Disclaimer: I do not own VA and thank Richelle Mead for writing such an awesome series.
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Time for another filler chapter – this time we go into the mind of the Belikov patriarch…Victor
_
Two rival restaurants and chefs – what happens when love joins the menu?
Restaurant Wars
CHAPTER 12
Victor POV
Always be the best!
It was the Belikov moto that was passed down from father to son, alongside the family legacy and business.
I know what my kids think of me (that I am worse than Stalin) but the sooner they understand the tough lessons of life I'm trying to teach them, the better they will be in the long run and have the capacity to handle whatever life throws at them.
I was not always like this – in fact, in my younger days I was quite the rebel. It was my older brother, Nathan, who loved working at the restaurant and was in-line to take over. Our father, Alexander, didn't have favourites amongst his kids – Nathan was his first born and a son, and as per Belikov tradition, he'd be the one to run the restaurant and the family after our father stepped down.
Being a Belikov meant I wasn't exempt from helping out in the restaurant, which meant that I was pulled into the family business (whether I wanted to or not). Personally, all I wanted to do was travel the world and find myself. But life, as I've grown to learn, is never fair, nor simple.
The year Nathan was being groomed to potentially take over, he and his young wife (Sarah) were killed in a car crash during a freak storm, leaving behind their one year old son, Ivan. That event was the first of a series of events that changed our lives forever.
My father (who had always been a hard, cold man) further retreated into himself, leaving my mother and sister, Oksana, to take charge of the restaurant, family and Ivan's welfare. I, on the other hand, turned to alcohol and women.
I'm not proud of those few years, where I was either drunk or unconscious. Nathan's death had hit me hard. He wasn't just my brother, but my mentor and best friend. I looked up to him (and not our father) for guidance and support, and now with him gone, I felt adrift.
It was around this time, that Yeva, my mother, asked Olena to come over since she had been keen to leave Russia and learn more about the restaurant trade. Her arrival bought back some light into my darkened world. She pulled me out of my depression and pushed me to take a more 'leadership' role in both the business and family. By then my father was barely around, and Oksana had recently gotten married to Mikhail, Nathan's best friend – guess they had fallen in love whilst comforting each other over his death.
Being the Belikov patriarch isn't an easy position and I guess now I can somewhat empathise with what my father must have gone through. It's a stressful life – managing a restaurant and looking after a family. The heavy burden of carrying on a legacy and the pressure to maintain a successful business takes its toll on even the most light-hearted of souls.
Maybe that's why I gravitate most towards Sonya, my second born. She reminds me of me – rebellious and wild, even from a young age. The rest of my kids, on the other hand, seemed to have inherited their mother's personality – infinitely patient and emotionally stable.
My father passed away just after Viktoria was born and a week later, a 4 year old girl turned up at our restaurant, clutching a letter. Turns out my father had been having an affair and this little girl, Tasha, was my half-sister. Once my father had died, her mother no longer wanted the responsibility of looking after the young girl (apparently my father had been supporting them financially) and so sent her off to us, with a letter (explaining who she was) and legal paperwork (that stated she had passed over guardianship of the girl to Alexander's next of kin).
As if our family had not been through enough, finding out our father had cheated on our mother felt like the last straw. For the first time in history, our restaurant was closed – not for a day, but for a whole week. We hadn't even closed the restaurant when Nathan or my father had died. But a family can only take so much emotional turmoil, and after the revelations of my father's adulterous past, everyone needed some time and space to re-evaluate their lives and (more importantly) whether we wanted to continue operating the restaurant.
My mother disappeared for two whole days, stating in a short note she would be back, but just needed some space to pull herself together. Oksana took the opportunity to go away on a much needed vacation with her husband – they were struggling to fall pregnant and didn't want to be around such a stressful environment.
That left me and Olena to look after the kids and the restaurant, which was why we had to temporarily close, citing family issues.
