“Sit,” Luca says.
We take our places at the table. Luca at the head, Maxim to his right. Me to his left with the twins beside me. The staff brings out the first course. It’s a soup I can’t identify.
The twins pick at their food. Neither of them eats.
“So,” Maxim says after a few minutes of tense silence. “I heard an interesting story this week. About paternity tests and long-lost children. Funny how these things work out.”
“Maxim.” Luca’s voice is a warning.
“I’m just making conversation. It is quite a story. Anna recognizes her one-night stand from five years ago at her own wedding. Doesn’t say anything. Marries him anyway. Moves her children into his house. And only reveals the truth when someone else forces it out. Very dramatic.”
“That’s enough.”
“Is it? I think it’s fascinating. The timing is so convenient.”
I set down my spoon. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Just observing that everything worked out very well for you. Debt forgiven, family saved, children provided for. All because you happened to have my father’s babies.”
“I didn’t plan any of this.”
“Didn’t you? Seems like a happy accident that the man your family owed millions to also happens to be the father of your children.”
“It was an accident. I didn’t know who he was when I slept with him.”
“So you say.”
“Maxim.” Luca’s tone is harder now. “Stop.”
“I’m just asking questions. Surely Anna doesn’t mind answering questions about how this miraculous coincidence occurred.”
“It wasn’t miraculous. It was a nightmare.” I push my chair back slightly. “I spent five years hiding from Luca because I knew what he was. What he’s capable of. The last thing I wanted was to marry him.”
“And yet here you are. Living in his house. Spending his money. Quite the sacrifice.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I? I think I understand perfectly. You saw an opportunity and took it. Can’t blame you, really. Most people would do the same in your position.”
“I didn’t see an opportunity. I was trapped!”
“By circumstances you created. You’re the one who slept with a stranger. You’re the one who kept his children secret. You created this situation.”
“That’s not fair?—”
“Isn’t it? You made choices. Now you’re living with the consequences. Very comfortable consequences, from where I’m sitting.”
Mila starts crying quietly. Alexei’s hands are clenched into fists on the table.
“Maxim, that’s enough.” Luca’s voice is ice.
“I’m just being honest. Someone should be.”
“You’re being disrespectful. To Anna and to me.”
“I’m stating facts. She trapped you with those children?—”
“She didn’t trap anyone.”
