Chapter 56 Epilogue
Lily
31 december
The city glitters with New Year’s Eve energy, but inside Antonio Manchini’s luxurious hotel, the world narrows to this one moment—my book launch. The lobby and hall are decked with elegance that takes my breath away. Tall crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their light scattering across polished marble floors. Navy-blue and silver accents decorate the room: satin table runners, flickering candles in glass holders, and vases of white orchids. A large display board dominates the entrance, proudly proclaiming:
“Given in Debt to the Mafia King – A Dark Romance by Lily Manchini.”
I stand before the full-length mirror in our penthouse, adjusting the long navy-blue gown I chose for tonight. My belly is barely visible, the pregnancy still hidden, but my curves are accentuated delicately by the silk. My hair curls softly at the ends, framing my face, and the bangs brush my eyebrows. Nude-toned makeup highlights my features without overpowering them. My nails are polished, and my high heels click softly against the floor as I take a deep breath.
From behind, Sebastian emerges from the shower, his towel hanging low at his waist. He whistles softly, eyes scanning me up and down.
“You’re dangerous looking like that,” he murmurs, and I bite my lip, heat rising.
“Don’t make me late,” I tease, resisting the urge to pull his towel away.
“How do I look?” I ask, adjusting my earrings.
He smirks, his dark eyes meeting mine. “You look like my wife.”
I blush, a smile tugging at my lips. “Go get ready,” I say, and he nods, disappearing into his room.
Moments later, he returns, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, with a navy tie matching my dress. His presence alone commands attention. He leans in, kissing me softly before opening the car door. “I am so proud of you,” he whispers.
Pride swells in my chest. I am proud to have him.
The drive to the hotel feels surreal, the streets of New York bustling, unaware of the celebration waiting inside. When we arrive, the sight of the hall steals my breath. Guests have started to gather: Belladonna in a stunning crimson gown, her family looking poised; Sebastian’s brothers and cousins, their sharp suits reflecting the Mancini authority; the Godfather himself, calm and commanding, with Rocco at his side; Jane, our loyal servant, standing respectfully; and of course, my fans, eyes wide with excitement.
Sebastian’s hand rests firmly on my waist, grounding me, as we approach the board announcing my book. His gaze lingers on me, intense and protective, and I feel the warmth of his pride.
As we step into the hall, applause erupts. I feel honored, humbled, and alive in a way I’ve never felt. I walk onto the stage, heels clicking against the polished floor. The microphone feels familiar in my hands as I read a passage from my book. My voice steadies as I continue with a short speech, sharing the inspiration behind my writing, the struggles I’ve faced, and finally, I give credit where it is due.
“I could not have done this without my husband, Sebastian Manchini,” I say, my eyes finding his.
He stands abruptly and, to my shock, blows a playful kiss across the hall. The room chuckles softly; I can’t remember the last time he’s done something like this. My heart flutters.
When I finish, the applause swells into a roar. Belladonna claps elegantly, her grin wide and proud. The Godfather and Rocco clap with commanding authority, their approval grounding me. Sebastian’s applause is sharp, deliberate, and full of pride. Dante claps too, his smile warm and genuine, eyes meeting mine with silent encouragement.
For the first time, I feel truly seen—not just as a writer, not just as Sebastian’s wife, but as me. My own family never offered me this kind of respect or recognition. Yet these people—the feared, the deadly, the powerful—honor me tonight.
Loving the cruel ones has never felt so right. They are my people, my chosen family, the ones I can count on no matter what. And in the midst of this, I see my husband standing tall, Dante beside him, but it is Sebastian’s eyes, filled with pride and love, that I will remember forever. He gave me purpose, he gave me love, and tonight, he gave me the courage to truly step into my own.
Tonight, I am Lily Manchini, the author, the wife, soon to be mother, the woman who finally belongs—and for the first time, I feel complete.
I move to the signing table where a small line has already formed. My heart swells with joy as I greet relatives, family friends, and fans who hand me copies of my book. One by one, I sign them, adding little hearts or special notes, depending on the person.
