Chapter 181 EPILOGUE

Chapter 181 EPILOGUE
\-A long final chapter for the new year? Let’s have it!-

~

~TEYANA~

•Four Years Later•

I adjusted my pen in my hand, letting a small sigh escape as I signed yet another book autograph. My hand ached slightly from the continuous scribbling, but I smiled through it. Today, my viral book “Love And Ruin”—the story of Jeremy and me—had officially become a bestseller across multiple countries. Seeing the lines of eager readers waiting for their copies made all the exhaustion worth it.

I leaned back slightly on the stool behind the signing table, feeling the gentle weight of my baby bump beneath my soft, red flowing blouse. I smiled in satisfaction as a few readers took selfies with me, their excitement infectious. 

“Thank you for coming,” I said repeatedly, waving to those leaving the line with their signed copies.

Just as I finished my last autograph for the day, a sleek black car screeched to a stop outside. My heart leapt, relief wounding through me. My husband was here.

My eyes followed him as he stepped out, impeccably dressed in black suits and shades, his posture all calm confidence. My stomach did a little flip as he opened the passenger door, and there she was—our little Alice. Three and a half, with Jeremy’s sharp features perfectly mirrored in her tiny face, though softened by her own curls. I must have bribed God in my past life to deserve a kid as beautiful and smart as her.

Everyone loved Alice. She had been beautiful right from birth- smarter as she grew- wiser than her age. She had been her grandfather and grandmother’s favorite right since then. John, who’s now officially married to Mariah- had spoiled my daughter with gifts and money after I gave birth to her years ago. Till now, he still sent her allowances.

Natalie- Jeremy’s mother, did call from time to time too. And most times, it was to speak with Alice.

“Mummy!” Alice Carter squealed, running straight into my arms. I cradled her gently, careful of the baby I carried within. She wriggled with excitement as I kissed her cheek, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. 

We had named her after my mother to honor her, and the core reason being that I had her pregnancy around the time my mother died. Surprisingly, she possessed some parts of her physical features too, but she looked much more like Jeremy than anyone else. 

“How was school today, my little troublemaker?” I asked, smiling down at her.

“Not bad!” she rolled her eyes dramatically, making me laugh. Then, without missing a beat, she plucked one of my books from the table and held it out. “You should sign this for me too, Mummy.”

I chuckled, shaking my head at her precociousness. “Your sharp mouth is rubbing off on her already,” I said, glancing at Jeremy who was now towering over my sitting frame.

“As it should be,” he replied with a smirk, removed his shades, and leaned in to kiss my cheek softly, then lowered to place one on my belly. 

In a low voice, Jeremy added, “Happy 23rd birthday, Tey.”

Alice echoed in unison, “Happy birthday, Mummy!”

I grinned, ruffling Alice’s hair lightly. “And…where is my gift, Mister Carter?” I asked, looking up at Jeremy with mock accusation.

He raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow and whispered, “Oh, I’ll show you after you’re done here.”

