Page 17 of Revenge

“What do you want me to tell you? Do you want me to tell you that I’m losing my fucking mind not knowing where Ava is, or do you want me to tell you that being with Fiona is driving me mad?” But more importantly, how the fuck did Fiona get pregnant? There it is. The question that has been nagging me, but I had not given it a voice. I was with Fiona for years. I know all her moves. The last thing she ever wanted was to be a mother. She said that countless times when we were together.

“What is it?”

“I want a DNA paternity test.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Fiona is a calculating woman. She would never leave anything to chance. She would never risk losing everything by making a mistake like getting pregnant,” I say as I drain my drink and stand.

“Where are you going?”

I don’t answer. Not because he doesn’t deserve an answer, but because answering him won’t make a difference. I leave the office and set out to find Fiona. Walking to her bedroom on the first floor, I open the door, but it’s empty. I know exactly where she is. I make my way upstairs to my bedroom. Just as I expected, she’s laying in my bed.

“Great, you’re finally here. I’ve been here for hours. Why don’t you get ready for bed, and we can call it a night? I’m exhausted, and I bet you are too.”

“Get the fuck out of my bed. I don’t know how many times I need to fucking tell you.”

“It’s late. There’s no reason for such hostility. How about you come into bed and let me relax you?” Fiona’s words repulse me. I have never hated a woman the way I hate her.

“You’re going to the doctor tomorrow to get a DNA paternity test.”

“What are you talking about now?” she asks, pretending to be shocked by my words.

“The child growing inside of you can’t be mine. I’m not falling for your bullshit. I know you, Fiona. You told me repeatedly in the past you never wanted kids. I’m not the father, and a paternity test will prove that.”

“Are you kidding me, Viktor? Are you listening to yourself? You’re the father of this baby. Are you seriously doubting me?” she asks, putting her hands on her belly.

“You can claim whatever you want. I want physical proof the child is mine.”

“I don’t need to do shit. I bet you’re wishing this isn’t your baby, so you can run to the arms of Ava. It’s the only thing you really care about.” She gets out of my bed.

“You will go for the paternity test. I’m not asking you.”

“You’re unbelievable. I’m trying to make a home for our family, and you’re accusing me of what? Do you really think I would trick you? I don’t need to fucking lie, Viktor. There’s nothing to be gained.”

“Except you do. I wouldn’t put it past you that you’re lying,” I say more to myself.

“Fine, I’ll go to my doctor and have the paternity test. I’ll show you that this baby is yours, and you’ll feel like a fool.” She tries to close the gap between us, but I walk to my bedroom door.

“Get the fuck out of my bedroom. This is the last time I’m going to tell you. I won’t be so patient next time.”

“Baby, don’t be like that.”

“I won’t repeat myself, Fiona.”

“You used to be fun,” she says as she walks out.

I could say something, but what is the point? Why waste time with her? Soon this nightmare will be over. The paternity test will prove the child Fiona is carrying isn’t mine. There’ll be no reason for me to stay married to Fiona. I can then focus on finding Ava myself. I made a mistake by not telling her the truth and letting her leave. My first step in rectifying that mistake will be to prove I’m not the father of Fiona’s child.

Chapter Eleven

Ava

The second trimester is supposed to be better, but someone lied. Sleeping has become a challenge because I either have to pee every hour or thoughts of Viktor keeping me awake. Then when I finally get to sleep, I end up oversleeping like today. And now I’m running late for work again. I rush to the bus stop hoping to make it to work on time. But it’s fifteen minutes before the bus comes. The bus is crowded, and I try to find somewhere to sit, but no seats are available. Of course, this is NYC, so no one offers me one. Moments like these I wish Viktor were here.

Finally, the bus arrives at my stop, and I speed walk to the boutique. When I get to the boutique, I’m out of breath, and Maddie is already inside with the lights on. I hate being late.

“Did you run here?” she teases as I walk in.

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