Chapter 25 – Madelyn
A piercing wail filled the room as my newborn son uttered his first cry. My heart was overflowing with uncontainable joy as I cradled my cute little boy in arms, gazing into those innocent blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds.
My vision began to blur from the tears of happiness that pricked at my lids, springing to the surface, yet I couldn't take my eyes off my sweet baby. “He's so cute,” I mumbled as Kostya sat on the side of the bed, his gaze pinned on the baby.
I jerked my head to look at him, and the expression on his face was like none I'd ever seen before. A lump formed in his throat, as if he was choking back his emotions, as his eyes sparkled with delight. His facial muscles relaxed, softening his rugged features and creating a network of fine lines mapping his joy.
A wide smile played on his lips as he leaned in closer, his chest expanding with pride and his eyes shining with the same. “He's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen,” he said, extending his arms. “May I?”
I nodded with a genuine grin, my heart melting at the love I saw flickering in my husband's gaze. Gently, I placed his son into his arms, and he accepted him.
Kostya's smile illuminated the room, he gazed upon his son, beaming.
“He looks just like you,” I said, reaching for Kostya's hand.
He turned to face me with gratitude coloring his eyes as his brows narrowed. “Thank you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead, then my nose, and finally my lips. “You did good, Madelyn, and I am so proud of you. Both of you.” He glanced at the baby in his arms with the last statement.
We locked our gazes for a moment, and I had never felt more fulfilled in my whole life. The joy swelling in me was like none I'd ever felt before, and I was grateful for having kept this baby.
His arrival was a game-changer, and ironically, I could hardly remember that once upon a time, my biggest fear was his father's reaction to his arrival. I used to be so afraid that Kostya would make a terrible father, considering the type of life he lived, but he proved me wrong. He showed me that he could be better—a better husband—and with the way he was looking at the baby's face with so much love, I was certain he'd make an even better father.
Just then, the door opened, and a man walked into the ward. My jaw clenched at the sight of him. It was my dad.
“Hi,” he said softly, his lips pressed together to form a thin line.
My brows furrowed as I felt a flicker of annoyance at his guts to show up here after all this time. My chest was starting to heave from all that anger slowly creeping back to the surface.
I felt the tenderness of Kostya's touch, hinting at the fact that I needed to calm down. My gaze was stern, and I wouldn't tear it off my dad.
As he drew closer, his posture sagged. His hands clenched into fists, then released, only to clench again as if burdened by his guilt. His eyes dropped to the floor, avoiding my gaze, and I could feel the tension coursing his body.
“I know I'm probably the last person you wanna see right now,” he began, his voice dripping with regret.
Kostya cleared his throat conspicuously, glaring at the nurses in the ward. They clearly got the message since, at the next second, they left whatever they were doing and excused us.
“Maddie, I am so sorry…” he said, jerking his eyes to look at me.
“For what exactly, Dad?” I cut him off, tightening my jaw with an unwavering gaze. “Missing my wedding or being completely absent from my life when I needed you the most?”
Now, my anger was slowly transforming into sadness as the ache in my heart resurfaced, exposing the wound he'd left. Tears stung my eyes, and soon, they started to drop. “You abandoned me, Dad.” My voice broke, and my lips trembled. “I begged you, but you abandoned me.”
“Sweetheart, listen….” He stepped forward, guilt washing over his countenance.
“Don't ‘sweetheart, listen’ me.” My eyes narrowed at him. “How do you claim to love me, yet you hold a grudge against me for so long just because I chose to marry a man after my heart?”
“You didn't marry any man, Maddie. You married my enemy…” Dad said, his voice free from the usual resentment that would lace his tone on this subject.
“To which I explained that I had no idea at the time, but you didn't listen,” I interrupted, blinking back my tears.
“Yes, I did.” His response was swift as he stood in front of me. “I did listen to you, sweetheart, and I am sorry that it took me this long to finally come to terms with the fact that you truly chose to be with him.” He took my hand, sitting in the chair next to me.
I shook my head, struggling to let go of this pain in my heart. “You never reached out, Dad. Not even once. You didn't care about my well-being at all.” Tears rolled down my cheeks.
“Don't say that, honey.” He stretched out his hand and wiped my tears. “I do care. And I did keep tabs on you secretly. I didn't trust the man you married, so I had people looking into you two.” He sighed softly. “I've been monitoring everything just to be sure that you were safe, and soon, I realized that you were. I realized that Kostya truly cares for you.”
“You were spying on us?” I asked, my face contorting into a faint frown.
“Well, when you say it like that, you make me look bad,” he said, smiling at me. “I prefer to say that I was watching you from a distance, ready to swoop in if you ever needed saving.”
A soft scoff escaped my lips, and a light laugh followed. At least it was nice to know that he was watching over me.
