Epilogue
Months Later
Shyriq sat at his desk, reviewing the latest reports on the distillery, when a knock sounded at his door. Before he could respond, the door pushed open, and Natalia and Michelle stepped inside like they owned the place.
“Well, look who it is,” he teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Did I invite y’all in?”
Still glowing from delivering a healthy baby girl, Michelle waved a dismissive hand as she eased into one of the chairs in front of his desk. “We’re family, so technically, yeah.”
Natalia laughed, settling into the seat beside her. “Exactly. Besides, this is an important visit.”
Intrigued by their impromptu pop-up, Shyriq gave them his full attention. “Oh yeah? What’s up?”
Michelle exhaled deeply, placing a hand on her stomach. “I wanted to officially inform you that I won’t return after maternity leave.”
He wasn’t surprised. Not after hearing through the grapevine that Michelle’s husband had made sure she didn’t have to work. Still, he appreciated her telling him in person.
“I figured as much,” he admitted, nodding. “You sure about it?”
She smiled. “Positive. Charles and I talked it over, and honestly? I’m looking forward to staying home with the baby. But I wanted to thank you personally for everything. You’ve been a great boss, and I loved working here.”
Shyriq chuckled. “You just loved bossin’ me around.”
Michelle grinned. “That too.”
Natalia cleared her throat, drawing his attention. “I also wanted to say something,” she started. “About Nhuri.”
At just the mention of her name, Shyriq straightened a little, curious about where this was going.
Natalia met his gaze. “I just want to say thank you.”
Shyriq frowned. “For what?”
“For loving my sister the way she deserves,” Natalia said softly. “For seeing her, even when she tried to hide. For pulling her out of her shell and helping her see her full potential.”
Shyriq was caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. He had never been the type to take credit for someone else’s growth, but hearing Natalia say that? It hit somewhere deep.
“I didn’t do all that,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Natalia smirked. “You did more than you think.”
Michelle nodded in agreement. “You really did, Shy. I’ve known you for a long time, and I’ve never seen you like this about anyone. Whatever y’all have going on? Hold onto it.”
Shyriq swallowed. He was unsure how to respond, so he simply nodded.
Natalia glanced at the time and stood. “That was all I wanted, and I wanted to bother you,” she chuckled. “Nhuri’s about to hold her first meeting as the marketing director, and I can’t miss it.”
“I’ll be right behind y’all,” he said.
Shyriq stayed seated for a few more minutes, letting Natalia’s words settle in his brain. Nhuri entered his life when he least expected her to, but he was grateful she had. It’d been nothing but good since then, and though they had a few rocky, unsure moments, they were all worth it.
Standing from his desk, Shyriq grabbed the bouquet of roses waiting behind it and headed out to see his baby live in action. Nhuri stood at the head of the conference table, speaking confidently to the team of marketers and strategists.
This was her moment.
Taking a deep breath, she began.
“I want to start by thanking all of you for your hard work and dedication,” she said, her voice steady despite the nerves swirling in her stomach.
“As we head into the holiday season and the launch of our new wine collection, Divine, our marketing strategies must be stronger than ever. This isn’t just about pushing products.
It’s about telling a story, a Great Hendrix story. ”
She continued breaking down her vision for their upcoming campaigns, incorporating innovative ideas to elevate the brand. As she spoke, she felt herself settle into the role, and all traces of lingering doubt disappeared.
“We don’t just want people seeing the product; we want them to buy it.
There’s a list of influencers, regular everyday women and men, and small business owners I want you all to reach out to.
PR boxes, brand trips, billboards, release day wine tastings, and more are on the agenda for Divine.
I’m a wine connoisseur, so if I’d buy it based on the marketing alone, I’m sure other people will too. ”
At some point, the door opened, and from the corner of her eye, she spotted Shyriq, Natalia, and Michelle slipping in quietly. She gave them a soft smile and finished strong. By the time she wrapped up, the room was filled with nods of approval and murmurs of agreement.
“That was impressive,” one of the senior strategists admitted.
Another added, “You’ve got a strong vision, and I like where you’re taking this.”
Nhuri exhaled, smiling. “Thank you. Let’s make this holiday season and launch our best one yet.”
As the team gathered their things, Shyriq made his way over, holding out the bouquet of roses.
“For the new boss,” he said proudly, handing them to her.
Nhuri beamed and kissed him. “Thank you so much. Did I look nervous up there?”
“Nah. You looked like the pro you are. You did amazing, baby. I’m proud of you.”
Warmth spread through her chest as she inhaled the flowers. “I’m proud of me too.”
“You should be. Aren’t you glad you met me during Cane’s engagement that night?”
“Hmmm,” Nhuri hummed playfully. “Maybe. That depends.”
“Whatever it depends on, just know I’m glad I met you,” he declared, pulling her into a hug. “I think I may even be falling in love with you, Nhuri.”
She looked stunned and blushed. “Awwww. Are you?”
Pride and ego nowhere in sight, he nodded. “I am. I don’t expect you to feel the same, but just know you’re not alone in this. I got you.”
She pecked his lips again. “And I got you.”
For what it was worth, Nhuri was glad she moved back home and met Shyriq.
Surrendering her heart, leaving her past behind, stepping into the woman she was always meant to be, and flourishing in life wasn’t anything to take lightly.
What they shared was inevitable . . . the kind of love that was unexpected but always meant to be.