Epilogue
Susanna
Christmas day. The dinner table is all set. Alek is hosting it this year.
Gabriel and I arrive at his house with multiple presents in tow. My stomach is still healing and I’m moving slow but I’m getting there. In just a few more months, I should be back to my old self.
Well, my new and improved self. The old me is someone I never fully want to be again.
Alek and Katya welcome us inside. My mom, Nina, and Luca, as well as Dimitri and his wife Sofiya, are already there. This is a get together for the peace treaty they all agreed to.
It’s been in effect for the past couple of months now and in that time, Gabriel and I have gotten to know each other so much better.
He’s taken care of me as I’ve healed. Not only has he helped me physically, but he’s helped me mentally and emotionally.
I feel like an entirely new person. One who’s ready to put aside any anger and live my life to the fullest.
Alek, Nina, and my mom all give me a hug. I turn to Katya, Alek’s wife. I used to have such an issue with her. I used to be so cold to her.
But that changes now.
I open my arms wide. “I’m willing to hug if you are.”
Katya’s eyes widen before she smiles. “I’d like that.” We share a hug for the first time since she married Alek four years ago.
“Who knew Susanna marrying a man like Gabriel would change her this much,” Nina says.
“I grew a lot in that time I was kidnapped,” I admit. “I’ve changed. And I want all of you to see that. Gabriel accepts me but I need my family too as well. I need you all to know that I’m not the immature little girl I used to be. That I’ve grown.”
Mom squeezes my arm. “I can tell. And I’m so happy for you, Susanna.”
“I am too,” Nina says, giving me another hug. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“I want us to have a good relationship,” I say into her ear.
“I want that too,” she whispers back.
I give my sister a smile, knowing that we’ll be all right. It only took me getting kidnapped to change my entire life. How ironic is that? But that’s the life of the mafia. It’s dark and twisted but love can be found there.
And I found it with Gabriel.
I turn back to my husband and wrap my arms around him. He returns the act. “I just want to spend a happy Christmas with my family. I promise, no drama from me tonight.”
“I’m trusting you,” Alek says.
“I’m ready to be a new woman. But I need you all to see me as one. Please don’t see me the way I used to be. See me the way I am now.”
Alek’s smile is so wide, it makes his eyes crinkle. “I’m proud of you.”
Never have I felt more happy than in this moment.
I turn to Gabriel and we share a tender, short kiss. I have a husband who loves me and I love in return. I have a family who accepts me. There’s peace between us all.
I can’t wait for the new year because I know it’s going to be a good one.
The End