"I think we deserve
a soft epilogue, my love.
We are good people,
and we've suffered enough."

***************

Five months Later...

Nikolas's POV

"Are you nervous?"

"No," I answered.

"Then, why is your hand shaking?" Alex asked with a low chuckle, finding humor in this for some fucking reason.

My jaw ticked and I removed my hands from over the damn tie that made its mission not to be done today, "It's not shaking!" I stressed out, glaring at him through the mirror.

He was sprawled on the lush couch, his arms extended on the sides, ever so comfortable. His eyebrow raised, "Okay then, if you succeed in doing your tie without your hand shaking, I swear I'll never annoy you ever again," He challenged, being a little shit, as if I didn't have enough on my plate as it is.

I turned around, "How about you get out of here before I punch you really hard," I grated out, challenging him too.

My agitated state only added amusement to his annoying self and he let out a low laugh, "God, it's so good to see you like this," He said and I flexed my fingers on the side, on the verge of breaking his face. I was not to be messed with today; he better act wise.

He rolled his eyes when my glare persisted and he got up to his feet, sighing loudly as he fixed the collar of his white dress shirt before he moved closer, pausing only when he was right across from me. His gaze flickered all over my face, shaking his head at my unjustified anger before he brought his hands up, his fingers lifting my collar before he started adjusting the tie for me.

"Why are you nervous, anyway?" He asked as he crossed the wide end of the tie over the narrow one, "I mean I was freaking out on my wedding day because I realized I was going to have sex with the same woman for the rest of my life," He added, ever so casually as he tightened the knot by gently pulling the wide end while sliding the knot up towards my neck.

"But considering you barely got any action on the side, what's troubling you?" He said, always aiming to belittle me in any way he could, "What could possibly be getting you a hundred times more unpleasant on such a beautiful day?" He added, adjusting and ensuring that the knot was centered and snug against my collar.

He tapped his hands over my shoulders, smiling widely at my perfectly done tie, giddy at his masterpiece. I gazed down at it, running my fingers over the fabric, and no matter how hard I tried to get a grip on myself, I ended up failing.

My heart was pounding, each beat echoing like a drum inside my chest, louder and louder, refusing to be ignored. My breath came out in short, ragged exhales as if the air itself was too thick to inhale. My hands trembled, fingers quivering despite my desperate attempts to steady them, the traitorous shake giving away the turmoil within.

The knot in my stomach tightened, twisting and turning, making me feel like I might be sick. My thoughts raced, tangled in a web of anxiety and doubt, each one pulling me deeper into a state of panic. I've felt various things in my life over the years, but I don't think I've ever been as nervous as I am feeling today.

Alex read the messy web of dark thoughts tangling in my eyes, he sensed the negative vibes radiating off me in waves. Lines etched between his brows as he gazed at me, "I mean Isaac is dead, so I don't expect him to come out of his grave and crash your wedding zombie-style, if that's what you're scared of," He said, making my jaw tick at his out-of-the-box theories.

"That's not it," I grumbled out.

I could feel the heat rising beneath my skin and licking in between my veins; why was it so fucking hot all of a sudden?

"Then, what is it?" Alex asked, genuinely curious.

My throat bobbed as I swallowed past the heavy lump in there, I rushed a hand over my neck, my fingers involuntary scratching at the scar on the side, "What if...what if she just decided that she doesn't want this anymore," I mumbled, my inner doubt voicing itself out loud.

My words only tightened the frown on Alex's face, "And why would she do that?"

I shrugged, "I don't know," I mumbled lowly, way too many reasons pushing to the forefront of my brain and I kept suppressing them down for the better sake of my sanity.

Alex's lips twitched, trying to hide his smile, but he failed and they spread into a grin, "So, all of this because you are scared she'd leave you at the alter," He said, chuckling lowly and in an ever-so-adorably manner, he brought his hand to my face and fucking pinched my cheek, "You are so cute."

I harshly pushed his hand away, making him wince, my jaw tightening at the way he kept dealing with this, as if I wasn't freaking the hell out over here. His chest vibrated with a low chuckle before he shook his head at me, like I was so ridiculous, "Nik, Nicky," he said, resting his hands over my shoulder, squeezing at them and making me contemplate the lengths of my patience, "The girl is head over heels in love with you," He said, trying to reassure me, "If she wasn't, why else would've she accepted to marry your very unpleasant self in the first place."

"That is true," I mumbled lowly and Alex nodded his head, trying to feed me words like I was a little kid, "See, I know it's in your nature to be so pessimistic but there is no reason for all the negativity," He added, "You love her, she loves you, you will go out, say the famous I do's, have a dance, eat some cake and go on to your honeymoon to make me little cute blonde nephews and nieces."

My eyebrow raised at his crazy self, "How will they come out blonde?"

He shrugged, "I don't know, not my issue, I want blonde nephews and nieces," He demanded, "And you'll give them to me."

I rolled my eyes at him but he wasn't done, "Also, you'll name your firstborn Alex," He demanded yet again, "I am the reason you two got together in the first place, I deserve the credit."

I wanted to keep glaring at him for being so obnoxious and annoying but I knew deep down that if I didn't have his crazy self in my life, I would've gone mad a long time ago. He kept me on track and pulled me back every time I got so close to the edge. He gave me reasons, so many fucking reasons to keep fighting; and I fought. I fought a losing battle. I both won and lost it, but I still fought it nevertheless. I survived it, all thanks to him.

The lump in my throat grew and spread because sentimental emotions weren't my favorite thing in the world. I cleared my throat and my gaze flickered down, adjusting my tie, and loosening it a bit, "Thank you," I mumbled.

He thought I was thanking him for fixing my tie, so he waved his hand in the air like it was nothing, "When your hands fail you, I'll always fix your tie, worry not," He said, winking at me. Involuntarily, my lips lifted into a very small smile; how did I ever do this life before him?

"Not just for that," I said.

His eyebrows pulled together, "For accepting to be your best man?" he questioned as to why I was grateful.

I nodded my head, "For being the best man, not just today, but for every day of my life," I added, unable to comprehend the intensity of what was going on inside of me. It was warm and gooey and nauseating and I didn't like it. Not having my gun tucked into my waist is making me fucking emotional and whatnot; I don't fucking like it.

Why did I promise Natalie that I won't carry a gun on this day?

Alex's previous teasing smile shifted into a warmer, more genuine one, "It's what brothers are for."

I shook my head, "No, Alex, not every brother would've done what you did for me," I said, a hundred percent sure of that fact. It was just him, who he is, and how he does this life. It was the bond we both shared, one so resilient and decades-old, one they tried so hard to destroy and ruin, every and each one of them. Yet, here we are, we made it out, and all the credit goes to him only.

Alex's smile wavered a bit, the emotions tumbling out of me prompted similar ones to consume him and he did what he always does when he gets nervous and uncomfortable, he tried to act nonchalant and started to spurt out nonsense, "Okay, let's stop this before you start weeping and crying, and I'd have to hug you, and this will turn into a sobfest and—" Before he could finish his words, my hand went from his shoulder to his back, pulling him to me and I wrapped my arms tightly around him.

My sudden action stopped his ramblings, he tensed up slightly before he gave up to the moment and brought his arms around my back, hugging me as well. My hand clasped the back of his neck, and my eyelids dropped down, "If you make a stupid witty comment, I'll punch you," I warned him, ever so seriously. 

His chest vibrated with a low chuckle and he kept silent, for once not ruining a moment we shared as he tightened his grip around me, savoring this for as long as it lasted.

A moment or two passed before I had to pull away, unwrapping my arms from over him, a low breath of relief pushing off my lungs and he edged backward as well. His lips twitched slightly as he looked at me, "Can I make a stupid witty comment now?" He took permission.

I couldn't help my low chuckle and I nodded my head, "Go ahead."

He threw his arm around my shoulders, "You love me so much, don't you?" He teased, ever so giddily as he messed up my hair.

I sighed as I pushed his hand off my hair, and nodded my head, "Unfortunately, I do."

"Hey, hey, save the I do's for Natalie," He shot back, "Can't have you chickening out later," He added, back into being a monumental pain in my ass.

"Anyways, since we are doing the whole emotions and sentiments and whatnot," He added, pulling his arm away from me before he headed back for the couch, "I have something for you," He said as he reached for his suit jacket and pulled out an item from its inner pocket.

My eyebrows pulled closer, my gaze drifting to the envelope he carried as he walked back to my side, "Ronald found it between the rubbles after the bunker was bombed," Alex said, extending the envelope, my name scribbled on it, toward me, "He was scared to hand it to you himself, so he gave it to me."

Swallowing hard, I reached for it, my fingers wrapping over its tattered edges, recalling how I thought it got destroyed after the explosion, that I lost my chance to read her very last words for me, "I didn't open and read it, by the way," He said, his eyebrow raising, "Even though I really wanted to," He added, trying to inject a hint of playfulness into his words.

My gaze flickered from the closed envelope in my hand to the other one wrapped between his fingers. He lifted it, showing me his own letter, "I didn't open my mine either, for some reason," He mumbled, "Wanna open them together?" He suggested. I guess like me, he was hesitant and maybe even scared to open it on his own.

My gaze drifted down, gazing at the innocent paper like it could attack me and ruin my heart once more. I looked back at Alex and nodded my head, "Yeah, let's," I said, a low sigh parting my lips, "There's no time like the present."

Alex walked to the other end of the room, went behind the counter, and pulled something out. "Which is exactly why I asked for this," he said as he rested a bourbon bottle on the midtable, urging me to get closer as he settled two glasses next to it. He unscrewed the cap and poured equal amounts into each glass. He picked up his and used it to steer mine closer to my end.

I settled down on the stool across from him as we both opened our envelopes, tearing at the innocent pieces of paper and pulling out the letters inside. I looked at Alex before having to face and read the final words she had written for me. We exchanged the same uncertain look, and he was the first to pick up his glass. I did the same, and we clicked them together.

"Cheers," he mumbled lowly, the enthusiasm draining from his voice as he took a large gulp of his drink.

I did the same, allowing it to trickle down and burn at my throat, maybe that'll help with the amplifying scorch at my heart.

Alex opened up his own, unfolding and smoothing down the edges, "Alex, my exceptional prodigy, I want you to know that you are my favorite son ever," He started to say out loud, pretending to be reading, "You are so much more handsome than Nikolas and you have my blessings to annoy him for the rest of his life," He added, ever so seriously, "Wow, didn't expect that," He mumbled as he lifted his gaze, meeting mine, smiling as he winked at me.

I shook my head at him with a smile. "Here we go," he mumbled, serious this time, his gaze flickering down to the paper as he started to silently read her words for him.

I allowed my gaze to fall into my own, the edges of my vision blurring as old feelings surged up, unbidden and overwhelming. The words in my letter got jumbled and intertwined, a chaotic mess as I trod down the path of old memories. I visited a very dark place in my heart, a place heavy with loss and longing.

I felt disoriented all of a sudden, a heavy wave of sorrow crashing over me, leaving me aching for her presence on this day; What wouldn't I give for her to be here right now. The weight of her absence pressed down on me, a relentless ache that echoed in the broken chambers of my heart.

I blinked, forcing myself to regain composure, the haze lifting just enough to see clearly again. With a steadying breath, I began to read.

"My sweet boy,

I know that you are probably reading this after I've been gone for a while. But god, there is so much that I want to say that I can't fit into one paper, so much I want to apologize for, and so many things I wish I could go back and change, but I simply can't.

All I can do now is help you in the only way I know possible.

