“Sometimes the truth does worse.”
I stare at him for a long moment, realizing he’s stalling. I know what that means. I’m used to it. “You’re not going to tell me anything, are you?”
“Anastasia, some things are better off unknown.”
I bite down hard on my back teeth to keep my rage in. “Like my nightmares? I know Desmier went to see you about the crest.”
“Your nightmares are just nightmares. It has nothing to do with anything.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I’m sorry you don’t. But this isn’t the time to be arguing when we haven’t seen each other in so long.” He swallows hard. “I’m going back to Russia in a few months. I have business I’m planning to set up there, and I’ll be closer to the vineyard.”
I haven’t thought about the vineyard since Desmier and I spoke about the email last week. I’m sure my father isn’t going to like that I’ve changed my mind about giving it to him.
“I’m keeping the vineyard as it was intended, between me and my husband.”
His face pales, then the blood rushes back to his cheeks and his nostrils flare. “Why?”
“Dad, if we can’t be honest with each other, then you don’t deserve anything from me.”
“This is him, isn’t it? He’s poisoned your mind against me.”
“No, you did that. He just opened my eyes.”
He grabs both my hands and brings them to his heart. “Do not put all your trust in him, Anastasia. Please don’t do it.”
“Who am I to trust? You?”
“My love for you is real. You and Desmier began in hatred and revenge. It won’t end any other way. Let’s talk about the vineyard properly another time, when we’re allowed to see each other again and things are less heated between us. You might not think I deserve it, but that’s all I have left. I don’t even have you anymore.”
My heart aches at his accusation and I wish I could deny it. But this isn’t on me. I’m merely caught in a game of thrones.
“We’ll talk about it again, then.”
Out of the corner of my eye I spot Desmier walking out of the reception hall. He’s changed into his normal clothes. The black biker jacket and black clothing. Dad notices him as well and goes rigid.
“Remember what I said. Don’t trust him. To him, you are my daughter. That will never change and he will always hate you for that.”
I ignore the pang in my heart and stand.
When Desmier approaches and takes my hand, I give it. He doesn’t say anything to Dad. They both just look at each other like mortal enemies.
We walk away, and I glance over my shoulder back at Dad, who’s still looking at me with that warning in his eyes.
As soon as we turn the corner and I can’t see Dad anymore, that vulnerability I first felt when all of this started hits me again. It’s the opposite of how I hoped to feel today of all the days.
Then again, what did I expect?
And Dad is right. I’m his daughter, and it’s enough to condemn me.
I suppose this beautiful venue is as special as today will get.
We reach the parking lot, walking in silence until we reach Desmier’s Ferrari. It’s the car he drives least. He has so many I can’t keep up and is mainly on his motorcycle.
He opens the door for me, and I get in.
When he slides into the driver’s seat, I expect him to gun the engine and drive away. Instead, he looks at me.