“You're still my daughter, Madelyn. And I will always protect you.” He shifted his gaze to Kostya, who was standing over me with our baby in his hands. “Even if my methods can be unorthodox sometimes.”
“Don't beat yourself up, Brown. I knew you had your men following me around,” my husband replied.
“Wait, you knew?” I jerked my eyes to look at him, my forehead creasing in surprise.
“Of course, I knew,” he said, glancing in my direction. “They were smart. But I figured them out.”
“Why didn't you say anything?” I asked, curiosity flickering in my gaze.
“Because I wanted him to see that you're safe with me and that I meant everything I told him the last time we met,” Kostya replied with a contiguous smile. He shifted his gaze to my dad. “You did what any good father would do in your situation. I know I'd do even worse.”
Dad nodded at him with a soft expression, and although the two men went silent for a moment, I couldn't feel the tension of their spoken words. Deathly threats weren't flying around, and hidden glares weren’t exchanged. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just a regular family reconciliation.
“Why show up now?” I asked, looking at Dad, the frown on my face gradually dissipating.
“I learned you were giving birth, and there was no way in hell that I could stop myself from reaching out. I just knew that I had to come see you,” he explained, squeezing my fingers. “I'm so sorry for everything….”
He hadn't finished his statement when I slipped into his arms, seeking comfort in his warm embrace. “I'm sorry, too, Dad,” I muttered.
He wrapped his arms around my back, gently stroking his palm down my hair. “I'll always be your dad, no matter what.”
That wound in my heart was suddenly healed, the void was filled, and I was overwhelmed with gladness. I let go, and he looked deep into my eyes.
“I'd ask how you are, but I know better.” He playfully touched my cheeks. “You look really good, Maddie.”
My cheeks flushed, and a smile brightened my face. “Stop….” I dragged out the word. “I just survived hours of pushing a baby out of me; I can't look really good.” I chuckled softly.
“But you do,” he said, his tender voice unchanging. “Your mother would be proud. Because so am I.” He paused for a moment. “I love you, baby girl.”
“I love you, too, Dad.” I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart leaped for joy.
Dad rose to his feet and walked over to Kostya, his gaze fixed on the baby. “Oh, my God. He's so cute.” His voice, a soft whisper, cracked with emotion as eyes widened in wonder, lines of delight plastered on his face. “May I?” came his polite request to carry the baby.
Gently, Kostya placed the boy in his arms, and Dad's shoulders relaxed as he accepted his grandson. “He looks just like you,” he said to Kostya. “But he has his mother's eyes…and her smile, too, apparently,” he added after the baby's tiny lips parted, eyes crinkling at the corners.
“You're a granddad now,” I declared, my voice laced with excitement as I fixed my eyes on him.
He raised his head and looked at me with an uncontrollable smile. “I am, aren't I?” He chuckled lightly. “This is the best gift you've given me.”
All three of us shifted glances across one another, and I couldn't contain the happiness flowing through my blood. This baby really was a blessing; he managed to bring me closer to my husband, and now he’s done the same with me and my father.
I'd never been happier my whole life, and deep inside, I was filled with gratitude as to how everything turned out in the end.
Epilogue – Madelyn
One Year Later
As I stood in the packed living room, leaning against the wall, I couldn't take my eyes off my wife—the woman who had made my life complete. It was her birthday, and there she was, accepting presents from friends and family.
Her smile was radiant, and an aura of excitement exuded from her. At the distance where she stood, attending to some friends, she beamed with joy, her eyes sparkling like diamonds.
I took a sip from the wine glass in my hand as I thought about how lucky I was to have her as my wife. The woman was an epitome of beauty, and even though I couldn't hear her conversation with those around her, it gave me great satisfaction just watching her smile.
At intervals, she'd throw her head back, laughing hard with a hand on her belly, a testament of the happiness that filled her heart. I couldn't be prouder of the woman she had become.
Madelyn had been an excellent wife throughout this past year, but even more importantly, she'd been the best mother to our son, Anatoli. Our boy was a year old now, and that little mischief-maker was busy running around, chasing after Artem's twins. Their giggles and shrills of excitement filled the air.
I wondered what Roman was telling Sierra and my wife that was making them laugh so hard.
Alex was sitting on a sofa, listening to a free-spirited woman as she engaged in a conversation, her hands and body demonstrating her words. He looked in my direction, and we locked eyes. A scoff escaped my lips as he signaled me, as if begging me to swoop in and save him from this talkative woman.
I wouldn't do that. She seemed to enjoy talking to him, and a part of me found Alex’s torture rather amusing. The woman was telling him about her passion for the medical field, and she reminded me a lot about Madelyn. Of course, she did. She was Madelyn's colleague from the research institute my wife used to work at.
