Page 99 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

At the reception, we twirl across the dance floor, lost in our own world. Valerian’s arms encircle me, strong and protective. “How does it feel to be Mrs. Rostova?” he murmurs against my ear.

I pull back to meet his gaze, a smile playing on my lips. “Like coming home. Like I’ve finally found where I belong.”

His eyes darken with emotion. “You’ve always belonged with me, Claire. From the moment I first saw you.”

The memory of our tumultuous beginning flashes through my mind. “We’ve come so far,” I say softly.

He nods, his expression serious. “And I promise we’ll go even farther together. Just us and our family.”

As if on cue, a high-pitched squeal cuts through the music. We turn to see Simone toddling toward us, her arms outstretched. Valerian scoops her up, settling her on his hip.

“Dance, Papa!” she demands, her little hands patting his cheeks.

Valerian chuckles. “As you wish, princess.”

I watch them sway together, my heart so full it might burst. Natalia soon joins them, not wanting to be left out. I feel a tug on my dress and look down to see Kolya and Andy, their matching brown eyes pleading.

“Mama, dance?” asks Kolya, holding up his arms.

I gather both boys close, swaying gently to the music. “Always, my loves.”

As we dance, surrounded by our children and the love of our family and friends, I catch Valerian’s gaze over Simone’s curly head. The look we share speaks volumes. This is our world now, built on love, trust, and the unbreakable bond we’ve forged together.

The music fades, and Valerian pulls me close, our children nestled between us. “I love you, Claire Rostova,” he whispers, his lips brushing my forehead.

I lean into his embrace, savoring the warmth of our family. “And I love you, Valerian Rostova. Always and forever.”

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the reception, I take a moment to soak it all in. The laughter of our guests, the joyful shrieks of our children as they chase each other across the lawn, and the solid presence of Valerian by my side. This is the life we’ve built together, brick by brick, overcoming every obstacle thrown our way.

As the night wears on, and our guests begin to depart, Valerian and I find a quiet moment alone. We stand on the terrace, overlooking the twinkling lights of the estate. He wraps his arms around me from behind, and I lean into his solid warmth.

“Thank you for giving me this life and this family.”

He turns me in his arms, his gaze intense. “You showed me what real love is, and what it means to have a family. I should be thanking you.”

I reach up, tracing the line of his jaw. “Let’s just be grateful for each other, and for this life we’ve built together.”

He leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that speaks of passion, of promise, and a love that will last a lifetime. As we rejoin the party, our children running to greet us with open arms, this is just the beginning of our greatest adventure yet.

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