Epilogue - Pippa
3 Years Later
There’s a celebration in every molecule in the air as I stand on stage, clutching my diploma. I feel such pride, such joy, as I look out at the sea of faces in the crowd. There they are—the entire Zolotov family, cheering me on like I'm one of their own. Lev's eyes catch mine, his gaze intense and full of admiration.
"Congratulations, Pippa!" The applause roars around me, making it almost impossible to hear my own thoughts. But the happiness in Lev's eyes is enough to drown out everything else.
"Thank you," I mouth back at him, overwhelmed by the love radiating from the entire family.
As the ceremony draws to a close, I make my way through the swarm of proud parents, beaming students, and enthusiastic professors. Boris unexpectedly appears before me, his smile wide and genuine. Ivan stands by his side.
"Congratulations, Pip." He pulls me into a warm embrace. "You've worked so incredibly hard for this moment."
"Thank you, Boris," I say, touched by his kind words. "I couldn't have done it without all your support and guidance. Truly."
I’ll never forget how he covered all my education costs, in addition to paying me a salary.
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Dear," he replies, his eyes twinkling. "You've been an invaluable asset to the Zolotov company. In fact, I'd like to offer you a promotion to Operations Executive. You've more than earned it."
My jaw drops, and I struggle to find the right words. "Boris, I… Thank you! I don't know what to say."
“Just say you’ll take the job,” Ivan nudges from beside me.
I look at Ivan, then at Boris. The eldest leaders of our family.
“Yes,” I squeal and clap my hands together. “A million times yes!
"Your dedication and talent speak for themselves," Boris says with a grin. "We're lucky to have you."
Just then, Lev saunters over to me, his eyes alight with mischief.
"An Operations Executive, eh?" he teases. "I always knew you were destined for greatness."
"Watch it, Zolotov," I retort playfully. "With this new title comes great power. Don't make me ban you from my fancy new office."
"Ban me?" Lev feigns hurt. "I wouldn't dream of causing any trouble in your domain. Besides, who else would bring you coffee in the morning?"
"Good point," I concede, grinning. "You're definitely more useful than those interns."
"Ah, flattery will get you everywhere, Pippa" he smirks, and leans in for a kiss. “Now come on, Anoushka and Vanya have something planned. Don’t ask what.”
I follow Lev to where the entire Zolotov clan is collected. Boris and Robin, Damien and Genevieve, Anoushka, Ivan and Audrey, Mikhail and Caterina, Sergei and Amelia, Vanya and all the kids. They all pull me into hugs, whispering sweet words of encouragement, handing me envelopes of cash. I try to refuse, but they won’t have it.
My eyes catch Anoushka and Vanya trying to stifle their laughter as they exchange mischievous glances. Their poorly concealed whispers pique my curiosity—I can't help but wonder what they're up to.
"Alright, you two," I call out playfully. "What are you scheming over there?"
"Who, us?" Anoushka feigns innocence, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Scheming? Never."
"Come on, Pippa, we've got something to show you," Vanya chimes in, grinning from ear to ear.
"Is it another surprise?" My heart races with anticipation. If it's anything like my promotion, I can't wait to find out what it is.
"Maybe," Anoushka teases, hooking her arm through mine. "But you'll have to come with us to find out."
"Fine, fine." I roll my eyes, unable to hide my excitement. As we leave the graduation venue behind, Anoushka and Vanya drop hints about my surprise, each one more cryptic than the last as they walk on either side of me. I turn around to see Lev and mouth.
“What is it?”
He shakes his head and pretends to have his lips sealed.
"Let's just say it's a little something to help you navigate your new role," Vanya says slyly.
"Something sleek and powerful, like you," Anoushka adds, winking at me.
"Okay, you guys are terrible at giving clues," I laugh, growing more eager by the second.
We finally approach a parking lot, and my breath catches in my throat as I spot a sleek, shiny Ferrari waiting for me, with a bow and all, my name written across the number plate. My eyes widen, and I can hardly believe that this beautiful machine could be mine.
"Are you serious?" I gasp, taking in every inch of the gleaming red car before me.
"Deadly serious," Anoushka replies, her grin stretching across her face. "Someone's got to drive in style now that they're an Operations Executive, right?"
"Wow," I exhale, unable to tear my gaze away from the car. "Just…wow."
“Besides,” Lev pipes in. “Ever since you developed a taste for fast cars, I swear I can hardly get a hand on mine. You’re always driving them.”