Rosa, Brown's maid, was also present. My wife had her come around as well, saying she, too, was family. As Rosa stood by the decorations—balloons in Madelyn's favorite shades of lavender and peach—I traced her gaze to my wife. Rosa had the proud look of a mother in her eyes, and on her face was a wide grin.
Artem was on the phone, sitting on a couch by the stunning floral arrangement on the coffee table. Occasionally, the kids would race to his feet, and he'd ruffle their hair with a genuine smile.
The air was filled with laughter and merriment as soft chatter mingled with the sweet scent of the birthday cake.
I was surrounded by family on this special day, and watching them all have fun filled my soul with an unexplainable satisfaction. My eyes darted across the love-enveloped environment, taking in the tiniest of details.
Our story had started out rough, and the possibility of a happy ending was almost impossible. Yet, here we were, basking in the euphoria of happiness.
Brown glided over to me, a sly grin playing on his lips. “You're one lucky son of a gun; you know that, right?” he said, clapping me on the back, his voice low and infused with admiration.
“Truer words have never been spoken.” I sipped from my glass.
Hands in his pockets, his eyes hovered over the lively scene before returning to settle on me. “I mean it, Kostya.”
I looked at him, brows furrowing at the seriousness etched on his face.
“You have an amazing wife, a beautiful kid, and a family that loves you.” He let out a sigh, gently pressing his fingers over his eyes. “Take it from a man who lost his wife at the early stage of marriage; this…” he glanced around the room, “this is the real deal.” Brown's eyes settled on me again. “And you have it all.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I gotta be honest with you; I'm glad that you and Madelyn made this work.”
As Brown spoke, there was a subtle crack in his voice that hinted at the pain he was trying so hard to mask. But I could see right through him. He was lonely, and seeing Madelyn and I brought back memories of his time with his late wife. I couldn't relate to his pain, but I knew it must be hard. And despite our differences, I still admired the man's fatherly love. Although I never told him this, deep down, I hoped to be half the type of father he was. Brown had raised Madelyn well all by himself. It was admirable, and he had my respect.
“Thank you,” I said, wearing a faint smile.
“Thank me by not fucking this up.” He patted my shoulder, chuckling silently.
“Aww. Look at you two lovebirds.” Madelyn's voice caught our attention as she approached us.
Her smile was radiant, her skin glowed in the lights, and her hair shimmered under the chandelier above. Her elegant red gown clung to her body like a second skin, accentuating her curves, and she halted in front of us.
“Isn't it funny that just last year, you two were about to kill each other?” She snatched my glass and emptied the champagne down her throat.
I opened my mouth to protest against what she just did, but it was her day; she could do whatever she wanted. Besides, her words, laced with amusement, were meant to tease.
“Kill each other?” Brown scoffed dismissively, chuckling. “I could have buried him if you hadn't intervened,” he added, wiggling his brows playfully.
“Says the man who lost a property worth millions of dollars,” I shot back, flashing him an evil smirk. Interesting how the memory still brought me a hint of satisfaction.
His eyes narrowed at my wicked reminder, but there was nothing he could do about it. Brown's expression was momentarily serious, but then, he grinned. “You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?”
“Try being less arrogant about our old battle, and I just might consider it,” I said to him, tucking a hand in my pocket.
“You do realize that's ironic coming from you, right?” Brown's brows rose in amusement.
I raised my hands in mock surrender. “Just keeping things in perspective.”
“I am really starting to regret taking you off that debt.” Brown shook his head, his voice laced with a glimmer of defeat.
“Okay, are you two done now? 'Cause I'm literally standing right here,” Madelyn complained, her eyes narrowing.
“Sorry, sweetheart.” Brown beamed at her. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.” She mirrored the gesture, and instantly, her expression switched to a playful pout. “Now, where are my gifts?” She shifted her gaze across our faces, demanding answers. “I got presents from everyone in this room,” she emphasized, leaning forward. “I mean, literally everyone in this room—including Mikhail and Marina. So, imagine my disappointment when I don't get anything from the two most important men in my life.” She folded her arms across her chest, her gaze unyielding and brows raised in mock indignation.
Brown and I exchanged glances, and he smiled mischievously. “Wanna do the honors?”
“Honors? What honors? What're you talking about?” She squinted, puzzled as to what was happening.
I chuckled, enjoying the suspense.
“What's—what's going on here? Why are you two looking at me like that?” She cocked her head to the side, as if trying to figure us out.
I stepped forward, a wide grin spreading across my face. “Maddie, your father and I have been working on a surprise for you.”
Her eyes were starting to widen in anticipation, her gaze pinned on me. “What is it?”
“It’s something that covers your passion for medicine and our shared vision for your future,” I explained vaguely, basking in the suspense that had her chest subtly heaving.
