Chapter 21 69 In Loving Memory , Vivianne Desmonte The gravestone stood solemn and polished beneath the cherry blossoms of Desmil Cemetery . I placed a white flower gently at its base . My fingers brushed the cold marble as I whispered , " I'm here , Mom . We won . " " ... Ivi ? " I turned slowly . Chris stood a few feet away , dressed in a black coat , his eyes wide as he stared at me . Or rather , at the woman I'd become . " It's Aria now ," I said , raising an eyebrow . Chris scratched the back of his neck sheepishly . " I mean - right , yes . Ms. Aria . I just ... wow . " I sighed softly . " Where have you been ? " He looked down , ashamed . " I joined the Mafia Council . After everything , I ... I wanted to earn it . I didn't want to face you until I'd become someone worthy . " I stayed silent for a while before finally nodding . " You can call me Ivi again . " He looked up , surprised . A warm smile pulled at the corners of his mouth . " Ivi ... I'm really sorry. For everything . For failing you as your brother . " I stepped forward and hugged him . He flinched , then slowly embraced me back , as if unsure if he deserved it . " My hate for you ... it's gone , " I whispered . " You were my superhero once . You still are . Just ... make it up to me , okay ? " Chris swallowed , blinking away tears . " Anything . " I pulled back and handed him a sleek , cream - colored envelope . He looked at it . " What's this ? " " A wedding invitation . " Chanter 20 7:17 Mon , Sep 15 His eyes widened . " You're getting married ? " I smiled . " Tomorrow . Don't be late . " And I walked away , leaving him stunned , still holding the invitation . THE WEDDING Desmil City , 2023. Cliffside Estate . 69 The day was breathtaking - sunlight filtered through silk - draped archways , and sea wind carried the scent of roses through the air . The Desmonte estate had transformed into something dreamlike . White petals lined the stone aisle , and guests sat in hushed reverence , surrounded by cliffs and waves that sparkled under the sun . In the bridal chamber , Felicity adjusted my veil while Victor waited by the door . " You know , " Felicity said , adjusting the necklace , " you're going to make half the mafia women jealous today ." I smiled at her reflection . " I'll be too busy watching one man to notice . " Victor stepped forward . " Don Fredrinn would like a word , Miss Aria ." I followed him into my grandfather's study . He stood quietly , gazing out toward the sea . " You remind me of Vivianne ," he said without turning . My throat tightened . " She always talked about freedom . " Don Fredrinn turned and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder . " And now you have it . And love too . You've brought pride back to our name , Aria ." I hugged him , swallowing the lump in my throat . " Thank you , Grandpa . " " Go ," he said softly . " He's waiting ." In the groom's lounge , Lothario adjusted his cufflinks . His mafia - black tuxedo fit him like destiny . Chris entered first . " Relax . She'll show . " " She better ," Lothario murmured , then glanced at Sam . " If I faint , blame her . " Sam smirked . " Please faint . I want to see Aria drag you to the altar . " But Lothario wasn't nervous because of fear . He was overwhelmed by joy. Chapter 212 215 12 1 % 7:17 Mon , Sep 15 He thought of her - how far she'd come . How far they both had . He took a breath as the music started . The Ceremony When I stepped into the sunlight , everything stopped . Every guest rose . Lothario looked up - and he never blinked . 69 I walked slowly , every step a victory , a vow to the girl I once was and the woman I had become . When I reached him , he took my hands gently . The officiant smiled . " You may say your vows . " Lothario looked into my eyes . " I've seen the world try to destroy you . And I've seen you rise . You are not just the woman I love . You are the woman I believe in . I vow to never let you walk this life alone again ." My lips trembled as I answered . " I thought love would get in the way of vengeance . But you were the reason I survived it . You are my home , Lothario . And I vow to always return to you . " The officiant raised his voice . " By the power vested in me by both the Desmonte family and the Northern Mafia Council - I now pronounce you husband and wife . You may kiss the bride . " And when he did , it wasn't just a kiss . It was everything we'd fought for . Later that Night ... Chris raised his glass . " To the most terrifying , loyal , insane , incredible couple I've ever known . " Felicity and Vincent clinked glasses beside him . Sam was already two drinks in , sobbing into his champagne . Lothario twirled me beneath the golden lights , and I laughed , my head tilted to the stars . Chapter 21 2/5 7:17 Mon , Sep 15 " We made it , " I whispered . He kissed my temple . " Now let's build a kingdom from peace ." One Month Later The screen fades to gray- Somewhere in a remote province 69 Marian ran barefoot down an alley , her once - pristine dress stained and torn . She looked behind her - rapists , dealers , danger breathing down her neck . She had nothing left . No Don Matteo . No riches . No name . She ducked behind a stall , stole a wallet from a tourist , and sprinted away . But fate , cruel as ever , caught up to her . She was caught by police . The camera cuts to a small , crowded jail cell . Marian huddled in the corner , bruised , broken . Her eyes blank . Her hair matted . Women shoved her around like trash . She vomited in the corner , unable to bear the stench of what she'd become . Her crimes had brought her here . And no one came to save her . SOMEWHERE IN THE EAST Don Matteo writhed on a chair , bound by silk cords and high - grade sensors . A glass of wine sat untouched before him . Don Fredrinn sipped his own casually . " You wanted power , Matteo , " the old man murmured , swirling the glass . " But you forgot one thing . " He leaned closer . " Real power never screams . " Don Matteo flinched as the lights dimmed . Laughter echoed in the darkness . BACK TO DESMIL Aria stood beside Lothario on a balcony overlooking the city they now ruled together . " I wonder if she regrets it now , " she murmured . Chapter 21 7:17 Mon , Sep 15 69 Lothario kissed her knuckles . " Doesn't matter . You won . " She smiled softly , pressing her head to his chest . The night wind wrapped around them gently , and the world below bowed in silence . Because the woman they tried to bury ... now wore the crown . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!