15. Epilogue
15
Epilogue
T he ring gleams beneath my magnifying glasses, the light glinting off its flawless, golden band and the diamond set in its center, a stone that seems to capture and hold the light, throwing tiny stars across the table as I turn it in my hands.
I admire its beauty, the hours of work I’ve put into perfecting every curve, every detail. Alessio had been so specific when he’d asked me to make it. “It’s for an important mission,” he’d said, his voice low and serious, revealing nothing more.
It’s been six months since the first time I saw that look, since the first day he walked into my shop, six months that feel a lifetime ago.
I think of all the small, beautiful shifts that have come with time. The way his world has become my own. And the way the Lucianas have welcomed me, made me one of their own.
A smile tugs at me as I picture Fiamma’s sweet grin. She’s been my lifeline here, grounding me and guiding me through the complex world of Luciana alliances and rivalries. There’s a strength about her I’ve always admired.
She’s become a sister to me in every way that matters. Her presence is a reminder that I’m never truly alone, no matter what dangers may come our way. I’ve found a family here, a family that chose me as much as I chose them.
But then, of course, there’s Alessio. Six months ago, I couldn’t have imagined the way he would become my center, my home.
I remember the Alessio I first met, a man who kept himself at a careful distance, guarded and controlled, even when we were intimate.
It’s different now. His responsibilities have grown tenfold since taking on the role of Chief Advisor to Massimo. Against all odds, he's stayed incredibly close to me, defying my expectations of how our relationship would evolve.
He has become Massimo’s most trusted man, a pillar in the Luciana family, someone people can count on, no matter what.
And though the pressure could have hardened him, it’s had the opposite effect…he’s softened, in his own way. He lets me in, lets me see the side of him he’s hidden from the world.
Thinking of it now, I let out a soft laugh. Alessio is protective. After Elio’s betrayal, after the horror of learning that a man so close to them had turned traitor, Massimo had grown paranoid.
I suppose I can’t blame him; betrayal leaves a wound that never heals. But now, Alessio’s the one Massimo relies on most, the one he trusts beyond question. And as Alessio’s responsibilities have grown, so has his protectiveness over me.
He’s moved me into his home, close enough to reach in a moment’s notice, his watchful presence always nearby. He thinks he’s subtle, but I see the way his eyes flick toward me whenever we’re in a crowded room, the way his hand finds mine almost unconsciously, like he needs that tether, that reminder that I’m here, that I’m safe.
As I look down at the ring once more, a little giggle escapes me. I love this about him, the way he tries to play it cool, but then goes to these sweet, almost ridiculous lengths to keep me close. I’ll admit, it’s adorable.
I slip the ring into a small velvet box, tucking it inside, then stand up, smoothing my hands over my skirt.
His office is only a few steps away, a short walk through the corridor of the home that has become our shared space.
When I reach his door, I don’t even need to knock; he seems to sense me before I step inside. His head lifts, and the way his eyes light up when he sees me makes my heart melt.
“Isabella,” he says, his voice soft and warm, the corner of his mouth tugging into that familiar, boyish grin.
I walk over, and I slip into his lap, letting his arms wrap around me as I lean down to kiss him. His hand finds my cheek, gently, his thumb tracing along my skin, and I feel a blush rise to my cheeks.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs. He has a way of making me feel like I’m the only woman in the world, like no one else could matter.
I pull back just enough to reach into the pocket in my shirt, retrieving the velvet box. “It’s finished,” I say, smiling as I hand it to him. “Your important ring.” I tease, unable to hide my curiosity any longer.
He opens the box, his eyes falling to the ring. For a moment, he’s silent, his expression unreadable as he studies it. Then he nods, closing the box with a quiet click, and his gaze lifts to meet mine, something deeper, something almost vulnerable, flickering in his eyes.
“You’re right,” he says, his voice low. “It is beautiful. Perfect for my mission.”
Before I can ask what he means, he stands, setting me down in his chair as he moves to kneel before me.
I take a moment to process what’s happening, and even then, it doesn’t quite feel real. My heart races, my mind reeling as he takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, his expression soft.
“Isabella,” he begins, his voice barely a whisper. “From the moment I met you, you turned my world upside down. You came into my life, and everything changed. And though I fought it, though I tried to keep my distance, you… you showed me what it meant to love, what it meant to let someone in.”
I feel my breath catch, my eyes stinging with the threat of tears as I listen, my hand trembling.
He takes a deep breath.
“The first time we met, it was because of a ring. I did not know back then how much you would come to mean to me, how deeply you would change my life. And now, it only feels right that there should be a ring between us again, a ring that represents something far more precious. This ring,” he says, his voice breaking just a little, “is my promise to you, a promise that I’ll always be by your side, that I’ll protect you, love you, and cherish you for the rest of my life.”
He looks down, almost as if he’s gathering his courage, before looking at me again, his eyes shining with an emotion that takes my breath away.
“Isabella,” he whispers, “I want to spend forever with you. Will you marry me?”
For a moment, I’m speechless, my heart pounding that it feels like it might burst. I can’t hold back the tears now…they spill over, sliding down my cheeks as I take in the man before me, this incredible, beautiful man who has given me everything, who has made me feel seen, safe, and loved in ways I never thought possible.
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, Alessio, a million times over. I want nothing more than to spend forever with you.”
His face breaks into the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen, and he slips the ring onto my finger with a reverence that makes my heart ache.
The metal is cool against my skin, but his touch is warm, steady, grounding me in this perfect, impossible moment.
And before I can think, I’m throwing myself into his arms, my lips finding his as I kiss him with everything I have, pouring every bit of love into that kiss.
He holds me tightly, his arms a warm as he kisses me back, his hands gentle yet firm, as if he’s afraid to let go.
Just then, his lips leave mine and trail to my neck, where he plants a gentle bite. My body shivers with anticipation, sensing that ravenous energy I crave beginning to rise in him.
And as the moment takes hold, I know I’m as happy as I’ve ever been.
This is my perfect ending, my happy ever after. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
THE END
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If you like this book, you will love the first book in the series by my author bestie BB Stone's Silent Night With Luca .
I was hired to protect Fiamma Luciana. But who’s going to protect her from me?
Winter Haven may be draped in Christmas lights, but there’s nothing festive about this job. Fiamma—the don’s reckless, untouchable cousin—is wild, defiant, and everything I’m forbidden to have. Yet every time she’s near, she sets my blood on fire.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a death trap. Marco Vitale plans to use her as a pawn to dismantle the Lucianas, and I’m the only one standing in his way. I should be focused, cold, unbreakable. Instead, my loyalty and desire are at war.
One wrong move, one forbidden kiss, and it’s not just my career on the line—it’s my life. But letting her go might destroy me faster than any bullet ever could.
This Christmas, the greatest threat isn’t Marco or the bullets waiting for me in the shadows.
It’s the woman I can’t resist.