Is this destiny?

Sarah stood under the shower, allowing hot water to fall on her body and glide with the pull of gravity, hoping that it will wash away the heaviness from her heart.

She was full of conflicted emotions about Vasily, but she knew that she didn't want him dead. Punished for what he did, yes. Away from their lives, yes. Dead… no.

Sarah tried not to think about the bad things that happened to her in the past because of Vasily, and she tried harder not to think about the last month, since she became the Grand Elder of the Lebedev family, but it was hard.

It was impossible to forget that Vasily (and his men) were watching her every step since she was born. She saw him the first time (that she can remember) as a creepy neighbor King from across the hall of her penthouse apartment in Fairfield. She sold that apartment, without looking back, hoping that King will stay away, but as time passed, he became more and more prominent in her life.

King (aka Vasily) was involved in getting Katherine between Sophia and Mark who was the catalyst for their breakup, he tried kidnapping Sophia, Sarah lost her baby, and Aiden was in a coma for three months… all because of him. How can she forget that? And these are only a few things he did that they found out about in the last few years. Who knows what else he did?

Since she became the Grand Elder of the Lebedev family, Vasily was helpful, doting… hovering like a loving Uncle who supports her wholeheartedly. He was self-inviting to their meals, meetings, and gatherings whenever he could, and he played with Hero, Bella, and Luna, ignoring Sarah's obvious disapproval, and disregarding her harsh words… taking it all in with a smile like she is praising him. He even made her a birthday cake, and she was confident that it's all part of the act.

Sarah was always on guard with Vasily. She waited to hear what he wants from her, what sinister plan is hidden beneath all that fake kindness… and now… she does not know what to think.

Aiden said that Vasily stayed behind for everyone, but Sarah knows… Vasily did it for her. He gave up his life in order to ensure she makes it out safely.

How can she hate him now?

Did she misjudge him? Which Vasily was real? The malicious one who followed her creepily, or the supporting Uncle who looked at her like she can't do wrong?

She had so many questions and no one who can answer them because Vasily is gone.

Sarah hoped that the shower will make her feel better, but she was worse. The only good thing was that the water relentlessly washed away her tears, but her heart was growing heavier with every memory of Vasily that resurfaced in her mind and she was surprised that there were so many of them.

"Love, are you OK?"

Aiden's voice pulled Sarah out of her thoughts.

She wanted to say that she is fine, but her voice failed her. She was not fine.

Aiden stepped into the shower enclosure, fully clothed, and pulled Sarah into his embrace.

"It's OK… Let it out…", Aiden spoke softly while rubbing her back gently and she broke down into sobs again.

…

In the living room…

The group from the Cliffside Villa arrived and they all gathered in the living room to discuss the current situation. 

Some of the Elders were present, as well as Konstantin with his assistants.

Noah joined in the living room with a number of his lieutenants, after they made sure that the members of the Army of Chaos who arrived from Los Angeles are settled.

The living room was packed with people sitting on sofas, chairs, and on the floor. The crowd included Hong, Aaron, Igor, Elliot, JoAnna, Sophia, Jeff, Felix, and all the kids from the Cliffside Villa.

When Aiden passed by to get the food, he told them that Sarah is awake, but that she is shaken up and she needs time to freshen up and eat. He didn't tell them when she will come out, but he thanked them for their effort in rescuing them and asked everyone to be patient.

JoAnna didn't push for Sarah to get her checkup; rest is important and an hour or two more-less won't make much difference. Besides, Sarah didn't get physically injured, and as long as she is not bleeding, the baby is fine.

Sarah and Aiden were back and safe, but the atmosphere was heavy.

Michael, Oni, Haru, and Nala watched through the live stream what happened during the rescue operation, so they are aware that Vasily is gone.

Once it seemed that everyone was present, Konstantin stood up in front of everyone and narrated how Sarah and Aiden were undercover at the main base of the Voronin family, Ivan betrayed them, they got captured, and rescued. They all watched on the television the last few minutes of Vasily's life, and Konstantin made sure that everyone present understood that Vasily gave up his life in order to ensure others can escape safely.

It was difficult not to get emotional.

"Vasily told me that our strategy with explosives will not work, and I brushed him off…", Daniel said dejectedly while leaning on Xiaohui.

"Don't blame yourself.", Sophia said. "Vasily wanted to be part of the planning, and I told him not to get in the way."

Zack felt that this is a good time to get his weight off his chest. "Vasily saw me recharge drone, and he asked me what that is. I could have told him… I could have said anything other than brushing him off with words how he is not important enough to know…"

JoAnna exhaled a shaky breath. "He was so happy that I gave him the ear stud even though I did it unwillingly. He saw me frown and he ignored my harsh words. I wish I can take it back. I was unable to give him a smile, yet he gave his life…"

"When I started working as Sophia's assistant, Vasily showed me where the supplies are and how to contact other Elders…", Corey said. "He didn't mind my questions, and he was so polite that I thought he is an assistant or someone of low standing. I was surprised to hear that he is an Elder. I would never imagine that a person of his standing has so much free time to spend coaching a newbie…"

They went through the room and it seemed that everyone had something to say about Vasily. No one said anything bad. They praised his patience and perseverance and voiced their regrets for not treating him better.

It was a memorial service.

Stella listened to all this from the side and cried silently while leaning on Edward's shoulder.

When everyone finished what they had to say, Konstantin stood up in front.

"Vasily became an Elder when he was young. I saw him accomplish many things. Thanks to him, the Lebedev family, as an organization, stayed strong and expanded against all odds. More than once we disagreed, but I must admit that Vasily always put his family first. Vasily didn't define his family by blood relations, it was this whole organization." Konstantin paused and lifted his head with an unfocused gaze, like he is looking through the ceiling. "I am confident that if he is listening, he is glad to hear your words, and it means a lot to him. Thank you."

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