Chapter 35: Dark Obsession: Epilogue I

Six months later…

The backyard is a fairy tale of lights and laughter, the kind of celebration you only get when the family’s all together and ready to let loose.

It’s spring, and the world feels alive again after the long, dreary winter Grigori and I spent together.

Everyone we care about—and plenty more—are here, celebrating under the stars, their voices and laughter echoing around the sprawling grounds. Hundreds of guests mill about and a live band plays, lending the atmosphere an electric, joyful vibe.

I weave my way through the crowd, catching glimpses of kids darting between tables, giggling and chasing each other with sticky fingers from dessert. There’s a decadent spread of food—a mix of fine Russian dishes, grilled meats, and pastries that would tempt even the most disciplined of appetites. Champagne flutes and glasses of vodka pass between hands, and an intoxicating sense of camaraderie fills the air.

Moving through the crowd, I catch a snippet of conversation between Lev and Luk, both dressed to the nines but still looking every bit the fierce Bratva men they are. They’re speaking in hushed tones, but I’m close enough to pick up on it.

“The Molina Cartel in New York is falling apart,” Lev says, swirling the vodka in his glass. “Infighting’s worse than ever.”

Luk nods, satisfaction clear in his tone. “Which means they won’t be a threat anytime soon. We’re safe, for now.”

I sidle up to them, unable to resist a smirk. “Are you two seriously talking shop at my wedding? We’ll all still be here tomorrow, you know.”

Luk laughs, placing his hand on my back, his smile warm. “Just staying vigilant, Mrs. Petrov. Besides, it’s not every day we get to be so relaxed about a rival’s fate.”

“True enough,” I say, giving him a playful nudge. “But no more cartel talk tonight, okay?”

Lev grins, his face lighting up in genuine warmth. “Understood. And congratulations again, my dear sister. You two deserve this.”

As I move through the crowd, I spot Maura and Dalia with a few of the other women, gathered together at a table beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. They’re sipping champagne and watching the kids, trading stories and laughing. When I join them, Maura pulls me into a tight hug, grinning with that sly glint she always has.

“Look at you, Mrs. Newlywed!” she says. “I’m so happy for you.”

Dalia clinks her glass to mine with a wink. “You two look ridiculously happy. It’s about time.” She gives me a knowing smile. “So, are you and Grigori thinking about kids of your own anytime soon?”

I smile, keeping it cryptic. “We’ll see.”

Dalia and Maura exchange a glance with the other women, a gleam of excitement in their eyes. I just wink, letting them think whatever they want, slipping away into the crowd with a smile. A few steps in, Alexei and Yuri flag me down.

“Elena!” Alexei calls, his voice cutting through the music and chatter. They each hold a glass of vodka.

“Don’t worry,” Yuri says, grinning. “We know about the ‘no shop talk’ rule.” He tips his glass to me. “But we just got some good news for Ivanov Holdings. Big deals are coming this year, more work than we’ve seen in a while.”

I raise an eyebrow, grinning right back. “Good. I’m more than ready to get busy.”

They both chuckle and raise their glasses in a toast, congratulating me again on the marriage before I slip away.

I scan the crowd.

And then I spot him.

Grigori stands on the main balcony from the house, looking like a dark, brooding prince surveying his kingdom. He’s in a black tux that fits so perfectly it’s sinful. He’s completely healed now, every trace of the beating now a fading memory. His broad shoulders, powerful stance, and sharp jawline make my heart skip a beat.

Our eyes meet and his face softens, a slow smile spreading across it as he descends the balcony stairs, his gaze locked on me. I can’t help but bite my lip as he approaches. When he finally reaches me, his arm slips around my waist, pulling me close.

“You look so incredible,” he says quietly, just for me. His eyes roam my face, his hand reaching up to gently touch my cheek.

“Right back at you,” I whisper, slipping my hands around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. He tastes like vodka and home. The cheers and laughter around us blur and the entire party seems to fade into the background as he kisses me slowly and deeply.

When he finally pulls back, he glances toward the balcony, then back to me, an amused glint in his eye. “I was thinking…” He lets the words linger and I grin.

“Thinking about another speech? They’re really starting to grow on you, aren’t they?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “They just might be. What do you say? Want to make a toast with me?”

I smile, squeezing his hand. “Lead the way.”

Hand in hand, we make our way back up to the balcony, Grigori strong and steady beside me. As we climb the steps, the crowd starts to gather below, looking up expectantly.

Grigori taps his glass, the clear, confident chime cutting through the chatter. The band goes quiet, the din settles, and every eye in the crowd turns up to the balcony where we stand. He straightens, looking out over everyone gathered below, a genuine and proud smile on his face.

“To everyone here tonight,” he begins, “thank you. This is the happiest day of my life, and it wouldn’t be complete without each of you here, celebrating with us. You’re family, and I’m grateful beyond words.”

A few heads nod and others cheer softly, raising their glasses to him. He raises his own glass, his eyes finding mine as he says, “Cheers.” The crowd echoes back, and glasses clink in unison, the word rippling through the gathering as he takes a sip.

Then, it’s my turn. I step forward, taking a breath as I look out over the faces of the people I love most. Part of me is bursting to share my news, but I hesitate, trying to read the moment.

“You know, Grigori wasn’t always this smooth,” I say. Laughter hums through the crowd, and Grigori raises an eyebrow at me, amused. “When we were kids, he tried to impress me once by balancing on a fence outside the bakery. He fell right off and scraped both knees, the big show-off,” I tease, and the laughter rises. “But he got right back up. And that’s always been his way—stubborn, determined, and always with his eye on me.”

A few knowing smiles glance his way, watching him shake his head, clearly wondering where I’m going with this.

As I look out over everyone—Dalia and Maura, the kids laughing in the front row, my brothers, my new family, the people who’ve stood by me through everything—I feel a rush of certainty.

This is exactly the right moment.

“There’s actually more joy to add to today’s story,” I say, my voice softening as I glance at Grigori, then back out at everyone else. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Grigori and I… we’re going to have a baby.”

There’s a moment of stunned silence.

I look over at Grigori, watching the realization hit him. His eyes widen, his strong composure wavering just a bit. And then, a single tear slips down his cheek. For a moment, he just stares at me, a vulnerable, raw look in his eyes that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.

I can’t help myself; I smile and reach up, brushing his cheek with my thumb. “Grigori Petrov, are you crying?”

He clears his throat, immediately trying to pull himself together, glancing away with a playful scowl. “It’s the pollen,” he mutters, rubbing his hand over his face. “Or maybe you wore too much perfume.”

I laugh, knowing the truth and loving him even more for it.

Just then, cheers erupt all around. Maura has her hands over her mouth, tears in her eyes as she gazes up at us. Dalia practically squeals, pulling Lev’s arm like she’s in disbelief, and even he looks caught off guard, raising his glass with a wide, proud grin.

The band picks up, filling the night air with music, and Grigori pulls me down to the dance floor, his hand firm on my waist.

“A baby?” he murmurs, his voice full of awe, still a bit overwhelmed.

“A baby,” I whisper back, leaning into him, feeling like my heart might burst with happiness.

With that, we step into our first dance as husband and wife, his hand warm against my back, our future unfolding with every step.

“I love you,” he says, his lips brushing mine, endless emotion in his eyes.

“Right back at you,” I whisper, my heart full as everyone watches us, knowing that everything we’ve dreamed of is right here in this moment.