Epilogue

“Papa! Papa!”

I peered through the kitchen door at my three-year-old running through the lobby and rushing to her father. An unpleased frown on her face as she immediately looked at her father with a pout on her lips. “Luca scolded me.”

Faking a frown, my husband scooped the little bundle of joy in his arms and cradled her in his lap. “Why?” He asked wiping the remnants of chocolate on the corner of her lips. Xerina was fond of sweets and probably Luca found her chocolate hiding spot, that’s why he scolded her. Xerina’s eyes visibly narrowed while she glared at her father.

“He stole my choci-chose.” She complained and I chuckled knowing I was right. Xerxes’s laugh filled the air and my chest squeezed–as it did every time I saw him with our family. Joy. Unrestrained joy and happiness. I would never tire of seeing him like this.

“He did? Where did you get those from?” Xerxes asked shifting her and caressing her stuffed cheeks. She immediately looked away.

“I-I…from mama.” My eyes wi