Epilogue
“Hurry up,” he growls from the car. He presses the horn and I chuckle, jogging out of the house.
“What’s the rush?” I gasp as he slams his hand on the horn again. I climb into the car. “Bellino, what’s going on?”
He doesn’t answer, but grunts and peels out of the driveway.
He’s antsy but hasn’t said a word other than we needed to nip out.
I’ve been working hard, and this is my first day off.
I’ve been putting work into growing my portfolio.
My mentorship and apprenticeship are going great.
I’m getting so much experience, and I know keeping my surname quiet has helped; it’s something I needed for me.
I want to do this without my husband; I want to do it for me.
On my own. I know he would give me the world if I asked.
I turn my wedding ring on my finger; it’s a habit I’ve developed since I started wearing it after my graduation. The feeling of it against my skin. It feels like it’s a part of me and I’ve always had it, and touching it grounds me; it makes me aware that I belong.
We drive in silence, and we slow down outside a tall building in the city. It looks familiar, and then my skin tingles. It’s my father’s building.
“Why are we here? Bellino?”
He pulls up and turns to face me. “The building’s yours. Arianna sifted through everything and managed to secure it for you; your mum and sister took the money.”
“I don’t want it.” I shake my head. “I don’t want anything to do with it. Bellino, I want to go home.”
“Leonardo. You don’t have to keep it. We have more than enough money; you’re on everything. It’s ours. But this could be yours; you could start your own architecture business. You could build something great. Or…” He looks over at me. “Sell it. Take the money and buy something you want.”
I blow out a breath. “I don’t want it, Bellino.”
“Then let’s go inside. The realtor is inside; you just need to sign the papers, and they’ll sell it. The money can go straight into your account, and it can be your nest egg. A start for you.”
I nod and climb out of the car, walking up to the front of the building. When I step through the doors, the realtor greets me.
“Mr Ricci.” Her hand outstretched, she reaches in and shakes my hand, “Let’s take a walk around.”
“No, thank you. Where do I sign? I just want the building gone.” She glances over my shoulder, and Bellino must have nodded because she opens her file, pulls out the papers, and hands them to me. I don’t read them; I don’t need to.
Bellino will make sure I’m not screwed over, but honestly, I don’t want to be here.
I turn and rush out of the building. I reach the top of the stairs and just breathe.
I close my eyes and try to suck in a breath.
I jump when I feel his hand rest on the back of my shoulder.
I feel tears in my eyes, and he wraps me in his arms and pulls me into his chest. I sob.
I don’t know why. Relief, I think. It’s over, the last thing tying me to the family I never wanted to be a part of.
I look up at him and smile. He kisses my forehead and tightens his grip on me, holding me tight, and I know whatever happens, all I need is him.
The family that chose me. The family that showed up for me, protected me, and came for me.
I was chosen. I am loved, and I’ll never look back. Bellino Ricci, my stalker, my arranged marriage, my husband, my saviour, my protector, and the best thing that ever happened to me.
I am Leonardo Ricci, and I’ve never felt so loved, so complete.
The End