Every time I stood against Isaac, every time I dared to defy him, he wielded his power over me. Every time I threatened to go away, to divorce him, and take away the name that gave him everything, he would render me weak by threatening to hurt and kill you. So, every time, I backed away and accepted my fate.

Every time, I gave up to him, defeated and helpless.

But not this time. This time, I am ready to let go, to free myself and, in turn, to free you. I am finally ready. I believe you will be stronger without me, you'll be so much better with me away than with me close. You will fight him and you will win this never-ending war, once and for all.

At least, this time, I'll go in peace knowing that you have so many people around, those who love you so much and who'd take better care of you than I ever did...

My beautiful boy, I am so sorry for everything I made you go through, sorry for every pain I caused you. You deserved so much better; a better mother, a better father, and a better family. You deserve the whole world and more; the one we all stole away from you. For that, I'll keep praying to every external force out there to give it back to you in any way possible.

I know how you feel so shattered on the inside, that the wounds seem too deep to heal sometimes. I know you carry a burden of guilt, so heavy, a relentless self-blame for everything that happened. But you must forgive yourself, my sweet boy. You must do what I could not. You must allow yourself to heal, to fight, and to love without restraint.

Because I know, I know that when you love, you love with every little bit in you.

They say you can't give what you never had but the way I see it, you've given everything you never had. The way you love your little brother, your sister, Natalie, and that beautiful little girl, it left me speechless.

So, I am sure, so sure that you will survive this storm too. You're a survivor, my boy, and this, will be your last fight ever, I promise. After that, you will have everything you ever wanted. Believe in that, because I believe in you and I believe that for once I am doing right by you.

Take care of yourself, okay? I need you to be okay.

Take care of your little brother, keep him safe too, okay? Protect him in the ways I failed to. He and Emma, they're your family, hold onto them in every way you can.

Also, I left you the ring your grandfather had given me, do you remember it? And even though you refused to take it once, claiming you don't want to find a pretty girl and marry her, I have a feeling that you might've changed your mind this time around...

Just be happy, you deserve a soft epilogue, my sweet boy, you've suffered enough.

I love you so much, never doubt that.

Your mother,
Leya."

The paper felt fragile in my hands, like the delicate threads of my resolve, threatening to tear under the strain of my overwhelming emotions, I felt like I could unravel, splinter, and fall apart all over the seams. But in the middle of that, a very small somber smile broke into my face at the last paragraph, and how true it was, especially on such a day.

Yeah, I've found my pretty girl and I've given her that ring, Mom. 

The air felt thick with unspoken words, the silence heavy with the presence of who's no longer here, and as I read, I felt her whispers mingling with my breath, a haunting bittersweet symphony of grief, agony, and hope intertwined. I brought my hand to my face, wiping away at that lone tear that managed to break through.

Alex folded down his paper, done with it as well. The muscles of his jaw were tight and tense, unlike me, he never found peace in her presence or her words. His throat moved, his gaze not once meeting mine, scared I'd see below the surface, catch a glimpse of the little boy in him aching for his mother, though he'd never admit it out loud.

"Another one?" He questioned, the tone of his voice shifting entirely, his gaze focused solely on the bottle as he picked it up.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, why not," I muttered, moving my glass closer to him as he poured us another one. Having gathered himself together, he lifted his glass, his gaze flickering to me and we clicked them together.

He took one large gulp before slamming the glass onto the table. He got up to his feet, clapping his hands together, "Come on, let's get you married," he said, ready to focus on that and nothing else for now.

Before I could say a thing, a low knock echoed in the room, and the door opened. Ronald popped his head inside, prompting a very loud sigh out of me, my mood instantly souring, "Did I not say that I don't want to see you till this day ends?"

He gave me a very unbothered look, ignoring my remark, before his gaze flickered further inside, as if searching for something, "Natalie sent me here to check on you," he said, "You know, make sure you aren't causing some sort of a scene or something," He resumed his inspection, looking behind chairs and under the table.

"What are you looking for?" I grumbled out in utter annoyance, ready to break all of my promises and break his face.

He shrugged, uncertain, "Something that isn't supposed to be here," He mumbled, nudging Alex to the side as he searched behind him, "I am not sure, a dead body, or something—"

"That body will be yours if you don't get out now," I threatened, as serious as ever.

He finished his mission, his eyes took one last look all over before he walked and paused across from me, his lips curling up into an idiotic smile.

My eyebrows pulled closer, "What are you smiling at?" I shot out in annoyance.

"Well, now that we are in-laws, I get to hug you whenever I want, right?" Ronald asked; the fact was so horrifying I almost called off the wedding.

"No."

He nodded, edging closer to me, "Yes."

My eyes widened and I took a step back, "No, stay the fuck away Ronald, or I swear to god—"

"Oh, come here, I know you want it," He said, being a little shithead, knowing very well I promised Natalie that I won't touch him so he was trying to push all of my fucking buttons on purpose as he wrapped his arms and hugged me.

"Ronald, get off me!" I grated out, cursing under my breath and ready to rip him apart, "The one time I don't have a gun on me and this happens!"

For the love of god, I think I didn't take into consideration that by marrying Natalie, I am indirectly signing on for a lifetime of Ronald. Maybe, maybe this wedding and marriage and all is a bad idea.

He finally pulled back, fucking finally, staring at me with a big teasing smile, looking happier than ever. I immediately turned to Alex, giving him his most important best-man duty for the day, "Natalie forced me to promise that I won't touch him today, so can you take care of him," I requested, regretting every promise I ever made, because fucking Ronald was taking advantage of each one of them.

Alex nodded his head, already up on his feet, "On it," He said before he grabbed his suit jacket and curled his hand over Ronald's arm, forcefully dragging him along as he headed for the door, "Wai—Alex, wait..."

"Move," Alex pushed him outside, "He might've promised not to kill you today, but he'll gladly do it tomorrow," They kept on arguing, their voices dimming and fading as they walked further down the hallway and far away from here.

A loud breath pushed off my lungs and I turned to face myself in the mirror. I fixed my shirt and brought my hand up, I ran the tips of my fingers over the side of my hair, fixing what Ronald ruined a couple of seconds ago. Feeling on edge still, my gaze flickered to my watch, watching as the minutes ticked by, excruciatingly slow.

Unable to hold myself back, I pulled out my phone and dialed her, missing and needing her like I needed the very oxygen to breathe. I pressed the phone to my ear, waiting for her delicate voice, a lifeline, to soothe my frayed nerves.

She picked up after a few rings, and before I could say hello, she made a tsk-sound, "Mr. Viarchi, I took the day off for apparent reasons, so, I'd rather not be disturbed for the rest of my vacation," She said, in a mocking professional tone, "You are being a very clingy boss."

Her voice was a balm to my restless soul, and a smile tugged at my lips, one reserved only for her. I dropped down on the couch, feeling the tension ease slightly, "Well, this clingy boss can't seem to function properly without you," I said.

I could hear the smile in her voice, a distinctive warmth that spread through me like sunshine breaking through clouds, a rainbow after one hell of a storm, "Stop being so cute. You already got me, I am about to marry you in a bit, so stop trying to charm me into your web, I am already stuck in there," She said, just being her own weird self—the one I loved with every fiber of my being.

"So, you haven't run for the hills yet," I said, my tensed muscles relaxing the further I talked to her.

"Can't say I haven't thought about it," She said, ever so playfully, "But no, I am still right here, probably a couple of rooms separating us now," She added, and the thought of barging into each room till I found her became more appealing. I could kidnap her, whisk her far away from here—no need for weddings and all these needless ceremonies. I only wanted her, and I couldn't care less for any tradition out there.

"You are right here yet I can't touch you, it sucks," I said, frustration lacing my voice, "Why did you have to make this stupid rule that we can't see each other before the wedding," Lines etched deep between my eyebrows. It had been four days since she last allowed me to see her, and each day without her presence felt like an eternity, pushing me to the edge of my sanity.

"It's because I wanted you to miss me," She said, justifying her actions. As if I didn't already miss her with every breath I took.

"Also, also, let's not forget that it was you who decided not to have sex with me till after the wedding," She added, her voice tinged with a playful bitterness, "It's been more than three weeks!"

"Yeah, you know what you did to deserve that," I said back, almost wincing at the memory accompanied by that incident.

She let out a low grumble, probably cursing me or something for punishing her, although I was mostly punishing myself in the process.

"Don't make me not marry you," She threatened and my lips twitched at her adorably aggressive tone, "Don't make me barge into your room and kidnap you," I threatened back.

She let out a soft chuckle, a sound that resonated in the hollow of my chest, easing my erratic heart, "Did you finish getting ready?" she asked, her voice a gentle caress over the phone.

"Yeah, and you?"

"Yes," She said, "I look so pretty, you are so lucky I am marrying you," She added, ever so modestly.

"I sure am."

"So, in less than an hour, huh," She said. She was probably nervous too, because this is what she does when she is anxious, she keeps talking non-stop, of everything and nothing, just trying to busy her mind before it crashes down, "Are you ready to become Mr. Natalie Blake?" She asked, her voice laced with a hint of teasing, "You're taking my name after all, aren't you?"

I chuckled lowly at her nonsense, leaning back onto the couch, feeling more relaxed as the seconds ticked by, her voice the sweetest melody ever to my aching inside, "Yeah, at least it's less troublesome than my name."

"That is true," she agreed, her voice a gentle caress that painted a vivid picture in my mind. I could see her sitting there, looking as beautiful as ever, almost ethereal, her hair cascading around her face like a waterfall of silk, her eyes as blue as the boundless skies and vast oceans. Dressed in white, like the angel the devil in me always craved, a sight that stirred the deepest recesses of my soul.

I could see her sitting there anxiously biting at her lower lip and twirling her bracelet, fidgeting with each one of her little charms.

"I should hang up, Sarah is scolding me for talking to you," she murmured, a hint of reluctance coloring her tone.

"Yeah," A low sigh parted my lips, "And I should go and wait for you at the altar," I said, nervousness fluttering in my chest again.

"Yeah, I'll be the one in white, by the way," She reminded me.

My smile grew wider, "Yeah, I am sure it won't be that hard to spot you," I said.

"Uhuh."

"Nikolas," she mumbled lowly.

"Yeah?" I responded, my heart skipping a beat at the tenderness in her voice.

"I'll see you in a bit?" She said, making sure of that fact as well.

I nodded my head, my heart all types of messy, "See you in a bit, Natalie."

********************

Natalie's POV

You think you are prepared for it.

You question, how hard can it be, right?

How hard can it be to walk down the aisle and marry the love of your life?

Not very hard; you assume.

Well, newsflash, it's so fucking hard!

Nerves gnawed at my inner self, my stomach contorting and churning in ways I wasn't prepared for. I felt like I could throw up, like I could cry, like I could sob and weep, like I could turn around and just run away; too scared, too terrified, of what? I am not sure.

My heart felt like it was about to burst right out of the confines of my chest. Is Nikolas feeling the same? Is he okay? Is he capable of breathing or is he suffocating like I am at the moment?

I tried to breathe, in and out, my gaze falling on Ronald as he came to a stop by my room, pausing momentarily as his eyes fell on me, slightly taken aback. His gaze flickered all over my face, falling down and taking into every detail, for the first time seeing me fully ready, wedding dress and all. He sucked into a deep breath, his similar eyes falling back into mine and a very soft smile lifted the corner of his lip as he edged closer.

"You look—" Breathless, he seemed to grapple with words, and he shook his head, "Wow, just —wow."

"Nikolas is one lucky son of a bitch," He added.