It was difficult to look after Tasha – every time I saw her, I saw my father breaking my mother's heart. I couldn't be in the same room as my half-sister, so it fell upon Olena and Karolina (being the eldest of my children) to attend to Tasha.
Tasha had been a quiet girl, sensing she was in a family that struggled to accept her. The only person who had welcomed her without reservation was my son Dimitri, who was the same age as her. To this day they have remained close, since they grew up together in our home.
When my mother finally returned (she had extended her two days to the whole week once she heard about Oksana's plans), she came back a changed woman. She had always been a strong willed woman, but had stayed in the shadows whilst my father was the 'face' of the business and family. Now, she took up the charge to lead both, stating the restaurant had endured too my hardships to be shut down over something as frivolous as an affair. She laid out her plan – how she would look after the restaurant while the kids were still young but once they were all in primary school, I was expected to step up and take over everything, but she would always be there to play a co-partner role. No longer would she be a silent partner like she had been with my father.
And I had no choice in the matter – being the only son (who was alive), I had to get my life into gear and hone up my cooking skills to take over as head chef once the time came.
Though I hated being forced into the position, it was strangely a good distraction. It helped me focus my attention away from Ivan (who daily reminded me of Nathan) and Tasha (to the point where I could handle being in the same room as her).
When I think back over those years, I can't help but realise two very important things – (1) My mother had made the right decision to push me into taking over the business and family; (2) Being the head patriarch of the Belikov clan was a cursed position.
No, I don't think our family was actually cursed – it's more a feeling, brought about from carrying the heavy burden that was the family heritage. Which was probably why I was eager to prepare Dimitri and pass on the mantle to him.
It might seem like a cruel thing, to pass on such a difficult life to my only son, but it couldn't be helped – it was the Belikov way. And even though I'm hard on him (because I want him to always strive to be the best), I can't be any more proud of the man he has become and I know he will do a great job of looking after the family and restaurant. The only thing that currently concerns me about his lifestyle is the number of women he goes through – I worry he may have picked that trait up from me and his grandfather. Which was why I wanted to step down and give him the responsibility – I'm certain it will finish shaping him off just like it had done to me.
I also wanted to finally give the proper love and time to Olena, which she has sorely missed out on over the years. We may have seen each other every day and worked closely for a lot of those years, but it had been a while since I was able to give my wife 100% of my attention and adoration. She was not only my wife and the mother of my children, she had been my business partner and sous-chef since the day we got married.
And the reason I was desperate for us to win this year? So I could do right by Ivan.
If Nathan was still alive, he would be the head of the family and running the restaurant, and as his first born son, Ivan would be the next one to take over. But since I was the one currently in charge, tradition dictated that Dimitri take over the business after I retire. Having things turn out this way always bothered me because I felt like Ivan missed out on his birthright. But if we were to win the competition, than I would have no qualms to hand over the new restaurant at the harbour to Ivan to run, whilst Dimitri ran the current one.
It's not like we didn't have the money to open up another place (if we really wanted to), but this seemed easier and more cost effective.
I was lost in my own world – alternating between fantasising about my overdue vacation with Olena or imagining the look on Ivan's face when I gave him the 'reigns' to his own restaurant. But reality in the form of Abe Mazur pulled me back to the present.
I was waiting for Dimitri by our van outside the studio – that boy took forever to get through his 'reflection' sessions! Since the studio was neutral ground, I guess Abe didn't have any issue waltzing over to where I stood to strike up a conversation.
"Victor, how are you?"
My eyes narrowed in suspicion. To be honest, I wasn't 100% sure on the real reason behind the feud that existed between our two families, but the animosity that was there made him and his family our 'archenemies', which meant I was always on alert when a Mazur was around.
"I'm well, thank you for asking Abe. How are you finding the competition so far?"
It was Abe's turn to narrow his gaze, but the sly smirk remained on his face. However, the tense set of shoulders spoke volumes and I felt myself squaring my own. Even if the filming studio was neutral ground, we were still rivals who were in the middle of an important competition – a lot was at stake!
