Chapter 78

Anderson locked the door to my office in the new residence where I recently moved in with my family. He then took a few steady steps and sat on the padded chair in front of the desk where I was sitting.

“Mom doesn’t want to stay in New York,” he began, leaning in the chair, his legs crossing.

“What do you mean?” My tone was low.

“She says everything reminds her of Chuck.” Anderson took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the ground. “She wants to move.”

“Okay.” I cocked my head.

“After Moretti betrayed us, we don’t have a man who would be leading our businesses in Europe,” he continued. “Sergio is filling in for now, but he doesn’t want to stay in Italy. His family is here in the US.”

“You want to move to Italy?”

Anderson nodded. “Yes. It would be for the best. You’d handle our businesses here, and I, in Europe. I would take Mom and Avery with me.” His eyes darted between mine. “That is, if I have your permission, of course,” he added in a teasing manner.

“Of course,” I said. I leaned back in my chair, my head cocked, assessing the face of my younger brother. “Is it really about that?”

Anderson let out a heaved sigh, his hands clasped. His gaze escaped, wandering everywhere but me. Before finally, he met my eyes again. “We both know the answer to that question.” His was tone low. “I have to stay away. Be far away. From her.”

I nodded, never breaking eye contact.

“Take care of her, will you?”

“I will.”

Anderson nodded, and his gaze dropped again. “Will you ever forgive me for what I’ve done to make you suffer?”

I got off of my seat and, with calculated steps, walked over to my brother. I placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned into his ear. “I forgave you a long time ago. You’re my brother, Anderson. I may loathe you. You may despise me. But at the end of the day, it’s you who will save me.”

“Sergio.” I extended my hand as Sergio entered the hallway of my house with his wife by his side.

Anderson replaced him in Italy a few weeks ago, allowing Sergio and his family to come back to Miami a couple of days ago. I invited him to visit us here in New York. I had an offer I was sure he couldn’t quite refuse.

“It’s a pleasure to see you, my friend.”

“Sebastian, thank you for the invitation,” he replied.

I turned to Melissa, refusing to hide the pride glimmering in my eyes as I looked at her. “This is my fiancée and the mother of my daughter, Melissa.”

Melissa shook hands with Sergio, a soft smile gracing her lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said. “We’ll be forever grateful for your help.”

“Don’t mention it, Melissa,” Sergio replied. “And this is my wife, Emily.” He gestured to the elegant blond-haired woman by his side, whose light beauty contrasted Sergio’s Colombian features. His hair was raven-black, and his eyes dark with a hint of danger.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Emily said warmly, extending her hand to me and Melissa, her blue eyes beaming.

The evening continued in a light atmosphere. Something both Melissa and I needed after the recent events filled with dread, danger, and death.

Eventually, Melissa excused herself to check on Angel, and Emily offered to accompany her, leaving Sergio and me alone.

“I’ve never had the chance to thank you, Sebastian. You helped me after my father passed away. You trusted me to let me run your business in Miami.”

“And as we can see, I was not wrong to do that. I owe you my life.”

“Our fathers had been friends ever since I remember, so I couldn’t have acted differently after I learned about Charles Moretti having you hostage.” He spoke with a distinct Colombian lilt. “I’m sorry for your loss, friend.”

I took a deep breath. “We’re still getting used to the fact that he’s not with us anymore.”

I had never believed it would feel so empty without Chuck. The void was there. He was missed.

“I have an offer for you, Sergio,” I broke the silence. “Let’s say I’d like you to be my business partner.”

“I didn’t expect this.” His eyebrows shot up.” But you don’t have to do this, Sebastian, you know that, right? You don’t owe me anything.”

“I know, but I want to.” A smirk cracked my lips.

Sergio hesitated for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “I’m listening.”

I handed him a glass of whiskey across the table. “You have a son, right?”

Sergio nodded. “Right, why?”

I took a sip of the whiskey, smirking as my friend’s eyes filled with intrigue. “I think this marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial friendship.”

***

Melissa.

One year later...

A year had passed, easing the grief and ushering in a newfound sense of calm. Anderson, Elle, and Avery had relocated to Italy, leaving a noticeable absence in New York. However, knowing they had found happiness elsewhere brought us comfort. Sebastian, Anderson, and Sergio had formed a stronger, more resilient alliance than ever before. Meanwhile, I had reconnected with my old friends Teresa and Sasha. It warmed my heart to see them both thriving in their lives. Sasha had found love in a new relationship, while Teresa surprised me by introducing her girlfriend of a year to me. They also informed me that Timothy had married Audrey, but their marriage had ended after only a few months.