I laughed, gesturing at the remaining fans who were still lingering nearby. “I’m done already! Everyone, next time, okay?” I waved graciously, feeling the love in the room.
One young fan hesitated near the table before finally stepping forward, clutching her copy of the book to her chest.
“Um…Ma’am,” she said softly, glancing between us, “is that… Jeremy? From the book?”
I smiled, looked at him, and nodded.
“Yes,” I said gently. “That’s my husband.”
Her face lit up instantly. She laughed, clearly overwhelmed, then looked at Jeremy again.
“No wonder you’d described him so beautifully in your book,” she blurted out, then flushed. “I—sorry. I just… I didn’t expect to be meeting the whole family I had been obsessing about in the book today.”
Jeremy chuckled politely, tipping his head in thanks.
She continued, her voice steadier now. “When I read your book, I cried so much. It feels personal… like I know your family.” Her gaze dropped briefly to Alice, who was busy tugging at Jeremy’s jacket. “She’s beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely, already reaching for my pen.
She hesitated again before adding, “My sister wanted to come too. She couldn’t make it.”
I looked up, concern softening my expression. “Oh?”
“She has mobility issues,” the girl explained quietly. “She doesn’t go out much. But she loves your book just as much as I do.”
My chest tugged gently.
I signed an extra copy, adding a short message inside before handing it to her.
“Please give this to her,” I said. “And tell her I’m grateful she read our story.”
Her eyes welled instantly. “She’ll treasure this. Thank you so much.”
After that, she asked if she could take a photo with us. One picture turned into two, and soon a few more readers gathered around—birthday wishes, words of admiration, quiet congratulations blending into the moment.
When it finally settled, Jeremy leaned closer, his fingers brushing my jaw.
“That was really kind and professional of you,” he murmured.
I smiled, watching the last fan walk away clutching her book like it was something sacred.
“I couldn’t help it,” I said simply, catching Jeremy’s hand briefly, and letting the warmth of his palm remind me how far we’d come. We got married last year, just a month before Carol and Hartley’s wedding. We had built a life that was ours in Las Vegas—imperfect, yes, but entirely and beautifully ours. 
My Life had completely changed for the better since I moved with Jeremy into Vegas four years ago. Maybe one day, I would share more about our story, and how his undying love for me had made me an absolute better person. Truly, there is nothing in the world that feels as beautiful as growing with the right partner by your side. That person was Jeremy Carter for me.
I rested my head against his shoulder, feeling the pulse of joy that had become constant in our home. “I’m tired.” I groaned.

He kissed my forehead. “You are doing great, baby. But you can’t be tired yet. The day is still young, and I have things to show you.”

I blinked up at him, curious. “Really?” He nodded, his beautiful oceanic blue eyes piercing mine at the same time his hands came down to rub tenderly on my slightly protruded stomach.

The staff began clearing the last of the books, and Jeremy led Alice and me to the car. 

We drove in the fading sunlight, Alice chattering nonstop about her school day and the new friends she had made. I laughed, listening to her little anecdotes and stories, all the while feeling the comforting weight of our growing family.

Jeremy finally spoke after a moment of silence, “I’ve set up a bigger branch of the gallery here in Vegas,” he said, glancing at me. “I thought…you’d like to see it. Thought I should inform you before we get there.”

I was caught off guard for a moment. “Wait, you have a whole new branch? And you didn’t tell me?”

He chuckled, eyes on the road, then said, “I wanted it to be a surprise. You’ve been busy running the book empire, I thought I should build this one for us silently.”

My eyes watered. Jeremy was already doing very well with his main gallery, getting unlimited contracts and all- and now, we were expanding.

“I can’t wait to see,” I muttered.

~

The moment we stepped into the gallery, I felt my breath catch in my throat. The space was immense—dark marble floors reflecting the soft golden lights that glimmered from chandeliers above, and walls lined with bold canvases, sculptures, and delicate installations. I paused mid-step, my eyes widening, heart thumping in elated rhythms.

And then I saw it.

At the very entrance hung a painting that made me stop in my tracks—our daughter. Her tiny curls perfectly captured, her mischievous little grin frozen in oil paint. I blinked, unable to speak at first. But then I noticed the second canvas. My own form, rounded with my baby bump, radiant and peaceful. Tears pricked the corner of my eyes, slipping freely down my cheeks. It was a painting of a picture he took me a month ago in his main gallery. We had just finished some intense sexual session on his office table, and I was barely clothed when he took the picture. 

“Jeremy…” My voice was barely a whisper, choked with awe. I crossed the room in a few hurried steps, wrapping my arms around him. I buried my face into his chest. “This…this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The best surprise birthday gift ever.”

Jeremy’s lips brushed my hair. “I’m glad you like it. Maybe…there’s more?”

I blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

And then I heard it- soft, melodic voices rising in unison, “Happy birthday to you…!”