I chuckled lowly at his silly words. His gaze lingered on me for a moment too long, his smile wavering, betraying the flood of feelings threatening to overwhelm him, "I can hug you, right?" he questioned, asking for permission so as to not ruin my attire.

I nodded my head and all I felt after were his arms tightly wrapping around me. He held onto me, like he was holding into his very last breath and I could almost read and feel every thought running through his head and every feeling surging within his chest. Every loss we suffered from, and all those who were supposed to be here today but could not.

"I wish she was here to see you on this day," he mumbled, his voice barely audible, wistful for the impossible.

I sniffled, feeling the tears gather in my eyes, threatening to fall over and ruin my makeup. Suddenly, all of my previous messy feelings made so much sense, they were persistent due to her absence, if only she had been here, sharing this day with me, she would've made it all so much better.

I shook my head, shaking the impossible if onlys away. Ronald edged backward, his tearful emotional eyes meeting my own, "And she'd probably scold me because I am making you cry right now," He added, urging me to laugh softly as I tried so hard to suck those tears back in.

Ronald caressed the top of my cheek, helping me grasp back my strength before he edged closer and pressed a tender kiss on my forehead, "I love you so much, Nate," He whispered.

"Love you too," I whispered in return, my voice barely audible above the tumult of emotions swirling within me.

His lips lifted, just enough, "If Nikolas dares to hurt you, I'll kill him," He said, ever so seriously and I chuckled lowly, shaking my head, "He'd kill you first."

He shrugged, acknowledging the truth in my words. "True," He said, "Still, worth the risk."

I playfully punched his arm just as Dad walked back to my side, his warm gaze flickering between us two before he kicked Ronald outside, signaling that the ceremony was starting. He extended his arm for me to take, "Are you ready?" He asked, tenderly gazing at me with a very soft smile.

I nodded my head, the emotions so intense and I rested my arm in his. He pulled me closer, ever so protectively, securing my arm in his. "Oh, my beautiful girl," He edged closer and pressed a gentle kiss to my temple, "I wish your mother was here, she would've been so proud of you," He whispered against my skin before he edged backward.

Yeah, considering I am marrying the son of her ex-lover...Oh dear god, I really need to stop my brain from going there...

I blamed my dark thoughts on my anxious nerves and flashed Dad a small smile, shaking all the troubling messiness away as he started to lead my way outside. With every step walked forward, I felt more than ready to run ten steps back but I kept pushing through, needing to see him. He'll make me feel better.

We had arranged for a really small simple ceremony, including only those closest to us. Nikolas wasn't a fan of weddings and parties, and I wasn't into all of the exaggerations either, so we opted for a cozy outside venue. It was simple, yet utterly stunning. Set atop a hill overlooking the endless expanse of the sea, it was the definition of absolute serenity.

The lush greenery of the surrounding landscape provided a perfect backdrop, while the soft hues of blue from the sky above mirrored the calm waters below. A gentle breeze whispered through the air. The sound of waves crashing against the shore below added a melodic rhythm to the atmosphere, a soothing lullaby that almost helped me calm down.

And then, amongst all, my eyes found him, catching his eyes just as they caught mine.

At that moment, as our eyes met across the expanse, it felt as though time stood still.

Just like that, I felt all of my stress dissipate into thin air. All the troubling thoughts left me, the weight of my worries lifted, replaced by a sense of serenity and clarity. His beautiful green eyes kept me anchored to the shore and forbade me from sinking deep.

As I drew nearer, his steady presence became my lifeline, guiding me back to solid ground.

I watched his chest, rise up and down, and I learned how to breathe again.

When I was so close, Dad finally let go of me, he said something to Nikolas but I don't think he heard him. I don't think he saw him. I don't think he is seeing anyone but me. Just as I am seeing no one but him.

It was as though the whole big world around us ceased to exist.

At this moment, there was only him and me.

My heart thudded in my chest so loudly, its rhythm echoing all the emotions swirling within me. Each beat was a reminder of the magnitude of this moment, of the journey that had led me here, to the precipice of forever.

He only stared back at me, all the sounds surrounding us got silenced, and they became a humming background. His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that left me breathless, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing, couldn't fathom the fact that I was real, that I was his, that we were actually doing this.

They were liquidy but also on sparkling fire, and they left me aching for him even though he was right there ahead of me. He kept looking at me, and I was a gone case, gone, totally gone.

I felt like I was surrounded by him from every corner; his eyes, his lips, his scent, his cologne, and I was sure I'd stepped into heaven —a heaven ruled by a green-eyed devil.

My lips lifted into a small smile, and I watched one corner of his lips curl up, followed by the other; my favorite smile in this whole world.

I missed you. I mouthed.

Me too. He mouthed back.

You look so handsome. I mouthed again.

His smile alone could've knocked me pregnant, I am not even kidding. The way his eyes crinkled on the side, how his little dimple showed up, how that devil in his eyes looked more than ready to consume me whole and eat me alive. God, he was my ruination.

You look breathtaking. He mouthed.

I tried not to laugh and giggle and kick my feet in the air like a kid, I fought to not push myself forward, wrap him in between my arms, and never let go of him. I struggled for control. With every ounce of restraint I possessed, I grappled to maintain composure, to focus on the exchange of vows and the ritual of rings. But in truth, my attention was consumed entirely by him, by the raw intensity of our connection.

I didn't care for anything else.

When I want to recall this day, I only want to remember this, him, and this beautiful heartfelt awe look in his eyes.

"...by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What therefore God has joined together, let no one separate. You may now kiss the bride."

Finally.

Nikolas wasted no time in claiming what was rightfully his. With a hunger born of longing and desperation, he closed the distance between us, his touch igniting a firestorm of sensation beneath my skin as his hand cradled the curve of my neck, his lips seeking mine with an urgency that mirrored my own.

Our breaths mingled and our souls intertwined. I gasped into his mouth, failing to absorb all of him at once. I needed to remind myself that we were surrounded by people and that we needed to pull back. Nikolas fought for control and finally managed to tear his lips from over mine, his heavy-lidded eyes fell into my own, a firestorm raging in my favorite green forest.

I don't know what it was, maybe the intensity of all I was feeling, the fact that he was forever mine, the relief after all the gnawing stress, and his tortuously beautiful taste; all of it tangled up, causing one emotional, but a very happy tear to spill from my eye and trickle down my cheek, clashing with his finger.

"I love you," I whispered, my lips twitching as I saw the same emotions press and pull in his eyes, ready to unravel him at the seams, "Mr. Natalie Blake," I added, a little playfulness in my last words.

A low chuckle vibrated from his chest, gazing at me like I wasn't real, something out of this world, so unique and special, so precious, "I love you so much," He said, pecking my lips once more and he whispered into them, "My beautiful delicate girl."

*****************

Nikolas's POV

I hate to be hugged.

I've probably mentioned that before. But I really really hate to be hugged.

And I have a feeling I am gonna get hugged a whole lot today.

"You're sure we are not crushing the baby," I commented, fishing for an excuse. My words made Emma chuckle and finally, she let go of me, releasing me from her very tight embrace. Edging backward, she shook her head at my thoughts.

"No, you silly," She said, her hand involuntarily going for her little baby bump and gently caressing it.

"Aww look at you, you're starting to show," Natalie said ever so softly, her lips curling into an adorable pout.

Emma's smile only widened, very giddy at that fact as she looked down at herself, "I know, right," She mumbled, ever so softly, the pregnancy making her all girly and whatnot. I don't really like it, I miss the old aggressive her.

"How has it been?" Natalie asked.

"Ahh, it's been magical," Emma said, which made Roman's eyes widen, flickering to look at her in absolute horror. He turned to look at us and he shook his head, 'No, it's been hell,' he mouthed to us, looking beyond exhausted and I resisted the urge to smile and revel in his misery. 

"Are you shaking your head and saying no," Emma grumbled, glaring at him with narrowed eyes as she caught him.

"Wha— no, of course not," Roman said, forcing a smile as he took a hesitant step away from her, for his own safety.

She crossed her arms over her chest, "So yeah, maybe I've been extra aggressive lately, but excuse me, I am growing a human being inside of me," She shot out, "Can you do that, I bet you can't, I dare you to make a human right now, come on, go ahead." She added, seriously challenging him.

"Emma, honey, I didn—"

"So what if I broke your hand that one time," She grumbled, and his bandaged-up hand finally made sense, "And yeah maybe I kicked you in your sleep and made you fall off the bed and hit your head," She added, explaining the scar over the side of his temple, "But still, I am making a human over here, the only thing you can do is breathe too loudly and suck all the oxygen from the room," Oh no, she wasn't done yet, "The only thing you can do is get me a burger with pickles and you know how much I hate pickles!"

Okay, I take it back, she is still the same Emma. No, excuse me, not the same, but with a pinch of pregnancy hormones.

Tears gathered in her eyes making my own widen as I bore witness to all of this, "Do you know...do you know that 32.7% of pregnancies end with the death of the mother," She added, for some reason bringing this fact up, "I could die, what would you do then, huh," She said, sniffling, ever so melodramatic, "Heartless," She mumbled, whirling around and walking away, mumbling more insults under her breath, "Idiot—"

Roman stared at her retreating back in both shock and exhaustion, he allowed his eyelids to drop, his shoulders dropping down in defeat, "Four more months, four more months," He chanted to himself, "You can do four more months, Roman," He added and Natalie beside me was trying so hard to suppress her laugh, "You can do it," He added, assuring himself.

His eyes flickered to us and he shook his head, "That kid better be a medical miracle and like have wings and fly or something," He grated out, having enough of it. He sucked into a deep breath, preparing himself, "Emma, honey, you are right," He called for her, following after her, "I could never grow a human being on my own, you are creating a miracle and I should be more understanding. I'll try to breathe...less loudly I guess, you can even break my other hand if you want—"

I turned my gaze from their retreating backs and my horrified eyes fell on Natalie, "We don't want kids, right," I mumbled, terrorized by what I had just witnessed.

Natalie chuckled, rolling her beautiful eyes at me before she curled her arm around my own and dragged me to greet the rest of the guests. I sighed loudly; I can't wait for this day to be over already. After exchanging a few sentences with some of her friends, the sound of nearing footsteps made me turn my head right, my gaze falling on the other couple approaching us.

My eyes met Mia's and involuntarily, I found myself smiling, "Hey," She softly said as she paused next to us, looking between Natalie and me, "Congratulations you two," She said, edging closer and engulfing Natalie in a warm hug.

Now, that Joseph was dead, they didn't have to stay hidden in the shadows anymore, but still, they preferred to keep settling in the town into which I had originally aided them to escape into, far away from all the messiness. I can't blame them for such a choice. No, actually, I am planning to do the exact same thing.

"I am glad you could make it," I said, actually meaning it.

Mia's smile widened and she shook her head, "I would not miss it for the world."

"Ohh, will you look at this little cutie pie," Natalie said with a squeal, inching toward Matteo, and addressing the little girl tucked between his arms, wearing an adorable little pink dress. Matteo's smile widened and he exchanged a couple of words with Natalie before his gaze flickered to me. He gave me an acknowledging nod, to which I returned.

"Oh, can I hold her, please," Natalie requested.

"Yeah, sure," Matteo said, carefully handing her the little girl. With cautious movements, Natalie cradled the baby between her arms, using her free hand to softly brush her chubby cheeks, "Hey," She softly spoke to her, "I am Auntie Nate, you will love me the most, right?" Natalie added with a baby-like tone before she leaned down and adorably pecked her cheeks.

My heart felt a bit lighter and I turned to Mia next to me, "How's it been?" I asked.

