Page 22 of Possession

“You call if you want to come home, Pumpkin.” She doesn’t answer. Instead, she walks straight to the stairs. She walks in silence. Doesn’t look anywhere as she gets in the SUV.

I put her bag in the backseat. She is quiet. I notice a few tears escape her eyes. I’m not sure what the tears are for. I think about saying something. But I wouldn’t even know what to say. For a moment, I thought about changing my mind. I tease her by calling her baby girl, but in many ways, she still is. Yet, it doesn’t make a difference to me. The decision has been made, and we are moving forward. I gave Oliver a few hours to prepare the house, so I need to find things to keep her busy. I remember she desperately needs a new phone. I didn’t see a computer or iPad. I turn on the SUV and set our course. Twenty minutes later I’m pulling up to an Apple Store.

“Why are we here?” She looks between the store and me.

“You need a new phone.” I park. Inside we are greeted by an overeager girl. I ask for the latest iPhone, iPad, and laptop.

“This is too much, Viktor,” she whispers once the salesperson leaves.

“You won’t be working, and will spend a lot of time at the house. You’ll need something to keep you busy. You’ll get a new number so you won’t get any unapproved calls. Limit giving out your new number. No man other than Oliver and I should be calling you.”

“You really are controlling.” She exhales.

“I don’t like surprises.” She doesn’t say anything and looks away. “You need to acknowledge you understand.” She turns.

“I’m not a child. I understand.”

An hour later we are leaving the store with everything set up for her. I decide our next stop is going to my mother. She can take her to a spa. She needs to be groomed to play the part, a taste of her new life. I take my phone and dial.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, Sweetheart. What a pleasant surprise.”

“Are you home or the restaurant?”

“About to leave for the restaurant. Why?” I hear curiosity in her voice.

“Need to talk to you. Meet you there?”

“Sure. I should be there in thirty minutes.”

“Perfect.” I end the call and dial Oliver. “Are you still at the house?”

“Yes.”

“Call John. Set the meeting for an hour. Meet me at the restaurant. How’s everything at the house?” I don’t want Ava to know about her new wardrobe yet. I want to surprise her. I have a need to see her smile.

“Everything will be done in the afternoon.”

“See to it that she has everything she needs.”

“I will.” I end the call.

“Why do you want to see your mother? I am not ready to meet the parents, especially dressed like this.” There is shame in her voice.

“You already met my mother. She won’t care what you are wearing.”

“But I do.” I don’t answer and she doesn’t press.

Chapter Twelve

Ava

I can already tell Viktor has lots of mood swings. He is sweet one minute and controlling the next. I’ve only been with him less than twenty-four hours and I’m already questioning myself. Have I made the right decision? But it’s pointless since I don’t have any other choice. I was surprised by how hard it was to pack my things and leave Dad. I hated that I lied. Right before I left, I told him Viktor was good to me. He wasn’t ready to commit until now. The debt situation was just a coincidence. We were headed for a serious relationship. It shocked me how easily he believed me. I thought he would know me better. But I’ve never lied to him before. There is no reason for him not to believe me.

It was even harder to see Viktor’s reaction at seeing my bedroom. I don’t think he noticed me looking at him. I saw the pity in his eyes. I can tell he has never had a struggle in his life. How would he know any different? I wasn’t embarrassed by the condition since everything is clean. I could only imagine his reaction if he would have gone to the kitchen and opened the cupboards. He would see they are empty. Few instant processed meals. Last night and this morning have been a treat for me.

“Why can’t I stay in the guest room I stayed in last night?” I ask, remembering he said I would be across from him on the second floor. I need distance, not to be closer.

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