Page 14 of Merciless Union
She leans forward, a smirk on her lips. “Is that a hand-me-down you’re wearing? Because if you’re going to belong to this family, you need to start wearing actual designer clothing.”
Despite my flush, I keep my eyes on her. “It actually used to be my mother’s. She has beautiful clothing from years past that I like to wear. It inspires my art—unique and original. Not basic like every other rich person.”
The smirk on her lips falters while Alexei claps his hands and lets out a whistle. “I like a girl who can stand up for herself. Especially against Elena.” He pats Maxim on the shoulder. “You chose wisely.”
Maxim’s face remains closed off as he looks at me. “Yes, I think I did.”
Kira emits a small laugh, and I glance at her curiously. It’s the first noise I’ve heard her make since arriving. Elena shoots her a look. Kira calms her laughter, keeping her eyes locked on her lap.
Then her eyes briefly look up to meet mine. I offer her a smile, and she gives one in return before looking back down.
So maybe she doesn’t hate me after all. That’s progress. Plus, it seems Alexei’s on my side.
But once I look at Vasilisa, it’s clear she didn’t appreciate my comment. Her eyes are filled with anger.
I clear my throat, offering her an apologetic smile, but her eyes just furrow even more.
My mother lets out a laugh. “That’s my daughter for you.” She squeezes my hand. “We’re very close, and she’s just standing up for my old fashion choices.”
“No one gets to make fun of you,” I say to her quietly, though it’s obvious everyone in the room can hear.
Her eyes glint with tears before a sudden cough erupts from her throat. She covers her mouth, but the coughing picks up speed and force. My father reaches around me to pat her back. Alexei and Kira look concerned, but Elena and her mother just look annoyed.
As for Maxim, I still can’t make out his expression.
Finally, my mother’s coughing subsides. “I apologize.”
“No need,” Maxim says, his face molded in stillness.
My father offers a grateful smile, to which Maxim nods.
“I think this is the perfect time for you ladies to go wedding dress shopping,” Maxim says, standing up.
“May I use the restroom first?” I ask. I don’t actually have to go. I just need a minute to compose myself. Seeing my mother cough like that makes me want to cry, but I refuse to do that in front of this family.
Maxim gestures for me to do so.
I quickly walk out of the room, Maxim following me. I glance back at him, questioning.
“I need to show you where it is,” he says.
Right.
He guides me to the bathroom, then leans against the wall across from the door. I quickly enter the bathroom and splash water on my face, trying to calm myself down.
It doesn’t take long for a couple of tears to spill out of my eyes. It hurts seeing my mother hurt like that. And the fact that Elena had the gall to look annoyed after she completely insulted my outfit, which my mother gave to me. My family has a lot of money, and I could easily afford brand-name clothing, but I prefer to wear my mother’s old outfits—the ones she can’t fit into anymore. It brings me peace, knowing I’ll always have a part of her even after she’s gone.
I flush the toilet for show’s sake before leaving the room, then stop dead in my tracks once I open the door. Maxim is still waiting for me.
His eyes linger on mine. I know how they must look—red and splotchy from the tears.
“My mother has breast cancer,” I blurt out. His eyes barely widen. “I, uh … just thought you should know. That’s why she was coughing in there. The cancer is taking a toll on her body. So I’d appreciate it if you could inform your family of this, so they never mock my mother again.”
He keeps those stupid piercing eyes on me before finally nodding. “I’ll inform them.” He takes a step closer to me, closing the gap between us. “I agree with my brother. I like how you stood up to my sister. Elena can be … difficult at the best of times. It shows backbone. And you’re going to need a lot of it when you’re married to me.”
“Thank you?”
He smirks. “Don’t thank me. It won’t win you any favors.” With those words, he starts walking back toward the living room.