She looked up at me, and a very innocent warm smile touched her lips, "Very good," She said, breathing into the word, the burdens of her past fading into nothingness, "What about you?"

I turned to Natalie as she brushed her hand over the baby girl's hair, fixing the headband bow and making funny faces, prompting the girl to erupt into joyous giggles, "Never been better," I said as I shifted my gaze back to Mia.

My answer made her smile widen, her eyes reflecting that distinctive look I'd come to recognize. When I first met her, there was a youthful innocence mixed with fear and hesitation in her gaze. Lately, however, it had evolved into something deeper—more mature, and aware, yet still soft and warm nevertheless.

Her gaze flickered from my face and to my hand, her eyebrow raising slightly, "Well, I don't see any blood," She commented with a small shake of her head, recalling an old saying of mine from when I'd helped her.

I've got blood on my hands, I'd just like to wipe it away.

My lips curled into a smile as I brought my hand up, looking at it as I flexed and unflexed my fingers, "It comes and goes," I said with a shrug.

The look in her eyes softened, "I am really happy for you," She said, genuinely, "You really deserve all of this," She added, addressing the fact that I did almost the same thing she did; left the world we were born into behind and started a new one with Natalie on my side.

I shook my head, "Deserving it is a bit of a stretch, you still don't know me, Mia," I said, a part of me will always believe that I don't deserve any of this. I think it's a fitting punishment for a man like me; to want something so much, to hold it in your arms every night and know beyond a doubt you will never fully deserve it. I guess I will just have to live with that fact for the rest of my life.

She shook her head, "I know enough," She said, "Without you, I would've never had all of this," She added, her gaze focused on Matteo and her little girl, a breathless look in her eyes as she watched him lean closer and wipe at the baby's mouth, stopping her from drooling all over Natalie's dress.

"You would've had it still, I didn't do anything—"

"You did, and I will forever be so very grateful for you," She interrupted, rendering me speechless again.

"You don't have to be," I muttered.

She gave me a knowing look, and before she could say another word, her daughter started fussing around, urging her to excuse herself and step closer to interfere. The little girl let out a low wail, her voice bellowing into the open space, making Natalie's eyes widen in horror, reminding her and me how kids weren't just cute beings but little monsters too.

To be honest, I was never a fan of kids, not till a very distinctive one came into my life.

Almost like she knew she was on my mind; her familiar soft voice echoed from somewhere nearby, taking my attention away from everyone and instantly I turned around, searching for her among the crowd. My eyes spotted her little self at a close distance and my heart twisted and turned at her mere sight only, at the thought of what I was going to do so soon, of how I was going to purposely extract myself out of her life.

Before I knew it, I was already moving in her direction and when her big wonderous eyes fell on me, they widened in happiness and she leaped forward, breaking free of the hand cradling her own, "Daddy!" She said, ever so excitedly as she ran toward me.

A smile broke across my face, and I met her midway, crouching down so she'd crash right into my chest. I engulfed her little body in my arms, lifting her as I straightened up, my eyes taking all of her in. God, she's the only little girl that I care about. I pressed a kiss to the side of her head, sinking into her flowery scent as she wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.

My gaze flickered down to her adorable attire, and I ran my hand over the soft, light blue tulle dress. It had short, puffed sleeves, made of sheer tulle, which made her look like she had stepped out of a magical fairytale. God, she was my little princess, who was growing up a bit more each day.

I brought my hand to her hair, running my fingers through the soft strands adorning her face. The tips of my fingers caressed the blue ribbon on top of her head, curled and wrapped around a couple of strands, its silky ends falling over and mixing with the rest locks of her hair.

My heart felt like it was about to burst and fall right into her little palms, my eyes couldn't look away from her, unable to get enough as I gazed at her beautiful face, "You look so pretty," I said, leaning closer and pecking her cheek once more.

Her smile widened, so innocent and unaware, so child-like and giddy. She brought her hand to my face, resting it over my cheek, her touch killing and reviving me at once, "You're pretty too," She said back, ever so genuinely.

I chuckled lowly, trying to take all of her at once and failing, failing to keep my emotions intact, my heart steady, and my adoration for this little girl under wraps. I kissed her head once more, whispering into her hair, "I love you so much."

She edged her head closer, resting her cheek over my shoulder, her arms still wrapped around my neck. I finally managed to lift my eyes, forcefully tearing them away from her. My gaze flickered to Cara right across and I stepped closer, "Hey," I mumbled in a low voice, still trying to process her presence, "I thought you weren't coming," I added.

She shrugged, ever so nonchalantly, "I wasn't going to," She said, her gaze flickering to Lilly, sinking in my embrace, almost like she always belonged in it, "But these two little monsters —I mean kids, they'd drive Alex mad if he was on his own," She explained, shaking her head, "So, I just came to help only."

I nodded my head, and her eyebrow raised, crossing her arms over her chest, "Also, I needed to make sure that—" Her eyes flickered to Natalie at a distance, "She is accepting this marriage out of her own free will and without any external pressure," She added, her eyes flickering back to me, challenging and if I am not imagining, there was a hint of playfulness in them too.

My lips twitched, "Wouldn't expect less from you," I mumbled.

She rolled her eyes, "Don't smile, we are not friends," She grumbled.

"I know that," I said, trying to cover up my smile and I nodded my head, "I am glad you came, that's all."

"Yeah, who'd miss the chance to watch their ex-husband get married," She added, ever so mockingly, then she winced, "God, I need to control my mouth," She mumbled under her breath, glaring at me still, "You bring it out of me, I can't help it."

I nodded my head, "I know," I said, a very weird feeling settling in my chest, it felt so foreign and I wasn't sure what it was, "Cara, for me, the fact that you are just here, talking to me right now, means the world," I added, honestly. She can insult me in any way she wants, she can do or say anything, and I will never stop her. I know that we could never have a normal relationship, it's near impossible, but this, whatever it is, is stitching up a very deep wound inside of me, that wound could never heal but at least, it doesn't sting as it did once before.

"Well, I can't stay angry forever," She said, and I could see it in her eyes, there was no rage, not that old fury or fear, no pain and it allowed me to breathe a bit better. Then, she shrugged, "I can hate you forever, though," She added, a small nonchalant smile touching her lips.

I nodded, "Can't have it any other way," I said.

Lilly shifted slightly in my embrace, grabbing my gaze and attention back to her, watching as her eyelids fell and she snuggled against my shoulder and the crook of my neck, "Hey, are you falling asleep?" I asked softly as I carressed the top of her red cheek.

She lifted her eyelids, opening them, her head tilting up slightly so she could look at me, "I am tired," She mumbled lowly. Worried lines creased my forehead, "Why? What's wrong?"

Cara edged closer, brushing the hair from over Lilly's face, "She just hasn't slept well in the past days," She said, gently caressing her face.

Lilly nodded her head, her lazy eyes gazing at me, "I want to sleep," She mumbled, ever so tiredly.

I leaned closer and pressed a kiss to her temple, "But if you slept, who will eat the cake?"

And that's all it took; she pulled her head from over my shoulder, gazing up at me, and energy rushed back to her eyes full force, "There is cake?" She asked, interested, even the tone of her voice shifted.

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, a very big one," I said.

Her eyes widened in astonishment and she turned to her mother, "Mommy," She said, ever so adorably, tilting her head and flashing her the puppy eyes, "I can have cake, right?" She said, emotionally blackmailing her.

Cara's lips twitched and she nodded her head, unable to refuse her offer, "Okay, but just one little piece," She said.

A big grin spread over Lilly's lips, her sleep long forgotten and she turned her head to me, clapping her hands together, "Let's get cake," She said, so very excited.

I nodded, "Okay, in a bit, we will—"

She rested her hand over my cheek and shook her head, "No, now, please," She requested, her lower lip curling in a small pout.

"Okay, but let's wait for Alex—" I tried to say but she shook her head interrupting me. Then, the little adorable devil leaned closer and pecked my cheek, "Daddy, I love you, so, now," She said, still flashing me those cute puppy eyes.

I chuckled lowly at her antics and shook my head, "Stop blackmailing me," I said, my eyebrow raising. I was so weak when it came to her; she had me wrapped around her little finger.

Confused lines etched her forehead and shook her head, "No, I don't...bla—uh...mail you," She mumbled, uncertain as she tried to pronounce the word and failed, "I don't know that."

I chuckled lowly and so did Cara, shaking her head at her little girl, "She is the devil, believe me," She said.

Lilly gasped and looked at her mother with wide eyes, "Mommy, no bad words!" She said, scolding her mother, ever so strictly.

Cara gazed back at her with a heartfelt look, one that shifted slightly, into something resembling worry as they fell on me, uncertainty flashed in her eyes, "Look, Nikolas, if you are going to be a part of their lives," She started, taking a glimpse into the future, "Then there are some rules that we need to talk about, some boundaries we should set—"

I was shaking my head before she could carry on, "No, Cara, we don't have to—"

Lines tightened between her brows, thinking I was disagreeing with her, "No, we have to," She added, her tone shifting a bit into an angry one, misunderstanding me.

I shook my head, "We don't have to, because the thing is," I said, my gaze flickering to Lilly in my arms and my heart broke all over again, "I will not be a part of their lives," I added, my voice dropping down at that harsh reality.

My eyes met Cara's again, her confusion tumbled out in waves as she tried to comprehend my words so I explained, "I thought about it, a lot, and this is the only solution I can come up with," I spoke, the hundred million scenarios that played in my head of a possible future where they'd end up hurt because of me forced me to tread into such a territory.

"I can't be selfish with them," I shook my head; I just can't. "I have to do right by them and I feel this is the only guarantee," I added, "They can't learn the truth, Cara, they shouldn't ever," I said, shaking my head at the mere thought, "I can't hurt them like that, it would kill me to hurt them in that way."

The muscles of my jaw worked as I sought some control, "If I stayed, the risk of them finding out, of them getting hurt would always be higher," I said, my throat felt so fucking tight as I carried on, "She is growing up, and one day soon she will start to understand the absurdity of this situation," I said, addressing the little girl in my arms, the one that had a very tight grip over my weak heart, "So, I have to get out before that."

Silently, Cara listened to me, her eyes reflecting a silent agreement with every word I spoke. "Did you...did you tell Alex?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I shook my head, "Not yet," I said as I lowered Lilly onto the floor next to me, my eyes flickering from her and back to her mother, "But after the wedding, the honeymoon, and all that, Natalie and I will move out of here," I added.

This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was the culmination of months of planning and agonizing over details. We were moving to another city, another state altogether, expanding our work and starting our lives.

The weight of my words hung in the air, the enormity of the decision pressing down on me, almost crunching me beneath its intensity. My heart ached with every beat, a painful reminder of what I was about to lose. Yet, I knew it was necessary.

My lips lifted into a small smile as I detected a bit of worry in Cara's eyes, and I knew at who it was directed, "Alex will always be a part of my life, Cara," I said, understanding the thoughts running in her head, "I don't think it's even possible for me to do this life any other way," I added, "But to keep that part going, I have to extract myself out of Lilly and Max's lives."

For once, I have to do the right thing, even if the right thing fucking sucked.

She absorbed every word I spoke and after a couple of seconds, she nodded her head, "I don't want to sound heartless or anything but," She said, "It's the right thing to do," She added, her hand resting over the top of Lilly's head, who was standing next to her, her little hands busy playing with her ribbon, trying to untie it from over her hair with utter concentration.

"We've suffered enough, so I just hope..." She gazed down at Lilly with a somber look, "I hope that they won't have to."

