Page 35 of Ruthless Serenade

"And?"

"I told her he’s with the angels." My voice cracks slightly.

Betty’s sharp intake of breath is like a knife to my chest. "Oh, Mindy…" she whispers.

"Don’t ‘Oh, Mindy’ me," I snap, suddenly defensive. "It’s the only safe answer. For all of us. You don’t know what it’s like having to look into those big, innocent eyes and try to explain why Daddy isn’t around. Why he can’t come to her school plays or tuck her in at night."

There’s a long pause on the other end of the line. When Betty speaks again, her voice is soft. "I know, hun. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be. I just… I worry about you both."

"I’m… sorry, Bets," I tell her, feeling guilty for my tone. "I didn’t mean to be harsh… it’s just… hard, you know?"

We chat for a few more minutes with the conversation drifting to lighter topics, but Maron’s ghost lingers between every word. Even as I hang up, I feel the familiar ache in my chest, the one I’ve been trying to ignore all these years.

I catch my reflection in the mirror: tired eyes, worry lines etched a little deeper than yesterday. "Alright, Mindy, that’s enough bitching," I mutter to myself. "It’s been seven years. Let the man go."

But even as I say the words, memories flood my mind: Maron’s rare smirk, the safety I felt in his arms, the way he could make the world disappear with just a look. After seven long years, I still miss him.

Which is absolutely, certifiably insane.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts. But it’s like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. Some things, it seems, are just too stubborn to let go. And Maron Korolev, for better or worse, has always been one of those things.

I place the phone on the seat next to me and lean back, not feeling motivated enough to turn on the car. I sit there for a few moments, frozen in place, before finally mustering up the energy to start the engine.

As I drive through the bustling city, Betty’s suggestion swirls in my mind. Maybe I should investigate and find out if he’s really alive. But just the thought of it makes me feel weird and uncomfortable. What if it’s dangerous? And what if I find out he’s alive? Then what? How would he react if he found out about Sharon? He always had a possessive and controlling side to him.

Okay, Mindy. Let’s say he’s alive and learns that he has a daughter. That means I will have to be in touch with him for the rest of my life. And I don’t know if I want that.

Yes, you do.

Sharon would have a Bratva heritage. Nowthat,I definitely don’t want.

And if that’s not enough, Sharon has selective mutism. Would she speak to her father? She probably wouldn’t. She’s only ever been around women - me, Tania, and her teachers. Almost zero male influence. Which is pathetic. She needs a father figure. All kids do.

Perhaps that would even help with her selective mutism. But then again, maybe I’m just delusional. I’m still not sure if Maron is alive. I’m not even sure I want to find out if he is. But even if Maron comes back from the dead, magically becomes the perfect father to Sharon, her speech improves… could we ever become a happy family?

No, Mindy.

You need to stop these thoughts right now.

They’re nothing but wishful thinking.

Chapter Thirteen

Mindy

After Tania leaves, I tuck Sharon into bed.

She’s made a full recovery, and I’m so relieved to see her back to her usual, energetic self. I sit down on the edge of her bed and give her a warm smile.

"Hey, sweetie, I’ve got an idea. How aboutyoutell me a bedtime story tonight? I want to hear the story you’re planning for the event at school."

Sharon’s eyes light up. "You want to hear my story, Mommy?"

"Of course I do, honey bunny! I can’t wait to listen."

She sits up a little straighter, clearing her throat dramatically. "Okay. Once upon a time, in a cozy den nestled in the heart of the forest, there lived a mother fox and her seven little fox cubs…"

As Sharon weaves her tale, I find myself completely enchanted. She tells me about how the mother fox bravely saves her cubs from a pack of hungry wolves, using her wit and cunning to outsmart the dangerous predators. Her voice rises and falls with the action, and she even uses different voices for each character.

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