11. Epilogue

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Julien

2 years later

I no longer regret my life.

I look at my family before me, and I see the happiness that exudes from a home I used to hate. This house used to bring so much sadness, so much strife to those who lived in it, but since the will was read and we were given everything, we’ve ensured there were changes made.

Alessia is the one who has changed the most. There is light in her eyes now. I watch her and Adrien talking to the wedding planner, and I know our forever will be filled with love, rather than forced emotion and threatened respect.

There was barely a time I thought about forever or a happy ending, but right now, I can see it clearly. Greco kept his word which I’m thankful for. I do despise violence, but when it’s needed, I’ll gladly step up and ensure my family are safe.

With the wedding approaching, Alessia has been busy. She insisted on doing it all herself, so we had to force her to admit it would be too much for her to do. Instead, we’ve hired some helping hands.

“And it has to be perfect,” Alessia tells the woman as they return to where I’m sitting. I’ve never considered what it would be like to have her back here. When she left, my focus fell solely on making my father pay, but things have changed. I’ve changed. Deep down, I no longer hold onto any emotions from the past. The only thing that lingers is my desire for the woman who turns to stare at me. “What do you think, Julien? I wanted to keep the colors to gold and white. The pop of shimmering gold will make for some beautiful photos.”

I can’t stop myself from smiling. “Yes, that sounds good. You know I’ll gladly go along with whatever you choose. This is your day, after all.”

“It’s our day,” she insists as she has done all the time we’ve spent planning the big day.

My phone rings just before she can continue. I hold up a finger to quiet her as I take the call. “Yes?”

“Mr. Medici,” the deep voice comes from the other side of the line. “I wanted to set up a meeting to talk with you, my boss is willing to make a deal.”

My stomach churns as I try to figure out who the fuck he’s talking about.

“Okay?” I answer as I make my way into the house and out of earshot. “And who the fuck is your boss?” My voice is cold, and I don’t let him hear the anxiety that’s twisted in my gut.

“Mr. Moretti,” the caller tells me, and I wonder what the hell Moretti wants to make a deal about with us. It’s been a lifelong feud between the two families, the two factions. And I know for a fact Moretti is in the States. He hardly ever comes to Italy.

“And what is the deal about?”

“You’ll have to meet with us to find out.”

My chest tightens. “I don’t meet with men I don’t trust. Give me a reason to and the Medicis will agree to a meeting. I don’t come alone.”

“We know,” he says. “That’s not a problem, as long as you come to see us. We will be sending a wedding gift for the bride and groom. In it, you’ll find your proof of trustworthiness. I will be in touch soon.”

He hangs up, and I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to find Adrien looking at me with concern etched on his face.

“What was that about?”

I sigh. “Moretti wants a meeting.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure. He’s sending you and Alessia a wedding gift,” I tell my brother. “He wants us to trust him, so I’m guessing it’s going to be something that won’t kill us.”

“Chance would be a fine thing.” But for now, we’re going to have to go ahead with the event. “But I have a feeling there’s more to it, and he needs our help. For now, we have our happy ending, let’s focus on that.”

I’m no longer afraid of anything, because we have our girl back, and that’s all that matters.