Her eyes flickered back to mine, a distinctive softness in her eyes, "The cycle must be broken, right?"

I nodded my head, "It has to."

Before she could say another thing, her eyes flickered behind me, and an immediate smile broke into her face. Softness swarmed her eyes, lightening them up, urging me to turn around too, but before I could manage to move, Alex shot out, "Wait, don't look," He said, his hand on my shoulder, pushing and forcing me away, "Close your eyes," He urged.

Lines etched my forehead, "Why?"

I heard his very loud sigh, "Just close them, trust me," He said. A loud breath pushed off from my lungs and I did as he said for some reason. My eyelids dropped and I felt him move around me, coming right across, "I am gonna show you the cutest little shit in this whole world," He added, shifting around, "Okay now, you can open your eyes."

My eyelids lifted, my gaze falling on Alex first before they fell into the little boy in his arms, and involuntarily, my heart flew before it crashed.

The sight of him hit me like a tidal wave all over again, sweeping away all my defenses. Whenever my eyes would gaze at him, the pain would mix with an emotion so pleasurable yet so agonizingly sweet; looking at his face was both torturous and euphoric. It was a contradiction that twisted my insides, stealing my breath away.

"Look, look at what he is wearing," Alex commented in utter astonishment, "Can you believe they make suits this little," Alex added, unable to grasp the fact before he rested his cheek on the top of Max's head, "God, I can't believe he is wearing a tiny suit, isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen?" He added and pressed a couple of kisses on the top of the kid's head, unable to get enough of him either.

"Ask him what he's wearing, ask him," Alex urged me, acting like a kid himself and I tried to shake myself back in. I edged closer, brought my hand, and fixed his little collar, his innocent green eyes were focused on me, following my every movement; "What are you wearing?" I asked, the words pushing out of my hoarse throat as I tried to get a grip on my heart.

He turned his head to Alex, as if seeking assurance and Alex nodded his head, encouraging him, "Come on, say it, I've been teaching you this word for the past two days," He said, his eyebrow raising, "You can't fail me now."

Max turned his head back to me, his hand moved up, his little fingers clutched into the lapels of his teeny tiny blazer, "Thoot," He muttered in his distinctive baby voice.

I couldn't help my low laugh and Alex looked like he was melting as well. He pecked the kid's cheek again and again, "Ahh, my stupid boy, I love you," He mumbled. Then, he pressed his palm over his chest, "Okay Max, who am I?" He asked, indirectly showing me how he was capable of making full words by now.

Max stared at him, his lips twitching slightly, "Dadda," he mumbled and Alex nodded, ever so proudly.

He pointed at Lilly next, "And who's that?"

Max let out a low happy laugh at the sight of his sister, and he pointed his finger at her, "Lee."

"I am Lilly!" Lilly pointed out, her eyebrows pulling closer in annoyance.

Alex covered Lilly's face with his whole hand, gently pushing her back, "I am showing everyone your brother's talents, shush," He said and Lilly glared at him before she came closer to my side, her arms wrapping around my leg. I rested my palm over the top of her head and soothingly carressed her hair.

Alex pointed at Cara, who edged closer, smiling adorably at little him and playfully scrunched her nose, "And who's that?"

Max's lips formed the biggest happiest softest smile ever, and a low laugh of glee erupted from him, "Mama," He said, extending his arms forward toward her, asking to be held by her but Alex didn't let him, pulling him back, "Wait, wait, we have one person left—"

He pointed at me next, "And who's that very unpleasant person?" Alex asked one last time.

Max's eyes fell on me, his gaze flickering all over my face for a long moment before he brought his hand up and poked my cheek, "Nicky," he mumbled in his adorable baby voice and I lost sense of the messiness inside me.

The innocence radiating from him pierced through the layers of my heart, leaving me exposed and vulnerable. Yet, within that vulnerability, I found a joy so profound it was almost painful, a happiness that filled me to the brim but also threatened to overflow.

I tried to get a grip on myself, turned to Alex, and shot him a playful glare, "Seriously?"

Alex winked, nodding his head as he proudly patted his hand over the top of Max's head, "Yes, he is Nicky," He said, assuring Max and engraving that nickname in his head, "Good boy."

He edged closer and kissed Max once more, "God, this breathtaking smell," He mumbled, his eyelids dropping as he hugged him ever so tightly. Edging back, he brushed his hair back, and ran his hand over his little blazer, fixing it, "Okay, now let Nicky hold you for a bit before you go and eat," He said as he pushed him at me.

Startled, I instinctively reached out to catch him before he'd fall. I shot Alex a glare, frustrated by how he kept doing this. My hand carefully clutched the boy, cautiously pulling him closer, my arm wrapping protectively around him as I cradled his little body to my chest. He looked up at me with big, wonderous eyes, and then, with a mischievous smile, he brought his hand to my face and poked my eye, "Nicky," he addressed me again, his voice the softest of melodies.

I smiled, leaning closer, and left a tender kiss over his temple, my eyelids dropping as I drank into his heart-melting baby scent. His presence was both a soothing balm and a sharp knife, healing and hurting in equal measure. It was as if the universe had distilled its beauty and pain into this single, perfect being, and in his presence, I was both shattered and whole.

"Is he hungry?" Cara asked Alex, addressing his last words.

Alex nodded his head, "Yeah, he's been saying boobs boobs since we got here," He said, making Cara's eyes widen slightly and she instantly smacked the back of his head, "How many times did I tell you not to say that word next to him!" She scolded.

Alex brushed his hand over the back of his head, flashing her a look of betrayal, "You can't forbid me from saying my favorite word!" He said, ever so seriously.

Cara's eyes narrowed at him, "You know I am trying to get him used to formula, he won't forget about —you know what if you keep saying it," She added, looking more than ready to bury him ten feet under. Apparently, he goes about his day annoying everyone, not just me.

My gaze flickered to Max, who gazed at them before he looked at me, ever so clueless about what was going on. I brought my hand and brushed the side of his hair before I carressed his cheek, nodding my head as I whispered, only for him, "Yeah, you're so lucky," I mumbled, a small smile touching my lips.

His eyes crinkled and he smiled, and he poked my cheek once more, "Bewbs," He said, ever so giddily.

I couldn't hold back my chuckle. I looked at Alex, and shook my head, "Alex, what did you do," I said.

Max turned his head to his mother, extending his arms forward, "Mama," He mumbled, his lower lip forming a small pout, "Bewbs," he added again, making her facepalm before she came closer and carefully took him from me.

Max's fingers curled over the neck of her dress, trying to pull it down as he muttered that word again. Cara curled her hand over his, gently moving it away before she turned and glared at Alex, "You're a dead man," She threatened him.

His eyes widened, "What did I do," He said, ever so innocently.

She began to walk away, gently talking with Max about preparing his formula. He shook his head in refusal, tugging at her dress again, his little hands clinging with determined insistence. Lilly noticed her mother walking away, "Mommy, wait," she called out, scurrying after her, asking for something as well.

My gaze flickered from them to Alex, who had pushed his hand into his front pocket, a permanent smile etched on his face as he watched them. The sight of his serene expression steadied my heart, its frantic beating calming down, finding a rhythm in the tranquility of this stage we've reached.

Footsteps approached, drawing closer. I turned my head to the left and saw Ronald pause beside me, two drinks in hand. He extended one to Alex, "Oh, just what I needed," Alex said, thanking him as he took the drink.

Ronald's eyes flickered to me, and I shot him a glare, my annoyance simmering beneath the surface, perhaps heightened by the knowledge that I couldn't hurt him today due to my promises and that he hugged me, the fucking asshole.

Ronald rolled his eyes, sighing loudly as he sipped his drink.

"Stop looking at me like that," he shot out when my glare didn't waver, his voice laced with exasperation.

"Stop breathing so loudly, then," I grated out, feeling a surge of irritation.

His eyes widened and he pushed his arms in the air, "Wha— ugh never mind, you are so very infuriating," He grumbled, "And here I came to congratulate and welcome you into our family," he said.

I scoffed, "As if I need you to welcome me," I said.

His eyes narrowed at me, "You're a horrible person, you know that."

I nodded, unfazed, "Yeah, I know."

He kept glaring at me, "How do you even sleep at night," He said ever so sarcastically as he took another sip.

I shrugged, ever so casually, "With your sister," I said and his eyes widened, the drink went down the wrong pipe and he started coughing, rubbing his hand over his throat to blunt the ache.

Alex chuckled before he tapped his hand over Ronald's back, trying to ease his discomfort and I smiled, so very satisfied as I reveled in his misery.

Natalie caught a sense that I was annoying her brother so she pushed herself away from the crowd and came toward us, her eyes suspiciously narrowing at me. I gave her a wink and her expression relaxed, a small smile breaking over her face.

"Ah Nate, here you are," Alex said, ever so excitedly. He pushed his drink into my hand, "Hold this," He commanded, making sure to spill some of the liquid over my hands and my jaw tightened at his gestures. Alex pulled Natalie into a hug, she laughed lowly and hugged him back, "Thank you for making an honest man out of my brother," he said, glancing at me with a grin.

I glared at him, but Natalie's low laugh managed to soothe the sharp edges of my irritation, "Well, thank you for sending him my way," She said and Alex gave her a very proud look, taking credit for all of this.

"Of course, of course, anyway, now before I welcome you into your new role as my sister-in-law, you need to prove yourself worthy of the title," He said, ever so seriously, "So, go ahead, tell me what's the most annoying thing you've done to Nikolas?"

Natalie's eyes flickered from him to me, going on with his silly game, "Well, there are so many," She said, teasingly, throwing me a kiss as she read the annoyance on my face. Then, it clicked in her head, "Oh, well, there is this one thing, I don't know if it's the most annoying but it's the most recent—"

"Natalie," I shot out, stopping her, already comprehending what she was about to tell him.

She flashed me an innocent look, "Please, please, let me tell him, I wanna be worthy," She said, pouting like a kid.

A loud breath pushed out of my chest and I kept silent, internally questioning all of my life decisions, "So, so, you know how my mother and his father used to...you know —love each other and whatnot," She started to explain, her face contorting in discomfort at the mere thought of it.

Alex nodded, "Yeah, so very awkward by the way," He commented.

Natalie sighed, "Yeah, tell me about it," She mumbled, "Anyway, so my mom always kept these diaries where she wrote lots of things, so I kind of lied this one time and told Nikolas that she wrote about her uhm...you know...having sex with his father and that she wrote it in explicit details and that I've read it—"

"What?" Ronald whispered in utter shock, his face paling and he looked like he was about to faint.

Natalie's eyes flickered to him and she waved her hand at him, "Ronald, close your ears, this conversation is older than you," She said and I kept praying for patience. I stared down at Alex's drink in my hand, and without a second thought, I brought it to my mouth and took a huge gulp, needing it now more than ever.

Natalie turned to Alex, who looked happier than ever, "Anyways, we were," She said, pointing between me and her, "...you know, about to do the deed, and uh Nikolas did this thing and I said—" her throat bobbed and she lowered her voice, her eyes drifting down as she shifted on her feet, "That's how your father used to do it," She added, nervously biting at her lower lip before she looked back at Alex, "So, he stopped and he said he won't have sex with me till after the wedding."

I took another gulp of the drink in my hand, finishing it and it wasn't enough. I needed more.

Alex threw his head back, laughing out loud before he pulled Natalie back into his embrace, "Oh my god, you are my long lost sister indeed," he said, enjoying this way too much and I kept glaring at them both, my frustration palpable in the air.

"I shouldn't be hearing any of this," Ronald mumbled lowly, the color leaving his face and he turned around, almost stumbling as he tried to walk away, "I am gonna—" He mumbled, "I am gonna go."

