"Hey."
"You ready for the big family dinner?" Victor says, his tone light.
I stand and glance into the bathroom and see Elena showering.
"Yeah, it's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that's for sure."
There's a pause.
"Yep, but remember it's one many people wish they could have. How many people you know get to learn their daughter is alive almost two years later?"
"Yeah. Fucking won the lottery, brother."
"I agree, and I've got more good news. I think I've finally got a solid lead on Cornel Lupu's location."
My body goes rigid.
Every muscle in my back tightens, and the playful energy from moments ago evaporates completely.
"What?" I ask, my voice stern. "Where is he?"
"I'll know more by tomorrow," Victor says. "Just wanted to give you a heads-up. We're close."
I stare at the floor, my grip tightening on the phone.
"I'm going to kill him," I say quietly so Elena doesn't hear.
"I know," Victor replies. "We all are. We'll be in touch."
We hang up, and I set the phone back on the nightstand.
The darkness tries to crawl back in, the cold, familiar rage that's been simmering under my skin for two months.
But I push it away.
Not tonight.
Tonight is for Elena. For us, and her family.
I take a deep breath, roll my shoulders, and walk into the bathroom.
A few hours later,I'm standing in the dining room of the estate, dressed in a black suit and a white button-down shirt.
Elena stands beside me, wearing a soft gray dress that hugs her waist and falls just above her knees. Her hair is pulled back in a low bun, and she's twisting her hands together nervously.
I reach over and take her hand, squeezing gently.
"They're here," I say quietly.
She looks up at me, her eyes wide.
"I know."
"I'll be right back. Don't forget to breathe."
I release Elena's hand and walk out of the dining room and across the grand foyer. I grip the brass handle and pull the door open.
Stefania is standing beside her parents, holding a bottle of wine wrapped in a ribbon. She's wearing a blue dress, her hair shorter than I remember, and she looks more serious than I recall, too.