Epilogue

"Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that's beautiful."

― Milan Kundera

Sofiya

One year later.

"I've never met someone who doesn't like hotdogs. I'm sorry, but I think this might be grounds for divorce."

Mikha?l chuckled. "You can't get rid of me that easily, dorogaya ."

We both laughed, spreading out our picnic blanket in Central Park. Dasha had planned this surprise picnic for our return to New York, and she went all out. There were salads, sandwiches, cheese, fruits, and even homema de lemonade.

But I couldn't resist begging my husband for some hot dogs and loaded fries with gooey cheddar and caramelized onions.

Being the wonderful husband that he is, he got me exactly what I wanted.

We landed in New York the day before and planned to stay for a week to attend Angelo's exhibition titled "Athena: The Goddess of War and Her Disciples." The exhibit focused on strong women, and Jade, being my best friend, had begged me to come to support her.

I asked Mikha?l if we could go, and boom, we were on his jet two weeks later.

The exhibition featured amazing sculptures of Athena alongside legendary women warriors and leaders: Joan of Arc, leading the charge with her indomitable spirit; the suffragettes, fighting tirelessly for women's right to vote; Lady Fu Hao, the fierce Chinese military general; Tomyris, the Scythian queen who defeated Cyrus the Great; Cynane, the half-sister of Alexander the Great known for her military prowess; Cleopatra, the cunning and intelligent ruler of Egypt; and Harriet Tubman, the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad, among many others.

Each piece will be accompanied by plaques telling their stories and highlighting their struggles and achievements.

Jade hoped the exhibition would not only be a visual feast but also an educational journey, inspiring visitors by showcasing the courage and resilience of women who have shaped history.

I can't wait to see it tomorrow night.

It's already been a year since Mikha?l and I got married, and we celebrated our anniversary last month in Italy.

We spent three days in Florence, where I fangirled like crazy in Dante Alighieri's town, walked on the same bridge where he met his soulmate Beatrice, and immersed ourselves in the rich history of the city.

Then, we spent two days in Naples, where I ate the best margherita pizza of my life. The simplicity and freshness of the ingredients were mind-blowing.

Finally, we settled in Positano, staying at Mario Gruzzio's villa. It was absolutely magical. We swam at the beach, sunbathed for hours, and indulged in gelato, arancinis, and fresh fruits.

It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, a trip I'll never forget.

It's also been a year since I started at the National Gallery of Russian Treasures, where I've been named COO.

I've had the joy of working with artists from all over the world—painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, you name it. I am so incredibly grateful to say that I love my job so much.

I've also been working on reconnecting with my mom recently.

While I can't forget her past or the mistakes she made, she remains very important to me. We now meet weekly at our favorite little Lebanese restaurant in the city to catch up and talk about her life and mine. I learned that she used to be a ballerina, and that dancing was her way of finding freedom. She even started her own small dance studio, which already has twenty clients. I'm genuinely thrilled for her.

After many discussions, Mikha?l and I decided to find her a place in the city for the weekdays. Then, on weekends, we escape to the manor—a peaceful retreat from the city's craziness—where we can unwind and enjoy some quality time together.

"Wow, Dasha really outdid herself," I said, looking at the spread .

Mikha?l nodded, taking a big bite of a sandwich. "I think she's secretly trying to fatten you up."

I sipped the lemonade and grinned. "Well, I'm already eating for two anyway."

"As you should," he said, placing a hand on my tummy and gently rubbing its small roundness. "You better eat everything. I want our son to be strong enough to protect you when I'm away."

I chuckled, popping a piece of gouda cheese into my mouth. "What if it's a girl?"

His smile widened. "Then no worries, Papa will be here for his girls."

We continued our picnic in Central Park, enjoying the delicious spread that Dasha had prepared for us. In the crisp early October air, Mikha?l noticed a slight chill and gently draped a light plaid over my shoulders to keep me warm.

I found out I was pregnant last month in Positano.

After two weeks of feeling strange and dizzy, Mikha?l sat me down and suggested I take a test, just in case.

It turned out I was three weeks pregnant.

I sat on the cool tiles of the villa, hands shaking, staring into oblivion.

I was pregnant.

At 25, it felt like something inside me shifted that night.

A sob escaped my lips, and I called for my husband.

He rushed over, thinking I was hurt.

When I showed him the positive test, he dropped to his knees and hugged my belly so tightly I nearly lost my breath.

"I can't believe it," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

"Are you happy?" I asked tentatively, afraid he might be disappointed or not ready for a baby so soon.

He stood up, grabbed my face, and kissed me deeply. "Happy? Sofiya, I've never been happier! You're incredible. I'm the luckiest bastard on this planet."

Now it's been a month of nightly foot massages and sweet little treats before bed, courtesy of my amazing husband.

These were just some of the perks of being married to Mikha?l Volkov.

"Alexsei texted me this morning. He wants us to have dinner at his place," Mikha?l said, nibbling on a fry. "I think his ex-wife will be there too."

Back when I lived in New York and had weekly dinners with Alexsei, he rarely opened up about his personal life.

But one evening, after a few whiskeys, he confided that his ex-wife Caia now lived in New York as well.

He described her as the love of his life, yet something happened between them that led to her seeking a divorce and leaving Russia for good.

His voice carried a mix of love and sorrow whenever he spoke of her, leaving me wishing she would give him a second chance, despite whatever had transpired between them.

A few days ago, Mikha?l told me that Alexsei had learned Caia was in danger. He invited her to stay at his place until he could figure out who was threatening her.

I couldn't help but wonder if their newfound living arrangement would lead to something more…

"I can't wait to meet her."

He smiled and gently grabbed the back of my neck to draw me closer, planting a kiss on my lips.

"And I can't wait to take you back home. Someone else wants to meet you."

I frowned. "Who?"

He took my hand and pressed it against him .

I laughed and playfully pushed him away. "I think it has seen me enough times in the past few days."

Mikha?l wrapped his arms around me, burying his face in my neck as he chuckled. "It will never get bored of you, baby. Never. We love you way too fucking much."

In the heart of Central Park, amid the city's bustling energy, we sat together, deeply in love and unshakeable. Our journey had been wild, filled with passion, heartbreak, and redemption.

Yet, through it all, our souls intertwined and vowed never to part again.

As we gazed into each other's eyes, we acknowledged the challenges ahead, but we embraced them as a team, bound by the promises we had made and honored.

THE END.