chapter Five

Morning came suddenly like a thief. I got out of my bed and headed straight to the bathroom, my whole visit aching. Was it from exhaustion or from the grief and isolation that’s slowly eating me away.

Then the thought of my parents crossed my mind. How are they doing? How has the business been since I got married? Married. The word still sounds foreign to me sometimes.

I splash some running tap water on the mirror, blurring my face out and walking away.

The Karelin building still smells the same.

Polished marble. Expensive cologne. Burnt espresso from the reception desk machine that was never cleaned properly. For a moment, standing in the lobby, I almost believe nothing has changed.

Almost.

I had to come. I had to see them. To ask them why they’ve refused to call me or text me since the wedding. To see if everyone has been okay.

The receptionist looks up, freezes, then quickly composes herself. “Mrs. Morozov.”

Not Elena.

Not Karelin.

Mrs. Morozov. And somehow, I already knew how this was going to end. It was almost as if I wasn’t meant to be seen in this building anymore. But it’s mine to begin with. After college I spent all my time making sure this business was going well. Doing everything possible to get my father to see that I was more than capable and even though I no longer bare the Karelin name, I am still one. Right?

“I’m here to see my father.” I said my eyes looking around and remembering how here used to pretty much be my safe place.

Her fingers hesitate over the phone. “He’s in a meeting.”

“I’ll wait.”

She doesn’t argue. She doesn’t smile either.

I walk past the glass conference rooms, past the portraits of men who built this empire on calculation and compromise. My grandfather’s photo. My father’s.

Mine isn’t there.

It has always been there, right after my fathers. My heart aches suddenly.

When his assistant finally opens the door, my father doesn’t stand.

He doesn’t look surprised.

He looks irritated.

“Elena.”

I close the door behind me. “I didn’t call because I knew you’d say no.” I said almost immediately hoping he would notice the desperation in my voice. Hoping he would see how deeply I’ve missed him, missed home.

“You assume correctly.”

I took a step forward anyway. “I need to talk to you.”

He leans back in his chair, fingers steepled. “You forfeited that privilege.”

The words land colder than I expect. I frowned.

“I forfeited nothing. I am still your daughter.”

“You are a Morozov now.”

“I am still a Karelin. I am still your child… Father.”

“No,” he says calmly. “You signed that away.”

I swallow. “You signed it away. You left me with no choices you gave me to someone that I don’t even know! He is older than me and you didn’t even care!”

His eyes sharpen. “Careful.”

I won't stop. I can’t. “You told me this marriage was strategic. Temporary positioning. To strengthen our foundations in the business world. You said I would still be involved.”

“That was before.”

“Before what?”

“Before you proved unpredictable.”

My heart stutters. “Unpredictable how?”

He doesn’t answer directly. He rarely does.

“You have no business here anymore.”

“This company is mine too.”

“It was.”

“You promised…..”

“I promised stability. And you have it.” He cuts me off abruptly.

“Stability?” My voice cracks before I can stop it. “You sold me. And I was the fool for allowing you and mother talk me into doing something so cruel and inhumane”

His expression hardens. “Lower your voice.”

“I live in a house where I am not wanted. Where I’m treated like a rag doll. Like I’m nothing!”

“You live in a house of power.”

“Viktor doesn’t even pretend,” I say, stepping closer to his desk. “He makes it clear I am a tool.”

“And you are,” my father replies without hesitation.

Silence.

I stare at him.

Waiting for a flicker of guilt.

There isn’t one.

“He humiliates me,” I say quietly. “He reminds me daily why he married me.”

“That is between you and your husband.”

“He treats me like property.”

“You are an asset.”

I feel something inside my chest begin to cave.

“I came here because I thought…” My voice falters. “I thought at least you would….”

“What?” he interrupts. “Undo the deal? Risk everything because you feel uncomfortable?”

Uncomfortable.

That’s what he calls it.

“Is that all I am to you?” I ask.

He doesn’t answer immediately.

Then he says, evenly, “You were necessary.”

Were.

I take a step back.

“So that’s it?” I whisper. “I don’t exist here anymore?”

“You exist where you belong now Elena. Don’t make things harder than they already are.”

“And if I don’t belong there?” I shake my head slowly. “He is not kind. “I am your daughter. Father! Please!”

“You are a Morozov.”

He presses a button on his desk.

His assistant appears almost instantly.

“Show Mrs. Morozov out.”

I didn't move at first.

My father picks up a file, dismissing me without another glance.

I leave before my dignity collapses completely.

Outside, the air feels thinner.

I stand on the steps of the Karelin building and realize something terrifying.

I don’t have a home.

Not here.

Not there.