Everyone starts to laugh.
"Come on, Pippa," Vanya urges, nudging me forward. "Go check it out!"
Overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and generosity, I squeal with delight and pull both of them into a tight hug, feeling more loved than ever before. "Thank you so much! This is beyond anything I could have imagined."
"Alright, that's enough hugging," Lev's teasing voice cuts in, drawing my attention away from my siblings-in-law. With a mischievous grin, he dangles the car keys in front of me. "Ready to test-drive your new ride?"
"Absolutely!" I reply eagerly, snatching the keys from his hand. As I slide into the driver's seat, I feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through me, followed by a sense of freedom unlike anything I've experienced before.
"Remember, Pippa, with great power comes great responsibility," Lev smirks, settling into the passenger seat beside me.
I roll my eyes playfully but can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "You're such a nerd. Pick a more relevant quote."
"Hey, you love me," he retorts, his blue-gray eyes locking onto mine for a moment, filled with warmth and affection.
“I do. I do love you,” I smile back.
He looks pleased with himself, until I tell him I was talking to the car.
He pretends to pout, and I laugh, reaching over to give his cheek a caress. He smiles at me and whispers: “Go on.”
I start the engine, the powerful roar sending shivers down my spine as I grip the steering wheel. "Let's see what this baby can do," I say, excitement racing through me.
"Careful now, Speed Racer," Lev teases, but I know that behind his sarcastic comments, he's just as excited as I am to see me behind the wheel of this incredible machine.
"Trust me, I've got this," I assure him. The engine purrs beneath me, ready to leap forward at my command. And in this moment, with Lev by my side and the Zolotov family cheering me on, I feel utterly unstoppable.
I’m ready for the ride of my life.
"Let's go!" I exclaim, and without hesitation, I press down on the accelerator.
The car leaps forward like a wild stallion, sending my hair streaming behind me as we speed through the city streets. The world blurs around me, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that only serve to heighten my exhilaration. I've never felt so alive, so free; it's as if the car is an extension of myself, responding to my every whim with unbridled power and grace.
"Damn, Pippa! You're a natural!" Lev shouts, gripping the door handle as we round a corner with ease. "Ever thought about becoming a race car driver?"
"Ha! It's tempting, but I think I'll stick to driving this beauty around town for now," I respond, my voice filled with glee.
Behind us, the Zolotov clan follows in a convoy of cars, their whoops and cheers filling the air. It's like we're the head of a parade, our own personal celebration of freedom and triumph. I can't help but smile as I hear Anoushka's laughter echoing from one of the cars, her joy infectious.
Finally, they all part ways, making their way home before we all reunite for dinner today.
"Thank you, Lev," I say softly, stealing a glance at him as we continue to drive through the streets. "This… all of this… it means more to me than words can express."
"Hey, you earned it," he replies, his voice sincere. "You're an incredible woman, Pippa, and I'm just happy to be along for the ride. I love you."
“I love you, too.” I tell him. “A million times over.”
The sun dips low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city streets now. I slow down a little, wanting to enjoy Lev’s company more than anything else. Besides, I have a little surprise for him too. Lev's hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze that sends a thrill up my spine.
“You know,” I begin. “I want to give you a little something too.”
“You do?” he asks, looking over me.
I nod.
“What is it?”
I scan the area, taking a right into a deserted street. I bring the car to a stop and turn to face him. “For the past three years, Lev. You’ve been my rock. My everything. Without you, today wouldn’t have happened.”
“Pippa, it’s nothing—” he begins to protest.
“You’ve been an amazing partner, Lev,” I cut him off, reaching over and placing my finger across his lips. “And I can’t help but think you’d also make an amazing father.”
“Pippa!” he gasps, his eyes widening with delight. “Are you saying what you think I’m saying?”
I nod, tears welling in my eyes. “I know you’ve wanted a family for a while now. I know you kept it to yourself, waiting patiently for me to graduate. Well, Lev. The day is here. And now? I think we should start trying for a baby. What do you say?”
"A baby, huh?" he muses, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. "Well, maybe we can get started on that sooner rather than later."
"Lev!" I exclaim, laughing at his audacity. "You're incorrigible."
"Guilty as charged," he admits, winking at me before leaning in to give me a deep, raw kiss. He pulls away, just for a second, to whisper that I made him the happiest man in the world.
And then, just like the first time we ever made love, he pulls back my seat, slamming me horizontal before leaping over to take my lips against his.
*****
THE END