Page 66 of Dancing With Delusion

“It’s just too hard to be with you, Dmitry.”

“We’re having a child.”

“I’m having a child,” she says, finally bringing her eyes to meet mine. “And if you love me at all, you’ll stay away from us both.”

My heart twists painfully in my chest. I begin shaking my head, my mind scrambling for the words to stop her leaving, but I can see in her eyes she’s made her mind up. “It’s not safe for you out there.”

“It’s not safe here either.”

“Vivian and my father are still out there and they’re still a threat.”

“Not if I leave,” she says, taking a few more steps towards the door.

“You’re not thinking straight,” I tell her.

“There you go again,” she mutters, “thinking you know my mind. I’m thinking clearly, Dmitry. For once, I’m seeing things very clearly. I’ve had two weeks without you crowding me and making my decisions.”

“You’re safer here for now,” I try, mirroring each step she takes.

“Who are you trying to kid?” she yells. “I’m safe when I’m not with you.”

“That’s not true. I’m going to end my father and Vivian for what they did.”

“Don’t do that on my account,” she mutters, reaching the door and pulling it open.

“Please,” I whisper, and she stills with her hand on the doorknob. “Don’t leave me.”

“I’m so sorry,” she replies, stepping out. “You’ve left me no other choice.”

“Victoria,” I plead, “I love you. Please don’t do this.”

She turns to me, smiling sadly. “Distraction,” she whispers, swiping a stray tear as it trickles down her cheek.

I inhale sharply, bracing myself against the door frame as she rushes down the steps towards a waiting taxi. She throws her bag inside, sliding in and slamming the door. I watch in stunned silence as the cab pulls away. Victoria stares straight ahead, not looking back. I almost fall to my knees, watching my world leave and not knowing how to stop her.

I feel Marshall behind me, gently tugging my arm until I step back inside. He closes the door and hands me a whiskey. “Let her go, Boss. Just for now.”

I repeat his words over and over in my head. Just for now.

Just for now, my krasota. Just for now.

To be continued…