𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐧

I should have stayed in bed.

The moment I step into the dining room, I can tell something is off. Papa is at the head of the table as usual, quietly reading the morning reports with his coffee, but there's a knowing glint in his gaze. Mama, on the other hand, is far too poised, stirring her tea in slow, deliberate circles like she's waiting for something.

That something, I realize, is me.

I grab a plate, trying to act normal. "Morning."

"Good morning, 𝗺𝗮𝗹'𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗸." Mama's tone is smooth—too smooth.

I sit down, taking a sip of my coffee, praying for at least five minutes of peace. I don't get it.

"So," Mama begins, placing her spoon down with a soft clink. "When are we meeting Elena?"

I choke.

The coffee burns my throat as I cough, setting my cup down with more force than necessary. I look up, but Mama is completely unfazed, taking a delicate sip of her tea.

Papa doesn't even pretend to be surprised. He just flips another page of his newspaper and taking a skip of his coffee.

Traitor.

I clear my throat. "What?"

Mama tilts her head. "You heard me, 𝗺𝗮𝗹'𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗸."

Papa makes a sound that suspiciously resembles a chuckle.

I scowl. "You both are enjoying this way too much."

Mama simply smiles. "When are we meeting her?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Mama—"

"Vaughn." Her voice is firm. "You love her, don't you?"

"You know I do." The thought of someone questioning my love for her stirs something in me, something bitter.

"Then we should meet her." Mama insists. I won't get away with that. I sigh.

Papa finally speaks, his voice calm. "She is important to you. That makes her important to us. We will meet her, Vaughn."

I exhale, already knowing this is a losing battle. "I have to talk to her first."

Mama nods, satisfied. "Of course. I'll plan dinner. Something nice. Maybe borscht."

I frown. "Mama, she's not Russian."

Mama lifts an eyebrow, smug. "She's dating a Morozov. She will be."

Papa smirks behind his newspaper.

I shake my head, muttering under my breath.

Then like on cue, Elena calls.

I should've known better than to answer a FaceTime call from Elena while sitting at the breakfast table with Mama and Papa. But I made the mistake of hesitating when her name popped up on my screen, and that was all Mama needed.

"Answer it, Vaughn," she says, sipping her tea, eyes sharp with amusement.

"I will," I mutter, standing up.

Mama gives me a pointed look. "Sit. Down."

I glance at Papa for help, but he just turns the page in his newspaper like this isn't his problem.

"You're both ridiculous," I grumble, accepting the call and placing the phone on the table.

Elena's face appears on the screen, and for a second, everything else fades. Her light brown hair is slightly tousled, and she's wearing one of my hoodies—again. A pleased smirk tugs at my lips at the sight of her drowning in my clothes.

She smiles, her voice soft but her expression still a bit sleepy. She never was a morning person. "Hey."
I swear, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I feel my heart beating a bit faster.

Mama looks curious at me and the phone, I just know she's dying to meet Elena already.

"Good morning, 𝗺𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹."

And her smile widens, and everything else in this world fades. She's so beautiful. And Mine. All mine. I feel the possessiveness stirring in me, mixing with the love I feel for her. Gosh, she will never get rid of me. I can't get enough of her. I wish I could feel her body against mine, her in my arms. Her voice cuts my thoughts off.

"I wanted to go to the hospital to Creighton, but dad literally forbid me to. He said I would spent all day there and won't leave until I'm forced to go." she complains, rolling her eyes. I have to chuckle. Her rolling her eyes is both adorable and attractive.

"He's right, 𝗺𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹. I would have to force you to even eat." My voice a bit of a playful teasing.

I can see mom through the corner of my eyes stealing curious glances at me and the phone in my hand. I can feel her practically dying to finally meet the only woman that managed to capture my heart in person. Papa is still reading the newspaper, but the smirk on his lips tells me that he's listening.

I can see Elena roll her eyes through the phone again. She's so adorable.

"Yes, I came to that realization too. I probably really wouldn't have eaten something. That's why I thought to change my plans and go out with you or you coming to me. I'm alone and... I really just need you here.."
Her voice is soft but she seems more vulnerable. I feel my heart melting and my protectiveness growing at the same time.

"Of course I'm coming, 𝗺𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹. Give me ten-"
But when I look up I see mom giving me a warning glare. Oh no...

She wants Elena to come here. Now? I shake my head slightly. Her gaze sharpens, Papa just casually reads the newspaper but I cans we his growing smirk. He knows I will loose this. Asshole.

"Vaughn?"

Elena's voice cuts me out of my thoughts.
I sigh.

"𝗺𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹, would you like to come over? My Mama is dying to meet you."

Her eyes widen, I can feel her body tensing even though I'm not next to her. She's nervous. God, Mama. I can't bring her here if she's uncomfortable.
I'm about to tell Mama that this meeting today is not happening, but Elena's voice cuts through the air.

"Uhm.. sure, I guess. Should I bring chocolate or something for your Mama?"

I can see Mama smiling, maybe because she's getting her will or because my girl is an absolute sweetheart.
I can't help but to smile at Elena.
"No, you won't have to bring chocolate for my Mama."

"Hm, okay. I'll be there in 20." then she hangs up. I wanted to tell her that I would pick her up but she's faster. Stubborn girl.

I put my phone down and look at Mama. She is grinning wide. She already knew she would win.