Epilogue – Ravyn
I cannot believe this is happening. I'm getting married to Lev Tarasov, I thought, standing next to him on the altar, a radiant smile perched on my lips.
The warm sunlight that filtered through the tree caught the flowing white silk lace that draped my slender figure. My hair was styled into a bun and pinned on top of my head, a pair of stilettos complimenting my outfit and raising me inches taller.
My heart was racing with anticipation, the cool breeze brushing against my skin, teasing the loose strands that framed my face.
The same hill that birthed the confession of Lev's love for me was now a monument upon which we were to be joined in holy matrimony. How poetic!
Lev stood across from me, his impeccably tailored black suit simmering in the soft sunlight as he locked eyes with me, his lips curled into a proud smile. There was an intensity in his eyes that seemed to hold the very fabric of our love, a subtle promise to always have my back.
The priest's voice droned on, blending with the gentle rustling of leaves in the cool breeze, but I could barely hear him. My attention was fixed on the incredibly handsome man in front of me.
I gazed into those eyes that didn't seem as dark and hollow as before, a flutter rising in my slowly heaving chest. The chirping birds and the soft murmurs of our guests—close friends and family members—all faded into the background. It was like no one else and nothing else existed in that moment but the two of us.
I was so enamored by him that I almost forgot myself, a broad smile spreading across my face. It was nearly impossible not to appreciate the irony of how my life had turned out in the end.
Who would have thought that I'd get happily ever after, considering all that happened between us? Five years ago, today would have been nothing but a dream, but here we were, living the dream.
This marriage wasn't some mistake that I'd regret later in the future. I'd thought it through, I'd weighed my options, and I’d agreed to marry him because I wanted to. Why wouldn't I want to?
Lev was everything that I ever wanted in a man: loyal, strong, and a great dad. Not to mention powerful and influential. He was still cold and calculating, still ruthless when it came down to business, but he was the one my heart craved for.
He made me feel complete, safe, and loved. Lev wasn't an emotional man; it just wasn't in his personality. But his words—however few—and his actions were proof of how much he loved and respected me.
He was more than capable of protecting and providing for me and the kids. Plus, with his support and influence, my boutique business was starting to gain ground in the city.
One of the major reasons I accepted to be his wife was for the sake of the kids. It would benefit them immeasurably when we were one big happy family. For almost half a decade, they'd lived with an emptiness that I couldn't fill, no matter how hard I tried.
It was impossible to take the place of their father, and now that they had met him, the bond between them had solidified beyond my expectations. Nik and Elara had accepted him and his mansion—and not only that. These days, they were inseparable.
Even if I hadn't fallen so deeply in love with Lev, I would have sacrificed it all for those two wonderful kids. I would have married him anyway, just so they wouldn't be heartbroken.
But that was a worst-case scenario. This, what was happening today, was the best-case scenario, and I was glad it worked out for the better.
“Ravyn.” Lev's soft voice cut through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.
I blinked, restoring my composure, my eyes crinkling at the corners as I listened to his vows, my heart melting like ice cream.
“I promise to stand by you,” he continued, his voice low and husky, “through thick and thin, through every storm, every trial, and every triumph.” His hands grasped mine, squeezing gently against my fingers. “You…are my home, my comfort, and my better half. As long as I live, no evil will befall you.” His tone dripped with sincerity, his expression soft and confident.
My tear glands charged up, misting my eyes, and for a moment there, I almost forgot my own vows. His words were simple, but the weight they carried was so heavy. Lev's promise had come from a place of solemnity and belief; he trusted in every word that came out of his mouth.
I drew a deep breath, my voice trembling as I began, fingers locking into his, “I promise to love you, to support you, and to never leave your side, even when the darkness closes in.” I paused, a mischievous grin twitching at the corners of my lips. “Not that you're afraid of the dark anyway.”
A low, scattered chuckle rippled through the small crowd, and Lev's face broke into a genuine smile, a testament that his sense of humor wasn't so bad.
Mirroring his grin, I continued, holding his gaze, a shiver running down my spine. “You are my rock, my shield, my shelter, and I will love you forever.”
There was a brief moment of silence as our words sank into our hearts like a seed planted into a fertile ground. My smile broadened as I saw the sparkle in his eyes, the glint of mirth dancing in their depths.
“With the power bestowed on me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest's voice broke the silence, his instructions clear and concise. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Lev's arms wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me closer, leaning in to claim my lips in a hot, passion-filled kiss.
A heavy round of applause erupted from the crowd as they rose feet, their eyes fixed on the newlyweds.
I threw my hands around my husband's neck, my head, tilting, dancing to the rhythm of his. As though the heavens were in support of our union, the sun broke through the trees, casting a warm light over the scene.
We broke the kiss and stared into each other's eyes for a moment before my gaze swept across the guests. Mom and Dad looked at me, pride flickering in their eyes, their lips curling into a bright smile.
Beside them were my little ones, Nik and Elara, both dressed to impress. They waved at me, eyes sparkling with excitement as I waved back, mirroring their gesture.
