Page 32 of Merciless Union
She laughs on the other end.
“And how are you feeling?” I ask.
“Oh, you know. Some days are better than others. I miss having you around the house. It’s like something’s missing from my life.”
“You always have me, Mom. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know, honey.”
I shift on the bed. “Was there a reason you called? Or was it just because you missed me?”
She laughs again. “I miss you with every breath I take. But I did actually call to inform you that Vasilisa reached out to me and wants you and me to join her and her daughters for lunch today. I figured it could be a good bonding experience for all of us girls.”
I frown. “You’re up to it?”
“Actually, I am. Today is a good day. Especially since I’m going to see my daughter.”
I laugh softly. “Good point.”
“The question is, are you up for it?”
My tears have completely dried. “I guess. It probably won’t be good manners to refuse a get-together with my incredibly scary mother-in-law.”
“Oh, shush. Vasilisa is …”
“Scary?” I fill in the blank.
“Fine, she’s a little scary, I’ll admit.”
I smile, shaking my head. “Well, Maxim is out right now, so I have the whole day to myself. Might as well make it useful and get to know my in-laws better.”
Less than an hour later, I arrive at a little French restaurant in the heart of the city with my mother at my side. Her color is better today. She looks stronger, which makes me feel less guilty for being away, though it’s no fault of my own.
Inside the restaurant, Vasilisa and her two daughters are already seated, waiting for us.
As we reach the table, I can tell Vasilisa is irritated.
“Running a little late, are we?” she says, looking my mother and me over.
I keep my mouth shut as I help my mother into a chair.
“Traffic,” my mother explains, pushing a wispy hair out of her face.
Vasilisa nods, but I can tell she’s not placated. She then turns her gaze on me, and I wish she wouldn’t. She’s like a snake, ready to unleash and sink her venomous fangs into you. “So, Arina, you are now my daughter. I thought it was time we got together. I wanted to give you and Maxim a day for your honeymoon.” She picks up her napkin and places it on her lap. “I figured that was sufficient time.”
I don’t know what to say to that, so I just smile and nod.
After we order our food, we sit in tense silence. Finally, Elena leans forward, a smirk on her lips. “So, do you like being married to my brother?”
I know she’s testing me. I give her the answer she wants to hear. “Maxim is a … decent husband. I couldn’t want for anything more.”
She huffs, sharing a look with her mother. “Just decent? My brother is a wonderful man.” She looks at Kira. “Back me up.”
Kira keeps her eyes glued to the table.
“I apologize if my word choice offended you. Maxim is a good leader. He takes it very seriously. And I know he takes our marriage seriously.” I don’t add how much of an ass he’s been to me, taking away my painting, turning me into nothing more than a trophy wife.
Elena’s eyes flit over my face, searching for any lies. Satisfied, she nods, settling back in her seat.
