Page 34 of Pretty Evil
“Of course.” I hate that he is walking away from me, but completely understand why. This is not the time for visitors. That is obvious from the solemn faces of the staff and the black and white flowers that have replaced more joyful ones. This is a family in mourning and the evidence is everywhere.
“Miss. Vieri.” One of the women steps forward. “I am Alina, and my colleague is Maria. We will be honored to assist you during your stay.”
“Thank you.” I smile as Maria nods and moves off, and Alina waves for me to follow her.
There is no conversation as we walk through a majestic entrance and down a long corridor that appears to be carved from marble. Discreet lighting illuminates our way, and we reach an archway at the end that leads to a huge door. As we head through it, I realize we have left the main house and are heading toward what appears to be another one set in the grounds.
Alina explains, “This is the guest house. One of many on the property. You will find everything you need here.”
“It’s beautiful.” I stare in awe at the miniature version of the main house, although it could certainly accommodate a large family. It has its own grounds and appears to be completely self-contained, and I’m very relieved about that.
I am overwhelmed and as we head inside, I gaze around in awe at the splendor before me. Marble floors and textured walls lead up to a painted ceiling that any great artist would be proud to call their own work. There are portraits on the walls of formidable looking men and women and the huge sweeping staircase set in the center rises majestically upward to a galleried landing.
Maria heads up there and as we follow, I try desperately to take it all in and Alina says softly, “This house is yours for your stay. Maria and I will be your staff and anything you need, night or day, will be our pleasure to provide.”
I can’t even speak because I am blown away by their hospitality and am beginning to believe my own family are paupers in comparison to the Romanovs. First the plane and now this. I thought we had it all, apparently not.
The women show me to a suite of rooms I’m almost positive royalty would be impressed by and as I stare around at the pretty rooms, I’m impressed.
I feel extremely scruffy in my leggings and hoody. I haven’t even packed any suitable evening wear because when I visit mom, it’s on a ranch in the middle of nowhere and formal attire is not required. I am well out of my comfort zone and feel like a fraud and as the women fuss around me, showing me around and pointing out everything I should know, I am drowning in imposter syndrome.
CHAPTER17
ALEXEI
Iwaste no time in locating my mother and as I walk into the formal reception room, my heart breaks when I regard her frail figure dressed in black, sitting by the window overlooking the garden. Anastasia sits with her and stands as I enter.
“Alexei.” Her eyes brim with tears as she heads to my side and I wrap her in my arms and whisper, “It’s good to see you, Ana.”
She clings on tightly and then pulls back, and we both head toward to our mother.
Her grief-stricken face stares up at me and I drop to my knees before her and pull her into my arms.
“I’m sorry mama.” I kiss her soft cheek as she weeps in my arms and the pain is almost unbearable as we grieve together. Ana wipes the tears from her eyes as we say nothing at all, and mama’s gentle sobs are the only sound in the room.
After a while, she pushes me away and says with a brave sad smile, “I am so lost without him.”
“We all are.” Ana says with a sniff, and I sigh heavily. “Where is he?”
“In the church. We will head there now.”
I take her arm and with my sister on her other side, we begin the short walk to the family chapel set in the grounds. It’s a beautiful day and as we walk through the gardens, mama says sadly, “Andrei loved this time of year. He always said the house was at its finest.”
We say nothing as she continues. “It will seem so empty without him.”
It concerns me because mama will be alone here when we all leave, and a widow’s existence is very different to one as a powerful man’s wife. She will be left alone to grieve and disregarded from society. She is of no further use because the man she accompanied is no longer around. It concerns me because mama is a beautiful woman, only just sixty years of age and could live a great number of years in isolation. She has no grandkids, no daughters-in-law to occupy her time and she will find living as a widow extremely difficult.
Anastasia works as a lawyer in her own company, taking care of the Romanov family business interests and is always incredibly busy. She will have no time to devote to her mother because business always comes first to a family that considers it its top priority.
“I understand you brought someone with you, son. A girl.”
Mama’s voice sounds a little lighter and loaded with curiosity, and I nod. “She is business. Nothing more.”
Ana shakes her head as mama says sadly, “Oh, I, well, never mind.”
The look Ana directs my way makes me feel like an asshole, especially because I consider Serena far more than just business, so I sigh heavily and say impatiently, “I like her. That’s all you need to know.”
Mama smiles even though she tries to disguise it and Ana nods her appreciation. Anything that brings a smile to mama’s face is worth its weight in gold and if I can give her a little pleasure and some hope while I’m here, I’ll be happy to oblige.