Page 198 of Wicked Villain

But now I do.

For the first time, I’m not merely surviving someone else’s plans for me. I’m living as myself with the man I love.

My husband.

Lev Karsavin.

Chapter

Fifty-Two

Lev

Istand in the clearing across from the old manor. The place I once called home.

Bright sunlight beams down on the sandstone walls. I wait for the familiar darkness I always associate with this place. But it doesn’t come.

Today’s visit feels different from the countless times I’ve come here before.

The place feels lighter.

The custodians have cleared the overgrown vines and cleaned the walls. But the restoration isn’t the reason for the change.

The house no longer looks trapped beneath years of neglect and grief. The vines once made it seem as though the house was being dragged into the earth, but now it can breathe.

It makes me wonder whether the spirits that lingered here have finally moved on, or perhaps they simply know that justice has been served. I hope it’s both.

Their faces drift into my mind. My mother. My sister. The lives stolen from them. The ache of losing them remains in my soul, but it no longer tears me apart. Love has soothed my grief. And somehow, I have peace.

“It’s done,” I say. “I couldn’t save you, but I got justice for you. For all of you.”

I think of my father, too. He dedicated the rest of his life to finding the men responsible for taking away the people he loved. Moretti is dead, and Corrado can never hurt anyone again.

I dip my head, place a hand over my heart, and say goodbye. Then I straighten and loosen my shoulders.

It’s time to go.

I turn and walk away.

My car waits ahead, with Allegra inside watching me through the window. Her eyes remain fixed on me until I climb in and sit beside her. She reaches out and touches my cheek.

“Are you okay?” She searches my eyes. She knows what happened here and why we came today.

I press a kiss to her forehead. “I am now. Let’s go.”

She brushes her nose against mine and sits back. I glance at the manor one last time before we drive away.

The past is behind me now. Everything I need is right here beside me.

It’s time to start a new chapter with the woman I love.

Epilogue- Allegra

Two weeks later

We’re dining in paradise. Lev and I are sitting at a table on the beach in Bora Bora, at our favorite restaurant. The sun has set. Lanterns glow all around us, and the sea laps gently at the sand.

Sadly, we’re returning home in two days. I’ve had the time of my life swimming in the crystal-clear water and exploring the lagoon. But best of all has been the uninterrupted time with Lev. I don’t know how I’m gonna bring myself to leave this bubble of bliss we’ve created between us.