Page 86 of Tied to Hope
Vlad turned to his son, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “I’m here, Viktor. Your father is not going anywhere.”
Brie caught Rytsar staring at them. “What are you thinking?”
“That there is not enough vodka in all of Russia to help me cope with the last two days.”
Vlad left with his son shortly after they arrived at the mansion but, before he made his way to the door, he told Rytsar, “I still do not like you, Anton. You’re an arrogant ass. But, I have to thank you for uniting me with my son. If it hadn’t been for you…” He started to choke up and had to start again. “If it hadn’t been for you, I would have never known Viktor was my son.”
Rytsar looked down, swallowing hard. “And it’s because of you that I get the chance to spend time with Sasha before she dies.” His voice caught, and he shook his head. “It means more to me than you know.”
Vlad lifted his head, looked Rytsar in the eye, and held out his hand. “I forgive you.”
“For what?”
“For your involvement with Sasha.”
Rytsar stared at his brother’s outstretched hand for several moments, contemplating it before taking it and shaking it firmly.
Brie was stunned.
After Vlad left, they went up to him and Sir asked, “Did you really just shake his hand?”
“I was shocked at first,moy droog, I won’t lie. I never asked for his forgiveness—nor do I want it. But, as I was staring down at his hand, I realized it was something he needed.”
He looked at Sir and shrugged. “It’s a small thing, but I’m certain my mother would be proud and it cost me nothing to give it.”
They returned to the apartment so Rytsar could start on his vodka therapy.
The fourth round in, Rytsar received a phone call and looked to see who it was.
“It’s Vlad,” he told them, laughing. “He probably wants to shake my other hand.”
When Brie saw the expression on Rytsar’s face once his brother started talking, she knew the news wasn’t good.
Rytsar put down his glass and left them alone in the room.
When he finally returned, he had a dazed look in his eyes.
“What’s happened, Rytsar?” Brie asked, her stomach twisting into knots.
He turned to her, unable to speak.
Sir walked over and placed his hand on Rytsar’s shoulder. “What did he say, brother?”
Rytsar looked up at him, distraught. “Sasha jumped off the Krymsky Bridge an hour ago.”
“Oh, no…” Brie whimpered.
“Vlad received a text from her just before she jumped.”
Rytsar handed over his phone, so they could read it.
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, it became a butterfly.”
Thank you, Vlad.
Now I can fly free.
Tell Viktor I love him.
