. ”
“Your ‘way’ seems a bit condescending,” I volley back, leaning forward and clasping my hands on the table. “I can assure you, your days of bullying Karina are coming to an end. As her hus—friend, I will not stand for it.”
She purses her lips, her eyes narrowing into slits at my directness. “I see. It appears you have made assumptions about my intentions, Mr. Montgomery. Perhaps you’re not aware of every detail. Karina owes me this much. I’ve dealt with my fair share of drama concerning that girl.”
“It’s not assumptions. I saw firsthand back at her apartment, or did you forget?” I meet her gaze steadily. “A parent’s job is to love and support their child, not treat them like a financial institution.”
Mrs. Reyes’s composure cracks slightly, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes. “You have no right to lecture me on parenting, Mr. Montgomery. You know nothing about our family or the sacrifices I’ve made.”
I lean back, maintaining eye contact. “I know enough to see that your relationship with Karina is toxic. It will be fixed one way or another.”
Her eyes flicker with a hint of surprise, perhaps not expecting me to confront her so openly.
“Everyone sees and hears what they want to. I assure you, I’m no bully.
I’m not here to change your mind, and I will not sit here and listen to you tell me how to speak to my child.
Now, let’s focus on the contract, shall we?
” she suggests, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer waters.
Before I can have the final word, Minji clears her throat, giving me a look that says shut the hell up.
“This contract comes with stipulations and a breach fee.” She pauses to let it sink in.
“What Mr. Montgomery is offering you is a lot of money: half a million dollars, to be precise. To receive this money, you will be required to leave Karina alone and never speak to anyone about our arrangement. If you breach this contract, you must pay a million dollars and possibly face jail time. Do you understand?”
Mrs. Reyes’s face remains impassive, but her fingers twitch slightly as she leans forward, her gaze fixed on the documents before her. Will she choose her daughter or the money?
“I understand,” she says after a prolonged silence. I can almost hear the excitement in her voice. “However, you must realize that my relationship with my daughter is complex. Money cannot simply erase that.”
“I agree. Money isn’t a solution to personal conflicts. And this is about giving her the space to heal and hopefully start anew with you on better terms.” I pause. “Karina deserves peace, and I believe this could be a step toward that.”
“Very well.” She smiles, picking up the pen eagerly. “If this is what Karina needs… then I will sign.” As her signature flows across the paper, relief washes over me, clouded only by my apprehension for Karina’s reaction when she finds out.
“How soon will I get the money?” she asks, standing up.
“The funds will be transferred to your account within two business days.”
“Very well.” Mrs. Reyes coolly adjusts her purse on her shoulder. “I expect no delays. Oh, and Mr. Montgomery…” Her eyes move to mine. “Don’t you think you’re a little too old to be fucking my daughter.”
It wasn’t a question because she didn’t stick around to hear my response. The door quickly closes behind her and I stand up.
“Let it go.” Minji places her hand on my arm. “You got what you wanted, she signed the documents.”
“But—”
“No buts. Just leave it alone,” she repeats. “We have to hope it plays out the way you intend it to. Go home, tell Karina about it, and move forward.”
I nod, but my mind is already racing. The secrecy and dealings with her mother feel like treacherous territory.
I’m cooking dinner when I hear the front door close, followed by Karina kicking off her work shoes. If she goes with chocolate milk, I’ll tell her about today. If she reaches for the wine, I’ll hold off because I know that means she’s had a hard day.
“Mmm, something smells delicious,” she says, walking over to the kitchen and taking out the gallon of milk from the fridge. It must have been a good day. “What are you cooking?” She gives me a grateful smile as I hand her the cocoa powder and a cup, sliding it across the counter toward her.
“Tonight, I’m making your favorite—chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti aglio e olio,” I say, watching her happily stir her drink.
Karina takes a sip, her eyes closing briefly in satisfaction. “Mmm, delicioso,” she murmurs, then her gaze shifts to me. “Guess what?”
“Good or bad?” I ask, turning my attention back to the stovetop.
“Good.”
“You won the lottery,” I quip.