She shifted her gaze from me to her father, who just nodded in affirmation, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Please, this suspense is killing me. Just spill it already.” The words burst out of her impatiently, her voice laced with curiosity.
I sighed softly, savoring the moment. “We've started a joint venture, a cutting-edge medical research and development company.”
Madelyn's interest was piqued. Her eyes grew wider, and her breath caught in her throat as she stared at us as if trying to piece together this puzzle. She obviously had a hint of where this was going, but she didn't want to jump into her conclusions yet.
“You, sweetheart, will be head of Research and Development,” Brown announced, beaming with pride.
“As well as the chairperson of the entire venture,” I added, watching her face transform, shock giving way to exhilaration.
“Shut the front door!” Her brows shot up instantly, her tone dripping with excitement.
“With your expertise at the helm, we believe you'll drive innovation and make a real difference,” I stated, enjoying the happiness in her gaze.
Madelyn's face glowed, her eyes rapidly blinking back her tears. “You guys…this is my dream,” she muttered, overwhelmed with joy.
“We know,” Brown and I chorused. I added, “And that's why we're bringing it to reality.”
Since the wedding, and the birth of our son, Madelyn wouldn't shut up about her passion for medical research. I knew it was wrong to keep her idle at home, so I had her resume at the institution she used to work, but it still felt like something was missing. I wanted to do more; I wanted her to be her own boss. She'd once mentioned how her father's company had offered her a big position before all of this began.
Although she never said it out loud, I knew that the opportunity she missed as a result of this scandal with me and her father had hurt her so much. I wanted to make it up to her, so when Brown and I were finally on talking terms, I brought it to his notice, and we cooked up a plan from there. It was easy to execute, considering we were both powerful and influential men who loved her.
“Thank you so much.” She hugged the both of us. “You're the best.”
“I'm just glad you love it,” Brown said, smiling. His eyes darted across the room where Anatoli was playing with his toys on the floor. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to meet my grandson.” He kissed her forehead and walked away. “Hey, buddy…!”
Anatoli leaped energetically when he saw this granddad, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“He really loves that boy, doesn't he?” I asked, holding my wife by the waist.
“Yes, he does.” She turned and melted into my arms. “But not the same way I love you.” Madelyn's flirtatious gaze settled on my face.
“Hmm. I think I like where this is going,” I said, my voice low and husky as I toiled with a stray strand of her hair.
“Thank you,” she said, her expression softening for a moment.
“What for?” I looked deep into her eyes.
“Everything,” she said, her tone dripping with gratitude. “I don't know if I've told you this, but…you're the best partner any woman could ever have.”
“Oh, come on, now you're exaggerating,” I said, trying to be modest when, deep down, her remark melted my heart.
Madelyn’s eyes bore into mine, sincerity flickering in their depths. “No. I'm not,” she insisted, casting a solemn look at me. “You are everything I've ever wanted and more. It wasn't so at first, but with time, you showed me the part of you that I didn't know existed.” She placed a palm on my chest, feeling the beat of my heart. “You proved to me that you are more than capable of love, and these past few months have been the happiest I've ever had. So, Kostya Tarasov, this is me saying thank you.” As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, highlighting her vulnerability in opening up.
Her face tilted upward, and her enticing lips parted, inviting.
“No one has ever said such nice things to me,” I confessed, my heart filling with joy and gratitude. “You complete me, Madelyn.” A sly smile played on my lips. “And I should be the one thanking you.” I ran the back of my fingers along her arm, gently brushing against her smooth skin. “You know, we can thank each other later at night.” I winked at her.
Her body trembled at my touch, and her cheeks flushed even after all this time. I looked into her eyes, and I could see the same spark that I saw the very first time we met. With a faint grin, I pulled her to myself and planted a kiss on those lips. She shut her eyes, swooning at the feeling that jolted across our bodies.
With Madelyn, every kiss always felt like the first, electrifying, and I'd never get used to it, never get bored by it. This spark would always remain, for it was the undeniable proof of our love. I knew in my heart that she was meant for me, and I was meant for her. The connection we shared transcended chance.
This was destiny.
*****
THE END
The next part in the series is “Forced by the ruthless Bratva Beast.”
He took me, forced me to marry him, and now I’m carrying his baby.
I came searching for answers, but Roman Tarasov found me first.
A much older, ruthless Bratva beast who took me as his bride.
I didn’t plan on getting pregnant by a man who only sees me as a pawn in his game of power.
He controls every move I make. Locks me away in his mansion.
His cold hands claim my body, leaving me no choice but to surrender.
I fight him, but he only tightens his grip, making sure I know who’s in charge.
Now, I’m trapped.
Pregnant with his heir and bound to a man who shows no mercy.
I wanted justice, but all I have is him—dominant, dangerous, and obsessed with keeping me.
Will I survive him, or will I break under the weight of his control?