INSEPARABLE | 18+

E P I L O G U E

A year later.
Rome, Italy.

-

Valentina leaned against the sofa, a sigh of contentment left her lips as she kicked off her heels. The day at the office had been tiring - the hiring of new curators had her stressed all week. Even though Valerius had tried his best to ease the tension by keeping her in bed for a whole day, it still had a fraction left in her mind.

She placed the files on the wooden table, mentally noting to take a look at the interior designs. Valerius had gifted her with her grandfather's gallery - officially transferring it to her name. Her Nonno was about to name it after her, but he passed away during the ongoing legal process.

Valentina felt no desire to continue with it, so she left it as it was. It did pain her to see her Nonno's legacy not being looked after, and she figured that Valerius picked up on it when she talked about the topic.

Valerius had paid his best lawyers to work on the case, and he had succeeded in the matter. The happiness on her face was indescribable when he gave her the papers, she might have even cried a little.

"I am home!"

Valentina felt her reverie break when she heard the front door close, followed by the familiar voice. The leather shoes clicked against the wooden floor, indicating his arrival.

Valentina pushed her head further back on the couch, and closed her eyes, throwing her hands upwards. She felt the shadow on her face and the stubble which grazed her fingers.

"Valerius," She cupped his face in her hands, and pulled him down, with her eyes still closed, she chased after his lips, smiling when she kissed him.

Valerius held her shoulders while moving his lips against hers; the prominent taste of whiskey melted in her mouth from his. He worked his way from her mouth to her cheek, pressing one last kiss to her forehead.

"Ciao, mio cuore."

Valentina grinned at him, finally opening her eyes to the beautiful sight of his, "Ciao, mio amore."

Valerius rounded the couch and sat beside her, placing his hand around her shoulders and pulling Valentina to him. He laid his face on her neck, slumping his body beside hers.

Valentina stroked his chin, running her hand over his light stubble, "Tired?"

"Not for you."

Valentina giggled, pecking his temple, "Let's change, and then we can have dinner."

Valerius pushed his face further into her neck, wrapping his arm around her waist as he huddled against her, "Stay," He murmured, his husky voice running a shiver through her body.

She continued to stroke his chin, while her other hand was placed over his on her waist, but then she suddenly remembered.

Valentina cleared her throat, "I want to wear something comfortable," She said, hoping he would pull away.

Not that she wanted him to.

But they had to.

It was as if he read her mind that he pushed his face out of her neck, he studied her eyes for a second before nodding, "Of course,"

Valentina hoisted herself up from the couch, a squeal escaped her lips when Valerius lifted her in his arms, bridal style.

She placed her arm around his shoulder, clutching him tightly, "What is this for?"

"I like carrying you,"

Valentina awed him, which caused a hint of pink to touch the top of his ears. She suppressed her giggle and buried her face in his chest.

Valerius opened the door to their room, and Valentina lowered from his hold, taking in a deep breath. Valerius loosened his tie, his eyes falling toward the box on their bed.

"Is that yours?" He asked Valentina, walking towards it. Valerius tossed his tie to the side and grabbed the ribboned box, holding it towards Valentina.

She wrapped her arms around her waist, "This is for you,"

"For me?"

"Si," Valentina nodded, "Open it."

Valerius cast her a glance and then untied the ribbon, he placed it on the bed and took the covering off. His breath hitched when he noticed the content inside.

His hand trembled while reaching for the stick with a positive on it.

Valerius clutched it tightly in his hands, turning around to face Valentina, "R-really?" He stuttered, not believing for a second that this was real.

Valentina blinked back her tears, "I missed my period this month, and went to the doctor yesterday. She confirmed it."

Valerius remained quiet, simply staring at the stick.

"Are you happy?" Valentina asked cautiously, his reaction worrying her.

This was not something they had planned, but she was confident that Valerius would support her, regardless of the timing.

"Happy?" He practically ran towards her, "I am fucking ecstatic."

Valerius wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground, twirling her around. Valentina giggled loudly, placing her face in his neck as he swayed her.

"We are going to be parents!" Valentina grinned when Valerius slowed down, still holding her in his arms. He nodded, flashing her a wide smile of his own, his beautiful smile which she loved.

"Grazie per questa benedizione," He joined their foreheads together, placing her feet on the ground, "Our family is growing now."

(Thank you for this blessing)

Valentina held his arms, her eyes filling with mischievousness, "There is no chance of me running away from you now,"

Valerius tightened his hold on her, his pupils dilating as he spoke, "I would never let you leave," He rumbled, "You were bound to me the second I laid my eyes on you."

"Really?"

"Really."

Valentina huffed with mock, sighing dramatically, "I guess we are inseparable then."

"We are," Valerius affirmed, placing his lips on her, "Inseparable."

Valentina giggled and stared into his eyes, the silver ones which she had come to love and admire through all these years. She was unsure of what the future held for them, but with Valerius, she could walk through the gates of hell and still fear nothing.

"Ti amo, mio amore." Valentina repeated like a mantra.

"Ti amo, mio cuore." Valerius vowed like a prayer.

-

The end.