Page 82 of The Bratva's Secret Twins

“I know this is sudden, and maybe you need some time to think, but—”

“Yes!” she interrupted, stretching out her hand.

“Yes?” I asked to confirm, warmth filling me from head to toe.

“Yes, Daniil,” she replied with a sniffle.

I smiled and slipped the ring into her finger; then, I rose to my feet.

She was still in tears, and I reached out to wipe them with my thumbs while gazing into her eyes.

I hadn’t expected her to be so emotional, but then again, I figured this gesture might have peeled open an old wound.

“Why are you crying?” My voice was calm as I slowly wiped those tears that wouldn’t stop flowing.

“I'm sorry.” She sniffled. “I didn’t mean to,” she said. “It’s just…it’s just that I….” She let out a sigh. “I should have admitted earlier how I truly felt for you. I should have faced my fears and reached out when I realized that I was pregnant.”

“Hey,” I said softly, holding her hand. “I didn’t make things easy for you, as well,” I admitted.

“There wasn’t a single day that went by that I didn’t think about you, Daniil,” she confessed. “And there were times when I wanted to reach out and tell you about the kids, but I just couldn’t. I was too afraid to do so. I wanted to apologize because I really needed you at the time; I needed your care—the kids, too. But I knew I couldn’t play with fire. I’d tried that once, and I got burned.”

I understood the reference of the fire burning her; I was the fire, the reason she ran.

“You did good raising them and getting a degree, then chasing your dreams.” I cupped her face in my palm, looking right into her eyes. “I’m proud of you for that.”

“You asked why I was crying,” she said. “It’s because I love you, Daniil Wolkov…. I have for a long time, even when I was too afraid to admit it, and I and always will.”

Her confession brought a bright smile to my face, making me realize that I had to fess up and admit my feelings, as well. I’d always known deep down that I was in love with her—ever since Andrei had nudged me in that direction—but hearing her say those words was the confirmation I needed.

“I love you, too, Vivian Kennedy,” I whispered.

She smiled broadly, as though she’d been expecting to hear me say the words.

“At last, you said it.” She chuckled.

I leaned in for her lips and planted the most fervent kiss I’d ever given anyone.

Nobody but her deserved it.

Chapter 25 – Vivian

As our lips met in a soft, sweet kiss, I felt like I was melting into Daniil’s embrace. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us, lost in this moment. I still couldn’t believe that I was a bride—Daniil’s bride—and my heart was filled with joy.

His lips were warm and gentle, his kiss filled with love and promise. I felt like I was home, like I was exactly where I was meant to be, where I needed to be. He’d proven to be more than capable of love, and the kids adore him. What else could I ask for?

The kiss seemed to stretch on forever, yet it was over all too soon. We broke apart, gasping for air, our eyes locked on each other’s. He had a faint smile on his face, and that suit revealed his perfect build. His hair was neatly permed and combed back, and his eyes shimmered in the lights.

I couldn’t help but smile, my heart overflowing with happiness. Daniil’s eyes shone with love and adoration, his face beaming with joy and making me blush uncontrollably.

As we turned to face our guests, the cheers and applause grew louder as smiling faces gazed at us.

In the crowd, I caught sight of my mother and her new husband. She seemed happy and super excited as she beamed with pride. She couldn’t stop smiling, and despite our differences, I was glad she was able to make it. Tyler had made sure of that.

I caught his eyes in the crowd, and the young man was looking dashing today. He was wearing a white tux over a pair of black pants. Beside him was a pretty girl, petite with black curly hair and a pair of green eyes.

My friends from Solenoir, including Asher, were all present. I hadn’t expected to see Alba, but there she was in the crowd, smiling at me.

Shocked, I stole a glance at my husband, knowing he was the one behind this. I’d casually made a statement about how I’d love to see Alba at my wedding, but I didn’t think he’d take it seriously. Daniil had paid attention to this tiny detail, and that just melted my heart. She was standing there with our kids at her feet, overwhelmed by sheer exhilaration.

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