Scarlett laughs softly, and I feel a surge of gratitude for this family we’ve built.
The room fills with laughter as everyone takes turns holding the babies. Yelena claims the title of “favorite aunt,” while Alina argues she’s better suited for it. Lev insists he’ll be the favorite uncle.
I stand back, watching them. This is more than I ever thought I’d have—a family united, not just by blood, but by love and loyalty.
As the laughter dies down, Scarlett looks at me, her eyes shining with unshared tears. “I love you,” she says quietly.
I step closer, taking her hand in mine. “I love you too,” I say, my voice firm.
“Eww,” Alina says, chuckling.
“Careful, guys, this is what got us here in the first place,” Lev adds, and everyone laughs.
After everyone leaves, I sit beside Scarlett, our twins asleep in their bassinets. She leans her head on my shoulder, and for a moment, the world is still.
“I’ve never been this scared,” she admits.
“You have nothing to fear,” I tell her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’ll protect all of you.”
The twins stir, their tiny hands reaching out. Scarlett and I watch them in silence, our hearts full.
“They’re our future,” I say, my voice filled with conviction.
Scarlett nods, her hand resting on mine. Together, we watch over our children, a promise of hope and a brighter tomorrow.
Epilogue
Scarlett
I sit in the plush leather seat of the limousine, my fingers nervously twisting a delicate lace handkerchief. The excitement and nervousness churn in my stomach, an electrifying mix that makes every breath feel shallow. Yelena and Alina sit on either side of me, chatting animatedly about the flowers and the orchestra, their voices a comforting hum. I try to focus on their words, but my mind drifts to Viktor.
What will he look like when I step into the ballroom? Will his eyes soften when they meet mine, or will he maintain that composed demeanor that always hides the storms within him? The thought sends a shiver through me, a blend of anticipation and awe. Today isn’t just a wedding—it’s a declaration, apromise to stand beside the most formidable man I’ve ever known.
I glance out the window at the sprawling cityscape. The limousine glides smoothly through the streets, its tinted windows shielding us from curious eyes. The luxury surrounding me feels surreal, a stark contrast to the life I once led.
Yelena leans toward Alina, her voice bubbling with excitement as she describes the ice sculptures in the reception hall. “They’re shaped like swans, Scarlett. Swans! Viktor spared no expense.”
Alina giggles. “Of course, he didn’t. This is the wedding of the decade, after all.”
Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I can’t help but smile, even as a tiny voice in the back of my mind whispers doubts. This day is bigger than anything I ever imagined, a fairytale spun in silk and diamonds.
“You’re quiet, Scarlett,” Yelena says, nudging me gently. “Nervous?”
“A little,” I admit, my voice soft. “It’s all so overwhelming.”
Alina reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You’ve got this. You belong here with him, Scarlett.”
“And he belongs with you, too,” Yelena adds. “I have never seen him this happy.”
I lean back against the seat, my hands resting lightly on my lap as the limousine hums beneath us. Originally, Viktor had suggested something small, a quiet ceremony with his family. I’d been relieved at the thought, preferring intimacy over grandeur. But then the plans changed. Viktor had explained it with his usual blunt honesty: “This isn’t just a wedding, Scarlett. It’s a statement. After today, there will be no more doubt that Viktor Makarov is alive.”
I understood then. This day wasn’t just about us—it was about showing the world and the Bratva the strength of our union. A quiet ceremony wouldn’t suffice. Viktor needed to clarify that I wasn’t just his wife; I was thePakhan’squeen.
As the limousine slows, my breath catches at the sight of the grand hotel. Its façade gleams in the sunlight, a towering masterpiece of glass and marble. The entrance is flanked by uniformed staff, their polished appearances matching the elegance of the surroundings. My gaze sweeps upward, taking in the sheer scale of it all. This is Viktor’s world, a world of power and opulence.
The car door swings open, and Yelena steps out first, turning back to offer her hand. “Come on, Scarlett. Let’s get you out of here without wrinkling that masterpiece of a dress.”
I laugh softly and take her hand, my other arm gripping Alina’s for balance as I step out onto the carpeted driveway. The cool air brushes against my cheeks, carrying the faint scent of roses from the towering arrangements lining the entrance.