Page 61 of The Umarova Crime Family

“It’s all in the past, and I’m certain she’s had a better life because of it. In the end, she’s the only person that mattered in all of it.” Amelia grabs my hand and gives me a reassuring squeeze.

“Okay, so what are you going to do about what my mother said to you?”

“I think I need to put on my big girl britches and tell my parents before she does. I don’t see another option because I refuse to be blackmailed. I’m an adult now. I’m not a scared teenage girl, and I think she believes I still am one. I think that’s why she believes she can get me to put money into her account. It’s ridiculous,” I roll my eyes, and I know Amelia’s not even seeing a fraction of my disappointment or frustration. My aunt more or less ruined Amelia’s life. Why should I have ever been shocked that she’d stoop low enough to try and blackmail me? Especially when she’s already shown us her true character.

“What do you think they’re going to say about it?” Amelia cringes, and we both know exactly what my family’s going to say. They’re not going to say anything good, positive, or enlightening.

“I think they’re going to call me a whore, jezebel, or even a slut. They’re going to tell me I took away the right for them to know their granddaughter and that I should be ashamed of myself for going behind their backs and putting my aunt through this. I’m sure there will be more than that, but it’s a good idea of what I anticipate from them.”

Amelia nods like she understands, but she also knows how my parents are. “I’m going to bet you’re right on the money with all that. You were nervous to tell me, weren’t you?”

Since Amelia and I have become so close, it’s been very difficult to hide anything from her. We lived together and became accustomed to one another’s mannerisms, and I think we can read the other like a book now. “You have no idea how anxious I was to tell you.”

Amelia smiles and waves her hand in dismissal. “You had no reason to be. Fuck my mother for being such a bitch. You’ll tell your parents, and then she won’t have anything to hold over you. You know?”

“Exactly. That’s the plan, at least.” I smile, knowing once I speak to my parents, it’ll take the world’s biggest weight off my shoulders. I know it won’t be easy because nothing in life ever is, but I will be able to relax a bit more. That’s for sure. Then, after I tell them, my aunt won’t have anything else to hold over my head.

“It’ll be easier once it’s all said and done. I’m glad you’re here. I was so worried you wouldn’t be able to come. You had me sweating so much about it all!” Amelia laughs, then smacks my hand.

“Hey! How was I supposed to surprise you if you knew everything was going to be fine?”

“You gave me anxiety and made me sad! All I wanted was for you to be here.”

“And I’m here! So stop complaining. Are you excited about the wedding? It’s only two more days before you’re officially an Umarova.” I smile from ear to ear because I’m so excited for my cousin. She deserves a world full of happiness, especially after everything she’s been through.

“I know I’m not officially an Umarova, but I feel like I am. I’m, of course, over the moon for the big day to finally be here, but I’m stressing out about the little details too. I just want it to be over with and for it to go off without a hitch. It was such a big thing to plan myself, you know?”

“I can only imagine how much goes into planning a wedding, but that’s all you, girlfriend.” If I were in her shoes, I would’ve hired someone to help me handle it. There’s no way in hell I’d ever want to experience the stressors of planning my own wedding.

“You never know. One day you might be planning your own to Lom,” Amelia raises her brows and shoots me a playful look.

“Shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I try to dismiss her, but she doesn’t give up one bit.

“I know enough from the way he looks at you when we’re in the same room. That man has feelings for you, and they’re strong as fuck. So, what are you going to do about it?” Amelia is totally team Lom, and I know it. Our relationship is so new that I didn’t want to tell Amelia about it yet, just in case it doesn’t work out. I don’t want to get her hopes up that Lom and I are going to live happily ever after in Grozny with them… because we could break up. I just don’t know yet.

“Lom and I actually agreed to give this a go… but it’s new, so I didn’t want to tell you just yet.”

Amelia claps her hands together very quickly. “Yes! I was praying you two would eventually become an item. I have to admit, I wasn’t overly hopeful because of Lom’s previous playboy habits, though. Let me ask you this. Are you happy with Lom?”

I nod without one ounce of hesitation. “Yes, I’m so happy. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy with a boyfriend before. He… he treats me like I’m the best thing that walks the planet like I can walk on water. You know?”

“I do know. I know exactly what you’re talking about.” Amelia’s smile grows larger, and it feels so nice to finally share with her that Loam and I are an item. I was afraid to, but I think it’s for the best. If Lom and I eventually break up, it just means that we weren’t meant to be.

“I’m elated for you, really, so don’t think I’m being insensitive… but girl, I could eat a whole cow. Are you hungry?”

Finally, my stomach’s about to start sounding like what whales sound like at sea. “Yes, I’m starved.”

“Okay, so how about we get dolled up and go out to dinner? I can invite Eset, too, if you don’t mind. She doesn’t get a lot of girl time, and it would be good for the three of us to hang out, I think.”

“That sounds good. Are we going to be chaperoned?” I’m going to naturally assume Ludvik will be coming with us, but for all I know, it could be Ruslan’s right-hand man.

“Probably, but if Eset goes with us, I’ll put money on the fact they’ll send Goran and probably Danill as well.”

“Who’s Goran?”

“Oh, that’s Eset’s bodyguard and right-hand man. Everyone in the family has one.”

“Oh, okay. How long until we need to leave?”

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