𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞|𝟏𝟖+

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 - 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭

The seasons came and went, painting the world in hues of green, gold, and white. The passage of time was marked by the rhythm of their lives together, each year bringing new experiences and deepening their bond.

In the spring, their apartment would be filled with the scent of fresh flowers. Vera loved to bring home bouquets of daisies and tulips, placing them in vases around their home. Rurik would often come home to find her tending to the small garden on their balcony, her hands dirty with soil but her face radiant with joy. He would join her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, planting a kiss on her neck, and they'd laugh together as they nurtured their little sanctuary.

Only this time, it was someone else who had joined them.

"Daddy is here!" their 3-year-old son ran towards his father as he heard the door opening. Vera smiled as she got up and took off her gloves, watching the father-son duo bond over toys Rurik had bought him.

"Hey Luca! How's my boy?" she heard Rurik's playful voice as they both were busy playing around.

They were both giggling as Vera approached them. "Hi, baby."

Rurik immediately put his son down and moved over to his wife. "Malysh, I missed you so much," his voice soft and warm and unlike how he talks to his men.

Placing his lips on hers, he wrapped his arms around her as they relished the warmth of each other until Luca laughed.

"Daddy is kissing mommy!" The little boy yelled while clapping his hands making both the parents pull apart and laugh with him.

"I have a surprise for you baby but first let's have dinner," Vera said to Rurik who nodded, taking off his coat and placing it on the coat hangers.

A lot had happened over the course of 6 years passing by. Vera's mother had passed away a few years back and her father had been admitted to a psychiatric facility where they had been monitoring his progress. He had apologized to Vera but she knew he only had done it so he wouldn't be taken away.

"How's Lena? Her fever is better now?" She asked while serving the food.

Rurik was busy placing Luca in his high chair. "She's fine now. Raisa said the daughter told them to avoid cold water and eat warmer foods," he replied with a smile.

"That's good to hear."

Lena was the adopted daughter of Raisa and Anya whom they found at an orphanage a few years back. They got married in a secluded but pretty destination where they invited a few people. Yustina, Ivan, and Anton had attended the wedding along with Vera and Rurik but Yulia and Anya's parents weren't present.

Yulia had left the country. She had told Raisa about everything and how much she had fallen for Rurik but she knew he wouldn't love her back as he has a wife. Deciding to leave everything behind and start a new life somewhere different, she left the mafia clan and had pretty much left little or no contact with everyone she knew.

As the snow gently blanketed the world outside at Vera's place, they let go of their worries and turned their attention to the things they cherished most. The sound of laughter and giggles echoed throughout their cozy home, where the warmth of their happiness made the evening truly special. Everyone was immersed in the joyous moments, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

"Hey, you wanted to surprise me," Rurik asked after he had put his young son to bed while Vera waited inside their room.

She smiled and stood up, going inside the bathroom which confused him. "Um, here. Open it."

Rurik glanced down at her before taking the small box she was holding. A notification on her Apple watch made her look down which showed his heartbeat increasing. They had their watches connected as they would often work out together.