“Breaking news,” the reporter announced. “Darius De Laro and Serena Wilson were caught entering the judge’s office with both families following them. The public concluded that the two were so eager, they opted for an intimate ceremony and didn’t inform the media.”
Erik and I looked at each other. It felt like our divorce had just been finalized, and now he was married?
“Are you okay?” Erik asked.
I nodded, though deep down, I wasn’t sure I deserved to say I was fine, not after what he confessed two nights ago.
“I am, but I can’t help pitying him. Because I know this isn’t love. It’s my duty again,” I said. “He was desperate to fix our marriage. That tells me he was still mourning. But he couldn’t show it. His father’s the kind of man who never wastes time. He’ll do anything to protect their name. Even if it means using his son.”
I shook my head. “And poor Sasha. She still didn’t get what she wanted, did she?”
He chuckled quietly. “Why care about someone who crushed you and never really cared in return?”
I shrugged, laughing a little. Maybe I wasn’t that cruel after all, to wish pain on them when ! was finally starting over.
“Let’s not talk about them. Are you ready?” he asked, walking behind me to zip up my
dress.
“Are you sure you want to eat out? We can just stay here,” I offered.
“I’ve arranged everything. I want to treat you better than your past lover did. Besides, I’m trying to impress you. Isn’t this what courting is about?”
“No rushing, okay?” I reminded him because I want everything to fall into the right place. and right time. “I want to take things slow.”
He leaned in and kissed the top of my head. In the mirror, he was smiling.
“Of course, Rosella. This dinner isn’t just a celebration. It’s also a thank–you. For giving me a chance. And before we fly back to Minnesota, I want to give you one last memory of this place.”
I pouted, laughing softly. By tomorrow night, we’d be on a plane, leaving this country–and everything it held behind.
When we arrived at the rooftop restaurant, I saw petals scattered across the floor. A white screen flashed, “Congratulations on your new life.” Erik said we’d use the same screen later for a movie night.
“Flowers for you, princess.”
He smiled like a modern–day prince. Maybe I was his damsel in distress, and this was my fairytale turning point.
AC TE
“Thank you, my dear Prince Erik.”
We both laughed. The night went smoothly. Light. Natural. Like two people who knew each other but were learning more. I felt free for the first time. Like I had finally found myself again. I wasn’t looking for more. I was just… whole.
The next morning, I woke up smiling and posted on my author site:
“The Wife He Lost” will no longer have Book 2. But stay tuned for my next story: “I Found Love Again After Being Broken.”
I shut my laptop. The rest of the day passed slowly, just the two of us eating, resting, preparing to leave.
An hour before our flight, I stood on the balcony and stared at the city one last time.
“I can’t believe I’m leaving this country for good,” I told him.
“Why not? Did you really think you’d stay here forever?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes. Because of Darius. Because of duty. I thought I’d never be allowed to travel, never be free.”
turned to him. “But now look at me. Look at us.”
“You’ll travel more with me. See more. Live more. I won’t make promises. I’ll just show you.”
We laughed softly, but the air grew still. We met each other’s eyes. I saw something. Longing. Maybe a kiss waiting to happen.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked.
I bit my lip, trying not to smile. I didn’t know asking could feel so soft. So respectful.
I didn’t answer. I just leaned in and kissed him. It was deep and warm, like wiping away everything I had been trying to forget. At that moment, I saw only the beginning.
“Let’s go.” He held my hand. We walked toward our new life.
But just as we reached the airport, his phone rang. It was Desmond.
Erik answered. His lips parted as he handed me the phone.
“What is it?”
I placed the phone to my ear. “Desmond?”
All I could hear was heavy breathing.
“Rosella… Darius is dead.”
My heart dropped. My eyes widened. I looked at Erik, stunned.
“What? How?”
“He ended his life. He only married Serena to fulfill his father’s final wish. There was no one else to take his place. And Sasha’s child… it isn’t even his.”
“Oh my God.”
“He was drowning in guilt. His life turned into a prison after he lost you. Taking his own life was the only escape. I’m taking over now. I’ll be the Alpha. You’re leaving, right?” Chapter 30
DC 74
“Sorry,” I whispered. “I just can’t help it.”
1 know. He was a part of your life. You can grieve. I’ll be right here.”
The call was still on.
“Live free, Luna Rosella, Desmond said before it ended.
I cried in silence. I looked up at the sky.
Maybe this was how it had to end.
