“Just something simple,” she says, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I thought you might be hungry.”

“I’m always hungry for you,” I flirt, my lips brushing against her ear.

She laughs softly, a sound that never fails to make me smile. “You’re insatiable, Kirill.”

“You love it,” I retort, giving her a playful squeeze.

I let my hands roam a bit, feeling the familiar curves of her body. She’s filled out a little more since having our child, and I find her even more beautiful than before. My hand slips down to her ass, and I give it a playful slap.

“Kirill!” she exclaims, turning around in my arms to face me. Her cheeks are flushed, but there’s a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I chuckle, pulling her even closer. “What? I can’t help it. You’re irresistible.”

She rolls her eyes but can’t hide her smile. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love that too,” I say again, grinning as she leans up to kiss me.

The kiss is slow and tender. She tastes of honey and strawberries, a pre-dinner snack maybe. When we finally pull apart, she rests her forehead against mine, her eyes closed.

“I missed you today,” she whispers.

“I missed you too,” I reply, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Every second.”

She steps back and swats my ass playfully, making me laugh. “Go sit down. Dinner will be ready soon.”

I give her a mock salute, still chuckling as I head to the living room. “Yes, ma’am.”

As I settle onto the couch, I think about how much my life has changed. Three years ago, I was a man hardened by the world, closed off and determined to keep everyone at arm’s length. Violet broke through those walls, and now, I can’t imagine my life without her.

She joins me a few minutes later, carrying with her the scent of her sweet perfume. “Ten more minutes, then we eat,” she says brightly.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. This is what I fought for, what I’ll continue to fight for. Our love, our family, our future.

The sound of little footsteps padding across the floor reaches my ears, followed by a small, excited voice. “Mama! Papa!”

I turn my head and see our son, Lev, standing in the doorway, his wide eyes filled with excitement. At three years old, he’s the spitting image of Violet, with her expressive eyes and freckled skin. He’s a bundle of energy and joy, and seeing him never fails to brighten my day.

“Hey, buddy!” I call out, opening my arms. “Come here.”

Lev runs towards me, his little legs pumping with determination. I scoop him up in my arms, holding him close. He giggles, wrapping his small arms around my neck, and I feel my heart swell with love.

“Did you have fun today?” I ask, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Yes, Papa! I played with blocks and made a big tower!” he exclaims, his eyes shining with pride.

I chuckle, giving him a squeeze. “That sounds amazing. You’re getting so good at building things. Maybe you’ll be an architect someday?”

Violet watches us with a soft smile on her face, her eyes filled with love. She’s an incredible mother, patient and nurturing, and I’m constantly in awe of how she balances everything. Together with Joe, she manages the company with a level of skill and dedication that leaves me speechless.

Yet, she always has time for our son, always has love to give.

“Come here, Lev,” Violet says, reaching out her arms.

I hand Lev over to her, and she cradles him gently, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Did you show Papa your tower?” she asks, her voice warm and soothing.

Lev nods enthusiastically. “Yes, Mama! Papa said I’m good at building.”

“You are, sweetheart,” she agrees, smiling down at him. “You’re very talented.”