#Chapter 20 - The Celebration

“Victor, it’s too much.” These were my first words upon walking up the path to what Victor calls The Cottage, the “little” eight-room house situated directly behind his, separated only by a small grove of trees. Accepting this home went against all of my instincts for self-preservation, self-sufficiency, all of my pride at taking care of myself. But one look at Ian and Alvin, their joy at the house, their proximity to their father, their safety within its walls…I can’t deny that it’s the right choice. Victor watched me realize this, smirking. I smacked his arm, fighting my own smile and admitting, internally, that this is a battle he won. “Thank you,” I said, softly. “It’s yours,” he said. “No,” I said, determined. “We will rent. I have the money. I’ll pay my way.” He shrugged. “I’ll have the mortgage transferred into the boys’ name. Your money will pay it off, and one day they’ll own it.” I nodded to this, consenting. Then it will be a gift to them from