And somehow it feels perfect. It feels real this time, and it’s exactly how I wanted it. For a fleeting moment, my mind wanders over the events of the past few months. Elena…Melanie…and everything else in between.
Melanie was never involved in Father’s schemes. She believed Elena had really run away, just as Father claimed. She said that at the time, she was happy Elena escaped marrying a man like Dominic but was still sad that she didn’t confide in her about her plan.
Not that she was innocent all those years, considering how she treated me, but as far as the events of the last few months, she said she would have never let Father do that to Elena, and by extension, me, if she knew Dean’s true intention. Dominic’s men had found Melanie at a chapel, praying because she saw how the mansion had been attacked and thought Father’s enemies would come for her.
But most importantly, Father is now dead. The Saudis returned his dead body. Melanie handled the funeral, and as much as I tried, I couldn’t bring myself to go.
Elena, on the other hand, is still recovering at one of my father’s houses on the outskirts of New York. She’s visited a few times, and we’ve finally talked through the past. She asked for forgiveness with tears in her eyes, and while I understand, at least to some extent, what he put her through, I still need time to process it all, to let the wounds heal. And that’s exactly what I told her—that I need time.
The compromising AI video of Dominic and Sabrina has been cleared. All it took was for Dominic’s publicist to open people’s eyes to the twisted body parts and odd angles that were the telltale artifacts of a deepfake. I wonder how I had missed those myself.
But all that is behind me.
For now… today, I’m just me…in Lake Como, dressed in a soft silk gown that clings and flows in the right places, getting wedded to the man I’m eager to spend forever with.
My breath hitches when my eyes meet Dominic’s at the altar. He smiles warmly, holding my gaze with that dark, burning stare I could never get used to.
The same eyes that used to terrify me now grace me with so much love and adoration that I forget what my past ever felt like. And that in itself is a dream come true.
I wouldn’t say I’m there yet, but with a love that’s healing and a heart that’s learning how to forgive, I know I’m on the right path.
When I reach the altar, Dominic’s hand finds mine as we step under the small arch of white roses.
The priest’s voice is calm as he starts to talk, but I barely hear him. All I feel is the consistent brush of Dominic’s thumb over my knuckles. When it’s time for vows, Dominic turns to me and goes first.
“I’ve lived my life convinced I didn’t deserve this.” His voice is raw with emotion as he stares into my soul. “I thought I wasn’t meant for love, but you proved me wrong. And you’ve given me something no empire or blood could ever give. You’ve given me peace. I vow to protect and honor you both…”
His eyes fall to the slight swell of my baby bump. Then he lifts them back to me.
“…and make sure you never again doubt how deeply you’re loved.”
My throat tightens, eyes watering as I force myself to breathe. He continues to rub his thumb over my knuckles until I find my voice and smile at him.
“I spent years thinking I was broken…angry at the world for not seeing me. But you came along and then…you saw me. You somehow taught me that I was worthy, that Iwasloved. So today, here, now, I vow to always stand with you, through the fire, through the shadows and through whatever the world throws at us.”
As soon as the priest pronounces us husband and wife, Dominic cups my face, lowering his lips to mine in a delicate, loving kiss.
Somewhere behind, I hear Matteo mutter,“Finally,” and Sharon sniffle into her handkerchief. I smile into the kiss, a lone tear rolling down my face.
This… me, him, our baby… It’s forever.
***
Five Months Later
A guttural scream rips from my throat as my head falls back on the bed. My body feels heavy… dead and alive with fire at the same time.
“I’m right here, baby. You can do this.” He gently strokes the side of my head even as my nails dig crescents into his hand.
“This is all your fault!” I scream when the doctors ask me to push again.
“I know, Princess.” His voice is calm and somehow that’s what sets me off.
“Why did I let you fuck me, you asshole?!” Another wave of pain slams into me, sapping air from my lungs. Dominic’s arms slide around my shoulders.
“You’re going to bring our baby into this world, Princess. Because you’re powerful and strong.”
Another contraction tears through me. I scream again, but this time my voice is getting hoarse and the will to exert pressure is fading. The doctors urge, working between my thighs as sweat beads my temples.
