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I leave the kitchen and make my way to the office. We’ve been staying at the penthouse. When Viktor first gave me this place, it was perfect. Now I feel like a prisoner in my own home. The kids don’t have the freedom to roam around like they had at the mansion.
Viktor and I discussed searching for a house earlier, but with everything else taking priority, it’s been placed on the back burner. Hopefully, we can start looking soon. When I enter the office, I’m welcomed by Viktor’s intoxicating scent.
I can’t help but think about last night. I can’t get enough of Viktor’s darker side. The bedroom has become our sanctuary.
I turn on my laptop. Maybe I can distract myself with work while I wait. I haven’t been to the House of Beauty offices for a few weeks. These days, my communication has been via email or sporadic zoom calls. I’m glad to have Maddie. She gives me breathing room to deal with everything else, but I need to decide what I want to do going forward. Viktor said it’s safe for me to go back to work with some minor adjustments, security being one of them, but it is still a toss-up. I want Aisling to see how a woman can be independent and successful, not just a housewife.
Not that I have ever been that. But it’s hard to be away from her and Niko.
I go through my emails. Everything seems pretty standard, but one email catches my eye.
Ava, you’re not going to believe this. House of Beauty has received an Ellie Award. How amazing is that?!?!! They want to honor you at their gala next month. I thought maybe we can have a gala of our own to celebrate and give awards to our staff. Thoughts? I know you’re busy, but let me know as soon as you can. Miss you. Maddie
I’m over the moon when I read the email. House of Beauty was already on the map when Viktor bought it, but it’s grown so much since then. Maddie has done an amazing job.
I take out my cell and dial her.
“Hello, stranger,” she greets me.
“Hi, Maddie.”
“I almost forgot how your voice sounds. It’s been ages.”
Even though she can’t see me, I pout. “It hasn’t been that long. We were on a call last week.”
“I’m kidding. How are you doing? How is Viktor holding up? The kids?”
“Everyone is fine. The kids, as you know, are growing too fast.”
“That’s really good to hear.” Her tone softens. “You know I’m here for you if you need anything.”
“You’re already doing everything I need. How about that email?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Girl, let me tell you, I nearly fell out of my chair. I can’t believe it.”
I laugh even as I’m feeling incredibly proud. “I can. You’re amazing at your job. I appreciate you taking a bigger role during my absence. I hope it hasn’t been too hard.”
“Are you kidding? I love it! This is my dream job.”
“We have come so far from working at the boutique.”
I can’t help but smile when she replies, “Yes, we have, and it’s all thanks to you, Ava.”
“You’re the one doing all the heavy lifting. But anyhoo, I love the idea of doing a gala for the staff. It’s been a crazy year for them with so many transitions.”
“That’s what I was thinking. I also thought we should invite Max. He was a huge part of the team. Have you heard from him?”
Her question makes me freeze. I haven’t thought about Max since the night Viktor killed him.
After a quick swallow, I mumble, “Not really. After he emailed, he was going back on the road. We lost touch.” I lie. It’s not like I can tell her Viktor killed him because he was a psycho.
“It’s such a shame. I know he would have loved to come. It’s so unlike him to just disappear, but I’m sure he’s staying away since you chose Viktor.” She whispers her last sentence.
“Max and I werenevergoing to be anything more than friends.”
“I know.”
I try to move our conversation away from Max. “When were you thinking we should have the House of Beauty event?”
