I hear her sigh heavily. I know she doesn’t agree with what I’m asking her to do. I’ve always encouraged her not to settle for what others decide for her, but in this case, I wish she would. It would make everything so much easier.
"Are you coming too?" she asks.
I shake my head.
"No, sweetheart. I’m staying."
I can feel her small body tense. She mutters something under her breath that I can’t understand and lets out a sharp breath.
"Fine," she murmurs reluctantly.
I take in her kiss and hug for what they are—a goodbye.
By the way, Alex looks at me, I know I’ll never see her again, because tonight will be my last.
As I pull away, I force a smile and give her a little push toward her mother.
"She’s a very special girl. I hope you deserve her," I say, locking eyes with her.
Ryzhaya
