Epilogue

Three and a Half Years Later:

I place the last of Wilmer’s clothes into the bag before zipping it closed and putting it with the rest of the bags in the corner of the room.

"Mum. Mum..." Wilmer calls from the bathroom.

"I am coming," I call back and walk into the bathroom to find my three-year-old son standing on the stool by the sink holding a toothbrush and toothpaste while staring in the mirror. I take both from him,

"Didn't I ask you to wait while I arrange your things?" I scold, trying to keep a serious face. A frown appears on his face.

"You took too long. I don't want us to keep Dad waiting," he says. He pouts like he is about to cry any minute.

I sigh and tickle him while he laughs loudly and asks me to stop.

"Okay, open up," I say.

After brushing his teeth, he strips his clothes off while I get the tub ready for his bath. I place him into the bubble bath when I hear my phone ring.

I dry my hands and answer Alex’s call. "Hello?"

"Shiloh, I saw I missed a call from you. Are you both ready to leave?" he asks.

"We’re still getting ready, but I need you to be on your way now," I say, watching Wilmer as he splashes the soapy water.

"Okay, I will be there in thirty minutes," he says before hanging up.

"Wilmer, stop splashing the water out of the tub," I say.

"Sorry, Mum," he apologizes before grinning widely, which makes me smile. "Mum, is Uncle Alex coming with us?" he asks, closing his eyes while I wash his hair.

"No, he is not coming with us, but I am sure he will visit us after we arrive," I say with a smile.

After bathing him, I wrap a towel around him and take him into the room to get him dressed.

"Baby, stay still," I say, running a comb through his brown hair while he sits in front of the vanity table.

I tenderly kiss his forehead. "My baby looks so handsome," I say, making him grin.

"Am I as handsome as Dad?" he asks, which makes me laugh.

"Yes, you are even more handsome than Dad," I say, brushing his hair away from his face. Happiness dances in my chest because he’s so ecstatic.

"Mum, Dad said he would buy me a very big car when we get there," he says elatedly.

"Really?" I ask, placing him on the floor.

He nods. "Yes, but he can't buy me a real car like yours because I am too little to drive, but he said he would buy me a big toy car that I can drive around the house," he says, using his hands to explain how big it will be, which makes me laugh.

My baby is going to turn four soon, which I can't wait for because this will be his first birthday with everyone.

These last three years have been stressful, nerve-racking, and wonderful all at the same time. At first, it was difficult to concentrate on Wilmer, school, and a part-time job, but I was able to cope by leaving Wilmer with my neighbors. They were an old couple willing to take care of Wilmer until I got back from school and work.

This continued until Wilmer started preschool. And then I could drop him off and pick him up after work or school. I was happy because I could spend more time with him.

I sent videos of Wilmer to my family and friends, like when he first crawled, walked, grew his first tooth, and even when he said his first word. But I never called anyone.

When Wilmer turned two years old and was able to talk a little better, I let him video call Chance and everyone almost every day. Wilmer was always happy when he got to talk to everyone, and especially when he spoke to Chance.

He spent hours talking to Chance, but he was never fully happy because he would always ask if he could meet everyone and not just talk on the phone.

Even though Emma, Louis, Damien, and Shane visited once in a while he wanted Chance to visit, which I am to blame for.

But I can no longer watch him frown as soon as he ends his call with Chance, so I decided it was time to take him home. He has been elated to celebrate his fourth birthday party with everyone ever since I told him two weeks ago that we were going back home.

The happiness in his eyes brings joy to my heart even though I feel a little bit anxious.

"What would you like to have for breakfast?" I ask, placing him on my hip and heading down the stairs to prepare breakfast.

"Hmm…cereal!" he yells as we enter the kitchen.

I place him on a kitchen stool.

"Okay," I say, opening the fridge to get a jug of milk.

I place a bowl of his favorite cereal on the counter in front of him and take a seat beside him.

"Open up," I say, scooping up cereal with a spoon.

He shakes his head and tries to take the spoon from me. "I can feed myself, Mum."

I release the spoon and let him shovel cereal into his mouth, dripping milk on the counter.

"Look, my baby is all grown up already," I say, ruffling his hair. He scowls at me, and it is adorable.

"Mum, stop," he whines.

