Page 20 of Tainted Empire
As soon as I enter the bedroom, the first thing that catches my eye is a bouquet of roses resting on my pillow. The sight is unexpected, a splash of color against the otherwise neutral tones of the room.
I don’t even need to read the note nestled among the flowers to know it’s from Mikhail. The sight of the roses alone, a gesture so characteristically him, brings a mix of emotions to the surface. There’s a comfort in knowing he still thinks of me, a bittersweet tug at my heart.
“Malyshka,
Good luck with your performance tomorrow. You’re going to be amazing. Happy Birthday.
Yours always
Mikhail.”
A smile involuntarily spreads across my face. Despite the strain between us, he remembered not only my performance but also my birthday. It’s a small but meaningful gesture, reminding me there’s still a connection between us.
Holding the note in my hand, I can’t help but feel a warmth spread through me. The use of ‘Malyshka’ brings back memories, both sweet and bitter, making his absence feel even more pronounced.
I gently set the note down and pick up a rose, admiring its simple elegance. The roses and the note fill me with a renewed sense of confidence for the performance tomorrow.
It’s not just about the music; it’s about showing my strength and embracing the journey I’ve been on. And knowing that Mikhail is thinking of me, in his own way, gives me an extra boost of courage.
I carry the bouquet downstairs, intending to find a vase in the kitchen. When I enter the kitchen, I see Lee sitting at the kitchen island.
“Hey, Lee, did Mikhail drop these off?” I ask, holding up the bouquet slightly.
Lee looks up from her coffee. “He said he would pop past when we were training, so I guess he did,” she says, matter-of-factly.
“What? Does he know about this safe house?”
She shrugs. “Of course he does.”
Surprised, I pause mid-step. “He stayed away even though he knew I was here the whole time?” It’s hard to reconcile this show of restraint with the Mikhail I’ve come to know – possessive, protective, and always close.
Lee nods, a slight smile on her lips. “Looks like it. Seems he’s serious about giving you the space you asked for.”
I start searching for a vase, my mind racing. He was actually here and just left these? He didn’t try to see me or anything.
“I never thought he’d actually do it. Keep his distance, I mean. He didn’t try to see me?”
She shakes her head and chuckles. “Nope, not at all.”
I shake my head, holding the vase I found in my hand. “That’s... not like him. Mikhail’s always been more... hands-on.”
“Mikhail’s a complex guy,” Lee says, watching me. “People can surprise you, especially when they care.”
As I cut the stems, my mind is reeling with this new information. Mikhail, with his often overbearing protectiveness, choosing to stay away even though he knew where I was, seems almost out of character.
“I just... it’s not like him to stay away when he knows where I am. He’s always been so...”
“Possessive?” Lee suggests, finishing my sentence.
“Yeah,” I agree, rearranging the roses in the vase. “I mean, I appreciate him giving me space. It just seems so unlike him.”
Lee leans back, watching me. “Maybe he’s realizing that the old ways aren’t going to work this time. He’s serious about making things right with you.”
I place the last rose in the vase, stepping back to look at them. “I guess so. It’s just a lot to take in.”
Lee nods, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Maybe he’s learning, too. Learning how to be what you need him to be. It’s a good surprise, though, right?”
I glance at the roses, now sitting prettily in the vase. “Yeah, it is. It’s nice to know he’s thinking of me, but still respecting what I need.”