"Ok, now that the social pleasantries are done, let's get down to business. I'm certain that my daughter and I will win the competition this year, so I hope you and your son won't take it the wrong way when we walk away with all the prizes, including the new location at the harbour".
Now, I'm not a violent person by nature, but I really wanted to punch that smug smile off Abe Mazur's face – how dare he talk down to me?!
"I'm glad to see you are so certain of your win – it will make our victory that much sweeter, because I'm confident that Dimitri and I will win the competition. You should really get your head checked out Abe – I think it's too big for your body".
I had achieved my goal – that smile disappeared completely and a dangerous look replaced it instead. Stepping closer, so we were practically touching toes, he leant in, as if to deliver a menacing threat – or so I thought. Instead what he said took me completely by surprise.
"Care to make a wager if you are so certain you will beat us?"
Shaking myself out of my surprised stupor, I took a few seconds to weigh up the pros and cons of such an endeavour. I wasn't being egotistical – I was certain we were more likely to win than the Mazurs – but could I really make a bet with my sworn enemy?
"What's at stake?" I asked hesitantly – I didn't want to put the new location at the harbour in the mix.
As if reading my mind, Abe's lips pursed briefly before replying.
"Don't worry – I wouldn't want to place the new location in the wager either. I was thinking that whoever wins can finally have that empty plot, our families have been fighting over, to convert into an additional parking area for their restaurant. And hmm... how about an additional $50,000 cash?"
This was a no brainer – I extended my hand which Abe took hesitantly, suddenly unsure if he had made the right move in challenging me – guess my confidence in our abilities was throwing off his own cockiness on the matter.
"Deal!" I asserted, and before he could say anything more, I turned and walked back to the studio to find my sufferable son.
The ride home was a completely silent one – we were both lost in our own worlds. Briefly, my eyes flickered to take in Dimitri's profile – I couldn't fathom what could possibly be on my son's mind, since I was the one stressing about winning the competition for more than one reason.
What is happening in his life that required such deep contemplation?
Dimitri was about to head out again the moment we got home, but I needed to have a meeting with him and Olena.
"Dimitri, I need you in the house now. I will bring your mother shortly – we need to talk".
The sudden fear that flashed across his face startled me – what could he possibly be afraid of?
Oh God – did he do something stupid like get a girl pregnant?
I didn't have the time or energy to worry about such things – I would have to talk to Olena separately on the matter.
I found Olena in the kitchen – her favourite place in our home. She looked completely at ease and just as beautiful as the first time I saw her. It didn't matter how many people she cooked for, Olena took it all in ease – this was her element, an activity that bought her peace and comfort.
The setting sun shone through the windows, lighting her face and making her appear more ethereal – the few wrinkles and grey hairs the only indicating factors of her age.
Hearing me enter, she turned and gave a smile that seemed to lighten the weight I felt I carried around.
"How was the filming today? Who was the first restaurant to be eliminated?"
I couldn't help the small smile that appeared on my face, knowing she didn't even consider us being the first eliminated restaurant – still I wanted to test her.
"What makes you think it wasn't us?"
She snorted in an unladylike way before turning back to her chopping.
"For starters you wouldn't be so calm if that was the case and also I have more faith in you both – I can't imagine you leaving the competition this early".
It was nice to see her have such unwavering faith in us – it helped knowing that no matter what happened she would always be in our corner.
"As always, you are right moya lyubov'. It was the Germans who were sent home. Their dish wasn't very original nor looked appetising. But we can discuss the competition later – first I need to have a chat with you and Dimitri".
Something I couldn't identify flickered across her features before she schooled her face into a neutral expression – maybe there was something that she and Dimitri were keeping from me? But like I thought early, I didn't have time to worry about this along with everything else – if it's of import, I'm sure I will find out sooner or later.