I laugh before combing my fingers through his hair trying to make his hair look neat.

"You know, your dad always runs his hand through his hair when he feels stressed out or frustrated," I say, getting Wilmer’s attention.

He is always interested in hearing every little thing about his dad.

"Really? Does he always keep his hair messy?"

I smile, moving his hair from his forehead. “Not always. He likes everything neat and clean," I say when I hear the doorbell ring. "Okay, finish your cereal while I go get the door."

I open the door to find Alex standing with his left hand tucked into the pocket of his black jeans.

"Come in. Wilmer is in the kitchen having breakfast," I say.

"Uncle Alex!" Wilmer’s mouth is covered with milk and the counter looks messy.

"How are you doing?" Alex asks, sitting beside him on a stool with a bright playful smile.

"Great! I get to see Dad today," he says ecstatically.

I clean his mouth and the counter with a tissue.

"Alex, will you watch him while I get ready?" I put the tissue into the trash then go to my room.

Alex has been taking Wilmer to school and picking him up since I move into this new apartment. I got a job as a manager at a well-known fashion label here in Brazil.

Since I was one of the best graduating students, I got a job immediately that paid really well, enabling me to create a better life for myself and Wilmer like I always dreamt of.

I hired Alex as a driver to help me take Wilmer to and from school. Wilmer has grown really fond of Alex.

I am giving this apartment and my car to him since we are moving back home for good. It's my way to thank him for his help and understanding.

After taking a quick shower, I change into a blue flowery off-the-shoulder dress and then sit in front of the mirror to do my makeup.

I actually feel anxious about leaving. I just don't know what to expect, but as long as Wilmer is happy then I am happy. I know I am ready for this.

I have grown to be a better person and mother. I am no longer that immature, love-deprived, and self-centered girl. Everything I did, everything I experienced in the past made me the woman I am today, so I have no regrets or grudges against anyone.

I put my pink lip gloss back into my makeup bag and smile at my reflection in the mirror feeling content.

"Alex, please take Wilmer's bags to the car," I yell, knowing he can hear me.

"Okay," he yells back.

I check for anything that I meant have forgetting to tuck into my bag. Our fight is at 12:00 p.m. and the time is just 10:30, so I still have a little time to double-check that I have everything.

I pull my luggage out of the room satisfied that I haven’t left anything. I roll the two begs down the stairs into the living room where I find Wilmer sitting on the couch watching one of his favorite cartoons.

Alex walks into the house and offers to take my luggage to the car. Thanking him, I walk into the kitchen to grab an apple before walking back into the living room.

"Wilmer, come on. It's time to go," I say, taking his hand into mine before looking one last time at the room.

It took us less than thirty minutes to get to the airport and another hour to get through security before getting on the plane.

I sit by the window and fasten Wilmer’s seat belt.

"Mum can I talk to Dad now?" he asks with a pleading look in his eyes.

I know he must be nervous since this is his first time being on a plane that he can remember. I place my hand on his little one with a smile to make him feel less nervous.

"Baby you can't speak with Dad now because we will soon be in the air, but Dad just sent a message for you." I read the message Chance sent.

Wilmer relaxes after hearing the text from his dad. As soon as the plane starts moving, I plug in his headset to keep him busy while he rests his head on my lap.

***

Wilmer slept through the plane ride. After retrieving our luggage, I place Wilmer on my hip and look through the bag for my phone to call a cab.

"Shiloh," a voice calls.

I turn to find Elaina holding a board with my name written on it while Mum stands beside her with a wide grin.

"Grandma Elaina and Grandma Quinn," Wilmer yells excitedly.

I smile widely as I make my way towards them. Elaina looks just like her usual self. She’s dressed in black pants paired and a V-neck lace blouse while Mum is dressed in a knee-length, long-sleeved patchwork dress. They both look elegant.

I put Wilmer on the floor and let him hug his Grandma Elaina,

"Oh my God, you have grown so big," Elaina says before hugging him tightly.

"Shiloh, I missed you so much!" Mum says, pulling me into her embrace.

"I missed you too, Mum," I say, clinging to her tightly. It’s so great to be back here with her after so long. "How have you been?" I ask.

