Chapter Forty

Alina’s POV

The air rushed out of me in one big whoosh “You are hurting me.” It came out strangled as I tried to breathe. His hold only grew tighter.

He let go of me, taking a step back “Sorry, I shouldn’t… I didn’t mean to do that…”

I stood there frozen, my chest was heaving and sweat poured down my face. The whole scene was unreal.

“I just want you back Alina, give me a chance” the man I once thought had known all my life said. He walked up to me again and pulled me into his arms. My body went rigid as he held me tightly, rocking me back and forth. “Please, come home with me.”

“Step back.” I commanded through clenched teeth, pulling away from him. The look on his face when he backed off was enough for me to know that it wasn’t a good idea but I pushed that thought away and turned to leave. “It won’t happen again. We would never happen.”

“Alina!” He called back with so much force and urgency that I stopped walking and looked at him over my shoulder.

“There are still worse photos of you, you know. Photos that can ruin everything.” he finished. I felt something in my chest crack, something that I hadn’t felt since I was sixteen.

“Are you threatening me?” I scoffed, turning around fully “Because I’m telling you right now that if that’s how you play, then we’re going to have nothing left. You don’t scare me anymore. I am done with you and what you’ve done.” I stepped forward, hiding the fear of his words in the depth of my heart . He didn’t seem to notice. That only made my resolve stronger to keep him far away from me.

His voice dropped to a low whisper “Don’t say that. You know I don’t really mean that. I wouldn't even come down to that” But I could smell the lies in his words . It hung heavily on the air. The way his eyes scanned my face, the slight tilt of his head like he was searching for some sign that gave him hope, told me exactly how dishonest those words were. “Please don’t leave, baby. I need you.” He begged. “I’ll change”

I began walking away , leaving him alone. Not once did I stop nor turn back until I was well out of sight. I had no more energy left, no more tears left.

I got my things from the office and I drove off.

Retiring for the day, more like running like a coward.

That night I didn't tell Sebastian that it was Victor who had hurt me. I couldn't risk him releasing those photos to the media. But Sebastian knew anyway. He knew the exact moment I was lying.

“Are you listening to anything I am saying? I think you need to take a break from everything.”My grandfather's voice was firm and serious.

“I am fine grandfather, I can handle myself.” I answered automatically. There was no point trying to defend myself in his presence. He already knew the truth.

“You are not fine, you are shaken, almost uncommitted. The family business won't survive if you keep going this way. ” He said with an edge to his tone, a tone I recognized from when I started living with him. It was the same tone whenever he was angry or concerned. It made me feel weak and exposed. I always felt as if he were watching me, judging me. Now I felt as small as I ever had before, as if my whole self, every fiber of my being was being stripped from me until there was nothing left.

Nothing but shame and humiliation. I didn't want to be like this anymore. I hated feeling this. Hated feeling as fragile and vulnerable as glass. I wasn’t fragile, I wasn’t weak. This weakness belonged to version of me that stuck Victor.

“I can fix it.”

“You have been saying that for way too long, don't you think?”

“Grandfather please, I...” I stammered. What could I possibly say to justify myself? How could I possibly convince him that this wasn't happening because I was uncommitted?

“No,” he cut me off. “You are not going to try your sorry attempt to make excuses or try to convince me to let you remain CEO of the company. I won't allow it”

I was shocked, I was taken aback by his response. “I'm not going to be responsible for my company falling apart because of this. I will find someone else to handle it for now while you sort yourself out.” he continued his voice softer now.

A part of me wished I could reach out and grab his hand, pleading for him to believe me. For him to not send me away. But I didn't move, and the silence stretched between us. Eventually, I heard him clear his throat softly “I will call tomorrow to arrange a meeting between the two of us regarding your position in the company. Good night”

“I met some group of people that would be interested in partnering with us. If I get them to partner with us, can I still remain CEO?” I asked unwilling to back down. Even the thought of giving up the company frightened me, even if it was for the best in the long run. For now, I needed security, stability. I wanted to believe that things would work out eventually.

“No!” Vanessa , who was not even part of the meeting, snapped at me. I shrank a little into myself. “Grandfather has had enough of your nonsense” Vanessa added, her voice dripping with condescension and annoyance. She looked to Grandfather for support. I saw Grandfather's mouth twitch slightly in the corner.

“I suppose if you can get them to partner with us I can allow it.” He conceded.

I didn't listen to Vanessa’s endless tantrums. All I knew was that I was going to need Sebastian’s help convincing those French men.