Epilogue
The nursery was quiet, bathed in the warm glow of a table lamp. Aurelia sat in the rocking chair, humming softly to their son as she rocked him gently. His tiny hand clutched the edge of her blouse, his soft breaths rhythmic against her chest. The faint scent of baby powder and lavender filled the room, a stark contrast to the darker elements of the world outside.
The door creaked open, and Michalis stepped inside. His presence was commanding, even in casual clothes—dark slacks and a fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His eyes softened as he took in the scene before him.
“You’re both still awake,” he murmured, crossing the room to stand beside the rocking chair. His gaze lingered on the baby, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re spoiling him, keeping him up so late.”
Aurelia smirked, her tone teasing. “I don’t think he minds. Do you, sweetheart?” She glanced down at the baby, her voice softening as she added, “We like our time together.”
Michalis crouched beside her, brushing a hand over their son’s dark curls. The gesture was tender, almost reverent. But the moment was short-lived. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he straightened with a sigh, pulling it out and glancing at the screen.
“Business?” Aurelia asked, her tone light but knowing.
He nodded, slipping the phone back into his pocket. “I need to handle something. I want you to go to the safe room.”
Aurelia’s brow arched, a playful glint in her eyes. “I hope you’re not planning to come back with blood on your clothes again.”
Michalis chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “No promises.”
Aurelia rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to the baby. “Your daddy isn’t very cooperative,” she said in a mock-conspiratorial tone. “But we love him anyway, don’t we?”
Michalis’s expression softened, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll move heaven and Earth to make sure you’re both safe.”
“I know,” Aurelia said, meeting his gaze. “And I’ll always be here waiting when you get home. We’re in this together, Michalis. All of it.”
His fingers tightened slightly on her shoulder, his voice rough with emotion. “You’ve made me the luckiest man alive.”
“I know,” she teased, her smile widening. “Here. You carry him.”
Michalis took his son carefully, then carried the baby to the safe room, his steps steady and unhurried. Michalis kissed the top of his head, then placed him in the crib set up in the corner, tucking the blanket around him with care, lingering.
“Hurry up. You’re going to be late,” Aurelia smiled softly as she walked in behind them.
Michalis grinned. “I can’t be late. I’m the boss. Come over here and kiss me, wife.”
Aurelia stepped into his arms. “I love you.” She stood on the tip of her toes to give him a long, drugging kiss.
“What was that for?” he chuckled. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“This is our world,” Aurelia said quietly, her hand resting on his chest. “And I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I always want to give you a reason to hurry home.”
“You’re my reason.” He kissed her again, then left. The reinforced door closed with a soft click, the hum of the security systems coming online.
She glanced at the monitors on the wall a few minutes later, which displayed security camera feeds from the estate. Michalis’s men moved with precision, their dark forms blending into the night as they secured the perimeter. Aurelia’s heart clenched, but not with fear. She had accepted this life, this world, because it was part of who Michalis was—and who she had chosen to be.
Sitting down on the plush couch, she leaned back, listening to the baby’s soft breaths. Her mind wandered to Michalis, out there in the shadows, ensuring their safety with unyielding determination.
“Come home to us,” she whispered, a promise and a prayer all at once.
Hours later, Michalis stepped into the safe room, his presence filling the space. He looked tired but unharmed, his shirt slightly rumpled. Aurelia stood, relief washing over her as she moved to him.
“Well?” she asked, arching a brow. “Did you keep your promise?”
His lips twitched into a small smile. “Close enough.”
Michalis leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was slow and tender. When they pulled apart, his gaze flicked to the crib, where their son stirred but didn’t wake.
Michalis’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I’m ran the whole way home.”
She grinned wickedly. “Then what are you waiting for, Mr. Giannopoulos? Come and get me.”
And so he did. All. Night. Long.
Thank you for reading Breaking the Annulment.