Page 122 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

“It’s such a small world. I can’t believe you and Vino are cousins.”

“Feels like you were meant to be a part of our family.” Gia grinned.

“Yes. Now tell me about your husband.”

“Enzo and I met at Penn State,” she began. “He was studying to be a doctor while I pursued my passion for fashion. He’s the mafia boss of his family in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and I’m still managing my family’s mafia operations with my brother, Eon. Soon I’ll be relocating to Pittsburgh full time.”

I squeezed her hand. “That’s amazing. We’ll get to see each other again.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. “I missed you, Claire.”

I nodded, eyes brimming again. “I missed you too, Gia. Are you coming to my wedding?” I asked.

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world.”

We hugged again, tighter this time.

It felt like the final piece of my past clicking into place. After all these years. After hiding, healing, surviving. I finally had my friend back.

EPILOGUE

CLAIRE

OUR WEDDING

I couldn’t believe the day had finally arrived. My wedding day.

My team had poured their hearts into the most breathtaking gown I’d ever seen—a Claire Ainsley original. The mermaid silhouette hugged every curve, covered in delicate white appliqué and pearls. The ruffled spaghetti straps were a charming detail, and from the knees down, layers of tiered tulle fanned into a dramatic train.

My hair was sheer elegance: a soft lift in front led into ocean-wave curls cascading in a ponytail down my back. Baby hairs swept perfectly against my forehead, giving me full mocha goddess vibes. Pearl-and-diamond earrings swayed from my ears, catching every glimmer of light.

My thoughts drifted to the first time I met Vino’s parents. His mom, Isabetta, cupped my face and cried as she studied me.

“You’re perfect for my son. I can tell you don’t take his shit,” she said with a warm laugh.

Vino chuckled, shaking his head. “Ma, don’t make it sound like I’m a bad guy.”

Isabetta gently patted his cheek. “You’re such a good boy,” she assured him. She gestured toward the sofa. “Have a seat, both of you.”

With her hand on her hip and her long, jet-black hair dangling over one shoulder, she remarked, “You’d be even better if you’d told me about Margo. Maddie didn’t have to deal with her.”

“Mom, don’t act like you didn’t convince Maddie to bring you along to handle her,” Vino replied.

She shrugged; her Jersey accent thick. “It would’ve been nice if I’d heard it from you,” she said.

I laughed at their playful exchange.

Vincent Sr. chuckled. “Vino, you know how your mother is.”

It was clear Vincent Sr. adored his wife.

“Dad, I know. But she’d have wanted to meet Claire, and at the time, that wasn’t possible.”

His father affectionately kissed him on the head.

Their relationship was truly special.

His father made a fuss over me, too. He told me to put my feet up on the coffee table. He had prepared tea specifically for me, insisting that I needed plenty of rest before the baby arrived. I felt genuinely welcomed.

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