Page 130 of Dirty Damage

I already know it won’t fit.

None of this fits.

I shouldn’t be receiving an engagement ring from my mother-in-law. Oleg should have been the one to give it to me.

But there’s a reason he hasn’t. No sense risking the chance of having me think that we’re more than just a contract couple.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” The box snaps shut with a finality that echoes in my chest. “You’ll have to excuse me.” I push back from the counter, my legs unsteady. “I’m tired, so I think I’ll go?—”

“Are you pregnant?” Her eyes flash to my stomach, and I see the disgust there. The horror that I might be carrying her grandchild already.

I wish I could tell her I was. I wish I could spit it at her feet along with this ring.

But I simply shake my head.

“Unfortunately, no. I know you already think I’m a poor return on investment, but even Pavlovs can’t fight nature.”

I walk to the stove, mechanical movements keeping me upright as I spoon pasta into a dish.

“Lunch is ready if you want it. I made salmon and gremolata as well. Oleg mentioned you enjoyed fish. If not, just leave everything—I’ll clean it up later.”

I’m halfway to escape when her voice stops me, suddenly soft. “You made all this yourself?”

“Yes!” I snap, whirling around, all hope of impressing her dead and buried. “I cook and I clean and I wear t-shirts when I’m eating in my own home. What the hell do you have to say about it?”

Something passes over her face—surprise maybe, or something deeper I’m too exhausted to decode.

She stands slowly, taking her back with her. “Thank you, Sutton.” Her eyes meet mine and hold. “For your time.”

I nod and drag myself back to my bedroom. Minutes pass before my head stops pounding, but the ache in my chest persists.

I feel hollowed out. Used. Shut out.

But isn’t this exactly what I signed up for?

The family ring sits heavy in my palm—a perfect symbol of everything wrong with this arrangement.

Every time I think I’m getting closer to Oleg, something happens to remind me this is all just business.

The ring catches the light, mocking me with its beauty and history. A history that isn’t mine to claim, no matter what papers I’ve signed.

Maybe it’s time to stop pretending.

38

OLEG

I saw my mother arrive on the security cameras, watching her and Sutton circle around each other for an hour.

I even saw my mother hand Sutton the engagement ring I’d all but fucking forgotten about.

But I still wasn’t prepared for the cold welcome I got when I came home today.

Sutton has made it a habit to have something ready for dinner when I get home. She likes to cook, so I started making sure the pantry and fridge are stocked with whatever she might need.

For years, the room was as useful as a showroom floor, but it’s been good to see it get some use.

It’s been even better to come home to a meal we get to share together.

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