Epilogue: Vivian

A few weeks had passed after our wedding, and so far, everything seemed to have fallen in place. My life was going well, and the connection my husband and I shared had grown stronger.

The kids were old enough to be enrolled in school, and we'd already made the necessary preparations, so everything was set.

My mom had come by the house a couple of times to meet her grandchildren, who seem to adore her. She was really trying to make amends, and I was grateful that she was. I'd let go of all the bad blood and the negativity that I'd been holding against her. We'd moved past that, and for the first time in my life, I was on good terms with my mother.

She'd once told me that she admired the woman I had become—the type of mother that I turned out to be. She'd said she loved the bond between this new family that I had and that she was so proud of me.

Tyler and his girlfriend, Caroline, were going hard and fast in their relationship, and I thought there was a future for those two. They were clearly in love, and at the pace they were moving, things could actually get real and quite serious for them. I'd love to see that.

Daniil hadn't been kidding when he said I'd make money working as the official Bratva financial analyst. I'd begun my job for the organization, and so far, I'd seen a lot. I'd seen my husband be the brutal and cruel man that he was; I'd seen him kill before, and I wasn't moved. I'd come to terms with the life that I'd chosen, and there was no turning back now. This was my choice, and I knew what I'd signed up for.

Daniil might have been cruel, but recently, he'd learned to kill only when absolutely necessary, not for sport. The entire criminal underground feared me as much as they did him. I was untouchable—respected but untouchable.

I managed the business, and with my insights, we began to experience exponential results in no time. Daniil said that he'd never doubted my capabilities, my ability to move the business forward.

Last week, Ashley, my cousin, had called to apologize for missing the wedding. She said something had come up, and so she and her husband couldn't make it.

I had reminded her over the phone about her warnings to me concerning Daniil, and we laughed about it. She'd said she was only looking out for me, and whatever she'd advised came from a place of love. Of course, I knew that. Ashley was proud of me and officially welcomed me to the family.

There was still a lot that I could learn from her, given she'd been a part of this family longer than I was. I would need her guidance soon enough, and I was certain that she'd be more than willing to help.

Each time we drove past any Solenoir outlet, I always remembered the first time we'd met during that runway show and how, a few days after, he'd walked into the store where I worked. It always brought a smile to my face.

I hadn't thought that my life would turn out the way that it had, and I was grateful for that. Despite all those challenges—all that fear, hate, and resentment—love still prevailed in the end. Love conquered all.

Daniil had been a beast when I met him; he still was, only this time, he knew how to balance his personal life and work. With me, he was a gentleman, and with the kids, he was an angel, but with his enemies, he was still that gruesome murderer who wouldn't waste time ending anyone who dared cross him.

I loved this balance in his personality; it was great for the family and for the business, and he never mixed the two.

Today, the kids had resumed school, and we'd just dropped them off on their first day. Recently, Daniil loved to drive by himself without the services of Ivan, his chauffeur.

He was driving us home, and I was in the front passenger seat, my mind still at the school gate as I gazed out the window.

I clasped my hands together, my nails digging into my skin as Daniil drove on. I couldn't help but worry about the kids and how they would manage. Lots of thoughts overlapped in my mind, mostly negative thoughts that had to do with bullies or accidents. I was a nervous wreck.

"Hey, calm down," Daniil said, glancing at me with a reassuring smile, like he knew exactly what I was thinking. "They'll be fine, alright? They're in good hands."

I nodded, trying to breathe deeply. "I know, I know. It's just…they're so little. And the world can be so scary."

He laughed lightly.

"So can I," he said. "They're Wolkovs; nothing in the world will scare them. In fact, they will be the ones to be feared."

Somehow, his words helped me calm down a little.

Daniil reached out and took my hand, his touch warm and comforting. "We've prepared them well, Vivian. They're smart and brave. And we're always here for them. Both of us."

I squeezed his hand, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know, and you're right." She sighed. "I'm just worried, Daniil. What if they don't make friends? What if they get bullied or their teachers don't understand them?"

"Too many what ifs," he said with a smile. "What if they thrive?" He looked at me. "And believe me, they will."

I stared at him, trying to tap into his confidence.

"Listen, the kids are together, and Leo…he's brave, you know?"

"True." I smiled.

"He's always going to be there to protect his sister. He's a Wolkov, after all. It's in his blood, his genes. So, don't worry that beautiful mind of yours," he explained.

"You're right," I said. "Daniil Wolkov is their father; they'll be fine." I gently nodded, reassuring myself.

"And Vivian Wolkov is their mother," he replied. "Cut yourself some slack. You're more daring than you know."

His words made me blush.

"Do you remember when you ran your car over that ramp in a bid to escape me?" He chuckled, still looking impressed by it.

I laughed.

"That was the scariest thing that I've ever done in my life," I admitted.

"It was scary as shit," he said. "My heart skipped at the thought of losing you when your car was airborne. But, in the end, you proved to have known what you were doing."

"If I'm being honest, that was a reckless move, and I sincerely did not know whether or not I was going to make that jump," I confessed.

"That's what made it more daring, milaya ," he said.

"Quick question," I began. "I've been meaning to ask what milaya means since that's what you call me."

He looked at me and smiled. "It means sweet one, or simply, darling ."

My lips quirked into a smirk. "And your name, ‘Daniil,' what does it mean?"

"God is my judge," he replied.

"That's ironic, given you're the judge punishing those who dare to defy you," I said, chuckling.

We laughed, and I watched him pull over outside a fancy restaurant.

"This is the best restaurant in the city, and for a long time now, I've wanted to bring you here to have lunch with me…like a normal couple," he said, looking into my eyes.

I'd never been here before, but I'd heard of the restaurant's reputation for glamor and style. I'd always wanted to come here, though I'd never really told him about it. Daniil must have read my mind because, once again, he'd done something that I wanted despite my silence on the matter.

All I could do was blush and say, "Thank you, Daniil."

"Anything for my milaya . You deserve it and more. You deserve the best."

His words melted my heart, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

As I looked at him, his eyes shining with love, I knew, in that moment, that I had found my forever home—not just in this life, but in his arms.

I was grateful for every twist and turn—even the painful ones—that had led me to this moment, surrounded by the family I loved more than words could say. I knew that the future held endless possibilities, but one thing was certain: I would face it all with Daniil by my side. Together, we would grow old; we'd watch our children flourish and be the best version of themselves.

I looked forward to the countless sunrises, laughter-filled days, and family time that awaited us.

Daniil gazed at me, and in his warm eyes, our great future together was clear as day—spreading out endlessly.

*****

THE END