Although the wedding wasn't as extravagant as it should have been considering our social status, it was still the best day of my life. We didn't need much of a crowd; just a few friends and family members were enough to make the day memorable.
Even with all Lev and I had been through, all the time spent apart, all the pain and heartaches, we knew at this moment that we were in this together, forever.
That soul-lifting, fervent kiss had just sealed our commitment to each other, binding us together for all eternity. It was scary, but nothing had ever felt so right.
*****
The day wasn't over until Lev said it was. I didn't realize just how romantic he could be until he led me to a private garden later that night.
Under the ethereal glow of the full moon, we wove through towering trees, my hand in his, wondering where he was taking me. I knew he had something up his sleeve, and the smile on his face indicated that I'd love whatever he had cooked up. But what was it?
The question lingered; however, I kept an open mind, my anticipation growing as he led me down an unwinding path lined with smooth white stones. Soft, golden lights spilled from lanterns scattered amongst the lush greenery, casting warm glows that lit up the path.
Soon, we reached a clearing where a beautiful antique four-poster bed stood, adorned with intricate carvings. Flowing transparent white curtains cascaded down the posts like a waterfall, the lightweight fabrics dancing in the cool night's air.
The sweet fragrance of jasmine, roses, and lavender invaded my senses, their delicate petals rustling the breeze.
“Wow!” I exclaimed softly, eyes wide with surprise as I drank in the romantic setting.
On the bedside table was a woven basket overflowing with an assortment of fresh, juicy fruits—plump strawberries, orange slices, crisp grapes, and so on. Beside the basket was a bottle of rich wine and two slender crystal glasses.
“This is beautiful,” I said, my voice laced with admiration as I turned to face him.
He stood in front of me, dashing in his white shirt and pants that matched my radiant, knee-length dress. Lev tucked a hand in his pocket, his eyes never leaving mine. “I thought we should have some time alone, just you and me,” he said, his voice smooth and easy.
“Well, aren't you romantic?” I teased, my tone light and playful as I drew him closer, my arms flying around his neck.
His response was a lazy smirk, his hand holding my waist with the knowledge that I was his for life.
“This place is incredible,” I whispered, my eyes darting around the surroundings. “Thank you.”
Without a word, he whisked me into the air, his strong arms sweeping me off my feet. The action was so sudden it prompted a yelp out of me. I giggled, my heart filled with joy and happiness as he carried me to the antique bed.
On the crisp, white linens that adorned the mattress, he gently lowered me, my head resting on the comfy pillow beneath. His lips brushed against my skin, teasing me before locking to mine.
Lev kissed me deeply with a deliberate slowness that sent tremors down my core. He pulled his head back, his eyes boring into mine, a glint of passion dancing in their depths.
He reached out and picked a plump strawberry from the woven basket and fed it into my mouth. His movement was smooth and fluid, his eyes pinned on me.
Tonight wasn't necessarily about romance or intimacy. It was beyond that. Tonight was just another opportunity to bond and connect on different levels. No distractions, just us.
In the peace and quiet that this private garden, a serene oasis, provided, we both knew that come what may, we had each other, and nothing else mattered.
My life was perfect, and those who sought my downfall had all faced the punishment they deserved.
Ilya, the bastard who had kidnapped my kids because he had an ax to grind with my husband, was dead now. The knife Lev had hurled at his left eye had apparently claimed his life.
The bitch that conspired with Ilya, Sophia, who happened to be Lev's ex-fiancée, was rotting in jail. She was stupid to have gone after Lev, knowing the type of man that he was.
My husband had dug into her life and found her dirty secret. It turned out that she was involved in the business of human trafficking and was also responsible for the death of her ex-boyfriend.
According to my husband, his right-hand man, Andrey, had gathered more than enough evidence to put her away for good.
But Lev hadn’t stopped there, no. He went after her family, as well, ensuring he exposed her father's dirty secret, fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and other criminal acts.
We, the Tarasovs, were guilty of the same crimes or worse, and exposing Sophia's family seemed like a hypocritical thing to do. But they messed with us first, forgetting that the Tarasovs always struck back. And when we did, we wouldn't shoot to miss.
Her family had faced a multi-million dollar lawsuit that wrecked their accounts, leaving them disgraced and bankrupt. The humiliation of her family was public, and even though a part of me felt sorry for her, I knew she deserved it. She had it coming.
Our children were off-limits. Anyone who dared lay a finger on a single hair on their heads would face the Tarasov wrath; chances were, they wouldn't make it out alive.
I didn't think I'd ever be so proud to bear that last name. But here I was, glad to be a part of the Tarasov family.
My parents, once against this union, were now my biggest supporters, so much so that Dad had walked me down the aisle on my wedding day. They'd come to terms with the fact that I had made my choice and that I was happy with the woman that I'd become.
Yes, I was married to the devil, and I would support his business like he supported mine. We were one now, in spirit, soul, and body. Inseparable.
Behind every great man, they say, there's always a woman. However, behind this great devil…there was me.
*****
THE END