Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO LET HER GO
My father answered on the second ring.
“Lena.”
His voice was warm.
Familiar.
And suddenly, frightening.
“Dad.”
“Are you enjoying your trip?”
I stared at the phone.
“How did you know we left?”
A pause.
“Adrian mentioned it.”
I looked at Adrian.
He shook his head.
My stomach tightened.
“Dad, I found a photograph of Mom.”
Silence.
Then my father said, “What photograph?”
“One from Montenegro.”
Another silence.
“Lena, listen carefully.”
My heart pounded.
“Your mother was troubled.”
I closed my eyes.
I'd heard that phrase before.
Whenever I asked questions.
Whenever I wanted details.
Whenever I wondered why nobody spoke about her.
“She wasn't well,” he continued. “She made dangerous choices.”
I swallowed.
“Did she die in a car accident?”
Silence.
Then my father said, “Come home.”
I stared.
“Answer me.”
“Lena.”
“Did she die?”
His voice hardened.
“You're asking questions you don't understand.”
I began shaking.
“Then help me understand.”
He exhaled.
“Adrian Volkov is using you.”
I looked toward Adrian.
My husband stood several feet away.
He didn't interrupt.
Didn't try to take the phone.
My father continued.
“He married you because of what you inherited.”
My breath stopped.
“What did I inherit?”
Silence.
Then my father said, “Come home, and I'll explain.”
I stared at the dark window.
And realized something.
For twenty-four years, my father had answered every difficult question with a command.
This time, I refused.
“No.”
His breathing changed.
“Lena—”
“No, Dad.”
My voice trembled.
“Tell me the truth.”
He said nothing.
Then the call ended.
May you like
I stared at the screen.
And understood that whatever happened next, I couldn't return to the life I'd known.