I spun around, my jaw dropping all over again. There, in the middle of the gallery, were faces I hadn’t seen since Carol and Hartley’s wedding. Carol, her heavily pregnant belly outlined in a flowing emerald-green dress, was beaming at me. Hartley stood beside her, his hand loosely clasping hers, Zayne and Taylor grinning in our direction, looking different and grown. Well, we were all grown now- wonderfully might I add. 

I squealed and ran forward, hugging Carol first, communicating how much I had missed her through the embrace. She laughed through her tears. “Careful, Teyan, or our babies would end up looking the same.” Her eyes fell on my stomach, and I laughed. We were both expecting babies, but Carol looked like she was already far gone. We had been so busy lately that I hadn’t informed her about the little life inside of me.

Carol owned a big cosmetic shop in the United States now. Everyone of us was doing well.

I turned to hug Hartley, Zayne, and Taylor in quick turns, feeling the warmth of family and friends wrap around me like a blanket. Alice, excited as ever, ran toward Zayne with a gleeful “Daddy!” Zayne lifted her up, 

Jeremy shook his head at her hilarious proclamation. She had always called Zayne daddy on video calls too. Zayne loved it.

“Chubbier every time I see you, little lady!” Zayne said, his deep British voice rumbling with laughter.

“Now, I’m jealous.” Hartley commented, and I laughed.

Jeremy’s voice joined in, teasing. “You better not steal all of my daughter’s attention from me, Z.” We all laughed together, the sound rich and comforting.

“Come on, jealous daddy,” Zayne swatted his chest playfully. It was funny how the two of them had just recently settled some months of grudges. Jeremy was mad at Zayne for still being involved with the lords. He was closer with their father now, and according to Jeremy, Zayne was following John’s exact footsteps— Both in the women, and power world. It wasn’t news that Zayne had cheated on Taylor with a superstar model named Jane Authur and that had caused them to break up for a while- yet, Taylor had happily received Zayne’s ring when he proposed earlier this year. 

I didn’t miss the lord ring still sitting pretty around Zayne’s finger, but then…things can’t always be perfect the way we wanted it. People are entitled to their choice of lifestyle, and if Zayne wanted to continue being a lord, it must have fulfilled him in some kind of way.

I asked after Charlotte, and they said influencing deals didn’t allow her make it. My gaze landed on a corner of neatly wrapped gifts. “Are those for me?”

Carol nodded, smiling. 

“My mum added her gift as well, you are going to love it.” Taylor said, making my anticipation deepen. “Oh, and she had said something about visiting you soon. She wouldn’t stop talking about it,” she rolled her eyes, making me laugh. Aunt Kelly had been there for me like my mother would have over the years. It consoled me most times, and had made the loss of my mother feel much less unbearable. 

I had met with my father once again, just two years before he also died of kidney issues. It was a long story.

I felt overwhelmed as I accessed the gifts without opening yet. I thanked them with tears in my eyes, feeling utterly full.

Dinner was already laid out in the center of the gallery, an intimate feast that filled the room with the smell of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and delicate desserts. Taylor kept us laughing, recounting stories from her recent movie sets—her animated gestures and over-the-top expressions leaving everyone in stitches.

Hours passed after we drove home, until finally the living room emptied of our friends and family, all heading to guest rooms as the night grew late. After tucking Alice in bed, I went to look for Jeremy in his workroom, the familiar satisfying smell of paint and linseed oil greeting me.

“When are you coming to bed?” I asked softly.

Jeremy didn’t look up from the canvas he was brushing. “Soon…sorry, just finishing this.” He was always this focused while working.

The painting he was working on was exquisite. It was a private commission for the President. His wife had insisted on personal touches so Jeremy didn’t give this one to his workers to do. I watched him move with purpose, his fingers precise, his brows furrowed in concentration. Every stroke mattered to him, and I couldn’t help but admire the intensity.

“I will be waiting in our room.” I said to him before leaving for our shared room. It had been a while since we got intimate, and I had missed him. The pregnancy wasn’t helping either. I was horny most nights, but had to let Jeremy work.

