Page 88 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

I place a hand on her arm, understanding the emotions behind her words. “That’s what this place is for. Here, they’re not heirs or pawns or bargaining chips. They’re just kids.”

She nods as Tony returns. “Ready to go?”

As they leave, I begin tidying up the studio. Viktor approaches. “Kiril called. He wants to know if you’ll be home for dinner.”

I glance at the clock, surprised by how late it’s gotten. “Yes, tell him I’ll be there soon. Just need to finish up here.”

Viktor nods and steps outside to make the call. I continue straightening the room, lost in thought. The studio has become more than I ever imagined. Not just a gathering place, but a place of hope. The world outside these walls is still fraught with danger and complex alliances, but inside, the kids can be just kids for as long as we can shelter them.

As I gather my things and prepare to leave, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at me is a far cry from the naïve dance teacher I once was. I’m a wife, a mother, and a mediator between powerful and dangerous men. Here, in this studio, I’m still just Felicity, the woman who believes in the power of music and movement to bring people together.

I switch off the lights and lock up, nodding to Viktor as we make our way to the waiting car. As we drive through the city streets, my mind is already on the evening ahead. Dinner withKiril, tucking Susie into bed, and perhaps a late-night discussion about business matters I once would have shied away from, followed by intense lovemaking with the man I love. Life doesn’t vary much, but I love it exactly as it is.

The End.

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