Evelina

Epilogue

Evelina

[Five Years Later]

"Mummy!" Elizabeth's voice rang out as she barreled into the house, her favorite doll clutched tightly to her chest. Her wide eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked up at me. "Where's Dada?"

I crouched down to her level, brushing a stray strand of her hair from her face. "Like I told you before, sweetheart, Dada's gone somewhere far away."

Her little face scrunched in thought, then softened with apology. "I'm sorry if I annoyed you."

A laugh escaped me as I patted her head. "Oh, Bubba, you could never annoy me. You know why?"

She shook her head, her tiny pigtails swaying.

"Because you're my princess. My princess with the sweetest, most adorable voice."

Elizabeth giggled, her mischievous side surfacing. "Mummy, Papà taught me how to use a gun. If you keep talking like this, you might be the first person I practice on!"

I tapped her nose lightly. "I think you've been spending too much time with Uncle Mateo."

She nodded with a big grin, clearly unbothered by the accusation.

"Alright, little miss sharpshooter, listen up. Papà and Mama will be here soon with Lucas and Estrella. Be a good girl and help your grandparents, okay?"

"Okay, Mummy!" she chirped, bouncing on her feet.

"Now, go eat your pancakes—they're waiting for you on the counter."

With that, Elizabeth darted off to the kitchen, and I headed upstairs to get ready. The weight of the day ahead loomed over me. After changing into something simple yet respectful, I came downstairs to find Papà and Mama had arrived with the others.

"I'm leaving now," I told them as I grabbed my car keys. "I'll be back in the evening."

Papà gave me a nod of understanding, and Mama offered a reassuring smile.

---

At the cemetery, I parked my car and stepped out, the bouquet of flowers cradled in my arms. The path to the grave felt heavier with each step, the memories threatening to overwhelm me. When I reached the tombstone, I knelt down and placed the bouquet gently on the grass.

"I miss you," I whispered, tracing the engraved name with my fingers. "A lot has happened since you left. Vera and Enzo got married and had a beautiful baby boy. Dante and Liv tied the knot too, though... they can't have children. Lucian married Anastasia—she's incredible. A real force of nature, just like you'd have loved. Blaze is determined to become the 'rich uncle,' like Mateo. Alessandro is doing great at work but still struggling to settle down. He'll get there."

I smiled through my tears. "The rest of the squad is fine. They've all grown, but... we still miss you."

"You didn't mention us. I'm hurt," a familiar voice teased, breaking my thoughts.

My breath caught as I turned around. There he was—the love of my life. Tony.

He placed another bouquet near the tombstone, his signature cheeky grin lighting up his face. "Missed me?"

I didn't even hesitate. I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around him, holding him as if he might disappear again.

"Where's Hunter?" I asked, voice trembling with relief and concern.

"I dropped him off with Papà and Mama," Tony replied, his voice warm, his presence grounding.

I stepped back slightly to look at him. "As you can see, I'm doing well. Somehow. Living with you, raising three wonderful kids, and waiting for one more to arrive." I paused, smiling. "We have two daughters—Elizabeth and Estrella—and a son, Hunter. The next one, we're planning to name after you. Alexa Giannino."

Tony's expression softened, his grin fading into something tender as he pulled me close again.

---

[Flashback]

"Eve, wake up. We're here," Enzo's voice pulled me from my restless sleep.

Blinking, I sat up groggily and stepped out of the car. "Where's Lizzy?"

"Someone's putting her to sleep," he replied.

I nodded and made my way to my room, my body heavy with exhaustion. After a quick shower and a change into sleepwear, I collapsed into bed, letting the day's weight drag me under.

Sometime in the middle of the night, I felt the bed dip. My instincts kicked in, and I reached for the gun under my pillow, aiming it at the shadow beside me.

As the curtains swayed, moonlight spilled into the room, revealing a face I thought I'd never see again.

"T... Tony?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

His familiar eyes met mine, calming my racing heart. They were the same eyes that had always soothed me, even in my darkest moments.

"Sleep, Eve," he said softly, pulling me close. "Tomorrow is Alexa's funeral. We're her only family left to see her off."

My chest tightened. "Alexa is dead?"

Tony nodded, sorrow flickering in his eyes. "I thought you knew."

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I whispered, "I thought it was you. The body they brought had so many similarities—your scar, your ring..."

He cupped my face, his gaze steady. "I was never shot. When you pulled the trigger, nothing happened. But the guard next to you... he tried to kill me. Alexa took the shot instead."

I bit my lip, overwhelmed. "I thought I lost you."

Tony pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I'm here now. That's all that matters."

[Flashback Over]

---

Tony's voice brought me back to the present. "Love, let's go to the cabin. The squad's waiting."

Every year, we gathered at the cabin, just like Alexa had asked us to in her final wish.

When we arrived, Jan greeted me with excitement. "Eve, you're here! Today marks our squad's 20th anniversary."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I said, smiling as my gaze drifted behind her.

"Mr. Don," Jan teased, addressing Tony. "You know the drill—back house for you, just like Enzo, Vera, and Dante."

Tony nodded, flashing his usual grin before heading off.

The rest of us settled in, flipping through old photo albums and reminiscing about the past. Liv handed me the album, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia.

The boys joined us later, and we spent the evening watching movies, just like old times. When the credits rolled, most of the group had fallen asleep.

I slipped out to the porch, the cool night air brushing against my skin. As I gazed at the stars, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close.

"I love you," Tony murmured, his deep voice rumbling in my ear.

"Ti amo, amore mio," I whispered back, leaning into him.

As I stood there, wrapped in his embrace, I silently thanked the universe for giving me Tony, our beautiful children, and the memories we'd built together. Whatever the future held, I knew we'd face it together.