Finally, the day I had long dreamed of had arrived. I walked down the aisle towards the man of my dreams, feeling a sense of anticipation and joy fill the air. Sebastian, with his familiar stormy blue eyes, awaited me at the altar, and as I drew nearer, I couldn't contain my smile. Clutching a bouquet of white roses symbolizing loyalty and love, I felt like a princess in my flowing wedding gown. With my veil trailing behind me and my hair cascading in loose waves, I reached Sebastian's side, my heart skipping a beat. Standing before him, I knew deep in my heart that this was where I belonged, bound by the promise of forever. As we exchanged tender glances, I was certain that our love would withstand any challenges that lay ahead.

Sebastian and I had to face many obstacles throughout our love story. It wasn’t always easy. It wasn’t rosy from the very beginning. But none of that mattered. Despite the fraud between our families, even though this love, our love was never supposed to exist, everything had led us to this point. Every obstacle we faced, ultimately led us back to each other. To be together. To be forever. We were bound by a forbidden yet so irresistible attraction. I still feel the taste of his lips on mine when he kissed me for the very first time when he still saw me as a task when revenge still brewed in his veins. Even then, I felt the genuine affection between us. It was as if our paths were inexorably intertwined by an unbreakable bond.

In the end, I am certain of one thing. I was meant to be his. He was meant to be mine.

“I, Sebastian, take you, Melissa Rose, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Until death do us part.”

Sebastian slid a wedding band on my finger and planted a soft kiss on it. His eyes cast upward as he did so, causing my heart to flutter. This man would never stop having this intoxicating effect on me. His eyes beamed as he smiled, revealing his gorgeous teeth. God, I adored the way he smiled, with a hint of wickedness in his gaze.

“I, Melissa Rose, take you, Sebastian, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Until death do us part.”

At last, we were pronounced husband and wife.

“You may now kiss the bride!” Angel jumped and clapped her hands in joy, and everyone burst out in laughter.

I looked into Sebastian’s eyes, sinking in his arms as we shared our first kiss as husband and wife, sealing our love. Confetti landed on us, our family and friends cheering loudly as we started writing this new chapter of our life together.

The ocean breeze swept over the sandy shore, and melodic tunes filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the guests.

I swayed in the arms of my now husband on the dance floor arranged at the beach, our movements synchronized, our gazes locked in love.

I looked at the reception fleetingly. It was alive with laughter and joy. Elle twirled gracefully with Anderson; her eyes sparkling as she danced with effortless grace. Avery was wrapped in the arms of her first boyfriend, their laughter mingling with the music as they swayed together. Sasha and Theresa spun around the floor with their plus ones, their smiles radiant and contagious. Sergio and Emily moved together as if in perfect synchrony, giggling radiantly. But it was the sight of Angel dancing with Chris, Sergio’s and Emily’s son, that truly melted my heart. Chris had that look of protest on his face as if the dance were a punishment while Angel obliviously twirled around him with delirious joy.

“You are finally my wife, Mrs. Vanderbilt,” Sebastian whispered, his eyes beaming.

My lips curled up in a broad smile. “I’ve never been happier, husband.” my heart fluttered with joy.

“Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt, congratulations!” I turned to face Anderson, standing a few steps away from us among the dancing guests, his eyes fixed on mine. “May I have this dance, sister-in-law?”

I glanced at Sebastian, who gave me his approval with a smile. “Well, you may, brother-in-law,” I said teasingly.

I let my hands on Anderson’s, and he pulled me closer, our bodies swirling to the rhythm of the music. “I’m so happy for you two. Genuinely happy.” He didn’t sound convincing.

“Are you?” My eyes flickered between his.

“Well,” he said as he inhaled, “wasn’t easy to watch the woman I love marry my brother.”

“Anderson—”

“But I am happy for you, Melissa,” he cut in. “I truly am.”

I didn’t know what to say. I felt awkward, uneasy, and confused. All at once. My eyes darted between his in silence as he swirled me around before I fell back into his arms.

He whispered into my ear, his voice husky and low. “I Angel these four thousand miles that part Italy from New York will be enough for me to stay away from you.”

I swallowed hard, hesitantly leaning back to look into his dark eyes.

“Perhaps, one day, I will forget that the woman I want now officially belongs to my brother.”

“Anderson…” My brows knitted.

“Don’t say anything, Mel. I promised you that if you choose him, I will respect that and back out, and I’ll keep my promise.” He sucked on his cheek before he continued, “But I am just a man, and I must keep my distance. I have to lose you from my sight.”

“Is that why you moved to Italy?”

“Wasn’t it obvious?” His eyes flickered between mine as we swayed to the music I no longer heard. It blurred in the background, drowned out by Anderson’ regretful voice. “You’ll always be my unrequited desire.”

I cleared my throat, feeling the unease washing through me. “Does Sebastian know?”

Anderson scoffed. “He always knows. Everything.”

