Ties That Bind

Chapter Nine- Devastation & Decisions

(A/N- This chapter contains sensitive subjects. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to them, or find them help. I also have no experience with this kind of custody issue. I am not trying to make it politically correct as this story is fiction, so I am writing it how I want it to go.)

~~Brinkley's point of view~~

~~One month later~~

It's a Friday, and I am not looking forward to the end of the day. I don't know what happened, and I refuse to ask. Zoltan and I made huge progress, only to go back to exactly how it was when I was married to Aiden. He has gone to his actual office every day except for the weekend. When he is home is degrading and rude. I stay to myself, but he always manages to seek me out. It's mentally draining me. The only things keeping me from going crazy is Victoria, Asher, and my boys.

He spent the night in my room the night he took Aiden to Oval. He was gone before I got up the next morning. I can't help but think I was a fool. I let myself start to feel things for him. I feel like he got me where he wanted me then purposely hurt me. I have kept it together. I do not let him see me cry. No one here, including Asher and Victoria, knows that he hurt me. I act as nothing happened between us.

I spend the days with the boys and let him have the nights; it's better that way; it doesn't stop him from his crude comments; I even gave him back the keys to the car. I don't need to go anywhere. I don't need anything. If the boys need something, he makes sure they have it. I know he will be home soon, so I am in the kitchen eating. I don't even eat with them anymore. It's uncomfortable when I do.

Victoria: "Hey."

Brinkley: "What's up?"

Victoria: "I need to talk to you. Privately."

Brinkley: "Let's go to my room."

Victoria: "Ok."

We go up to my room and sit on my bed.

Brinkley: "Are you ok?"

Victoria: "I will be."

Brinkley: "What's wrong?"

Victoria: "I'm pregnant."

I squeal.

Brinkley: "I am so excited for you. Have you told Austin?"

Victoria: "No. I went to the doctor two days ago. I am already seven weeks. I must have gotten pregnant the first week."

Brinkley: "You're worried about something."

Victoria: "I am worried he's not going to want this baby, and I refuse to give it up. Zoltan also has not been easy to be around. I'm not ready to hear that I trapped him or that I am a gold digger."

He has been going after her too. Austin lays into him, but he ignores him. This is Zoltan's home, and things will be Zoltan's way or no way. We make our way back to the kitchen so I can finish eating.

Brinkley: "Austin loves you, Victoria. Don't let that ass get in the way of it."

Zoltan: "Who are you calling an ass, Brinkley?"

I've had enough of it.

Brinkley: "You."

Zoltan: "Do you remember whose home you're in?"

Brinkley: "Do you remember forcing me to marry you? This was certainly not my choice. You are an egotistical asshole who thinks the world revolves around you. That we should all bow down and kiss your feet. Do what you say when you say it fuck that. We are all grown-ass adults, and we need to act like it, you most of all. Victoria talk to Austin HE is the one that matters."