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Our story isn't just one of love; it's a tale of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of family. As I look into Damien's eyes I see not just my husband, but my partner, my protector, and the father of my children.
And I know that no matter what the future holds, we'll face it together, our love, the unbreakable bond that will always see us through.
Epilogue II
Ten years later…
The years have flown by, and here we are on the snowy slopes of Finland for a family skiing trip. Mariya, our eleven-year-old triplets—Alexei, Anatoly, Ivan—and me, the only one in the bunch who apparently can't ski to save his life.
I watch with a mix of pride and envy as Mariya effortlessly glides down the hill with the boys, each of them showing off their inherited agility and fearlessness. They're like little rockets on skis, zooming past with whoops and laughter, their faces flushed with excitement and cold.
And then there's me, lying sprawled on a snowbank, having just experienced what must be my tenth wipeout of the day. The cold seeps through my jacket, chilling me to the bone, but there's a warmth in my heart that offsets the icy discomfort. I can't help but laugh at my own clumsiness, even as I grumble under my breath.
"We could have gone to Aruba," I say, loud enough for Mariya to hear as she skis up to me, a teasing glint in her eyes. "But no, you all outvoted me four to one."
Mariya comes to a graceful stop beside me, releasing her ski poles to help me up. Her cheeks are rosy from the chill, her eyes sparkling with uncontained happiness. "Come on, Damien. You're getting the hang of it," she encourages, her laughter echoing against the pristine backdrop of the Finnish landscape. She extends a hand to help me up, though her smile betrays her amusement at my less-than-stellar skiing skills.
I take her hand, grunting, "Getting the hang of it? Mariya, I've spent more time on my back than on the skis."
"You know, it's funny," she says, wrapping an arm around my waist as I finally get to my feet. "Once upon a time, I was trying to escape to Finland away from you, and now here we are, together, enjoying a family vacation."
I chuckle, brushing the snow off my pants. "Yeah, life does have a sense of humor. Who would've thought our great escape would turn into a family ski trip?"
Her laughter rings out again, clear and melodious, a sound I never get tired of hearing. "Well, at least you're a good sport about it. And you have to admit, the scenery is breathtaking."
I pull her close, savoring the feel of her body against mine. "Only second to you," I quip, earning a playful roll of her eyes but also a deeper, more affectionate smile.
The Finnish landscape, with its endless stretches of snow-covered trees and hills, is indeed a sight to behold. It's a winter wonderland, serene and untouched. As we stand there, taking in the surrounding beauty, the boys ski up to us with grins spread wide across their faces, each one eager to jab at me about my lack of skill before sharing their adventures on the slopes. Their faces are alight with the thrill of the day, their laughter a testament to their enjoyment.
"Come on, Dad, you're not that old!" Alexei, the eldest, teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Yeah, you only fall like an old man," Ivan chimes in, his laughter echoing around us.
"All right, all right," I chuckle, brushing snow off my jacket. "Show your old man some respect, will you?"
It's moments like these that I cherish the most. The simple joys of being together as a family, the love that binds us, stronger and more profound with each passing year.
Ten years ago, I couldn't have imagined a life filled with such happiness, such contentment. But here we are, my beautiful wife and our incredible sons, sharing a life that's more wonderful than anything I could have dreamed of.
Mariya goes down the hill ahead of us, and with their help and a bit more ribbing, we make our way down the slope. They stay close, offering tips and encouragement, their teasing good-natured and loving. I can't help but feel a swell of pride at the young men they're becoming—confident, kind-hearted, and always ready to support their family.
At the bottom of the hill, Mariya greets us with steaming cups of hot cocoa. We're staying at our spacious villa, a recent purchase designed specifically for family getaways like this one. The cozy ambiance is a welcome respite from the biting cold outside.
As I sip the cocoa, its rich warmth spreading through me, I watch the boys playing in the living room. They wrestle and joke, their laughter filling the cabin with a vibrant energy that makes it feel like home.
I reflect on the past ten years, a decade that has seen both trials and triumphs. The Bratva, once reeling from the attacks and betrayals, has recovered and grown stronger. And I've been at the heart of that resurgence, playing a role I never imagined I would. We've expanded our influence, our power, and our wealth. But those things, I've come to realize, are just a means to an end.
My true wealth lies here, in this cabin, with my family. The love and bond we share, the joy and laughter of my boys, the unwavering support and love of Mariya…these are the treasures that I hold most dear. The Bratva is important and most surely a part of who I am, but it pales in comparison to the richness of the life I have with my family.
I glance over at Mariya, her beauty and grace as captivating now as it was the day we met. She catches my gaze, her smile warm and knowing, a silent acknowledgment of the life we've built together.
The past ten years have brought change, growth, and unexpected turns. But as I sit here, surrounded by the laughter and love of my family, I know that the path I've chosen, the path we've chosen together, has led us exactly where we're meant to be. Our journey hasn't been easy, but it's been ours—filled with love, resilience, and the strength that comes from standing united.
I sit quietly, watching my family with a heart so full it feels like it might burst. The laughter and chatter of my boys fill the room, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I lean over and plant a kiss on Mariya’s lips, earning a chorus of exaggerated groans from the kids.
Something outside the window catches my eye, drawing me away from the cozy scene. Without thinking, I rush outside, the cold biting at my skin, but I hardly notice. I'm focused on the small, extraordinary thing I’ve just spotted.
The crisp winter air fills my lungs as I survey the beautiful, snow-covered landscape stretching out before me. Then, I carefully pick up my unexpected discovery. It's a small sign of life in this vast white canvas, a crocus flower, resilient and bright against the snow.
