Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
He smirks. He hasn't called me it in months, if not years, but I still love the sound of it and now is the first time I've worked up the courage to ask about it.
"Principessa," he says softly, the word like a whisper against my lips that still bear the weight of his kiss. "You are my princess, Aurora. For ever."
I close my eyes as a single tear slips down my cheek, just as Piero comes barreling into us, shouting, "I found you, I found you!"
We embrace, laughing and ruffling the boy's hair while simultaneously congratulating him on being so clever. He's made both myself and Ryder so very proud, and there's no doubt in my mind that Massimo will do exactly the same.
My family is truly complete now, and it's an odd feeling. For me, the girl who only had her papa her entire life, this is a huge change. I feel so loved. Surrounded by people who care about me deeply, I've finally found my place in the world and now I know I won't ever lose my way again.
And most importantly, I won't fall for the lies of a master manipulator like Papa... I allowed him to rule over my life for far too long, but that's over now.
I'm lucky I got out of his clutches when I did. That's what Ryder always tells me, but I reply telling him he's the one who saved me. Ryder Bernardi was the only man patient and determined enough to work through all my problems and flaws and to fight for me like nobody ever had before. Those sparks that flew between us when we first met all those years ago have never been extinguished. My heart still burns for Ryder. I love him deeply. And as for him... the extent of his love and affection for me is written all over Ryder's face any time he so much as looks at me or the children.
He often tells me I've given him the family he never dreamed of having, and I agree. This is the life I've been dreaming of, and because of Ryder, I get to spend every day in paradise with my family, with any luxury I want in the world.
It's taken me time to believe I truly deserve this after what happened to Nicoletta and Gustavo Carlucci. My conscience ate away at me until we put up a marble sculpture of a little girl in front of the maze. As we exit its hedges now and the nanny passes me back my son, I look at the statue and feel myself getting emotional all over again.
If it weren't for Nicoletta, I would never have the life I have now. I wouldn't have Piero, Massimo, or Ryder. I wouldn't have my perfect fairytale ending.
I owe it all to her. And I'll spend the rest of my life making amends for what Papa did to the Carluccis.
Ryder takes my hand, offering me a knowing smile as if he can sense exactly what I'm thinking about. I smile back, and there's nothing false about it. Because this is our life together, and despite the horrendous circumstances and all the tests we've been through as a couple, we made it.
And the story of our family is only just beginning.
I rub my stomach when Ryder isn't looking and wink at Piero. He winks back.
We have a surprise planned for Ryder today, too.
I can't wait to see his reaction when he finds out I'm pregnant with twins... I smile to myself. Perhaps they'll be girls this time. It would make me so happy.
But I hope they're wise enough to pick a husband as amazing as mine.
One thing's for certain – Ryder is a wonderful father, and as the years pass, our family will grow as big as our devotion for one another.
I truly have it all now.
Epilogue
Julian
After Aurora's return to the Bernardi mansion, things calm down for a while, and we're all grateful for it.
Father seems pleased two of his sons are now married and the house is lulled into a false sense of security. But I should have known it wasn't going to last long. And the next bombshell that drops on the Bernardi famiglia concerns me, embroiling me into a scandal Father will kill to prevent from happening.
I'm fucking hungover from being out most of the previous night. It ended with me and three girls in my bed, and my guard escorted them off the premises before Father could see them. I'm sure he wouldn't take lightly to more of my womanizing – he's already reprimanded me for it several times.
That day, Father calls me into his office. I saunter in confidently and take a seat on the opposite side of Father's desk, reaching for one of his cigars displayed on the polished wood.