Sebastian suddenly appears at my side, holding a copy himself. His dark eyes glint with pride as he places it in front of me.
“For me,” he says, voice low and teasing.
I giggle softly and draw a huge heart across the page, then sign my name under it. I glance up at him, whispering, “For my mafia king.”
His lips curve into a dangerous, satisfied smirk, and he kisses my temple before walking off with the signed copy clutched like it’s more valuable than gold.
After the signing, the scent of food drifts through the hall, and everyone is guided toward the dining area. The open buffet stretches long, filled with glowing trays of pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and golden bread rolls. Glasses of sparkling wine are lifted by most of the guests, but I quietly reach for a tall glass of fresh juice instead. Sebastian notices, brushing his hand against mine as if to say he approves.
Belladonna approaches me next, her beauty glowing under the golden lights. She pulls me into a tight hug, her perfume soft and floral.
“Congratulations, Lily,” she says warmly, squeezing my shoulders. “You did it.”
“Thank you, Bella,” I say with a smile, my heart full.
But then, from the corner of my eye, I catch Dante standing a few steps away. His gaze lingers on Belladonna in a way that is far from subtle. I lean closer to her, whispering with a playful grin,
“Dante is gawking at you.”
Her eyes widen before she quickly rolls them, brushing it off with a scoff.
“He better don’t,” she mutters, shaking her head and giving a tiny shrug, though the faintest blush rises in her cheeks.
Before I can tease her more, the godfather himself approaches with Rocco at his side. His heavy presence makes the atmosphere hush slightly. He takes my hand gently, his dark, commanding eyes softening for once.
“Congratulations, Lily,” he says with deep sincerity. “I am so proud of you.”
My throat tightens with emotion, and I manage to whisper, “Thank you so much,” with a small bow of my head.
The night slowly begins to quiet as people finish their meals. One by one, guests start leaving, offering hugs, handshakes, and final congratulations. The hall grows softer, more intimate, the echo of laughter fading into the background.
Sebastian steps up to me, his tall figure blocking out the rest of the world. His hand slides around my waist as he lowers his head to my ear.
“I’ve booked us a suite in this hotel,” he murmurs, his voice rich with mischief. “The after-party celebration—just for us.”
His teasing smirk makes heat rush through me, and I glance up at him with wide eyes.
“You planned this?” I whisper.
“Of course,” he replies, pressing a slow kiss against my cheek. “Tonight, the queen celebrates with her king.”
The door to the suite clicks shut behind us, and before I can even take in the lavish room, Sebastian’s lips claim mine. His kiss is deep, intoxicating, and filled with possession. My heart races as his hands press against my lower back, pulling me flush against him.
Without thinking, I sink to my knees in front of him, my trembling fingers unbuckling his belt. His sharp inhale fills the silence as I tug down the zipper and slide his pants lower. He watches me carefully from above, dark eyes blazing with hunger. I free him from his boxers, his length heavy and hard before my lips.
Without hesitation, I take him into my mouth, sliding him deep into my throat, my cheeks hollowing around him. His breath shudders out, a rough curse escaping his lips.
“Fuck, Lily…” His hand grips firmly into my hair, guiding me, though his gaze never leaves me.
I continue, the rhythm growing wetter, hotter, until his control snaps. He yanks me gently away, his chest rising and falling sharply as he forces me to my feet. His lips crush mine again in a bruising kiss, tasting himself on my tongue.
“I want you inside of me, Sebastian,” I whisper against his mouth, voice raw with need.
His smirk is wicked, dangerous. Slowly, he slides the zipper of my dress down my spine, the silky fabric pooling at my feet. He lifts me easily and lays me on the king-sized bed, his hands moving with reverence and dominance all at once.
Then, to my surprise, he leans over and opens the nightstand drawer. His fingers close around a coil of rope. My eyes widen, breath catching.
“Sebastian…” My voice trembles between anticipation and shock.
He leans down, lips brushing my ear as he whispers darkly, “It was all planned, angel.”
