Camilla does not deserve to wake every morning beside a man she fears. She does not deserve to be used as a peace offering because I broke the rules. She does not deserve to become the price of my freedom.
My fingers curl against the window ledge until my nails bite into the wood.
I make myself a promise then, silently, fiercely, with the last of the sunlight burning across my face.
I will not let Camilla marry Alessandro Gallo.
Whatever it costs me. Whatever I have to do. Whatever shame, danger, or punishment waits for me afterward.
I will find a way to save her.
This time, I will not run for myself.
This time, I will fight for her.
Extended Epilogue
Nico
Two Months Later…
Would it be wrong to kill my father-in-law on my wedding day?
I stand at the edge of the dance floor, whiskey in hand, watching Massimo twirl my wife under the soft lights. She’s smiling, small, polite, but real enough.
Their relationship hasn’t magically healed, but it’s… better. He knows now that if he ever lays a hand on her or her sisters again, I won’t hesitate to put a bullet in his head.
Still, seeing his hands on her makes my jaw tighten.
She’s my wife now.
We said our vows a few hours ago in front of family, allies, and enemies alike. And she became mine in every way that matters. Mrs. Eleonora Lombardi.
I never thought I’d see this day. Marriage was never in the cards for me. Love? Even less. Before her, my life was blood, power, and endless nights of building an empire from nothing. Killing, fighting, expanding territory. That was all I had. All I needed.
Until her. She changed everything.
I watch her laugh at something her father says, and my chest tightens with something warm and foreign.
She’s more relaxed now. Knowing her sisters are safe has taken some of the weight off her shoulders.
But right now, I don’t care about anything but having my wife back in my arms.
Eleonora glances over at me mid-turn, and our eyes lock. She gives me a soft smile.
She’s mine now. Legally. Publicly. Permanently.
I didn’t know how empty my life was until she crashed into it. How cold and meaningless everything felt.
She gave me a reason to come home. A reason to look forward to tomorrow. A reason to want more than power and blood.
Marco, my best man, walks up beside me, drink in hand, and lets out a low chuckle.
“Why does it look like you’re about to murder your father-in-law right now?”
I don’t take my eyes off the dance floor. “Because I am considering it.”
He laughs again, shaking his head. “Hold on a little longer, man. Your wife will be back in your arms in a minute.”
