God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Bonus Scene 3

10 Years Later
Vaughn

     Ten years have passed since that unforgettable day. I often find myself reflecting on how it felt to stand before Alicia, vowing to protect her from the darkness that shadows my world. Now, as I glance around the meticulously decorated living room of our high-rise apartment in Manhattan, I know deep down that I would do it all over again without hesitation. The city outside is a blur of activity—a relentless whirlwind of humanity that mirrors the chaos of my life.

     The sun filters through the large windows, casting warm hues across the room. I can hear the distant sirens, the honking horns, and the never-ending rhythm of life surging through New York. It's both exhilarating and exhausting, just like every day of my existence. But within these walls, in this sanctuary I've created, there's peace.

     "Mama! Look! I can do it!"

     Anya's voice pierces through my thoughts, followed by the unmistakable sound of her tiny feet thudding against the wooden floor. I turn to see my five-year-old daughter spinning around in her new dress, her flaxen hair twirling around her like a halo. She's every bit the bright light I envisioned when Alicia and I discussed having children.

     Alicia appears from the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel, her smile instantly lightening the room. "Sweetheart, be careful! You're going to trip!" She rushes over to Anya, while my heart swells at the sight of them together.

     "Daddy! Daddy! Watch!" Anya cries, her excitement palpable as she throws her arms out in a playful attempt to take flight.

"Alright, alright, I'm watching," I say, leaning back against the sofa, crossing my arms as I allow a smile to break through my typically stoic demeanor.

     She ignores Alicia's warnings and twirls again, laughter spilling from her lips, echoing throughout our home. My heart is full in a way that's hard to put into words. It's these moments—unfiltered joy and unrestrained love—that keep me grounded, even as the shadows of my life loom large. Anya runs up to me and cocoons herself in my arms, I bring her close to my chest, peppering her with kisses. My little miracle.

    "Did you finish the screenplay, love?" I ask Alicia, my gaze shifting to the woman who holds my heart.

     She rolls her eyes playfully, though I notice the glimmer of pride in her eyes. "I'm almost done. Just a few tweaks here and there. You know how it is."

     I do know. For the past few years, she has been entrenched in the world of Hollywood, navigating red carpets and studio meetings, all while maintaining a sense of normalcy for our family. Her talent speaks for itself, but I've always admired her humility. It's an evolution I watched unfold—my wonderful wife, a world-famous actress, all while joining me in the maze of my own life.

     "Make sure you're taking a break and not working too hard," I remind her, my protective instincts kicking in.

     "I can't help it, Vaughn. This role is so important to me!" she replies with a playful pout. "Besides, I promised I'd finish it by the weekend so that we could do something fun as a family."

      My heart softens at her determination. "Then I'll keep the kids entertained, and you can focus."

     "Thank you, love," Alicia says softly, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she steps back into the kitchen.

     Just then, Maksim, our seven-year-old son, comes barreling into the room, his messy hair and playful demeanor a perfect mix of Alicia's charm and my intensity. "Dad! Can you help me with my bike? It needs fixing!"

     "I'll come out in a minute," I reply, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Just let me finish up with Anya first, okay?"

      "Okay!" He nods enthusiastically and dashes back out, no doubt to gather his tools, always eager to learn from me. Though he may never fully understand the life I had before, I am determined to teach him the balance of strength and compassion—a difficult dance that I'm still navigating.

     I see too much of myself in that boy, Anya is going to grow up to be just like her mother. Maxim? He's a mini-me in the making.

     "Are you sure this is the right time for bike repairs?" Alicia asks, her voice mingling with the sound of clanging dishes as she prepares a late lunch.

     "Absolutely. It keeps them grounded," I reply, my voice firm but light. "We can't let them think that living in a penthouse means they don't have to get their hands dirty. It's important."

     She smiles knowingly, her eyes flickering with admiration. "You're right. They'll appreciate it one day."

     "Or they'll hold it against me forever," I chuckle, remembering my own childhood—building resilience in a world that wanted to tear me down.

     Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as I hear the ring of my phone. I glance down at the screen and see a text from Jeremy, one of my childhood friends and now right hand man in the Bratva. I hesitate before I respond, acutely aware of the reality that my life is a balancing act of family and remnants of an empire I straddle precariously.

     "Is everything okay?" Alicia's voice breaks through my contemplation, concern etched across her features.

     "Yeah, just work stuff," I reply, forcing a casual tone, my heart racing beneath my calm facade. "Nothing I can't handle."

     I dismiss the gravity of the situation, but Alicia eyes me intently, seeing through the pretense. I know she senses the shadows I carry—the burdens rooted in my past, the responsibilities as an almost Pakhan of the Bratva, how it edges into every corner of our lives.

     "You'd tell me if something was wrong, right?" she presses, her brow furrowed with concern.

     I nod, the weight of our shared trust grounding me. "Of course. I promise."

      She nods back, satisfied, and goes about her tasks, while my mind races. I've worked hard to keep the chaos at bay for my family, but I realize that at times the lines blur and the stakes grow.

     The sound of giggles and crashes pulls my attention back to the children. In this whirlwind of ambition and responsibility, I realize reclaiming time with Alicia and our kids, fostering our family's light while guarding them against the darkness, must remain my priority.

       As the day unfolds—a simple afternoon filled with love, laughter, and the occasional chaos—I know this is what I fought for. They are my reason, my shining sanctuary amidst a world shrouded in shadows. One day, when the time comes, I'll share the duality of my life with them. Until then, I'll be whatever they need me to be: a father, a husband, a protector... and above all, their steadfast love.