Suddenly, every moment, every glance, every touch I shared with Anderson played out in my mind like a movie tape. I was wondering when this happened. When did I let Anderson believe we have a chance? When did he fall in love with me? Perhaps it was the carefree days we spent together with Angel, playing and dining together as a family would. Perhaps it was the tiny moments that seemed so insignificant that in fact, played the most crucial part. Perhaps, focused on my love for his brother, I didn’t see the things, he did. Perhaps. And now, it was too late, my husband’s brother was in love with me. What a disaster.

“Mommy!” Angel’s delighted voice snapped me back from my thoughts.

I let go of Anderson’ embrace, inhaled heavily, and turned to my daughter. “Come to me, my beautiful princess!” I reached my hands to her, and as I lifted her, my gaze met Sebastian’s, approaching with a smile.

“The two most beautiful ladies of this evening,” he remarked, smiling in a way that would melt the biggest iceberg.

“Only this evening?” I teased.

Sebastian shook his head with a grin, wrapping his hands around my waist. “Of the entire Universe.”

I fleetingly glanced at the spot where Anderson had been before, and he was no longer there.

“And the queens of my heart,” Sebastian whispered in my ear. His husky voice and warm breath sweeping across my neck caused goosebumps to rise in their wake on my skin.

“What a beautiful family,” Elle exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she approached us. “I wish Chuck could’ve witnessed that.”

My smile softened at the thought of our loved ones who were no longer with us. “They’re watching us from a better place, I’m sure,” I said.

“Grandma, will you dance with me?” We chuckled as Angel extended her arms toward Elle.

Her eyes glimmered with warmth. “But of course, my love,” she replied tenderly, taking Angel away from me and leading her further to the dancefloor.

“I’m glad Elle is with us,” Sebastian said softly, watching them dance. “If it weren’t for her, Angel wouldn’t have grandparents who would spoil her like she does.”

I nodded, leaning my head on Sebastian’s arm. “I agree.”

“It saddens me, though, that neither of our parents will see our child growing.”

“Children,” I stated, and Sebastian turned to face me, his eyes narrowing.

“Children, huh?” His smirk curled up his lips, and he bit in the sexiest manner I’d ever seen. “Do you want to have more children yet?”

“Well, that’s not up for discussion yet,” I said with a hint of sarcasm.

Sebastian’s brows raised. “Are you trying to tell me—”

I nodded, my smile widening. “Yes, Sebastian.” I giggled. “We’re going to have another baby. I’m pregnant.”

“Oh, my God, are you serious?” he asked through a chuckle of disbelief.

“Yes, Sebastian, we’re going to have another baby.” I couldn’t stop giggling.

Sebastian shook his head, his face beaming. He ran his hand through his hair, looking around before he exclaimed, “I’m going to be a father again.”

Everyone started cheering and clapping. Sebastian lifted me with pure happiness in his eyes and spun me around and around. We were both chuckling like a pair of school kids who had just shared their first kiss. Endlessly. Carefree. It was one of the most beautiful, happiest moments of my life. If only it weren’t for the shattering look in Anderson’ eyes.

“I love you so much, Melissa.”

I felt Sebastian’s lip curving in a smile against mine before he kissed me.

“And I love you,” I said, gazing into his eyes, full of love, my fingertips caressed his rough stubble.

“Here’s breakfast for my beautiful wife,” Sebastian murmured into my ear, his lips stealing a tender kiss as he handed me a tray with food. It took me a bit of effort to adjust myself in bed. My eighth-month-pregnant belly didn’t make it any easier. Angel played beside me, filling the room with laughter.

“I still feel like it’s a dream,” I admitted softly, locking my eyes with my husband’s. I adored the word. I loved to call him my husband. It screamed he was mine.

Sebastian gently placed a hand on my round belly, and at that very moment, our baby kicked.

“Hey there, little one,” Sebastian cooed, kissing my belly. “You’re reminding Mommy and Daddy that you’re here, too, huh?”

“Yeah, our boy wants the attention,” I teased.

“I told you I feel like we’re going to have another girl.” Sebastian cocked his head, supporting himself on his elbows on the bed beside me.

We didn’t want to know the baby’s gender. We wanted it to be a surprise. Besides, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was for our baby to be strong and healthy. Though we had fun placing bets, and we couldn’t wait to see which one of us was right.

“I couldn’t be happier, babe.” Sebastian looked deeply into my eyes, his hand now caressing my cheek. “Having a family with you is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I could say the same, Sebastian,” I said. “You’ve changed me in so many ways and shown me what real love feels like. You’re everything to me. My friend, my lover... my safe place.”

Sebastian leaned closer, his husky, low, dreamy voice filling my ears as he muttered against my lips, his hand sliding at the back of my neck, his eyes that I fell for so damn hard, flickering between mine, “Melissa Rose Vanderbilt, I love you.”

At last, I got my happy ending. I got my Big Bad Wolf, my Prince Charming. My walking contradiction. Him, Sebastian Vanderbilt. The only man I ever wanted.

Sometimes red is a good choice.

The End.