Page 71 of Secret Bratva Twins

She trails off, her voice breaking, and I step forward again, cupping her face in my hands. “Did you fall in love with me?” I ask, my voice low and steady.

Her eyes widen slightly, and for a long moment, she’s silent. Then, slowly, she nods, her voice barely audible. “Yes. I did.”

The weight of her confession settles over us, and something inside me cracks open. “Chiara,” I murmur, leaning closer. “I’ve been in love with you for longer than I want to admit.”

Her breath catches, and I don’t wait for her to respond. I press my lips to hers, the kiss deep and slow, filled with everything we’ve been holding back for years. She melts into me, her hands gripping my shirt as though afraid I’ll pull away.

When we finally break apart, her forehead rests against mine, her breathing unsteady. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”

I shake my head, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “It’s in the past. We’re here now. That’s what matters.”

She nods, her tears slowing as she leans into my touch. “I love you,” she says softly, the words trembling but sure.

“I love you,” I reply, my voice steady. “We’re going to make this work, Chiara. For us. For the kids. For everything we’ve built.”

She smiles, small but genuine, and I pull her into my arms, holding her close as the first rays of dawn begin to light the sky. For the first time in years, I feel like we’re finally on the same path—together.

Epilogue – Chiara

One year later…

The house is alive with energy, the sound of laughter and conversation spilling into every corner. Brightly colored balloons and streamers hang from the ceiling, and the twins’ favorite theme—dinosaurs—decorates the tables and walls. Alyssa and Leo are buzzing with excitement, darting between guests with their usual boundless energy, their small faces lit with pure joy.

Serge’s family is here, along with a few close friends. Katya oversees everything with her usual poise, making sure the day runs smoothly, while Serge is in the living room, talking with some of his associates who came to celebrate. The sight of him relaxed, a rare softness to his usually sharp features, makes me pause.

He’s been different these past few months—calmer, more attentive. To me, to the kids. It’s a shift I didn’t expect, but one I find myself appreciating more than I care to admit.

“Chiara,” Katya’s familiar voice pulls me from my thoughts. She stands beside me, her warm smile an anchor in the whirlwind of activity. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“I am,” I reply, glancing toward the twins. “The kids are so happy. Thank you for helping with all of this.”

She waves a hand dismissively, her earrings catching the light. “Anything for my grandchildren. They deserve the best.”

My gaze flickers across the room, scanning the faces of Serge’s family. There’s an absence that’s impossible not to notice. “I don’t see Maxim,” I say carefully, keeping my tone neutral.

Katya’s expression tightens slightly, but she covers it quickly with a sip of her champagne. “He wasn’t invited.”

The words surprise me. “He wasn’t?”

She shakes her head, her gaze softening as she looks at me. “Serge thought it would be better this way. He didn’t want any tension today. For the children’s sake—and yours.”

For a moment, I don’t know what to say. The realization that Serge considered my feelings—enough to exclude his own brother—is unexpected. He’s always been so confident, so commanding, that it’s easy to forget he’s capable of subtlety, of thoughtfulness.

“That’s… considerate of him,” I murmur, my heart tugging at the thought.

Katya nods, a knowing smile curving her lips. “He cares about you, Chiara. More than I think he’s willing to admit.”

Before I can respond, Alyssa’s shrill voice cuts through the room. “Mama! Papa! It’s time for presents!”

The twins gather at the base of the towering pile of gifts, their excitement infectious. Guests begin handing them carefully wrapped boxes—stuffed dinosaurs, puzzles, books, and clothes quickly pile up as they open each one with squeals of delight.

Then Serge steps forward, his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm but carrying an undercurrent of mischief. “I have something special for you,” he says, his deep voice commanding everyone’s attention.

Alyssa and Leo both freeze, their wide eyes locking on to him. “What is it?” Alyssa breathes, practically bouncing on her toes.

Serge steps to the side, and a small brown puppy comes bounding into the room, its floppy ears and wagging tail drawing gasps and cheers from the twins. The puppy yips excitedly, its tiny paws skidding on the polished floor as it rushes toward Alyssa, who lets out a delighted squeal.

“A puppy!” she cries, dropping to her knees as the dog climbs into her lap, licking her face enthusiastically.

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