Chapter 21
In Loving Memory,
Vivianne Desmonte
The gravestone stood solemn and polished beneath the cherry blossoms of Desmil Cemetery.
placed a white flower gently at its base.
My fingers brushed the cold marble as I whispered, “I’m here, Mom. We won.”
‘…Ivi?”
turned slowly. Chris stood a few feet away, dressed in a black coat, his eyes wide as he stared
at me.
Or rather, at the woman I’d become.
‘It’s Aria now,” I said, raising an eyebrow.
Chris scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “I mean-right, yes. Ms. Aria. I just… wow.”
sighed softly. “Where have you been?”
He looked down, ashamed. “I joined the Mafia Council. After everything, I… I wanted to earn it. I didn’t want to face you until I’d become someone worthy.”
stayed silent for a while before finally nodding. “You can call me Ivi again.”
He looked up, surprised. A warm smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.
Ivi… I’m really sorry. For everything. For failing you as your brother.”
stepped forward and hugged him. He flinched, then slowly embraced me back, as if unsure if he
leserved it.
My hate for you… it’s gone,” I whispered. “You were my superhero once. You still are. Just… nake it up to me, okay?”
Chris swallowed, blinking away tears. “Anything.”
pulled back and handed him a sleek, cream-colored envelope.
de looked at it. “What’s this?”
A wedding invitation.”
His eyes widened. “You’re getting married?”
smiled. “Tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
And I walked away, leaving him stunned, still holding the invitation.
THE WEDDING
Desmil City, 2023. Cliffside Estate.
The day was breathtaking-sunlight filtered through silk-draped archways, and sea wind carried the scent of roses through the air.
The Desmonte estate had transformed into something dreamlike. White petals lined the stone aisle, and guests sat in hushed reverence, surrounded by cliffs and waves that sparkled under
the sun.
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12:10 am Pppp.
In the bridal chamber, Felicity adjusted my veil while Victor waited by the door.
“You know,” Felicity said, adjusting the necklace, “you’re going to make half the mafia womer jealous today.”
I smiled at her reflection. “I’ll be too busy watching one man to notice.”
Victor stepped forward. “Don Fredrinn would like a word, Miss Aria.”
I followed him into my grandfather’s study. He stood quietly, gazing out toward the sea.
“You remind me of Vivianne,” he said without turning.
My throat tightened. “She always talked about freedom.”
Don Fredrinn turned and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “And now you have it. And love too. You’ve brought pride back to our name, Aria.”
hugged him, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Grandpa.”
‘Go,” he said softly. “He’s waiting.”
In the groom’s lounge, Lothario adjusted his cufflinks. His mafia-black tuxedo fit him like destiny.
Chris entered first. “Relax. She’ll show.”
‘She better,” Lothario murmured, then glanced at Sam. “If I faint, blame her.”
Sam smirked. “Please faint. I want to see Aria drag you to the altar.”
But Lothario wasn’t nervous because of fear. He was overwhelmed by joy.
He thought of her-how far she’d come. How far they both had.
He took a breath as the music started.
The Ceremony
When I stepped into the sunlight, everything stopped.
Every guest rose.
Lothario looked up-and he never blinked.
I walked slowly, every step a victory, a vow to the girl I once was and the woman I had become. When I reached him, he took my hands gently. The officiant smiled.
“You may say your vows.”
Lothario looked into my eyes.
“I’ve seen the world try to destroy you. And I’ve seen you rise. You are not just the woman I love. You are the woman I believe in. I vow to never let you walk this life alone again.”
My lips trembled as I answered.
“I thought love would get in the way of vengeance. But you were the reason I survived it. You are my home, Lothario. And I vow to always return to you.”
The officiant raised his voice.
“By the power vested in me by both the Desmonte family and the Northern Mafia Council-I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
And when he did, it wasn’t just a kiss.
It was everything we’d fought for.
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Later that Night…
Chris raised his glass. “To the most terrifying, loyal, insane, incredible couple I’ve ever known.”
Felicity and Vincent clinked glasses beside him. Sam was already two drinks in, sobbing into his champagne.
Lothario twirled me beneath the golden lights, and I laughed, my head tilted to the stars.
“We made it,” I whispered.
He kissed my temple. “Now let’s build a kingdom from peace.”
One Month Later
The screen fades to gray-
Somewhere in a remote province
Marian ran barefoot down an alley, her once-pristine dress stained and torn. She looked behinc her-rapists, dealers, danger breathing down her neck.
She had nothing left. No Don Matteo. No riches. No name.
She ducked behind a stall, stole a wallet from a tourist, and sprinted away.
But fate, cruel as ever, caught up to her.
She was caught by police. The camera cuts to a small, crowded jail cell.
Marian huddled in the corner, bruised, broken. Her eyes blank. Her hair matted. Women shovec her around like trash.
She vomited in the corner, unable to bear the stench of what she’d become.
Her crimes had brought her here. And no one came to save her.
SOMEWHERE IN THE EAST
Don Matteo writhed on a chair, bound by silk cords and high-grade sensors. A glass of wine sat
Intouched before him.
Don Fredrinn sipped his own casually.
You wanted power, Matteo,” the old man murmured, swirling the glass. “But you forgot one
hing.”
He leaned closer.
Real power never screams.”
Don Matteo flinched as the lights dimmed.
Laughter echoed in the darkness.
BACK TO DESMIL
Aria stood beside Lothario on a balcony overlooking the city they now ruled together.
“I wonder if she regrets it now,” she murmured.
Lothario kissed her knuckles. “Doesn’t matter. You won.”
She smiled softly, pressing her head to his chest.
The night wind wrapped around them gently, and the world below bowed in silence.
Because the woman they tried to bury… now wore the crown.
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