"Great, and everyone is at home waiting for you and Wilmer," she says with a wide smile before focusing her attention on Wilmer, who is laughing and chatting with Grandma Elaina.

"Elaina, I would like to have some time with my grandson now," she says before taking Wilmer from her.

Elaina rolls her eyes at her but wastes no time and pulls me into a tight embrace. After savoring the presence of Mum and Elaina, the driver loads our luggage into the car. Wilmer stays in the back seat with Mum and Elaina, enjoying their attention while he talks about his adventure.

We reach the house in thirty minutes' time.

"Grandma Quinn, is this where you live?" Wilmer asks, holding on to Mum's left hand while Elaina instructs someone to take our luggage into my room.

"Yes, dear. This is where your Grandpa Dalton and I live," she replies with a pleasant smile.

Wilmer stares in awe while we make our way into the house. As soon as we get into the house, I’m engulfed in a tight embrace that almost knocks me off my feet.

"I missed you so much, best friend," Emma says, making me laugh lightly while I pat her back.

"I missed you too," I say. "So, how have you been?" I tease her.

Emma just recently got engaged to Damien. She actually flew to Brazil to show me her engagement ring. It was certainly beautiful.

I wasn't able to attend their engagement party, but there is no way I would miss their wedding, which is one of the reasons I decided to come back.

I am so happy for her and Damien. They deserve to be together with all the happiness in the world.

"Great. I’m loving my life," she says excitedly.

I can’t believe it, but everyone is here to greet us. To my surprise, Sylvia is heavily pregnant. She never told me even when I called her to tell her I was coming back home. But I am so happy for her and Garrett.

Also, Louis got himself a serious girlfriend and she seems very nice. She’s actually perfect for the player. Shane is now married to a gorgeous lady who is also expecting his baby. It’s wonderful.

Everything seems to be going great for everyone which makes me so happy. William wasn't able to make it because he is on a business trip, but we talked on the phone a lot when I was in Brazil.

Summer took the day off from school just to see me and Wilmer, which I am grateful for. She is doing fine in school and will be graduating in a year, and she can't wait.

I can tell Wilmer is excited from all the attention. He sits on his Grandpa Colt’s lap looking excited as he plays with Edward.

Edward is now a big boy. He has gotten really close to Wilmer since they spoke on the phone all the time.

"Grandpa Colt, why isn't Dad here?" Wilmer asks, staring up at Mr. Colt with a curious look.

Since we arrived I haven't seen or heard from Chance and I’m worried.

"Your Dad is on his way here to see you," Mr. Colt replies with a smile. Wilmer nods.

"Shiloh, Wilmer, I think the person you are waiting for is here," Kate calls from outside.

Without wasting much time, we go outside to find a silver Tesla Model 3 parked just in front of the house.

The passenger door opens and Sam steps out, then Chance steps out from the driver seat. Wilmer releases my hand and runs towards Chance.

"Dad!" Chance catches him as he jumps into his arms.

I watch the exchange with a glimmer of tears in my eyes.

"Shiloh," Sam says.

I flick my gaze towards her. "Sam," I say with a welcoming smile. She looks different. She’s dressed in a short bodycon dress and her blonde hair rests on her shoulders. She looks like a model.

I haven't heard from her or seen her for so long, but from the fashion magazines, I know that she’s doing well in her modeling career. It’s even rumored that she’s dating a top lawyer.

"It's being so long," she says with a wide smile.

"Yeah, it really has," I reply, not knowing what else to say. From what I can remember, we never had a friendly discussion.

Before I can comprehend what is going on, she hugs me like I am her long-lost friend.

"Welcome back."

"Thank you," I say while she replies with a smile before turning towards Chance and Wilmer.

"I asked him to come pick me up since I heard you were coming back today and I don't have the address to this place," she says.

"Dad is my car here now?" Wilmer asks with his hand wrapped around Chance's neck with a bright smile on his face.

"No, but I promise to take you out to get any toy car of your choice," he says, staring at Wilmer with amusement.

"Dad, look. Mum cut my hair," he says touching his hair before touching his Dad's hair.

"Wow, it looks neat now and it also makes you look so handsome," Chance says letting Wilmer play with his hair.

He tenderly kisses Wilmer's forehead and gazes at me. He walks towards me with a bright smile that makes butterflies dance in the pit of my stomach. Standing in front of me, he bends down and places Wilmer on the ground before standing back up.