Before I can speak again, he takes my wrists and ties them firmly to the headboard. The silk rope bites softly against my skin, keeping me bound, helpless under his gaze. He crawls over me, his weight pressing me deliciously into the sheets, his eyes glinting with pure control.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he slides my panties off, discarding them carelessly to the side. His fingers trail down my thighs, spreading me open for him as he settles between.
He pushes deep inside my pussy first, his huge dick filling me as he thrusts slow at the start, then harder, making my body arch against the ropes. My moans echo through the room. Just when I start to lose myself in his rhythm, he pulls out, smirking down at me.
“Sebastian…” I whimper, breathless.
Without warning, he presses against my other entrance, in my ass. My body tenses before slowly giving way, stretching around him. I cry out, a mix of shock and burning pleasure.
“Shh… take me, angel,” he growls, his hand gripping my hip as he buries himself deeper into my tightness.
My wrists tug at the rope as I squirm under him, every thrust sending sparks through me. Then his other hand slides down, two of his fingers slipping into my soaked pussy. The double sensation makes my head throw back against the pillow as a scream tears from my lips.
“Look at you,” Sebastian murmurs, smirking, his eyes dark and proud. “Bound, filled… all mine.”
“Sebastian—oh my god!” I cry out, unable to hold back the moans, the mix of pain and pleasure twisting inside me.
“Feels good, angel?” he teases, thrusting harder, his voice rough and low.
My body shudders as I nod desperately, my voice breaking, “Yes… yes, it feels so good.”
His pace grows rougher, his cock pounding into my ass while his fingers thrust deep inside my soaked pussy. The double penetration drives me insane, every nerve alive with heat. He leans down, capturing my mouth with a bruising kiss, swallowing my cries as he fucks me hard.
A sharp sting blooms when his palm smacks my breast, making me gasp against his lips. My back arches, ropes tightening around my wrists, holding me in place as he takes every part of me.
“Such a perfect angel,” he growls into my mouth, his smirk wicked as he keeps me open, filled in both places at once.
I can’t hold it anymore. My scream rips through the suite as I climax, my body clenching around his fingers, soaking his hand, my orgasm crashing violently while his cock still drives into me.
“Good girl… cum for me,” Sebastian praises, his voice dark, proud.
I tremble, still quivering from release, but he doesn’t stop. He thrusts into my ass harder, relentless, until his body stiffens above mine. With a groan, he buries himself deep and releases inside me, warmth spreading as he presses his forehead against mine, panting.
His smirk lingers as he watches me undone beneath him, wrists still tied, cheeks flushed, lips trembling.
“All mine,” he whispers against my ear, his hand caressing my face while I melt under him, completely wrecked and completely his.
He unties my wrists gently, his touch softer now, almost reverent. Carefully, he pulls me into his lap, wrapping his strong arms around me as though I’m the most fragile thing in the world. His hand moves to my belly, rubbing slow circles over the small curve that holds our future.
I kiss his cheek softly, my heart overflowing. “You’ll be the best father to our baby,” I whisper.
His eyes light up with a smile that melts every piece of me. “I know, angel. And you’ll be the best mother.” He presses his lips to mine, tender at first, then biting playfully at my lower lip, making me giggle through the sweetness.
“I love you,” I murmur against his mouth.
“I love you, angel. I love you a lot,” he replies, his voice breaking with an emotion I rarely hear from him. He rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm, his words heavier than any vow. “We’ve survived all the chaos, angel.”
I beam, nodding as my fingers trace his jaw. “It wasn’t easy… but we did it.”
He studies me for a moment before asking softly, “Now what?”
A smile curves my lips as I rest my head against his shoulder, my body safe in his embrace. “Now… we’ve reached the epilogue of our story, my love.”
The world outside may still whisper of shadows and blood, but here, in his arms, it feels like the end of every battle, and the beginning of forever.
The End.
Continue reading for book 2 featuring Belladonna and Dante. An arranged marriage with plenty of dark romance.