Gonzalo ✔

Epilogue

Word Count: 3250

Rosa's POV

*

The late afternoon sunlight spilled into the grand hall, warming the polished marble floors and casting a golden glow over the bustling scene below. From my vantage point at the top of the staircase, I watched the workers move with purpose, their voices a muted hum against the vastness of the mansion.

Maids hurried with linens, chefs directed the placement of tomorrow’s menu items, and decorators argued over the positioning of a massive floral centerpiece. It was chaos, but it was organized chaos—the kind I had learned to navigate and command as the matriarch of the Romano Rodriguez household.

I rested my hand on the banister, marveling at how far I had come. Once, I’d been an oblivious young woman, unsure of my place in this world of wealth, power, and danger. Now, I was at the heart of it, a woman who understood not just the demands of this life but how to thrive in it.

I looked around again. Greta wasn't in sight, so she would probably be in her room getting dressed. I caught Leo's silhouette as he walked out of the house with his new friend and chuckled lightly to myself.

It had been five good years since I got married to Gonzalo and our twins had clocked three, just two weeks ago. Looking back, the journey had indeed been tedious but here we are. Going stronger in our love for each other and building an empire.

Gonzalo was currently out on a business trip but he would be getting back this evening.

Tito walked up the stairs and handed me the guest list, along with the list of a few guests who wouldn't be attending due to prior commitments. They had made sure to send in golden envelopes— no doubt full of mint cash as an apology for their absence. Handling the money to Tito, I looked around one more time.

Then with a deep breath, I descended the stairs, my flats slapping against the steps, signaling my presence. The staff offered quick nods of respect as I passed, and I acknowledged them with a polite smile or words of greetings before heading to my study.

Romeo was already there, waiting for me, his tall frame leaning casually against the edge of the desk. His sharp eyes met mine, and he straightened immediately.

“Rosa,” he greeted, his tone respectful but familiar.

I settled into my chair and folded my hands in front of me. “How’s the security detail for the twins?”

“Everything’s in place. The bodyguards assigned to them are our most trusted men. They’ll ensure the children’s safety at all times.”

“Good,” I said, relief washing over me. My three-year-old twins, Rafael and Isabella, were my world, and I wouldn’t take any chances with their safety.

I hesitated before continuing. “Keep an eye on Leo as well.”

Romeo frowned slightly but nodded. “Your brother?”

“Yes. He’s been spending too much time with one of the new recruits. I don’t trust those boys yet. Leo is a good judge of character, but you know how he gets when he meets someone so young and full of life like himself.”

Romeo’s expression darkened slightly, but he didn’t question me. “I’ll handle it.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, leaning back.

Romeo’s demeanor shifted as he smirked. “Speaking of questionable company, I thought you’d want an update on April.”

I raised a brow at the mention of his girlfriend. “How is she?”