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I park my car outside my butchers and walk in. I go to the manager's office, where she’s looking over the books, and when she sees me, she jumps up. “You’re back, how did it go?”
“Well, I told him how much I love you, and he told me how my dad betrayed him. But he says he won’t hold it against me as long as I treat you right,” I smile and kiss her softly.
“And nothing changes?” she asks.
“Well, there is one thing I’d like to change, Elena, if you let me.”
“What’s that?” she asks.
I reach into my jacket, pull out the ring, and kneel down. “Your last name.”
“Arseny,” she squeals. “It’s beautiful. But…”
My heart sinks. “But?”
“But I’m still going to do business for my dad and see my family like normal. I don’t care how awkward it gets, okay?”
“Of course, Elena, you’re free to do whatever you like, and I will always be there to protect you.”
I put the ring on her finger, stand, and she kisses me, jumping into my arms and wrapping her legs around me. I slam the door shut.
Chapter 28 - Arseny
I’ve never been so nervous in my life. Introducing my mother to Elena’s father feels like it’s going to cause a huge problem. My father hated Elena’s father. I sit in the car and fidget.
“You stress too much,” Mama says, putting her hands over mine. “I’ll behave as long as he does.”
“Behave even if he doesn’t, please.” I implore her.
“I know this means a lot to you, don’t worry.” She pats my hands gently and then sits back as we pull into the driveway.
Elena is waiting outside for us, with her brother Ethan beside her.
I’ve never been one to get nervous about things like this, but this is important to me. Elena is important to me.
Once the car stops, I climb out, go around to the other side, and open the passenger door to help Mama out.
Elena comes down to greet us and kisses both of my mom’s cheeks, “Mama Milov, welcome. This is my brother, Ethan.”
Ethan takes her hand and kisses it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Milov.”
“Charming,” she says before hooking arms with me. “I’m sure you’re all excited to get this over with. Let’s go discuss the wedding.”
I follow them into the house, a knot forming in my stomach. I’ve been here a few times before, but normally, I ensure Elena’s father is out. Ethan usually escorts us, because her father doesn’t want us to be improper. If only he knew what I’ve done to his daughter already. The thought tightens the knot in my stomach, and I try to distract myself by looking at Elena.
Elena glances at me and I falter, giving her a crooked grin. It’s like she can see right through me. She knows how nervous I am about this meeting.
We walk into the house and Elena and Ethan lead us into a large dining room with gorgeous chandeliers. My mother looks around, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who hears her click her tongue in disapproval. I sidle up next to her and squeeze her hand. She chuckles and smiles at me.
Elena’s father stands up. “Mrs. Milov, welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, Sokolov. It is a pleasure to know our families are finally uniting.” Mama offers her hand and he shakes it.
The two parents lock eyes for a moment, and my heart skips a beat, my mind conjouring up all sorts of terrible scenarios. When Don Sokolov finally speaks, I sigh in relief.
“Sit, we are having a hearty stew tonight, served with homemade sourdough bread.” He motions to the chairs around the large table.
I pull my mother's chair out for her and help her sit. I want to do the same for Elena, but Ethan has already done it. I smile at Elena, then I sit beside my mother, opposite Elena.
