It felt like a relief to share that with someone besides Reign. He listened attentively, but sometimes you needed your mom. Mom sighed deeply as a pained expression took over her face.
“I had hoped they’d stopped, but I knew it was stupid to think they would. I’ve tried to talk to Savar several times. He shuts me down and says it’s nothing I need to be involved in. He’s shutting himself in his study, talking on the phone for hours. If not via phone, then Arish, Sam, and now Rahul and Harish have been in on some of them. They come to the houseand lock themselves away with him. It’s ridiculous, and I’ve had enough.” Mom stated with resolve.
“What does that mean, you’ve had enough?” I asked cautiously.
Mom might, in most situations, let Dad lead, but she had a spine. If she took the notion to make a stand, she would.
“Savar doesn’t know it, but I’ve packed my bags. I’m moving out. All I’m waiting for is to find a place to rent. I’ve tolerated a lot over the years, but the way he’s treating you and shutting me out like I’m some stranger is the last straw.”
Utter shock hit me. I never would’ve thought Mom would leave Dad. Despite their differences, they loved each other. She let what she said sink in without saying anything else. It took me a minute to reply.
“You’re leaving Dad? Is it just until he stops his nonsense or for good? Are you getting a divorce?”
That’s when I saw the pain peek out from behind the facial mask she wore. And the fatigue she had tried to cover with makeup showed. My chest hurts from knowing I had initiated this conflict, all because I want Reign, and he wasn’t what they see as an appropriate match.
“I haven’t decided yet, but if things don’t change and I mean not only with your situation, but across the board—and I get a guarantee that the changes will stick, meaning couples and individual counseling, then I don’t see how I can return.”
I felt nauseous. I reached across our table and gripped her hand. “Mom, I never meant for this to impact you or anyone else. I’m so sorry.”
“Stasia, it’s not just you and Reign that are a factor in my decision, so don’t take on the blame. Your dad and I have been at odds more and more over the past ten years. Every time I try to discuss it with him, he shuts me down or cuts me off. He won’t hear a thing that doesn’t align with his beliefs. I’ve begged himto go to counseling. He laughs and makes snide remarks about how he doesn’t need that mumbo-jumbo silliness. He states he’s a real man and can fix himself if anything is wrong. He denies there’s a need. I’ve been dying in my own home, Stacia. I can’t be heard or seen. It’s past time I did something about it.”
Tears were in both of our eyes. I hated to see her so worn and hurt and to know she’d suffered so long.
“I’m here for you, no matter what you need. You said you’re looking for a place to rent. Why not move in with me? It would save you money, and you know you’re always welcome to stay with me.”
“Honey, thank you. That’s so sweet, but I can’t. You and Reign need time alone, and having three of us together when he stays would be awkward. I assume he stays, right? I have money saved. I might’ve been a stay-at-home mom while raising you and the others, but I haven't been one since you were a young teenager. I have an online business. Your dad has no idea. He thinks I sit at home all day, cleaning or something, while he’s at work. I did accounts management and payroll, that sort of thing, before I married Savar. I picked it back up, and now it’s possible to do it virtually, so it’s perfect. I have numerous clients. And my pay goes into a private account. I have more than enough to survive on.”
Mom was full of surprises.
“Okay, then let me see what I can do to find you an apartment. However, my townhome could still work. Yes, Reign has stayed, but we’ve done the same at his penthouse apartment. Mom, God, the views and setup are amazing. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, you wouldn’t cramp anything. We can spend more time at his home.”
She contemplated what I said for several moments before she answered.
“I’d be willing to do that, but only if you and Reign are comfortable being at his place. We’d have to ask him and make sure he’s not saying yes just to please you. I don’t need much. As long as I have a bedroom and bathroom, with a basic kitchen and living area, where I can set up my laptop to work, I’ll be fine.”
We continued talking about logistics and how much she would have to move if she took everything. It would require more than the back seat and trunk of our cars. Mentally, I began to compile a list.
Lunch turned to lighter things when our food came. We were almost finished when a shadow fell across our table. Both of us glanced up. I assumed it was our waiter. Wrong. There stood Dad and Sam. There was no sign of Arish. Fury rushed through me. I set my fork down hard on my plate.
“Savar, what on earth are you doing here? And with him?” Mom asked.
“Kathlyn, you thought you could sneak off and meet with our daughter alone. That’s going behind my back. Unless you came to convince her to drop this Reign guy and come back to Sameer, is that it? Did you come to do that? Has she changed her mind?” Dad asked eagerly. Sam stood there, saying nothing, but with a smug expression.
“Savar, I didn’t sneak. In case you forgot, I’m a free person. I can go anywhere I want and see whomever I please. I wanted lunch and time with our daughter. Unlike you, I know not to hound her over something that’s her decision, not mine. So no, I haven’t come to talk her into not seeing Reign anymore and to go back to seeing Sameer.
“It might shock you to know that I’ve met and conversed with Reign more than once. He’s highly intelligent, owns a very successful business, and adores Stacia. He’s a better match for her, and she agrees. Instead of spending your time plotting andmaking surprise visits to her office to cause grief, you should use it to get to know Reign. Stop this madness, Savar.”
Her tone was entreaty coated in steel. If he didn’t notice, that showed how far he was into this drama.
“I can’t believe this! What has gotten into the two of you? Caldwell has blinded you to his true nature. You’re a fool, Anastasia, if you believe he’ll settle down, marry you, and stay faithful. Men like him don’t understand family, honor, or loyalty. He’ll destroy you. Sameer has grown up the way you have. He adheres to tradition, honor, and loyalty. Don’t throw that away for a fling.”
Dad tried to keep his voice low, but I saw the customer seated closest to us turning to stare.
“Your dad is right, Stasia. I will care for you the way your family cares for those they love. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I love you. I want you to marry me. I can’t stop thinking that man is holding something over you to make you stay with him. Tell us, and we’ll get you free,” Sam said in hushed tones.
I opened my mouth to tell him off for a final time when a man I hadn’t seen before came up to our table. At first, I thought he worked there, but he didn’t. He wasn’t wearing a name badge. He had an intimidating face, and his size reminded me of Reign. He was an imposing-built man. What came out of his mouth made me unable to speak.
“Gentlemen, it’s time for you to go. The ladies don’t want you near them. Don’t make me have to remove you.”
