Page 57 of The Bratva's Plus-Size Bride

While at least part of me felt for Alina, it was a comfort to know that she had the chance to start over on her own, and after swearing it to Ari, she relinquished her place in the organized crime space. She promised to stay away from the city, which she had grown tired of anyway, and since then, she hadn’t been a problem.

Without needing to worry about the Ivanovs or any potential threat they posed, Ben and I were able to pick up where we left off, and a general sense of comfort fell over us. With time, effort, and the determination to not waste what we had between us, we managed to reach new heights in our relationship, and we had never felt closer.

It was a relief, and thankfully, my partner was a better man than I once gave him credit for.

Standing in the new office with a timer up on one of the big screens, we were finally able to see our plans put into action, brought to life and so tangible that my heart was near bursting. With the new hires joining in, it was easy to already feel a sense of community.

I had a team of people behind me, and for the first time, I was able to step into a position of leadership. Instead of waiting for others to deem me worthy of hiring or keeping around, I was at the helm, and I had the privilege of pursuing those dreams as far as they might take me.

Thankfully, I had Ben to back me. He was the company’s biggest investor and partial owner, and yet he said from day one that I had full authority. It was my project, after all, and while he would always be available to help whenever I needed it, the rest was up to me.

I never thought I’d be given such an incredible kindness from anyone, but thanks to Ben, my dreams and ambitions were a reality.

“Look,” Ben said as he slid an arm around my waist and pointed his glass toward the giant counter. “It’s almost time.”

With a wide smile on my face, I leaned into his touch and turned my attention to the screen that would soon announce the official launch of the publication. I watched as the numbers diminished, and soon enough, everyone had their eyes locked on it with building suspense looming all around us.

With a hand cupping his mouth, Ben announced for everyone to hear, “We officially launch in five…four…three…”

As he counted, we all joined in, and I could hardly contain my excitement while my heart raced at the thought. After all my effort and planning, it came together so nicely, and I was able to watch as this establishing moment unfolded with my own eyes.

“Two…one!”

Cheers erupted in the room as everyone clapped, and I was over the moon as a celebratory image popped up on the screen, and it was official.

The energy in the room was electric, and I couldn’t get enough.

Mirroring my ecstatic smile, Ben used his hand around my waist to pull me closer, and he sweetly melded his lips against mine as the excitement continued all around us.

I savored the tenderness of his touch, my heart ready to give out at any moment.

“Congratulations, Mrs. CEO,” he murmured against my lips through his teasing, affectionate smile. “The title looks good on you.”

Shivering faintly at his teasing words, I let that thrill move through me, and I found myself caught between wanting to celebrate and needing to be surrounded by him even longer.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” I said back, cheeks aching from how happy I was. At how I had my husband to thank for all of it.

His lips curled as his hand lingered on my waist. “Better get to it, then.”

***

With the excitement of the launch party dying out and after receiving copious amounts of kind words from the family and the new team, we found ourselves in the back of the SUV as a driver guided us home.

Despite how incredible and fulfilling the event had been, it was nice to be alone with Ben as the fresh breeze came in through the cracked windows. I leaned my head against his shoulder while the city lights passed overhead, soaking in the quiet, tranquil moment.

Ben’s hand was on my thigh as he traced absent circles there with his thumb, head leaning against mine. Even through the silence that lingered between us, I felt nothing but loved and appreciated through his presence and touch.

The man I once despised became the very person I couldn’t live without, and I wouldn’t trade any of that for the world.

“Thank you,” I murmured as I soaked in the moment.

His quiet questioning hum moved through me.

“For all of this…encouraging me to start the publication and helping me with all the details. Everything,” I said, smiling softly for him as I pulled back enough to look at him. “I wouldn’t have any of this without you, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.”

As Ben held my gaze with a light, warm lift of his lips, he cradled my cheek with a hand and gently stroked a thumb across my skin. “You deserve this chance to show the world what you’re made of. Nobody will be able to hold a candle to my strong, ambitious wife—CEO and professional journalist. It’s impressive, really.”

My smile widened as my heart warmed. “You think so?”

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