Epilogue
December 31
A s we pull into yet another hole-in-the-wall diner along the highway, having just crossed into Florida, I notice Adrian’s phone light up with a text from Edmund. He glances at it, and I catch a glimpse of the article headline over his shoulder.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, feeling a small knot of tension start to form. Despite everything we did to disappear, there’s still a reflex in me—a sense of looking over my shoulder, braced for some unseen enemy to jump out from the shadows. Old habits, I guess. I hope they’ll die soon.
“Yeah,” Adrian says, his hand settling over mine as we slip into a corner booth. I watch him relax against the cracked vinyl cushion, a hint of satisfaction softening his usually intense gaze. “In fact, things are better than okay.”
When our server leaves after taking our breakfast order, Adrian holds his phone between us. I lean closer, reading the headline and subtext beneath it.
Two Children of Alleged Mafia Bosses Found Dead in Winter Haven Cabin
My breath catches as I scan the article, detailing how our "bodies" were only identifiable through dental records, and how police have yet to establish a motive or lead. They’re taking tips, but it’s clear they have nothing solid. For all intents and purposes, Mia Vitale and Adrian Luciana are gone.
“It worked,” I whisper, barely able to believe it. “We’re really... gone.” Relief, as strange as it feels, fills my chest, giving way to an unexpected smile. “I can’t believe it’s finally done.”
“Yes, it’s finally over,” Adrian murmurs, a hint of pride in his voice. “And now we get to start over. As Andrew Deluca and Emilia Bloom.”
Emilia Bloom. I roll the name over in my mind, letting it settle, like a new skin I’m supposed to grow into. It feels surreal, yet freeing all the same.
We’re quiet for a moment as our food arrives. But I still catch Adrian watching me, his eyes carrying a softness I haven’t seen before. “Tell me something, Mia… I mean, Emilia,” he says, trying out my new name with a smirk. “What does a happy life look like to you? We’re about to start our new lives at the start of the New Year.”
I feel a flush rise to my cheeks, and I glance down at the paper napkin I’m twisting in my fingers. “You’re going to think it sounds cheesy.”
“Try me,” he challenges, his tone warm and patient.
I take a deep breath. “I don’t know, maybe it’s simple, but I’ve always wanted a quiet life. A place I could call home without having to look over my shoulder all the time. Maybe a house by the water, some kids running around… a real family.” I hesitate, laughing a little at myself. “Maybe that’s silly.”
“There’s nothing silly about wanting that,” Adrian says, his voice low but full of conviction. His hand wraps around mine, squeezing it gently. “In fact, it sounds pretty damn good to me.”
I look up, finding a tenderness in his gaze that makes my chest tighten. “What does a happy life look like for you?”
He pauses, a thoughtful expression softening his face. “I want the same things,” he says slowly, as if realizing it himself. “A place to call home… a family, a fresh start. I want to be the kind of man who’s more than just a weapon.” He brushes his thumb over my knuckles, studying them with an intensity that makes me shiver. “And I want you, Mia. Not just now, but for as long as I’m breathing. But you should know…” He stops, glancing out the window and taking a steadying breath. “If you want a life without me—”
“Oh no, don’t start that again,” I say, squeezing his hand hard enough to make him look at me. “Haven’t you learned anything? Was our night after our last supper not convincing enough for you?” I raise an eyebrow, giving him a knowing smirk.
He chuckles, finally relaxing a little, his tension easing. “Trust me, that night isn’t something I will ever forget.”
“Good, because I meant every single second of it,” I say firmly. “I’m with you, Adrian, or should I say Andrew Deluca?” I tease, savoring his new name. “If I didn’t love you, I would’ve found some other way to survive. I’m not here because I have to be. I’m here because I want to be. You’re my choice. You’re it for me.”
His gaze softens, and he cups my cheek, brushing his thumb across my cheekbone. “Then I guess I’ll have to trust that you know your own mind,” he murmurs, his voice full of warmth. “And I’ll just have to make sure you never regret it.”
I laugh, feeling that last knot of doubt and tension slip away. “I have no doubt you’ll figure out lots of ways to do that,” I tease, leaning forward until our foreheads touch.
The server clears our plates, and as we head back to the car, I find myself laughing, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying. As Adrian starts the engine, I can’t resist glancing at him, still half-disbelieving. “Andrew Deluca,” I say, trying out his new name with a grin. “It’s got a nice ring to it.”
“And Emilia Bloom,” he replies, looking at me with a mixture of adoration and awe. “A name worthy of a woman as fierce and beautiful as you.”
We drive off into the early morning light, leaving our pasts smoldering behind us, and head toward the life we’re going to build. It’ll take time for my nerves to settle, to stop looking over my shoulder, but I know Adrian will be there every step of the way, grounding me.
Wherever we end up, I know I’ll be home—as long as I’m with him.