Page 74 of Forced Innocent Bratva Bride

Light laughs erupted from the others, and Dad stepped forward, a glimpse of seriousness creeping into his face.

He halted in front of me after Darcy stepped aside. “Hi, sweetheart.” Dad held my hands, his eyes boring into mine. “I know I'm your least favorite person in the world right now, so thank you for even giving me an audience.”

My heart melted at his touch, my eyes misting as I stared at him. Dad wasn't the kind to express himself or have a heart-to-heart conversation with anyone, hence the reason his effort was so touching.

“I shouldn't have forced this marriage on you,” he continued. “It was unfair and selfish of me, and for that, I'm sorry.”

I shook my head, a small smile spreading across my face. “Don't be sorry because if you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have had this perfect life.” I stole a glance at Alexei, then returned my gaze to my Dad.

“So, you forgive me?” he asked, squinting, his head slightly tilting to the side.

Without a word, I hugged him, my hands wrapping around his back.

“Aww,” Hannah cooed, her tone dripping with sweetness.

“I'm super proud of you, Lorena,” Dad said, pulling away to look into my eyes. “I'm proud of the woman you've become.” His lips parted into a smile.

“Mom, take a picture. This moment should be captured,” Hannah said to Darcy.

“Way ahead of you, sweetie,” Darcy replied, her phone's camera taking a snapshot of Dad and I.

I cast a disbelieving look at her, a smile twitching at the corners of my lips. “Now, who's being melodramatic?”

She shrugged her shoulders and joined Hannah to admire the baby.

“Alexei,” Dad greeted him, extending a hand.

“Oscar,” my husband replied, taking his hand.

As the two men discussed with smiley faces, Darcy and Hannah were busy with the infant while I stood in their midst with an uncontrollable smile.

This was the happiest day of my life and also the beginning of more happy days to come.

My heart was filled with gratitude for the way my story had turned out in the end. Alexei and I had a rough start, but that was necessary for our story to actually inspire others, like my sister, Hannah.

The admiration in her eyes was palpable, and I could tell she wanted a life like mine. Perhaps, someday, she would find an even better one than mine, but for now, she was still too young.

As my gaze swept across the faces of those I considered family, I heaved a satisfactory sigh, grateful for all the pain, the fight—the good times and bad—that led to this moment.

I had the perfect life. And I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.

“Hey, uh…what's his name?” Hannah asked, her question thrown at Alexei. “The baby,” she added for clarity’s sake.

We'd already decided on a name months ago, and now he stole a glance at me before announcing our son's name with pride lacing his tone.

“Constantine,” Alexei said, his lips curling into a smile.

*****

THE END

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