regrets of a dead CEO

11 - Momma's boy

*victor's mother, Agatha

VICTOR'S POV

I stand in front of my childhood home, the embroidered curtains and ivy clambering up the walls so recognizable that they immediately bombard me back to my rash childhood.

Never did I think I would be back on her doorstep so soon, begging for help. The pact with myself to become more independent, not to run to Mom for every setback I have, has clearly been in vain, but fuck, I am way over my head here.

I open the door, the smell of incense and sage permeating my nose as I step inside my old home, my mother sitting at her desk executing a tarot card reading for a regular client via Zoom.

"The first card you have chosen is 'the swords'. This symbol is reflecting your current situation. 'The swords' represent pain and grieve. I feel you are grieving the relationship you had with your husband, feeling pain for his neglect." My mum, Agatha, voices taking out another card.

"The second card, mirroring the past is the virgin, indicating secrets, hidden truths underneath the surface." my mother is on fire, her calm and neutral demeanor enchanting the client, hanging on her every word, "He is hiding something from you, something that deep down, you already know but are afraid to face."

"Does that mean he's cheating on me?" a female voice beams out of the computer.

"Oh my god, I knew it, that bastard! It's probably that blond he's been texting all morning. Oh god, I think I'm going to be sick. All those times he worked late, had to go abroad-" the client waves her hands to fan away her upcoming tears, probably more worried about her ruined make-up than her ruined relationship. 

My mum waits patiently for the clients rage to fade, nodding in understanding before she reveals the other card the client chose to take out of the deck.

"And last, the tower, representing the future, your future indicating change and reveal. I believe you will confront your husband-." my mum states the obvious, and I subtly plop onto the sofa to distance myself from the conversation they are having, leaning my head on the soft cushion to stare at the greenery hanging from the ceiling.

"Damn right I'll confront him! I will divorce his infidel ass and take all his money!" the woman roars like a lion claiming its territory.

"Although the combination of these cards indicates a hidden truth, and the likeliness of infidelity coming to light is grand, it is important to convey the message gently to your husband, emphasizing open communication." My mum suggests, keeping her voice calm and collected, unaffected by the disruption of the client sobs. 

"Your skies will clear, and the truth will be forced to come out." 

"Thank you, Madame Agatha, thank you for giving me some clarity."

"You are welcome, Melinda. I wish you and your husband the best of luck." My mum nods politely, before Melinda shuts off the connection.

The zoom call ends and my mum sighs and I move my gaze towards her computer screen, watching my mum exiting the open browser searches of what I assume is the clients husband, his Facebook and tinder account, browser history of how much he checked into the WIFI connection of a hotel or a restaurant cross-referenced with the times he had to 'work late' this month, clearly indicating he has had numerous affairs with multiple women. 

Looking at the secret bank account the man has, they are women with expensive taste too. It's even more ironic the man was having a diner date with some blond named Sheila during their heart-to-heart as his mum has hacked the security footage of the hotel's restaurant.