My gaze flickered from Ronald's retreating back to these two crazy humans who made their life mission to annoy me for as long as I kept breathing. Alex kept his arm around Natalie's shoulder, "I swear I love her, I sure found you a keeper, haven't I?"

I kept glaring at him, my jaw ticking as my eyes flickered to Natalie, who flashed me an innocent look, throwing me another kiss in the air but as my glare persisted and I began to question the degree of my love for her.

Lines creased her brows in sadness when I didn't budge and she broke away from Alex, edging closer to attempt and calm me down.

Alex's phone buzzed, so he pulled it out, "It's Ashton," He mumbled, pressing the phone to his ear, "They probably got here," He said, excusing himself as he made his way past us to look for them.

Natalie paused only when she was so close to me, she brought her arms up and wrapped them around my neck, tiptoeing and softly pecking my lips, "Are you still mad?" She asked, her lips curling into a pout at my annoyed expression.

I nodded, "Yeah, very."

Lines tightened over her forehead and she ever so seriously asked, "So, you're not gonna have sex with me tonight?"

My eyebrow raised, and my gaze flickered all over her beautiful face, "You have no idea what I am going to do to you tonight," I said, my arm sneaking around her waist, my palm pressing over her lower back and pulling her closer to me.

Her lips curled up in utter satisfaction, "Really?" She asked, her face lightening up, a child innocence-like look in her blue eyes, almost like I was offering her candy. God, this girl, she will be the death of me, there is no doubt there.

I leaned closer, my lips descended, and captured her in a brief kiss that didn't quell my hunger, but just enough to keep the animal in me at bay for now. She rested her hand over my cheek, gazing up at me in a way that made me feel unsteady, almost like I was her whole world, holding the key to everything she needed in my palms.

She brushed her thumb over the top of my cheek, and a tease fluttered over her plump lips, "How about we ditch all these people and start the honeymoon right away?"

My eyebrow raised, "I was the one who wanted that, you wanted all of this nonsense," I commented, gesturing for these people gathered here to celebrate us on this day. I would've much rather had her all to myself instead of this.

She sighed, "Yeah, I am starting to regret that," She mumbled, her hand moving from my cheek to the corner of my mouth, "I don't want them, I just want you—" She added, pecking my lips once more and mumbling into them, "On top of me, that's all."

A low chuckle vibrated from my chest and I brought my hand to her face, my thumb grazing her lower lip, "If only you knew what I want to do to this big mouth of yours right now."

"I know you think these are threats, but they make me so very happy and excited," She commented, being a little minx.

I nodded with a smile, "I know," I said, she was as crazy as me I guess, "Where were you my whole life," The words tumbled out of me over a small whisper, unable to remember what my life was before her.

She shrugged, "I guess I came at the right time," She said, moving her hand and playing with my collar. I nodded, "Yeah, yeah, you sure did."

"Can you believe that we got married," She mumbled, her eyes flickering back to mine, "I mean I already planned this day the first time you walked into my office but still—"

A low sigh pushed out of her lips, "It was a bit scary, wasn't it?"

I brought my hand and tucked some loosened strands of her hair behind her ear. I nodded my head, "It was," I said, I was nervous as hell, "Until I saw you."

Her lips curled into the softest of smiles, making my heart beat faster and my chest feel lighter. "So, about ditching these insignificant people?" I stressed, more than ready to whisk her away at this very moment. All she had to do was say yes.

She pouted and shook her head sadly, the logical her taking over, "I want to, more than anything," She mumbled, trying to edge backward and build distance but with my palm over her lower back, I pulled her back to me, "But we can't, just an hour or two, be patient," She added, trying to pry herself away from me again.

"That's not one of my virtues," I said as I shook my head, my hand ever so innocently wandering down and moving below her back. She understood my intentions and slapped my hand away, her eyes widening in warning, "Nik, there are people here," She hissed at me.

I used my other hand to cup the side of her neck, angling her face just right so I could kiss her lips, the corner of her mouth, her jaw, and leave a hot trail down her neck and behind her ear. "So?" I mumbled against her delicate skin, "You are my wife."

The very sweet taste of her amplified my need to carry her over my shoulder and take off from here. My jaw tightened at the possible options and I sought some control, edging my head back and gazing into her eyes as she looked at me.

"It does have a nice tone to it," she mumbled with a shy smile, addressing the my wife part of it, and trying to absorb the reality of it all.

I nodded my head, "Yeah," I said, "You see, the ring you are wearing isn't just for show, Mrs. Viarchi," I said, "You are my wife," I pecked her lips again, "Only mine. I get to do whatever I want to you."

"As you say, Mr. Natalie Blake, as you say," She said, as teasingly as ever.

"You drive me half mad every day, you know that," I said.

She nodded, "And you are my ruination, you know that."

"You haven't seen anything yet," I said, a distinctive darkness in my tone as I thought of the possible ways I was going to devour her, "I will ruin both you and me tonight."

She licked her lips, making me lose my mind already as I stared at them, a beautiful ripe for kissing, I wanted to claim them forever, "Well, why don't you enlighten me and tell me exactly how you'll do that," She insisted.

"I'd rather show you," I said.

She cleared her throat, trying to act unaffected, "You're gonna make me beg, aren't you," She said, trying to act defensive.

"I do love it when you beg," I said, ever so honestly.

"You are the devil," She said back, playfully narrowing her eyes at me.

I shrugged, "You love me anyway," I said.

She nodded her head, "That I do," She smiled, edging back a bit, "That I do, you big bad boy," She added, using one of her nicknames that annoys me so I smacked her ass before I let go of her body.

She gasped lowly and her eyes widened before she playfully punched my arm. I gave her a wink and redness spread all over her cheeks. I really needed her to walk away before I did something irrational.

I tore my eyes away from her and right then, my gaze fell on Jeremy, making his way toward us. Natalie noticed him and she was beyond grateful for his presence, needing the distraction as much as I did, "Ahh Jeremy!" She said in delight, moving closer and giving him a quick hug.

When they pulled away, he turned to me, a big smile spread over his lips, "Congrats, boss," He said, ever so giddily.

I nodded with a smile, "Thanks, Jeremy."

"So, uh, do I get to hug you too?" He asked, making my eyebrows pull closer, "Ronald is going around telling everyone that you hugged him," He explained.

A very loud sigh pushed out of my lungs and I cursed Ronald under my breath, "I am gonna kill him."

Jeremy gave me a sad look, "So, no hugs?"

My eyebrow raised and he huffed out, "I thought I was your right-hand man, Ronald won't let me hear the end of it now," He whined.

Kids, I work with literal kids.

Natalie sensed that I was so close to causing a scene, so she curled her hand over Jeremy's arm, "Jeremy, there is someone I want you to meet," She urged, "She is my cousin on Dad's side, she is a software engineer and a nerd just like you," She added, attempting to drag him away, "I think you two will hit it off."

Jeremy's horrified eyes flickered to me, internally screaming Help-me, "Boss, I think your wife is trying to set me up," He said in absolute fear.

I nodded my head, his words involuntarily pushed a smile onto my face. Yeah, my wife.

*****************

Alex, Roman, Ashton, and I were gathered in one spot, having a drink. Alex was going on muttering nonsense per usual, Roman would indulge him while Ashton couldn't seem less bothered. Similar to him, I didn't care to listen to Alex, my gaze was rather focused on Lilly, who had become a hundred times more energized since she got here, probably due to the sugar of the three pieces of cake she had consumed.

She tricked her mother, me, and Alex and won three pieces in total. Even though she wasn't biologically my own, but I guess she inherited those blackmailing genes from me.

She curled her hand over Ashton's son's arm, forcefully dragged him to the middle floor, and obliged him to dance along with her.

He was so very annoyed at first, glaring at her but as she twirled around, laughing and jumping in the air, ever so carefree, he gave up and indulged her in it, holding her hand and moving around with her. My eyes narrowed at him, searching for the tiniest reason to interfere and kidnap him again, but they were both having fun at the moment so I brushed it off. For now.

My gaze flickered from them to Ronald, who was standing all alone at a close distance, one of his hands pushed into his front pocket, the other so very tight over his drink as he gazed at something at a distance. I followed his path of sight, my eyes falling on the table where Giovanni was seated with his daughter right next to him.

Interesting.

Excusing myself, I walked away and headed toward his side, my revenge plan for all he had done earlier cooking in my head already. I paused when I was next to him and he pretended not to see me at first. He averted his gaze away from the girl and looked down, kicking the rock with his shoe, as if it was the most interesting thing in the whole world.

"So, how did you screw it up?" I asked, a part of me slightly curious too. A faint smile lifted my lips as I recalled her kicking him, that was for the ages.

A low breath pushed off his chest, and I thought he'd just ignore me, instead, he actually gave me an answer, "I promised that I'd get her out of there and I didn't," He mumbled, his gaze flickering up from the ground and to me.

I shrugged, "You kind of did," I said, "True, it was my plan, but you can take the credit."

He brought the glass's edge to his lips and took a large gulp. He lowered it down and shook his head, "It was too late by then anyway," He said, "I should've gotten her out right after I got out, she was at her last phase of training," He added, his gaze flickering back to her, "You know exactly what they do at the last phase, for the girls I mean."

Lines etched my forehead as I read the hidden words between the lines, and my gaze involuntarily flickered to Celiá, finally making sense of the situation, "I got Emma out before that," I mumbled lowly.

Ronald nodded, and the muscles of his jaw worked, tight and tense, "Yeah, and I didn't."

His current miserable state almost made me back out on my revenge plan, but if you think about it, my plan also could help him in a way, so two birds with one stone. I reached forward, snatching the drink from his hand, and rested it over the nearest table, "Wha—"

"Come with me," I said, my arm going around his shoulder as I forcefully dragged him alongside me.

He tried to pull away but I tightened my grip over his shoulder, a bit harsh, "Nikolas, what are you doing," He hissed, still fighting to get free and failing.

"I will make you meet your future father-in-law, that's all," I said, pausing to stop by their table.

"Giovanni, hey," I said with a welcoming smile, "So glad you made it," I added.

The man smiled at my sight, getting up to his feet and coming closer. He extended his hand forward and I shook it, "Nikolas, Congrats," he said, "Met your girl a bit ago, she is one of a kind," He commented and my smile widened. She was indeed.

Celiá stood up as well, coming near her father, her wary eyes drifting from me to Ronald beside me, then back to me, confused and questioning my intentions.

I turned my head to Ronald before I faced Giovanni again, "I don't think you've met Ronald before, have you," I started, finally pulling my arm away from Ronald, now that he couldn't escape, "He is my wife's brother."

"Oh, I don't think we've met before," Giovanni said, and he extended his hand forward, a gesture of kindness, "Giovanni Marcello," He introduced himself.

Ronald's throat bobbed and he shook his hand, "I know, sir," He mumbled, redness rushing over his neck and I smiled as I watched him squirm and ever so nervous, "It's so nice to meet you."

"Giovanni, did you know that Ronald and Celiá were in the HEX together?" I started and Celiá's eyes widened, looking at me and internally asking me to stop talking.

"What the hell are you doing?" Ronald hissed beside me.

"Taking my revenge," I whispered back as I patted his back ever so casually.

Lines etched at the man's forehead, "Oh, really," he muttered lowly, a bit taken aback and confused as he turned his head to his daughter, questioning her.

She tried to quickly recover, averting her eyes away from me, and faced her father, "Uh yeah, we—we were at the same unit."