Eventually, he walked into the room after what seemed like an hour later. 

He showered and changed into a black robe, the hypnotizing scent of his unique soap filling the air around us and even making me ache more for him. I sat up on the edge of the sofa, my hands resting on my stomach. He settled beside me and kissed my cheek lightly. “I thought you were sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you.”

My hand went for his arm and rubbed softly. “I was waiting for you. It’s been a while.” I murmured, my voice conveying everything I needed in that moment.

He smiled, brushing a stray hair from my face. “I know. I’ve been busy…I’m sorry, love.” His lips dropped to my collarbone, and he placed a kiss there. My body lightened up.

I chuckled. “It’s okay. I’m going to bed soon anyway.” I didn’t mean it.

He shifted closer, lips moving around my neck. “Not after you had me anticipating,” he murmured, voice low and teasing.

I raised an eyebrow, mock confusion dancing across my features. “What’s that?”

He smiled wickedly, closing the space between us and kissing me. I leaned into him, heart racing. His hands roamed gently, sliding the robe from my shoulders, tracing my curves. I welcomed him completely.

When his own robe fell away, my eyes drifted to the left side of his chest. The tattoo on it, a reminder of our strong bond- came to view. “Tey”

It made my heart skip everytime I set my eyes on it. Jeremy had gotten it just days before our wedding. According to him, it was his personal wedding gift for me, that I would forever live in his heart.

A rush of warmth filled me from the inside; I leaned forward, pressing a delicate kiss to the inked letters. He groaned softly, the sound vibrating through me.

His gym-honed body was now more muscular than ever. It made me want him more- everytime. I felt drawn in, utterly captivated.

“I…need to be up for my stomach’s comfort,” I whispered just as he was about lowering my back to the bed.

He grinned, brushing a hand over my stomach. “I’m good with any style, as long as I get to be inside you tonight.” The way he said those naughtily, had me panting. 

And just like that, I was straddling him- his body under mine, both of us naked. When he penetrated, I felt it differently. My entire body succumbed to the pleasure. I started to move slowly and steadily against him. He allowed me ride him, use him like I needed, yearned- and he met my movements every now and then with gentle and deep thrusts. It was blissful. I kept releasing unending gentle moans.

Every touch and kiss ignited sparks that had been simmering for years. I let myself move freely against him, riding him until our breaths synced and the world outside ceased to exist.

When it was over, he drew me close, kissing the gentle swell of my stomach. His lips lingered, as if blessing the life growing inside me.

“Why do I feel like you have two babies growing inside you…” he murmured, his voice tender against my ears.

I laughed breathlessly, resting my forehead against his. “You’re ridiculous.”

He grinned, kissing me again. “Would you…write another book about us and include this part where you almost rode me to heaven too?”

I swatted his chest, laughing, “Jer.”

“Tey.”

“I love you.”
His hand came up to cradle my face, his thumb warm against my cheek. “Even when I didn’t understand you,” he said quietly, “I never stopped belonging to you. I never stopped choosing you. I love you more, wifey.”
He kissed me again, and just like that, he was inside me for a second round, giving slow back strokes as he turned me to the side and pressed his chest against my back.
Once, he had been my ruin.
The biker stepbrother I wasn’t supposed to fall for.
The chaos I didn’t know how to survive.
And yet, here he was…
my home,
my calm,
the light that found me after everything burned.
Curled against him, wrapped in warmth and certainty, I knew this much with absolute clarity—
Jeremy and I were not a phase.
Not a mistake.
Not a story that ended.
We were unending.
THE END.

——

Author's Note~

Thank you for choosing to stay with Jeremy and Teyana until the very end.
For every read, every comment, every emotion you shared with this story-l'm deeply grateful.
This journey mattered to me, and knowing it mattered to you too makes it unforgettable. You are amazing beyond words. Till we meet again in my next book. 

Watch out❤️