Page 81 of Possession

“Watch your tone little boy.” I hear my father say. I don’t answer. “I want her gone by morning. Her little scene has caused discord with Cillian.”

“Ava isn’t going anywhere. I am marrying her. You better get used to it.”

“You won’t marry her and it’s final.” I run my finger through my hair.

“This party is over. I want everyone out of my fucking house.”

“It’s not your call.”

“Yet this is my house.” I turn to leave but my father grabs my arm.

“You are a Manarch, Viktor. You will act as such. There will be consequences if you don’t obey me.”

“Has it come to that? Are you threatening me, Father?”

“Call it whatever you want. You are marrying Fiona or else.”

“I think we need to cool down.” My mother says.

“I want everyone gone,” I don’t let anyone say anything else. I make my way upstairs.

I open the door to my bedroom. It’s quiet. At first, I think she is gone, but the bathroom light is on. I go in and find her submerged in the tub. I run to the tub realizing she isn’t emerging for air. I grab her arms and pull her up.

“What the fuck Ava? What are you doing?”

“I’m taking a bath.”

“This is not a bath. I know what a bath looks like.” I get her out of the tub. I grab the nearest towel and wrap it around her. It’s the first time I stare at her eyes and they are empty. It’s like she isn’t there anymore. I lead her to the bedroom. She pulls away.

“I’m tired, Viktor. You have guests.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” She walks to the dresser opening drawers.

“Where are my clothes?” Her voice cracks. I walk over and grab one of my t-shirts.

“Here.” I hand it to her. “We need to talk about this.”

“There is nothing to talk about. Please go away.” I pull her to me. Tears come down.

“Baby girl, you would have drowned in the tub had I not come in. This warrants a conversation.”

“I’m tired. Please leave.” She gets in bed.

“Ava,” I start.

“Viktor, this needs to end. This isn’t going to get any easier. There has to be another way to pay off my debt.” She is quiet. I get in bed.

“This is not going to end. You aren’t going anywhere. You are mine.”

I open the dresser drawer where I’ve kept a box for weeks. I was waiting for the perfect moment. But I’ve run out of time. It’s now or never. I take out the ring. It’s a different ring from the one she has been wearing. This ring is her. This ring is not an arrangement. This symbolizes my love for her. My commitment to her.

“Marry me.”

“Don’t.” She closes her eyes.

“I want you to marry me.”

“Today you do. What’s to say you will tomorrow?” I sit her up.

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