Heading into the kitchen, I catch sight of the crumpled photo still on the table from when I threw it at Nina.
I grind my teeth as I turn it over and look at Igor surrounded by his children.
He deserved to fucking burn in that wreck for the hell he put my family through, and Nina for that matter.
I still can’t believe how someone as kind and gentle as her was raised by such a monster.
She truly is the light in the darkness, and I feel a great privilege that I will soon get to call her my wife, and she can truly put the past behind her.
My eyes flick to Lev, and I wince at the shadows in his eyes.
He looks haunted, and I can’t begin to imagine the sort of demons he now has to fight because of Igor.
Though from the looks of this picture, it seems as if the demons have already won.
I shake my head. “What happened to you?”
EPILOGUE - NINA
Seven months later
Emma applies more blush to my cheeks. “I still think you should have Yakov walk you down the aisle. He’s been like an overprotective father to you.”
I flick my bangs out of my eyes. “We’ve had this conversation a million times. I’m walking myself down the aisle.”
Allie chuckles. “I think it’s very feminist of you.”
That’s not why I’m doing it, but I’d rather not dwell on the fact that today is my wedding day and not one single member of my family will be attending.
I’m not sad about that fact but rather excited about the prospect of starting fresh.
Though my mother is the only person I wish could have been here to see me get married. She would have loved Anton, and I have no doubt that in another life, her and Maria would have been wonderful friends.
The thought brings me comfort as my father comes to mind.
It became clear that no one survived the explosion at his warehouse, and I’m yet to shed a tear at the thought of never seeing him again.
“Can we just focus on getting me ready to actually walk down the aisle? Because at this rate, I won’t get married before this baby decides to make an appearance.”
I look down at my pregnant belly and smile. This was definitely not part of the plan, but I couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.
Beatrice sighs. “I love a wedding.”
Emma laughs. “Me too. Free booze and hot men in tuxedos, what more could a girl ask for?”
I point my finger at her. “I swear, you are not allowed to hook up with anyone. These people are my family now, Emma.”
“Well, lucky for you, most of them are married. Though, didn’t you say Anton had a brother? Is he single?”
I groan, and Emma grins, a twinkle of mischief in her blue eyes.
Allie shakes her head. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she behaves. Or maybe she’ll finally get her hands on Yakov.”
Emma’s eyes alight with mischief. “I bet he’s kinky as fuck.”
“Poor Yakov.” I chuckle.
Emma ends up having to touch up my makeup three times as I’m crying with laughter as the four of us get ready.