She followed me as I made my way to the office. I saw our son was pacing (nervously I might add) inside. I didn't question his behaviour nor the hesitant look my wife threw his way before turning an impassive face towards me.
"The reason I wanted to speak to you both is I had a little encounter with Abe after the filming today…"
Before I could elaborate I noticed both of them flinch and hold their breath…
'OK, that's strange…' I thought.
So whatever they were both hiding had to do with the Mazurs and they thought I may know something about it. I didn't finish what I had intended to say, instead I stared them down, waiting to see if either would crack. But I had forgotten just how stubborn they could both be (after all, Dimitri was his mama's boy) and after almost 10 mins of silently waiting, I huffed in annoyance and gave up – whatever they were keeping from me wouldn't stay hidden for long – in fact, I was going to utilise my secret weapon to find out. I internally smiled as a plan formulated in my head.
"Anyway…Abe cornered me and made a wager – winner of the competition gets the parking lot our families have been feuding over for the last 5 years and $50,000 cash. I took him up on the deal because I'm certain we will win – wont we Dimitri?"
I stared at my son with a piercing gaze only to be answered with a stoic expression that rivalled his mothers. Sighing in frustration and desperately needing a drink, I dismissed Dimitri – I needed to formulate a game plan to ensure we made it to the finals.
I was so consumed in my strategizing I had forgotten Olena was still in the office, until I felt her soft, warm hands on my shoulders that she proceeded to massage along with my upper back.
I couldn't help but groan in pleasure – I felt the tension fall from my body and suddenly all I wanted was a hot, steamy shower with my beautiful wife.
Pulling her in front and directing her to my lap, I started placing soft kisses all over her face, completely ignorant of the tension she was carrying. Before I could reach her lips, she pushed me back gently and waited until I acknowledged her 'serious' look.
"Don't you think you are being unfair to Dimitri and placing un-necessary pressure on him? You are already grooming him to take over before the end of the year and you picked him as your partner for the competition instead of Ivan. Now if that wasn't enough, you had to make a bet with Abe and tell Dimitri this – the boy can only handle so much…"
I felt myself stiffen in anger and all thoughts of romance and love left me like water down the drain. I've always considered Olena my equal, but it always annoyed me how she coddles our children, especially Dimitri since he is our only son. It's probably why he is such a womaniser – 'Thinks he is God's gift to women because he is his mama's special boy', I internally snorted at the thought.
"If I can handle the things life threw at me, and I was younger than Dimitri when Nathan passed away, I think our son should have enough of our combined talents and intelligence to handle this. I don't see it as added pressure – more like added incentive. He is a Belikov and he knows our family motto. This side bet with Abe should not deter him in any way. Yes, I should have spread the work out and taken Ivan with me to the competition, but if Dimitri is to take over the restaurant, it means that next year he would be the one competing – either by himself or at least leading it. Which is why I involved him in a larger capacity this year. I have faith in our son – I know he won't let us down".
Some unknown emotion flickered across Olena's face as she stared off into the distance, but it was fleeting and before I could question it (or the earlier strange behaviour exhibited by her and Dimitri), she had turned back to me with a breath-taking smile.
"Why don't we retire for the night and I will run you a hot bath…does that sound like a good idea?"
And just like that, I forgot what I was thinking and instead found myself lost in her deep brown eyes and heavenly scent. Nuzzling her neck, while trailing my lips along her throat I whispered huskily.
"Only if you plan to join me tonight, moya lyubov…"
With a mischievous smile, she got up and grabbed my hand, leading me out of my office and onto the floor that held our master bedroom and en-suite.
I guess it wouldn't hurt if I delayed my planning by taking the night off – after all, who could say no to Olena Belikova!
Google translate
Moya lyubov' = my love
So what do you think of Victor? See, there is a reason behind his harsh attitude… and regardless of his outwardly behaviour, he does love his children, including Dimitri.
What do you think is his 'secret weapon'?