It's been so long. Is it crazy that he looks more handsome than the last time I saw him?

He has light stubble on his cheeks and chin. His hair has grown longer, but it makes him look manlier. He is dressed in a black t-shirt and ripped jeans. Looking at his appearance now, he has changed so much.

"Shiloh, is it really you?" he asks while searching my eyes with his.

"Yeah. Hi," I say awkwardly.

I don't know what to expect from him. Should I expect a welcome back kiss, a hug, or should I expect us to be friends or for us to be something more?

"Thank God, you came back," he says hugging me tightly with his face buried into my hair like he was scared I would run away from him.

I hug him tightly and enjoy the feeling of his hands wrapped around me.

"I missed you so much," he whispers.

"I know. I missed you too."

He kisses my forehead.

"You look so different. Good different."

After having our moment, we walk back into the house. Wilmer spends most of the time talking to Chance and they both look so excited.

I laugh and chat with everyone like old times. Everyone fills me in on everything I missed while I do the same. And then Dad requests to have a word with me, Mum, and Sylvia in his office.

"Shiloh, I have seen how much you have grown, and I am so very happy that you’re back. I think it’s time you take over your Mum’s business," Dad says.

I stare at him bewildered.

"What? No, I can't," I object immediately. "Sylvia is already handling the fashion line and doing a great job." I see no reason why he is trying to get me involved in the family business.

I am not ready to take on such a responsibility. I am okay with the career I have built and while I want something bigger, this is not the kind of news I was expecting to receive when I decided to return.

"Shiloh, I know you are capable of handling everything. I have heard how efficient you are at your job in Brazil, so I have no doubt that you can be a wonderful CEO," Mum says, taking my hands in hers with a soft smile.

"But Mum, being a manager is totally different from being a CEO. I think it’s if Sylvia handles that," I explain.

"I can no longer handle the company since I have a joint share with Garrett in Dad's company. That means I have to join Garrett," Sylvia explains, trying to persuade me to change my decision.

"Are you sure about this?" I ask, waiting for any objection.

"Yes. We have discussed everything. I think it’s for the best," Dad says, placing a file on the desk in front of me.

I sigh and take a pen from his desk. I sign my name on the required space, sealing the arrangement and transferring everything to my name.

"Since this is now done, there will be a dinner party this evening to welcome you and Wilmer back and also to introduce you as the new CEO of the Dante Family Fashion Empire," he says, closing the file and placing it in the bottom drawer of his desk. "Tomorrow, there will be a meeting that you need to attend with your Mum, so I want you to be prepared," he continues before sticking out his hand for a handshake.

"Welcome to the business, Miss Shiloh Malia Dante," he says with a teasing smirk. I shake his hand.

"Welcome," Mum says with a wide grin.

"Okay, it’s time you get ready for the dinner party," Sylvia says, standing up. "I left your outfit in your room. Go change and then come down to the main hall for the party," she instructs as she urges me out of the room.

I roll my eyes at her. When I enter my room, I find Chance squatting in front of Wilmer and folding the sleeve of Wilmer's button-up shirt.

I close the door behind me.

"Mum, see what Dad got me," he says pointing at his outfit.

"Wow, it looks good on you. Did you tell your dad thank you?" I ask. Chance stands to his full height and looks at me.

"Yes, I hugged him tightly," Wilmer explains, wrapping his hands around himself to show me how tightly he hugged Chance.

"Thank you for this," I say, locking eyes with Chance.

He shrugs nonchalantly. "It’s the least I can do. Shiloh, I was hoping to spend some time with Wilmer tomorrow. Is that okay?"

"He is your son, Chance, so you don't need to ask me for permission," I say with a warm smile.

His signature smile graces his face, making my heart skip a beat.

"Thank you for coming back," he says, caressing my cheek with his finger. My skin is like fire under his touch.

He clears his throat and looks at Wilmer, who is standing in front of the vanity table trying to comb his hair backward.

"Wilmer, come on. Let's give your mum privacy to get dressed," he says. Wilmer places the comb on the table before running towards Chance and holding his hand.

I watch them close the door behind them before letting the air out of my lungs as my heartbeat increases.

