Epilogue

Six Months Later

Valerie

F ate has a crazy way of putting you in the perfect situation at the perfect time, and in turn, taking you out of horrible situations at the right time.

If you had told me a year ago I'd be standing in Milan, at the opening of my second art exhibition, an exclusive event organised by my wonderful boyfriend Ambrose Vitale. I would have called you insane and then laughed in your face.

Yet here we are.

Between friends and family, only the most elite celebrities from around the world are here for the unveiling. The centrepiece of the event is the painting Ambrose and I "created" together. It's surrounded by smaller, less passionate works that I created since then.

"I swear it looks like an ass," Adriano whispers to Gus as I come up to stand next to them. Adriano's arm sits awkwardly in a white sling, a stark contrast to his black suit.

"Valerie, please tell Adriano that this isn't a pair of ass cheeks so he can shut up." Gus looks over at me expectantly.

I take a large sip of champagne and eye the spot that they are referring to. Reliving the movements of that day, I actually can't remember if it truly is an ass print or coincidentally looks like one.

"See, I wish I could confirm that for you, but-" My assistant rushes up to me, interrupting us.

"There's an emergency in the east wing, the security said that I should call you." My eyes widen and I offer the twins an apologetic look before dashing towards the area she spoke of.

As I step into the empty corridor, I look around, confused. There's no impending danger nor any real reason for me to have been whisked away from the main exhibition. If anything, it's so peaceful a part of me would rather stay right here than be out there schmoozing the rich and famous.

"I figured you might like a break." A deep voice breaks the silence and I spin around at the sound.

And then he's everywhere. His entire presence captivates me as he leans against the door frame, staring at me lazily with a smirk gracing his lips. A smile stretches across my lips. He is perfect. A crisp black suit hugs his frame accentuating each of his muscles. My eyes land on his pocket square and the hint of pink makes my smile grow even larger.

"You know me too well." I smile as he slides off the door frame and stalks towards me. His entire aura is demanding; demanding of my time, of my attention, demanding every single one of my cells to be his for a minute.

"I wanted to catch you alone," he starts, the hand behind his back coming between us revealing a large bouquet of pink tulips. "I hope you like them, they reminded me of you," he smirks.

It feels like an eternity ago that Ambrose sent those tulips to my door as an apology.

"I love them. Thank you, Ambs." I take the flowers and bring them to my nose to get a whiff of their sweet smell.

As amazing as their smell is, it's overpowered by the man in front of me, his warmth and scent invading every single one of my senses to the point that it's borderline overstimulating.

He gently grasps my wrist, guiding it and the flowers out from between us. His other hand cups my jaw and tingles shoot through my body at the small amount of contact.

"I don't think words can begin to explain how proud I am of you, sweetheart." His voice is so low, so soft I almost wonder if he's speaking to me or himself. "The challenges you've overcome to get yourself here, the person you are. I'm so incredibly lucky to be able to call you mine." With that, he presses his lips against mine so gently.

It isn't hungry or overly passionate but it radiates deep within me. It's caring, warm and it's a promise. An acknowledgement that we've both made it here to be with each other despite all the challenges.

He pulls back and presses his forehead against mine, eyes closed, he whispers thanks and promises for a future together and I wish I could stay in this moment forever. I have everything I want right here with me in this little exhibition wing.

"One more surprise," he breathes. Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket he slides out a small pink box and my breath lodges in my throat in panic.

This can go one of two ways and it'll all depend on what he does next. He must sense my nervousness as he chuckles and opens the box to reveal a locket.

A small gasp leaves my lips and I reach for the small, delicate object and click it open.

‘Bound to you' is written in Ambrose's handwriting.

"It's perfect, Ambrose."

He gives me a final kiss on the forehead before guiding us out of the exhibition space.

"Can you hold this for a second princess," Natalia says, handing her flute of champagne to Adriano. He barely has a second to grasp it before she's throwing her arms around me.

"I'm so incredibly proud of you for this. You deserve every second of it." She whispers into my ear and tears prick at the corner of my eyes .

"Thanks, Nat, it means the world to me that you took time off to be here." I smile as we pull back.

"Anything for you."

A hand on the small of my back jolts my attention away from her. Ambrose stands looming over the two of us with a solemn expression on his face. He extends his phone out towards me. "Someone wants to say congratulations."

Staring up at him, my brows furrow together. I take the phone and they furrow even more when he turns and walks towards Gus instead of staying with me.

"Hello?"

"I'm sorry I can't be there for your big day, Val."

My heart explodes when I register Antonio's voice on the other end of the call. "I thought you were avoiding me again until Ambrose told me you were in Mauritius this morning."

"Unfortunately, I get to call this paradise home for the next few months," he chuckles and I join in.

"Yes, so unfortunate. I wish I was on the run too so that I could have the same unfortunate luck."

After everything that happened with Mattheo and Horatio, we've had to get more security. Even with that Antonio has found cars and men following him on multiple occasions so the brothers agreed to send him out of Tevici for a while. Somewhere no one would expect him to go.

"I don't want to keep you from the party for too long, but I called to say congratulations on the exhibition and how proud I am of you. I wish I could be celebrating with you all."

"It's okay, the second you get back we'll have a mini celebration and it'll be like you never left in the first place."

"Deal. Enjoy the rest of the evening and take loads of pictures."

"I will see you soon! And stay out of trouble." I say with a firm tone that I can practically hear him scoff off.

"I'll try my best. See you soon Val."