Page 81 of Dark Obsession

The room erupts into cheers, claps, and a few hoots from the guys as Grigori stands, wrapping me in his arms. “I love you so much,” I murmur breathlessly, barely hearing my own voice over the commotion.

“I love you, too, princess,” he whispers, pulling me in for a kiss that seals every word.

Epilogue I

Elena

Six months later…

The backyard is a fairy tale of lights and laughter, the kind of celebration you only get when the family’s all together and ready to let loose.

It’s spring, and the world feels alive again after the long, dreary winter Grigori and I spent together.

Everyone we care about—and plenty more—are here, celebrating under the stars, their voices and laughter echoing around the sprawling grounds. Hundreds of guests mill about and a live band plays, lending the atmosphere an electric, joyful vibe.

I weave my way through the crowd, catching glimpses of kids darting between tables, giggling and chasing each other with sticky fingers from dessert. There’s a decadent spread of food—a mix of fine Russian dishes, grilled meats, and pastries that would tempt even the most disciplined of appetites. Champagne flutes and glasses of vodka pass between hands, and an intoxicating sense of camaraderie fills the air.

Moving through the crowd, I catch a snippet of conversation between Lev and Luk, both dressed to the nines but still looking every bit the fierce Bratva men they are. They’re speaking in hushed tones, but I’m close enough to pick up on it.

“The Molina Cartel in New York is falling apart,” Lev says, swirling the vodka in his glass. “Infighting’s worse than ever.”

Luk nods, satisfaction clear in his tone. “Which means they won’t be a threat anytime soon. We’re safe, for now.”

I sidle up to them, unable to resist a smirk. “Are you two seriously talking shop at my wedding? We’ll all still be here tomorrow, you know.”

Luk laughs, placing his hand on my back, his smile warm. “Just staying vigilant, Mrs. Petrov. Besides, it’s not every day we get to be so relaxed about a rival’s fate.”

“True enough,” I say, giving him a playful nudge. “But no more cartel talk tonight, okay?”

Lev grins, his face lighting up in genuine warmth. “Understood. And congratulations again, my dear sister. You two deserve this.”

As I move through the crowd, I spot Maura and Dalia with a few of the other women, gathered together at a table beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. They’re sipping champagne and watching the kids, trading stories and laughing. When I join them, Maura pulls me into a tight hug, grinning with that sly glint she always has.

“Look at you, Mrs. Newlywed!” she says. “I’m so happy for you.”

Dalia clinks her glass to mine with a wink. “You two look ridiculously happy. It’s about time.” She gives me a knowingsmile. “So, are you and Grigori thinking about kids of your own anytime soon?”

I smile, keeping it cryptic. “We’ll see.”

Dalia and Maura exchange a glance with the other women, a gleam of excitement in their eyes. I just wink, letting them think whatever they want, slipping away into the crowd with a smile. A few steps in, Alexei and Yuri flag me down.

“Elena!” Alexei calls, his voice cutting through the music and chatter. They each hold a glass of vodka.

“Don’t worry,” Yuri says, grinning. “We know about the ‘no shop talk’ rule.” He tips his glass to me. “But we just got some good news for Ivanov Holdings. Big deals are coming this year, more work than we’ve seen in a while.”

I raise an eyebrow, grinning right back. “Good. I’m more than ready to get busy.”

They both chuckle and raise their glasses in a toast, congratulating me again on the marriage before I slip away.

I scan the crowd.

And then I spot him.

Grigori stands on the main balcony from the house, looking like a dark, brooding prince surveying his kingdom. He’s in a black tux that fits so perfectly it’s sinful. He’s completely healed now, every trace of the beating now a fading memory. His broad shoulders, powerful stance, and sharp jawline make my heart skip a beat.

Our eyes meet and his face softens, a slow smile spreading across it as he descends the balcony stairs, his gaze locked on me. I can’thelp but bite my lip as he approaches. When he finally reaches me, his arm slips around my waist, pulling me close.

“You look so incredible,” he says quietly, just for me. His eyes roam my face, his hand reaching up to gently touch my cheek.

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