I walk to my closet to find my outfit.

***

After getting ready for the party, Wilmer and I are introduced to a few people. It came as a surprise when I was introduced as the new CEO.

I am very nervous. I hope I made the right decision.

I scan the crowd in search of Wilmer. I haven't seen him since we were introduced. I last saw him with Edward, but now he is nowhere to be found and I am beginning to get worried.

I excuse myself from the group I was having a discussion with and make my way to Edward.

"Edward, have you seen Wilmer?" I ask gaining his attention.

"I last saw him with Uncle Chance," he says, searching through the crowd for any signs of Chance and Wilmer.

Where have they run off to? I guess he is safe if he is with Chance, but I still have to search for them.

"Thank you, Edward," I say. I see that Sylvia is having a conversation with a lady sitting beside her.

I smile at her, then continue my search.

"Mum." Someone tugs my hand.

I look down to find Wilmer. I release a sigh and feel at ease.

"Mum, come with me. I have a surprise for you," he says, pulling at my hand.

I follow him confused as he leads me to the back of the house.

"Wilmer, baby, where are you leading me?" I ask.

"It’s a surprise."

I gasp when I see where he’s taken me. There is a long table with lights and three chairs around it. The lights illuminate the darkness of the night. A feast is set up, but what really had my heart racing was the man dressed in a black suit with a light smile that enhanced his features.

"Chance, what’s going on?" I ask, scanning my eyes over my surroundings.

"You did a great job," Chance says, giving Wilmer a high five.

I stare at him bewildered as he takes both of my hands in his with his. He looks into my eyes deeply.

"Shiloh, I have waited for so long to do this, and it might seem so soon," he says bewildering me even more.

"I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I know I have treated you badly in the past and made silly mistakes, but I promise to be the man you deserve. I also know things will not always be perfect, but I promise never to let you go, so please," he says as he kneels on one knee and pulls out a little red box from his pocket, "will you marry me and let me back into your heart?"

I stare in shock as he opens the box to reveal a gorgeous ring. I stare at Wilmer who is standing beside him with a wide grin and fidgeting with excitement.

I look back at the man kneeling before me. I spent three years away from him, but still, my heart beats for him.

Even after everything, he's the only one I want. He's the only one I can imagine myself with. His hands are the only hands I want to hold. His lips are the only lips I ever want to kiss. I want to wake up to see him every morning beside me. He's the absolute only person I could see myself with.

I wipe the tears from my eyes with a happy smile.

"I want nothing more than to be your wife, so yes. I will get married to you." He grins and puts the ring on my finger.

I laugh happily as Wilmer jumps around excitedly.

"Thank you. Thank you so much," Chance says and leans in to kiss me.

I press my hand to the side of his face, savoring the feeling of his lips on mine.

"Come on, let’s have dinner," he says as he leads me to the table and pulls out a seat for me.

"Here you go," he says, placing Wilmer on the seat beside me before taking a seat.

I sigh as happiness bubbles inside me. It seems I am living a fairy tale, but it’s nothing like a fairy tale. This is reality. Things are not always how they seem. Things can never be perfect because mistakes happen.

This is life. People will screw you over. You'll fight with your family. You'll witness things that will change you forever. You'll blame new lovers for things old lovers did. You'll lose best friends you thought would always be there. You'll come to realize that everyone has a past. You'll cry, you'll laugh, and you'll embarrass yourself, but then you'll find your very own moment where none of that matters, where you can sit back and realize that crap happens to the people who can handle it. But this is who you are, and no one should want to change you, including yourself.

I have learned this lesson, which has made me grow so much.

I am longer Miss Shiloh Malia Sante, the secret daughter of the Dante family. I am no longer the shy person I once was.

They say situations change people and the way they think, so I guess that’s true because we all change. What matters is how we choose to turn our mistakes into victories. What started as a mistake turned out to be a bundle of joy and a means to be a better version of myself.

I am Miss Shiloh Malia Dante, daughter of Mr. Dalton and Mrs. Quinn Dante, and the mother of Wilmer Berney Cristian. I’m also the CEO of the Dante Family Fashion Empire, and soon-to-be Mrs. Shiloh Malia Cristian.

Things won't ever be perfect, but I am ready to face anything.

The End.