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FORTY-THREE

LETTER FOR MAXIM

Maxim,

You always told me you saw me as more of a father figure than your actual father, and I saw and loved you like the son I was never able to have. I’m proud of the man you have become and all you have accomplished.

This letter is to atone for the mistakes I’ve made. There’s something I need to tell you. I’m sorry for the part I had to play in your mother’s death. Out of anger, I sought the help of some very bad people, and instead of ending your father’s life, your mother got caught in the crossfire.

Your father has been having an affair for many years—with my wife. After Jenny was born, I learned about the affair. Her eyes are not mine—they’re your father’s. I did a DNA test behind their backs and had it confirmed. She is your sister.

The day I got the results was a dark, hard day for me. I let myself be guided by my emotions. I contacted a work colleague who belonged to a group of powerful men called the syndicate. I wasn’t thinking straight. I was consumed by anger and betrayal. I wanted your father to suffer, to feel what I was feeling. I wanted him to get ruffled around a bit. I had no idea they were going to use Lorenzo and your father’s feud to exact my request. I’m so sorry your mom got caught in the middle. That mistake will forever stain my soul.

They didn’t care it was the wrong Volkov; to them, a Volkov is a Volkov. So, I refused to pay back their favor and have been hiding for many years, but I fear my time is coming to an end. They found me through Sophia. She dated the son of Lorenzo Varoni. His father worked for the syndicate, and they keep a close eye on their employees and their family members. They sent me a message letting me know they found me. Since that day, I’ve been putting my affairs in order.

My last apology is for you and Sophia. I’m sorry for the way I had to do this, but I’m not sorry I did it. My daughter may not notice you, but I’ve seen the way you look at her. I see the shine in your eyes every time she walks into the room. Let’s not pretend I don’t know you look after her. You put her first, before yourself.

At the last party, I saw how dead set you were on presenting yourself to her, but that changed when you heard her telling us she applied for the residency program in New York. I know it was you who helped her get into the program.

That is why I had no issue doing what I did. This will force you to actually speak to her—not hide in the shadows, being her guardian angel. Remember the document you signed for me that I said was something for a delivery? You were so busy looking at something on your phone, you didn’t care to read it. That document was a marriage license. You weren’t the only one I tricked into signing it. She was busy looking at her phone as well. She didn’t even ask what it was she was signing.

I’m sorry you will have to deal with the backlash of this, but I hope it will force you to realize that you’ve been in love with my daughter for years. This was not what I originally planned when it came to both of you. I was going to introduce you first, but I’m not sure if the plans I have will pan out, if my daughter having your name will protect her. They’re afraid of you. They’re scared of you bringing them down.

Keep doing what you’re doing. Be safe, and keep taking care of my daughter. You’re not your father, Maxim. Your father wishes he was half the man you are.