Viktor's eyes dropped to the coat clutched tightly in the older woman's hands. "And why do you have my coat? What's going on?" His voice was cold, stripped of any warmth.
Vanessa swallowed hard, slowly lowering her hands but still gripping the coat tightly. She drew in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then opened them again. "There's something important I must tell you."
"Sure there is," Viktor replied, his tone sharp. "I need a damn good explanation why you were in my room sniffing my clothes."
"Can we sit down?" she asked quietly.
"No," he said firmly. "We'll stand. Start talking. Now."
She drew another breath, steadying herself. "I know you're confused. I know this must not make any sense, but I'm going to explain everything to you." She paused, sighing heavily. "A long time ago, I met a man. I fell in love with him. We married shortly after, and a year later, we were blessed with a child, a son. I loved him dearly with all my heart. He was… he was my perfect child."
