Page 73 of Cruel Bet

“I said, I love you,” he says looking into my eyes as though willing me to see the truth in them.

“I love you too!” I reply, overwhelmed with joy.

“You do?” he asks, grinning like a schoolboy. “I’ve wanted to tell you how I feel for a long time. I think I was in love with you before you even left, perhaps from the moment I met you, but I was too afraid to admit it, too worried that you didn’t feel the same. I didn’t want to admit to myself how much I love youbecause I was so afraid it would put you in danger. But now I know, Arianna, that you are the love of my life. The only woman I will ever love. The only woman I want to be with for the rest of my life. I promise I will love and protect you and Mads with everything I have.”

He looks at me with such love in his eyes that I feel my heart might burst with happiness. He gets up, moving around to stand by my side of the table before sinking to one knee. I barely register what I happening until he produces a ring box from his pocket.

As he opens it he says, “Arianna, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” I cry out, tears of happiness springing to my eyes, “Yes of course I’ll marry you, Nikolai!”

He grins, looking like he’s just won the lottery as he slips the ring onto my finger. It’s only then that I properly look at it. It’s gorgeous, a beautiful, classy solitaire diamond with a white gold band that’s not too gaudy or over the top. It’s perfect for me. He kisses me deeply and I kiss him back. The kiss finally ends, and he pulls his chair closer, sitting next to me so he can remain close, holding my hand.

“Nikolai, there’s still something I have to tell you.”

“Is something wrong?” he asks.

He looks so worried for a second that I have to let out a laugh. I guess it’s so often that there’s drama in our lives that it makes sense he’d worry it’s bad news.

“It’s good news, at least I hope you’ll think it is. I’m pregnant!” I blurt, unable to hold it back any longer.

He lets out a whoop of excitement and pulls me into an embrace. “Are you serious? I’m going to be a dad again? That’s not good news—that’s great news!”

He looks at me with love and excitement in his eyes. He starts chatting excitedly about all of the things we need to do for the baby, the wedding, and everything else in between. His enthusiasm is infectious, and we discuss our future together, imagining what it will look like once we’re married and with two children.

As the candle on the table burns down to the wick and the night becomes late while we plan our future, the rest of the world melts away. I know that we belong together. That life with Nikolai is as close to a fairytale ending as I want. I may not be marrying Prince Charming, he’s said before he’s the big bad wolf, but he’s mine. My love. My protector. My world.

Epilogue

One Year Later

“Oh my god, you look stunning!” Kimiko squeals with uncharacteristic girlishness as I stand to reveal the finished look.

“She’s right, Nikolai’s going to have a heart attack at the altar when he sees you!” Maria agrees.

“Mommy, you look like a princess!” Mads shouts.

I survey my reflection, I look great, I have to admit. The wedding dress I’ve gone for today is nothing like the glittery, embellished, strapless corset slutty monstrosity my father chose all those years ago. It's classy yet elegant. The sweetheart neckline reveals only a hint of cleavage. It then tapers in at the waist before billowing out into a wide full skirt with a long train. The dress is a pale cream color and the only adornment I’m wearing is the long veil with pearls sewn along the edge. I’ve forgone jewelry, wearing only my engagement ring. My hair has been swept half up-half down in a natural old Hollywood wave with minimal makeup that accentuates my features.

I can’t believe that the day has finally come when I get to marry the love of my life, surrounded by our friends and family. With my father and sister gone, and Diego’s father having recently passed away leaving him the head of the Castro Cartel, Maria has finally been able to be herself again. This means I am again Arianna De Luca and Nikolai and I can marry legally, though thankfully, that last name won’t be mine after today.

Kimiko and Maria, both looking beautiful in their peach-colored dresses, are my bridesmaids. Mads is adorable in her dress as my flower girl, wearing the same color dress in a puffy child-appropriate style.

In his playpen, baby Maxim coos happily, pulling off one of his little shoes. He looks adorable in his tiny little suit. My heart swells with love at the sight of him and I go to pick him up, smothering him with kisses. Mads has loved being a big sister, insisting on helping look after him as much as possible. He gurgles happily at me, reaching up to try to grab my veil.

“Uh-oh little one, we don’t want to mess up the bride before she’s walked down the aisle do we?” Maria chides, softly taking Maxim from me.

She will carry him down the aisle while Kimiko will follow Mads, helping her if needed. Though I know Mads is determined to perform her role perfectly and has been practicing for months.

A knock at the door distracts us, it’s time.

“They’re ready for you, Arianna,” Dimitri calls.

“We’re ready too, come in,” I reply.

Dimitri enters and lets out a low whistle. “Look at you! Why you’re a sight for sore eyes. Nikolai is the luckiest man alive,” he says smiling at me before turning his attention to the others, “And I think you three ladies might be the prettiest bridesmaids ever!” he exclaims.

Mads giggles delightedly and they all head out of the door, ready to make their entrance.

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