EPILOGUE 1 – JENNIE
Five months later
It's crazy how life can change in the span of such a short time.
How much…happier it can become.
It's been almost seven years since I first met Lisa. We started with blood and death, but something much more beautiful blossomed from the darkness.
It'd be a lie to say we live a fairytale. If there's anything that won't change about Lisa, it's the fact that she's a villain.
The type who still works in the background to have everyone under her thumb, regardless of whether they're her foe or her ally.
Everyone except me.
She kept her word when she said she'd try harder. She gave me more freedom and supported me when I decided to take a permanent administrative position in the shelter. One where I have to be present every day.
I thought her loathsome controlling side would come out and alshe'd refuse, but she only insisted on security. Ruby Jane now helps me while she rebuilds her life from scratch. It's harder for her, but I'm holding her hand every step of the way, trying to help her find the will to rise above what she thinks is her fate.
There's no such thing as too late or the end.
When I heard the pop that finished my career, I thought my existence wasn't needed anymore. That the only reason I was on this earth was for ballet and when that reason vanished, I had no purpose in staying.
Lisa proved me wrong, even if her method wasn't the best. Then Liam came along, and while that wasn't the magical solution, it played a part of it.
It's how we got this far.
Now, we go out as a family and spend more time together, because no matter how busy we get, we realize our number one priority.
Family.
Not only the three of us, but also Yoshi, Bamban, Boris, Ruby Jane, and even Ogla. I made it a rule that all of us eat together at least once a week and then play Scrabble. Something that Lisa grumbles about, but she still helps me cheat.
My wife and I didn't come from conventional families and I guess that's why we pay more attention to that part of our lives.
Though I do have an extended family now.
Papa hasn't left me alone since he found out about me. He even threw a massive party in my honor to introduce me to the world as his daughter.
At first, I didn't really like the attention, but I'm enjoying getting to know him and his side of the family more than I thought I would.
Lisa says it's because he's spoiling me, but Lisa is just jealous because someone else is doting on me.
She wraps an arm around my waist as she leads me into one of the brotherhood's gatherings. She looks so dashing in her tuxedo that I wish I could have her all to myself.
It doesn't help things when she stares down at me, offering me one of her rare smiles. "Ready, wife?"
"Of course I am." I grin, then lower my head.
"What?"
I smooth an invisible wrinkle on her jacket. "I just…love being on your arm."
"So do I."
"Says the one who always gave me the cold shoulder in front of the others."
"A mistake that will never happen again."
"Not that I'll let it. I'm not scared of you anymore, you know."
"Is that so?" She raises an amused brow. "I have my monster reputation to maintain."
I bite my lower lip. "Does that mean you'll punish me?"
A deep grunt leaves her lips. "Don't tempt me or I'll do it now."
"Do it then," I whisper provocatively.
"Jennie…" she groans in a husky tone.
I grab her hand and pull her to the patio, away from watchful eyes.
Lisa pushes me against the wall and kisses me, her lips brushing against my trembling ones before her tongue finds mine. A whimper escapes my throat like every time she has me in her embrace. It feels like a first, like we're rediscovering each other with every touch.
I pull away, panting, before she deepens it even more and I lose track of my surroundings.
"Lisa…I have something to tell you."
"Later." Her lips search for mine again, but I tilt my head and she nibbles on the sensitive skin of my throat.
"Oh…God…"
"Hmm. I love your voice, Lenochka."
"You do?"
"Why is that even a question?"
"Lisa…"
She kisses her way down my neck. "What?"
"I'm pregnant."
She pauses with her lips on my throat before she slowly pulls back, her brown eyes shining in the darkness. "What did you just say?"
I take her hand and place it on my flat stomach. "I took a few tests and they were positive. We have to go to the doctor, but I'm almost sure we're expecting."
We agreed to have a second child not too long ago and Lisa has had a blast trying to impregnate me. She fucks me any chance she gets and whenever I become a brat and whine about it, she says it's to give Liam a sibling and that we should both sacrifice for the greater good.
Her large hand strokes my stomach. "Our baby is here?"
"Yes. Our baby."
Liam might have brought us together, but it was a forced start. This one will be different, this one will be our permanent step into happiness.
Lisa hugs me, then sighs in the crook of my neck before she pulls back to stare at me. "And here I was enjoying the process of impregnating you. But oh well, all good things come to an end."
"Why do they have to end?"
"My, Mrs. Manoban. Are you implying that I should continue?"
"I mean, you have to. If my pregnancy with Liam was any indication, you know how responsive I get."
She smiles, eyes shining. "Oh, I remember."
I grab her by the jacket. "Should we start now?"
"Again, why is that a question, wife?"
Then her lips are on mine again.