Giovanni was a smart man, so he immediately sensed something was brewing beneath the surface. His eyes flickered to Ronald immediately, his discerning gaze trying to read the invisible and attempting to figure out the whole story.

Trying to cut immediately to the chase, I spoke, "Yeah, they even dated for a while, if I am not mistaken," I said.

"Nikolas!" Ronald hissed and Celiá facepalmed, wishing for the ground to open up and swallow her.

"And our boy over here promised to get her out but he didn't," I added, my hand curling over Ronald's arm and pushing him forward toward the man, "So, Giovanni, he's all yours."

With my mission accomplished, I turned around and left them to deal with it. I walked away, only to be stopped midway by Natalie, who came out of nowhere and cut my way, she narrowed her eyes at me, "You have that look in your eyes," She pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What look?" I asked.

"That devilish look you have when you've done something bad and you're happy about it," She commented, knowing me so very well.

I smiled, feeling happy indeed. She kept her eyes narrowed at me, "What did you do?"

I gave her a shrug and her eyes flickered around, going behind me and tracing the path I came from, then her eyes widened in shock, "Is Giovanni pointing a gun at Ronald's chest?" She said in shock, gasping and ready to scurry forward for his rescue.

My hand curled over her arm, pulling her back, "Leave them, he won't hurt him,"
I said, sure of that; well, not a hundred percent sure, I mean it's Ronald after all, who is gonna miss him anyway, "Let them figure it out on their own," I said and she glared at me, gaping in shock, "Nikolas!"

"What? I promised I wouldn't carry a gun, I didn't promise my guests won't carry a gun too," I said, defending myself. I was innocent for once.

She let out a low groan before she rushed a hand over her face, "I can't believe I will have a lifetime of this," She said, ever so mockingly. Wasn't she the same woman gushing about being my wife a bit ago?

Her eyes flickered back to them, scrutinizing for details and trying to understand what was happening. I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to my side, explaining it to her, "You see the girl next to him," I pointed out and she nodded her head, "She is Giovanni's daughter, she is the one I told you about."

Her eyes widened in realization, "Oh, oh," She said, looking at them still, and then she smiled, "She is so beautiful," She added, "And she looks like she could kick Ronald's ass," She added with a low chuckle.

I nodded my head, "Exactly," I said, "Which is why I am rooting for them."

Natalie gave me a knowing look, shaking her head at me like I was so silly.

"Anyway, enough of that," I pulled her closer to my side, "It's time for our dance."

Lines creased between her eyebrows as I pulled her toward the middle area, where some people gathered and danced every now and then, "I thought you hated dancing," She mumbled as we took our spot.

I nodded my head, "I still do," I said, my arm circling around her waist, my other wrapping around her hand, "But we are just moving to the music," I added with a wink, recalling similar words of hers from before.

She rested her hand on my shoulder, her other one sinking in mine as we softly moved to the music playing. Emotions swarmed her vision, and her eyes, so blue, so vivid and boundless as the summer sky, gazed up at me with an intensity that made my heart race, ready to tear through the confines of my chest.

They shimmered with a thousand unspoken words, and she didn't need them, words weren't important, they were unnecessary sometimes. I understood her fully just as she understood me.

People clapped for us, and some even whistled. Their applause faded into oblivion; I cared for no one at this moment, only she existed in my world —the center of my universe.

"Remember our first date?" Natalie whispered, her eyes lost down memory lane.

"The real one or the fake one?" I asked.

She giggled lowly, "Remember how I kissed you and how you ran for the hills," She pointed out, "And look at you now, married to me and all," She added, ever so proudly.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, you placed a spell on me," I said.

She edged closer, resting her head against my shoulder, diminishing any distance between us and we moved to the slow rhythm, "I am sorry, Nikolas," She whispered, a bit of melancholy in her words, "For everything I made you go through."

Her apology sliced through the moment, raw and tender. I tightened my hold over her, my heart swelling. The memories of our struggles, our battles, and the bloody war that brought us here, all washed over me in a shocking wave.

As hard as I tried not to think of him, he always managed to break through the barrier in such moments, his little face taking residence behind my eyes, and his scared voice on the phone rang in my ears, deafening me.

"Don't be," I whispered back, my voice thick with emotions too heavy for me to make sense of, "We talked all about that before, Natalie. Everything we went through brought us here, to this moment."

She tightened her arm around my back, burying herself deeper into my embrace, scared that some external force would tear me away from her. I brought my hand up, tenderly running it through her hair, wishing to soothe any residual pain left in her, "I am sorry too," I added, leaning down and pressing a kiss into her head, "I am not the victim in this story."

She edged her head back, gazing up at me and she brought her hand to my face, resting it over my cheek, "You were," She whispered, her eyes becoming moist, "It was your story Nikolas, and everyone played a part in your pain, even me," The first tear fell down her cheek and I edged my head closer, my forehead resting over hers, "My baby, you were a victim to so many horrible things," She mumbled, sniffling lowly, "I wish...I wish I could just go back and protect you from all of that."

I shook my head, "You don't have to, because you already did so much more," I said.

Wasn't she aware that she already healed so many wounds, so many scars, that I wouldn't be here, capable of carrying on, of smiling, of talking and laughing; that I was only able to move on and fight, to find a new purpose because of what she'd taught me since I've met her.

I would've never done this with anyone but her. It wasn't possible.

Falling in love, getting married, moving on, all these...they weren't part of my plan, she wasn't part of my plan. I was always a man with a plan but she was unplanned in every way possible, she was this euphoric twist of fate. Yet she had me entrapped, addicted, hooked on her before I could manage to say no.

I brushed her cheek, so tender and delicate, like everything she is, "We can't keep dwelling on that past, right," I whispered, knowing very well that if I trod down that path, I would never come back, "We have a whole future waiting for us, so many memories to make, those that could overcome all the bad, so let's focus on that, okay?"

She sniffled and a small smile broke through, "Look at you, giving me advice and hope and whatnot," She mumbled, "I did leave my imprint on you, didn't I?"

I smiled at her crazy self and nodded, "You did."

"I am not the same man who walked into your office that day."

"You are," She said, "You are the same," She shrugged, her soft gaze flickering all over my face, "I just happened to unravel his layers," She said, "One by one."

"And what did you find behind and beneath all those layers?" I asked.

Her smile widened, "Something so beautiful," She said, "The love of my life, my husband, and the future father of my kids."

My heart felt light and heavy at once, "Natalie, you know that there is a possibility that we might never have that—"

She shook her head, interrupting me, "Nikolas, your diagnosis was done so many years ago, medicine has progressed so much ever since, so when we want to, there will be so many things and options we could try," She said, "And if that doesn't work, then it's okay, we will deal with it all, we've dealt with so much worse," She added, "I chose you Nikolas, I want only you, and the rest, we can deal with as we go through it."

I nodded, sinking into the hopeful depths of her beautiful gaze. She tiptoed and pecked my lips, silencing any lingering dark thoughts before resting her head on my shoulder, swaying gently to the rhythm of our heartbeats.

I held her close and I couldn't help but take a quick look around, at all those that I cared about, those I could call my own; my family. The family that I finally got the chance to have.

My gaze fell first on Emma, seated at one of the tables. She leaned back wearily, murmuring something to Roman. Worried lines etched his forehead as he listened attentively before leaning forward to lift her legs, resting them gently over his lap. He massaged them tenderly, her earlier anger fading into a soft pout. She brushed his hair back and murmured, "I love you." He smiled at those simple words, repeating them as he pecked her lips and then leaned down to kiss her baby bump.

Noah edged to their side and Emma wrapped her arm around his small shoulders, pulling him even closer. He looked up at her with a happy smile before resting his little hand on her bump, caressing it gently, and whispering something to the baby.

My eyes left them, noticing Ronald and Celiá at a distance, apparently indulging in some type of a heated argument; well, she looked like she was shouting while he silently listened to every word. She brought the cloth in her hand to his face, wiping at his lip, where Giovanni made sure to leave his mark. She wiped away at the blood as she resumed scolding him. He just stared back at her with a smile.

Behind them, I watched Jeremy, engrossed in a conversation with some girl, probably Natalie's distant cousin or something. She was showing him something on her phone, he pulled his glasses up, watching in utter concentration before he looked at her and smiled, his previously terrified eyes from when Natalie dragged him away long gone.

Not far from them, I spotted Alex and Cara. They sat close, with Max in Cara's lap. Alex was tickling his tummy, making him burst into joyous laughter, his head thrown back in sheer delight. Cara looked down at him with pure happiness, her own laughter mingling with his. Alex said something that made her laugh even louder. He then curled his arm around her chair, pulling her closer and leaning in for a kiss. But Max, ever playful, climbed up and pushed them apart, earning an exaggerated glare from Alex.

My heart swelled and soared and I knew, just like she mentioned in her letter, that I had survived.

The music started to die down, singling that the song was over. Natalie edged back, looking at me with a heartfelt smile but before she could say a thing, her father walked closer to us, his eyes on me as he asked, "Can I steal her for a bit?" He asked.

I smiled and nodded my head. She flashed me a happy look before she rested her hand on his and they had their father-daughter dance.

I turned around, searching for a specific little girl. My eyes widened a bit when I spotted her crying, her head buried in her little hands, with Chase standing next to her, gazing at her with a clueless worried look.

I moved closer, crouching down by her side, my hand gently curled over her arms as I pulled her closer to me, "Hey, hey, what's wrong?" I asked.

I turned to the boy and shot him a glare, "What did you do?"

His eyebrows pulled closer at my tone and he shook his head, "I didn't do anything."

Lilly pulled her head from her hands, her tearful red eyes falling on mine, "My ribbon," She cried out and I glanced at her hair, the ribbon long gone, "I lost my ribbon," She mumbled, sniffling as more tears fell, "It fell," She said and I pulled her to my chest, hugging her, "Hey, it's okay, it's okay, don't cry, you know how these tears break my heart."

Chase moved closer, his hand reaching and he rested it over the side of her head, "We will find it," He said, little lines between his eyebrows as he looked at her, "Don't cry, I will find your ribbon."

"Yeah, come here," I urged, picking her up and she sank into my embrace, wrapping her arms around my neck, "Mommy said not to lose it," She mumbled into my shoulder. I brought my hand and wiped the tears from over her face, "It's okay, we will find it."

I looked down and Chase, "Search everywhere," I commanded, "Don't stop till you find it."

He glared at me, not satisfied with my tone before he looked at Lilly, then, he nodded his head, "Okay," He mumbled.

Leaving him to get his job done, I took Lilly in my arms and tried to calm her down. After half an hour, she was getting way too sleepy, and Max was fast asleep by then, so Alex picked them up and took them home.

As the day wound down and people began to leave, I suddenly felt a tug at my pants from behind. I turned around and looked down, my eyes falling on Ashton's son. Confused, I crouched down. "What is it?"

His innocent eyes flickered around before they fell on me, "Where is Lilly?"

"She was tired, so her father took her back home," I said, my eyes falling on the blue ribbon in his tight grip. My eyebrow raised, amused slightly, "You found it?"

He smiled and he looked at it, "Yes, I did."

I smiled back at him, I might never admit it but he was a little bit adorable too, "Okay, why don't you hide it in your pocket for now, you can give it back to her when you see her later," I suggested and he nodded his head, pushing the ribbon and squishing it in his pocket.

"You'll give it back, right?" I checked once more.

He looked at me, then back at his pocket, and nodded his head, "Yeah, I will."

*********************

Two Weeks Later...

Natalie's POV

"I'll drive, I want to drive, can I drive?" I blurted out in a hurry, dropping my luggage and rushing forward toward Gregory, snatching the keys from him before Nik could even react.

