Epilogue

Epilogue

Ellie

The New York skyline glittered against the twilight as I stood on the balcony of the penthouse. I took a shaky breath, looking out over the city.

Dante joined me on the balcony, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “You’ve been quiet. What’s on your mind?”

I leaned into him, comforted by his presence. “Just thinking about everything. After Marco’s death, the city feels different.”

Rafael emerged, holding three glasses of wine. “It’s different, but better,” he said, handing me a glass. “The rest of the Rossi family lost their grip without Marco. They’re no longer the threat they once were.”

Dante nodded, his gaze distant. “It’s given us a chance to bring some stability to this madness. But it hasn’t been easy. Power vacuums never are.”

Rafael leaned on the railing. “We’ve had to step up, make alliances, keep the peace. It’s a new era for us, for the city.”

I sipped my wine, pondering their words. “And what about us?

Dante smiled, a warm, genuine expression. “We make our own rules, Ellie. What we have is unique, but it works for us.”

Rafael interjected, “As long as we’re honest and open with each other, we can handle anything.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. “I never thought I’d find myself in a relationship like this, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

We turned to admire the view, the city sprawling out beneath us. For a long moment, silence reigned supreme.

Dante’s voice broke the quiet. “We still have challenges ahead. With the Rossi family weakened and Marco eliminated, others might try to fill the void.”

Rafael nodded in agreement. “We’re ready. We’ve built alliances, both here and beyond New York. The Murphys and the Morozovs in Boston have been particularly valuable as well.”

I looked between them, admiring their determination. “And what about the legal side of things? Are we in danger?”

Dante sipped his wine, a look of confidence on his face. “We’ve always navigated these waters carefully. We’ll continue to do so.”

Rafael added, “Plus, having you with us has changed our perspective. We’re more cautious since we have someone to come home to, someone to keep safe.”

Looking out over the city, I realized that this was just the beginning. Together, we were ready to face whatever the future held.

In their arms, my tangled heart had finally found a home.

The End