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“We're going to get sand all over your car,” she frets.
“Don't worry about it. I'll get it detailed,” I say as I open the door for her.
Today was the start of something with Margo, not Vasilisa. Not quite sure what, but we'll see what tomorrow brings.
My phone rings just as I get inside the car. It’s Lennon. Viktor and the rogue men of Vladimir’s Bratva have been found. Unfortunately for them, they’re foolishly meeting in one place. Unbeknownst to them, whatever they’re planning now will never come to fruition. It’s time for my second bloodbath as Clan Captain—time to lay these motherfuckers to rest!
EPILOGUE
Margo
As I step into the lush gardens of my father's estate, a gentle breeze caresses my face, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. The air is filled with anticipation and excitement, two adjectives I never thought would be used to describe my obligation to marry Kai. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms serve as a picturesque backdrop for this momentous occasion.
Our ceremony will take place in a secluded corner of the garden, where a charming gazebo stands adorned with delicate white drapes billowing in the wind. The soft, ethereal fabric dances gracefully, reflecting the sunlight and casting an enchanting glow upon the area. The gazebo is embellished with intricate floral arrangements, combining an array of pastel hues from roses to orchids. The flowers seem to whisper their blessings as they sway in harmony with the gentle breeze.
The seating area for the guests is equally stunning. Elegant white chairs with satin bows are arranged in perfect rows, framing the aisle like pearls on a necklace. I take a seat in one of the chairs to take it all in from their perspective. I can't believe the day is finally here. Everything is so beautiful and perfect. An exquisite display of fresh petals line the aisle leading to the gazebo. The petals create a vibrant tapestry of more colors, ranging from pale pinks to deep purples, leading my gaze toward the magnificent archway at the end of the aisle.
The archway, a true work of art, stands tall and majestic, cascading with foliage and, you guessed it ... more flowers. Nature's vibrant palette covers the arch, intertwining delicate blossoms and verdant leaves. The archway becomes a portal of beauty, symbolizing the union about to take place within its embrace—the joining of two families.
“What are you doing out here?” my father asks, taking me by surprise. “Your wedding is in a couple of hours. Figured you'd be taking as much time as you could to get ready.”
I stand and smile at my father before getting one last look at the stunning scenery before the ceremony. “I just needed a moment to breathe and take it all in,” I say, my voice soft and filled with emotion.
My father nods before taking a deep breath himself. “It is quite breathtaking,” he agrees, his eyes scanning the garden. “Your mother would have loved this.”
I feel a pang in my heart at the mention of my mother. Of course the very thought has crossed my mind. I push the sadness aside, focusing on the present moment. I don't want to think about how different life would have been with her and my sister still alive to be here for this day.
“I’m nervous,” I admit, feeling a knot begin to form in my stomach.
He places a reassuring hand on mine. “That’s normal, sweetheart. But you’ll be fine. You and Kai have managed to make huge strides in such a short time. I see the love and protectiveness he has for you, and I’m eternally grateful that love gets to be with the real you … Margo. It's in his eyes. Knowing this makes it easier for me to give my blessings.”
I nod, taking comfort in his words. I know he's right. Kai and I have come a long way since that first day in Persephone's apartment. Our relationship is not perfect, but all my truths are out in the open now. Things can only soar from here. I wouldn't have chosen the Mafia life, but it's my reality, and I'm thankful to have Kai to navigate this life with.
“Thank you for everything, and I’m not just talking about helping to create the fairy-tale wedding of my dreams,” I joke. “I'm going to head back inside to get ready. I think I'm already slightly late for hair and makeup.”
My father gives me a tender kiss on the forehead. “Anything for you, sweetheart. Yes, go and get ready. The guests will start to arrive any moment now.”
As I make my way toward my old bedroom, now converted to the bridal suite, my mind races with nerves and excitement. I can hear the sounds of hair dryers and makeup brushes clinking against the vanity as I approach the room. My bridesmaids are my two best friends, Zara and Abbey, who I've known for a few years, and three of our housemaids, who I've known half my life. They didn’t bat an eyelash when I shared my truth with them. They accept me as Margo. They're already in full swing, getting dolled up for the big day. Kai has my three brothers as well as two of his brothers, Lennon and Callum, for his groomsmen.
“Girl, you're going to look amazing!” Zara exclaims as I enter, causing all of them to turn to me with eyes wide open in admiration.
“You're going to be the most beautiful bride ever,” Abbey chimes in. “You're already glowing.”
I smile at their compliments, feeling a sense of ease. These girls have been my rock even without truly knowing my family's sordid history or my true identity. I'm grateful for them and the normalcy they provide.
As my hair gets styled and my makeup applied, my thoughts drift off to Kai. Soon, he will be standing at the end of that aisle, waiting for me. The beautiful, ruthless heir who eventually let down his guard to let me in. Hate and love are truly opposite sides of the same coin. He managed to steal my heart, and I can't even pinpoint the moment, but I'm irrevocably his.
Before I know it, it's time for me to put on my dress and the most important piece of all—my collar. As I slip into the gown, I take a deep breath to steel my nerves. I slip the elegant wedding dress over my shoulders, feeling the weight of the fabric settle against my body. The ivory satin drapes beautifully, hugging my curves in all the right places. The strapless sweetheart neckline showcases my collarbones, while the intricate lace embroidery cascades down the bodice, creating a stunning contrast against the smoothness of the satin.
As I turn to the side, my breath catches in my throat at the sight of the lovely train. It unfurls behind me like a river of silk, covered with the same intricate lace pattern on the bodice. I can't help but feel like an actual princess floating on a cloud of tulle and satin. A giggle slips as I think back to the ugly prom dress Kai made me wear to dinner once. It had a lot of tulle and satin too.
A knock interrupts my thoughts. “It's time,” my father says, his voice carrying through the door.
The music begins to play, signaling the start of the processional. On cue, my father loops his arm through mine to begin the escort to my husband-to-be. As I walk down the aisle to Kai, nothing seems more important than what's behind this moment: our future together. With each step forward, the memories of our trials fade into the background, and there is only us, finally coming together forever.
When I finally reach him at the archway, everything around us seems to stop except for each other. The look that passes between us is electrifying. My heart swells with emotion as I take in his handsome face, his whiskey-colored eyes holding me captive.
“You look perfect,” he whispers, his gaze never leaving mine.
