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She leaves, and I’m back to my thoughts. I don’t know why but I think of Tina. I wonder what sort of trouble she is getting into. A day like today, she would come over and find a way to con me into one of her schemes. I miss my time with her. Besides dad and Viktor, she is the closest I’ve got to family. As wild and crazy as she is, her heart has always been in the right place. I am moving some bags when the chime of the door gets my attention.
“That was fast, Maddie.”
“Last I checked, my name isn’t Maddie.” I look up, frozen in place. It can’t be. How is Fiona here? How did she find me?
“What are you doing here?”
“I should ask the same. You should have disappeared. Gone far from here.” I move to the side to cover my growing belly.
“What do you want?” I ask defensively.
“I heard you worked here. I wanted to make sure you knew Viktor and I are happy.” She smiles but is not genuine. I don’t know how but I know she is lying.“Our bundle of joy is growing.” She places her hand on her belly. It is like a punch on the gut. A reminder of why Viktor and I aren’t together.
“Fiona,” I take a deep breath.“I’m happy for you both.” She moves closer. I grab a few items to hide my growing belly. The last thing I need is for her to know my secret.
“Viktor and I are happy. I expect things to continue as such.” She is two steps from me.“What the fuck?” She yells, looking down. I know she spotted my belly, but I won’t confirm it. I can’t.
“I’m glad you are happy. Thanks for stopping by.” I move away from her. She grabs my arm to stop me.
“You have to be shittin’me.” She stares at my belly. I guess today was not a good day to wear leggings and a fitted blouse. I pull my arm back.“That better not be Viktor’s baby.”
“This is my baby,” I say, protecting my belly.
“That is not what I asked.”
“This is my baby, end of story,” I repeat. I walk around her towards the front of the boutique. I need distance from her.
“If he ever finds out, you will both die.” I stop and turn.
“Is that a threat?” I take a step towards her.
“A fact. If you and that bastard inside you want to live, you will not tell Viktor or any of his family that you are pregnant.”
“Is that why you came here?” Do they know I’m pregnant? Is my secret out?
“Stay away from Viktor. He is my husband.” The chime at the door goes off again.
“Ava, is everything ok?” I’m relieved when Maddie walks in.
“Yes, Mrs. Manarch was just leaving.” I look at Fiona and then at the door.
“That is right. I’m Mrs. Manarch, you better remember that. Stay away from my family,” she adds as she leaves.
“Ava,” Maddie starts. I wait until Fiona leaves the boutique.
“I just need a minute.” I walk outside.“Fiona,” she stops.“I will stay away. I won’t tell anyone I’m pregnant. But I need your word that you won’t tell anyone.”
“You don’t tell me what to do.”
“Fiona,” I start.
“Stay away from him and the Manarchs. I will only warn you once. If Viktor finds out, it will be the end of you and your bastard.”
I stay silent. There is no point talking to her. A few seconds pass before she starts to walk towards a parked car. I was naïve to think that I could hide or get away from anything that has to do with Viktor. I thought moving to the other side of the city would be far enough. But it was not. Maybe I should have left the state. I take a deep breath and walk inside the boutique where Maddie is waiting with concern. I know she is going to have questions, but I don’t have answers to give.
“Who was that?”
“Someone from my past.” I walk to the counter.
