Page 49 of Merciless Union
He clears his throat. “I’m doing fine. Well, as fine as one can be under the circumstances. But I feel secure here, knowing your mother is nearby, watching over me.”
I smile. “That makes me happy that you can feel her presence.” I glance around the ultra-modern living room. Even the cough I’m sitting on is a cool leather—not a couch to curl up in and feel at home. “I can’t feel her here. I don’t think I ever will.”
“Arina, do you want me to come over?”
“I’m not sure Maxim would appreciate just anyone coming over to his house. He’s very protective and controlling over things like that.” Like me.
“Well, if you ever need me, you know I’ll be there.”
My mom’s words come back to me before she died, reminding me that she would always be there for me.
“Thanks,” I finally say. “We should probably start on the funeral planning soon.”
“Yeah. I just haven’t had the capacity to start yet.”
“Neither have I.” My voice comes out chocked.
“We’ll get it done,” he reassures me. “In time, we’ll give your mother the funeral she deserves.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you with all my heart, Arina.”
We hang up after that.
I lay back on the uncomfortable couch feeling like I’m in a daze. This won’t do.
I get up and march to the front door, swinging it open and startling the guard on the other side. “Take me to a furniture store. I don’t care where. Let’s just go.”
I don’t wait for him to get permission from Maxim. I just walk past, and he follows, muttering under his breath.
The guard, who’s name I still don’t know, takes me to one of those warehouse furniture stores.
I immediately head in the direction of the couches.
“Mrs. Petrov,” the guard asks me, “what are we doing here?”
I don’t turn around as I answer him. “Isn’t it obvious? Buying new furniture.”
“Did Mr. Petrov give you permission?”
I take in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. I look back at him. “My husband doesn’t get a say. I want new furniture. I’m buying new furniture.”
He gulps before nodding. Fortunately, he remains silent for rest of the trip.
I try out couch after couch until I find one I can sink my entire body into. It’s perfect. I also grab some ultra-comfy pillows to top it all off.
The sales assistant informs me that they’ll ship the couch in the next few days. I grab my new pillows and leave.
There. One thing done.
I’m going to make Maxim’s penthouse my home, too, whether he likes it or not.
After I return home, I can tell the guard is relieved to be back at his post, I curl back into bed, feeling spent for the day. Mourning my mother is taking all of my energy. I just wish this pain would pass.
I’m still lying in bed an hour later when the doorbell rings.
I frown, getting up. Who could be here? I know Maxim wouldn’t want just anyone showing up.