Nikolas gazed at me, his confusion evident, "Uh, okay, sure," he mumbled, his eyes narrowing slightly. You see, my husband has always had a sixth sense, and I had a feeling he was aware I was planning something. He had been giving me suspicious looks since the morning.

We had just landed in LA, back from our heavenly honeymoon, and I was eager to show him my little tiny surprise, so I should be the one driving us toward it.

I waved Gregory goodbye and hopped into the car. Nikolas joined me, still trying to fathom my overflowing energy. I started the engine and pulled the car onto the main road. Glancing at Nikolas, I couldn't hold back my smile, "The passenger princess look suits you, my hubby," I teased, and he raised an eyebrow at my mockery.

With one hand on the steering wheel, I used the other to pinch his cheek playfully. He pushed my hand away, grumbling something under his breath. "Hey, how can you be grumpy when we just had the best two weeks of our lives?" I remarked, my voice filled with light-heartedness.

Despite his earlier suspicion, his lips curled into a smile, and he relaxed into his seat. "Yeah, it was, wasn't it," he commented, his words a soft breath, filled with the sweet remnants of our shared bliss.

My smile widened, "It feels so good being married to me, doesn't it?"

He reached for my free hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it gently, "It sure does."

God, Italy had been a dream—a vivid, breathtaking journey through a landscape painted with utter perfection. He had taken me to every beautiful spot in the country, and there were so many, believe me. He even took me to the house where he first grew up, and he showed me that very beautiful lake in his painting.

We sat by its tranquil waters, creating a new memory to associate with that spot. I even pulled out his sketchbook and, with a teasing grin, asked him to draw me like one of his French girls. His confused expression was priceless—he didn't get the Titanic reference, so I made a mental note to introduce him to some cultural classics when we got back.

As I steered the wheel, my gaze flickered down to my arms, and I couldn't help but sigh. I'd attempted to get a tan but ended up looking more like a fried tomato. He, on the other hand, looked effortlessly stunning. I stole another glance at him, and my heart fluttered. His casual attire did things to me that were almost illegal. In dark blue shorts and a white short-sleeve casual shirt, his sunglasses resting at the top of his hair, he was giving me fantasies that could suffice me for a year; this relaxed allure was both new and intoxicating.

I was so accustomed to seeing him on edge, always dressed to kill, with his gun tucked at his side. This carefree version of him squeezed at my heart in ways I couldn't describe.

I let the memories wash over me, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. The golden sun bathed the road ahead, mirroring all the light golden moments we'd shared. My heart swelled, almost as if I was falling more for him more with every passing day.

God, they weren't kidding when they talked about this honeymoon phase, I feel like I am on cloud nine, and that nothing could pull me down.

Nikolas met my gaze, his green eyes, so light and tender, but that devil always lurking in the corner, ready to ruin my heart and sanity, "Where are we going?" He asked, curious and suspicious.

"I have a very small surprise for you," I said, unable to hide my smile.

His eyebrows pulled closer, questioning the reason for my gesture. I rolled my eyes at his overthinking brain, "What?" I questioned, "You gave me a perfect two weeks, I wanna give you a small thing in return," I said, it was that simple.

My words made him smile back before his gaze flickered to the semi-empty road, with trees lining each side, spreading into a vast forest. My lips twitched as I recalled old conversations of ours, "Don't worry, I am not going to kill and bury you in here," I said.

He stared at me, taken aback slightly and I smiled as I took his hand in mine, "You are too pretty to be killed."

He chuckled lowly and shook his head, "You are unbelievable."

I threw him a wink before turning on the radio, allowing soft music to fill the car as I drove us to our destination. Almost half an hour later, we were getting close, and I could finally spot the cabin house in the distance.

Nikolas looked as confused as ever, trying to understand what was happening. He really hated it when he wasn't the one in utter control. I'll just have to teach him with time how to let go and let me take some of the weight off his shoulders so that we can share it together.

I parked the car in the driveway and opened the door, "Come on," I urged Nikolas to step out as well.

His gaze shifted between me and the quaint cabin nestled among the trees, a look of wonder mixed with skepticism in his eyes. He slightly understood it. I never saw his dream, but I could imagine it to be a house as such.

As he stepped out, the late afternoon light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The forest seemed to hold its breath, enveloping us in a serene silence.

I clasped Nikolas's hand in mine, ever so tightly as I dragged him toward the door. I paused there and looked at him, "Open it," I said. In his dream, he is the one trying to open it and failing. This time he won't fail, he will open it and step inside, just like I always wanted him to.

His throat bobbed, his gaze on mine before it flickered to the knob, he curled it over the metal, twisting it, before he pushed the door open.

"Happy birthday!" everyone shouted in unison, their voices a joyous cacophony accompanied by the blare of horns and whistles.

Nikolas looked utterly startled, the scream of people almost pushed him back, the presence of everyone he loved gathered here in this house stealing the very oxygen from his lungs. A hundred different emotions swirled in his eyes before they flickered to me, his gaze melting with a depth of feeling that made my heart ache. I felt the sting of tears, overwhelmed by the beauty of this moment—something that should be normal but for him had always been beyond reach.

"It's not till another week," he mumbled, breathless.

I nodded, smiling, "It wouldn't be a surprise then."

A smile broke across his lips, his attention shifting to the faces of those he cared about and loved. Massie and Nachos rushed toward us, rubbing their heads against our legs, seeking affection as usual.

"Daddy, look, I got you a gift!" Lilly rushed forward, holding a wrapped box in her small hands, and offered it to him with wide, eager eyes.

Nikolas crouched down, his expression softening with disbelief. "You did?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion. She nodded enthusiastically, edging closer to wrap her arms around his neck. He hugged her tightly, kissing her face before standing back up.

Alex edged closer, his gaze flickered down to Nikolas's legs, his eyebrow raising in amusement, "Wow, we are back to the shorts, huh?" He asked, ever so teasingly before he gave Nikolas the thumbs-up and winked, "Nice, I like it," He commented, making Nikolas playfully smack the back of his head.

Ronald walked closer, "Nik, I know you just got back from your honeymoon," He started, gazing down at his phone, "But, we have a crisis back at work and—" Nikolas shushed him as he shoved him away, disinterested in the conversation as whole.

The rest of them gathered around, exchanging greetings, and asked us about our honeymoon. The difference between his last birthday and this one broke my heart apart beyond measure. After a short while, Nikolas's eyes flickered to me and he walked closer, leaving their side and coming to mine, a breathless look in his eyes.

"You made the dream I told you about come true," He said in utter disbelief.

He smiled. And god, that smile.

I nodded my head, it was similar in a way to what we talked about on that day, about the dream he never got the chance to continue and watch it end. But this time, it won't end. This time, we will live it together, watching it slowly unravel and carry us forward.

My heart ached, an old wound stinging anew, "I know that it is missing a couple of people," I whispered in a low sad tone, the thought moistening my eyes with tears, "But I have a feeling they're here with us too."

Nikolas nodded, his eyes shimmering with a blend of happiness and a faint, lingering pain. I moved closer, tiptoeing to reach him. I cupped his face, holding my whole world in the palm of my hands. "Happy birthday," I whispered against his lips, "My big bad boy."

He chuckled, wrapping me in his arms and keeping me closer, "I love you so much," He whispered back, "My beautiful delicate girl."

*****************************

**Post Credit Scene**

Two months after the Asylum Explosion...

Nathan's POV

I rubbed a hand over my chest, wincing slightly at the persisting pain. It had been two months since my surgery, but the pain visited me every now and then. Sometimes, I wondered if it was even physical.

I curled my hand over the door handle, opened it, and stepped out of the car. Alastor came to my side, his hand on my shoulder, guiding me forward.

Confusion flickered across my face as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings. "You're sure he's here?" I asked again, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Alastor nodded firmly. "Yeah, he is."

I moved forward, my eyes flickering between the people around me. The air was thick with a mix of smoke and despair, the scent of neglect hanging heavily. We were in a part of town where the forgotten gathered, those whom society had cast aside. Homeless people huddled under makeshift shelters, their eyes hollow and distant. Groups of dangerous-looking men lingered in the shadows, exchanging furtive glances and suspicious packages.

I stepped over a crumpled newspaper, my gaze shifting to a group huddled around a pit of fire. The atmosphere was tense, with a palpable sense of survival and desperation hanging in the air.

As I continued to navigate through this bleak landscape, my eyes finally landed on him.

I stopped.

He was seated on the ground, away from everyone, his legs pulled up to his chest. His clothes were partly ripped, his shoes ruined, and his hair had grown longer and unkempt. Dirt smeared his clothes, skin, and face, a stark contrast to the boy I saw back at the hospital.

He looked like a ghost of his former self, a haunting reminder of what can happen when the world turns its back on you. My heart ached at the sight and I pushed myself forward, kept walking till I reached his side.

I had watched the security videos of the asylum on that day, and I watched as he managed to escape after the explosion was set on. Chris used it as his only chance to flee away from there, anything was better than staying there for him. Even this.

His eyes flickered up, falling on me before they flickered to Alastor behind me. His throat bobbed, heavy and strained. Hesitation and a tinge of fear rushed over his face, marking us as predators.

I smiled softly, my lips pulling up and I crouched down, leveling our gazes, "Hey," I whispered, my eyes flickering all over his face, "You must be Christian, right," I mumbled.

His confusion grew, his brows pulling closer as he gazed back at me, "How do you know my name?"

I shrugged, keeping that part to myself for now, "I was there too, when the explosion happened," I said, recalling that bitter day, the scream still entrapped in my throat ever since then, "I managed to get out as well."

My gaze went around before it fell back on him, "Let me get you out of here," I muttered, "I can give you new clothes, some food, and a house, a safer place, if you want," He shouldn't be here, all alone, it was too dangerous.

Confusion tightened the lines over his forehead, his eyes flickering to Alastor, then back to me, still trying to process what was happening, questioning the genuineness of my words, "We can be friends," I added with a small smile.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"My name is Na..." I hesitated, especially when Alastor rested his hand on my shoulder, stopping me. True, Nathan died that day. There was no Nathan anymore. To do what I have to do, what my dad wants me to do, I can't be Nathan anymore.

I swallowed hard, "My name is Louis," I said, extending my hand forward, a friendly gesture.

He hesitated, but he knew, that he had no one, he needed someone. I had no one either. I needed someone too.

He rested his hand in my mine and I helped him get up, "I know who killed your father," I said and his eyes widened at my words.

I know who killed my dad too.

I watched it.

Watched the man I trusted, the one who gave me so many promises, break every and each one of them.

I looked at Christian, a determined look in my eyes, "Do you want to make them pay for what they did to us?"

THE END

************************************

Author's note:

AHHH! I will try to make this short but I am so emotional that this book ended!
It was a very very long chapter. I just had all these scenes and I wanted to write them all down. A final goodbye for our babies *wipes away an emotional tear*

I hope you liked it ;)

Anyways, for those who had only read this book. To learn what happened next, to Nathan and Christian and the whole fam, then hop on to the next and final book in the series  "Blue Ribbon."

So, tell me, what did you think of this book? What's your favorite part? Your worst part? Which part you think could've been done better?
Do comment and tell me your honest opinion, I always love to read your thoughts.

Also, I would most definitely upload bonus chapters for this book, so don't remove it from your library yet if you are interested ;)
Also, what kind of moments or scenes would you like a bonus chapters about?

Last but not least; Thank you for sticking with me on this journey 🥹🫶🏻
Love you all