Page 115 of Ruthless Serenade

My cheek rests against Maron’s chest, rising and falling with each steady breath. His fingers weave through my hair, occasionally massaging my scalp in ways that turn me boneless against him. The air is thick with the scent of us - a heady mixture of sweat, sex, and the lingering notes of my perfume.

"Who the fuck would have thought I’d have this," Maron murmurs. "Perfect wife, beautiful children, a real family. Doesn’t feel like I deserve it."

I prop myself up on an elbow to look at him, my heart overflowing. "Maybe you don’t, but you’re stuck with us anyway, Mister."

He smiles at me, his blue eyes shining with something rare and precious - pure, unguarded joy. "You, Sharon, the twins... You’re my entire world,lisichka. Can’t imagine my life any other way."

I dip down to kiss him softly, savoring the sweetness of this moment. "Neither can I," I whisper against his lips. "Especially after everything life hurled at us. Love triangles, my infertility struggles, selective mutism, and all the other bullets we dodged... but we made it." I pause, smiling. "And now it’s Maurice and Alexis’ turn."

"Another fucking wedding." Maron’s chest rumbles with a soft chuckle. "Who would’ve thought? Let’s just hope they stay clean - no booze, no pills."

"Hey!" I land a solid punch on his shoulder. "That’s not nice, Maron. They’ve both fought their way back and they fought hard. Show some respect."

"Christ,lisichka! You punch harder than a wrecking ball!" He grumbles, rubbing his shoulder. "I’m happy for them, alright? I’m just worried how Sharon’s going to handle being a flower girl twice in under a month."

I stifle a laugh against his chest. "Are you kidding? Another chance to be the center of attention? She’ll be over the moon."

Maron nods, drawing me closer. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe the worst of her trauma is behind her."

As he says it, I find myself truly believing it’s possible; it doesn’t feel like false hope anymore. My little girl has transformed since that terrible day. She has everything she dreamed - a safe home, parents who adore her, and two little brothers on the way.

As sleep begins to claim us, I burrow deeper into Maron’s embrace. Up here in our mountain sanctuary, the world’s dangers feel distant, and for once, I let myself believe that everything will be perfect. Better than perfect, even.

Just before I drift off, I hear him whisper, "I love you, Mrs. Korolev."

I smile, my eyes already closed. "I love you too, Mr. Korolev."

And as I slip into dreams, I feel complete. Whole. At peace.

The world couldn’t possibly get any better than this.

Epilogue

Mindy

A few months later

The sound of laughter and music fills the air.

I adjust my veil one last time and glance out the window. The scene on the lawn makes my soul sing.

Today is double wedding day. Maron and I are getting married for the second time, alongside Alexis and Maurice. The two newlyweds, madly in love with each other, asked us if we wanted to marry again with them, and we said yes. The first ceremony was small, just a dinner with our nearest and dearest loved ones. Now, it’s time for the grand celebration.

I see Maron standing at the altar, looking dashing as ever in his tuxedo. Next to him is Maurice, fidgeting nervously as he waits for Alexis. My sister is probably having last-minute jitters in the adjacent room.

The guests are starting to take their seats. I spot Pavel and his wife, both looking healthy and happy. A few rows back, I spot a sight that still makes me do a double-take: Timofey with his arm around Betty. Their unexpected pairing was the talk of the town for weeks after they revealed their relationship.

Just over a month ago, Betty called me. Her voice was bubbling with excitement “Mindy, remember the guy I met through my database?” She’d exclaimed.

“Sure, Bets,” I’d said. “What about him?”

“Well, I haven’t revealed his identity to you. But now that we’re getting serious, I can tell you who he is!”

I remember laughing, “Alright, spill, girl! Who is this mystery stranger that swept my bestie off her feet.”

“Well…” she began slowly. “His name is Timofey Korolev,” she gushed.

At first, I could not believe my ears.

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