SWNOVELS Chapter Dark Prince: EPILOGUE I
I step out of the car, my hand instinctively resting on my significantly rounded belly, feeling the lively kicks of my baby boy. It’s a sensation that never ceases to amaze me, a constant reminder of the life Luk and I have created together. Elena hops out of the car after me.
“You look ready to pop, babe,” she teases, a smirk playing on her lips.
“I feel ready to pop!” I tell her. I can’t help but laugh, and she joins in, the sound echoing lightly in the cool air. “But we’ve still got a good week until the due date,” I remind her, though part of me is hoping our little one might decide to make an early entrance into the world.
Our banter fades as we both turn to look up at the towering skyscraper before us. Elena’s next words pull me back from my reverie.
“You know, a meeting like this could have easily been done on Zoom,” she says, a hint of grumbling beneath her tone.
I shake my head, a smile on my lips. “There’s nothing like an in-person meeting to get things moving,” I counter. I’ve held this belief long before my pregnancy, and even more so now, as Luk and I navigate the waters of our expanding business and family life. “Besides, it’s good to show them I’m not slowing down, not even a little.”
Together, flanked by our two bodyguards, whose presence has become a reassuring constant in our lives, we make our way through the lobby. The interior is sleek and modern, and the air is tinged with the faint, crisp scent of luxury. People bustle about, their steps echoing against the marble floor, but there’s a moment when it feels like the world pauses, taking in the sight of us.
We approach the bank of elevators, one of our bodyguards stepping forward to press the call button. The doors slide open with a soft whoosh, and we step inside.
Moments later, the doors slide open once again, and I waddle out, trying my best to look as tough and serious as my current state allows. Waiting for us in the conference room is Liam Gallagher, alongside a few other key figures in the Flanagan family. Liam, with his rugged charm, graying hair, and a smile that never goes away, rises to greet us. He’s always had that elder statesman vibe, wisdom etched into every line on his face.
“Ah, Maura, it’s good to see you,” Liam says warmly, coming over to help me into my seat. I thank him, settling in with a bit of effort. “And congratulations.”
As we get down to business, Liam doesn’t hide his surprise. “I must admit, Maura, I didn’t expect you to be wanting to take on a leadership role in the family.”
“I’m surprised myself. But this operation was my father’s life. To step away now, even with your exceptional leadership, Liam would feel like I’m abandoning his legacy.”
Liam gives me a look of respect, his gaze understanding. “I’d be more than happy to step aside. Your father would’ve been proud to see you at the helm. However,” he suggests thoughtfully, “perhaps it might be wise for you to work alongside me for a while. Learn the ropes, so to speak.”
I’m about to agree when an unexpected pang of pain follows a sudden kick from my baby. I pause and take a deep breath, trying to brush it off as nothing, but it’s enough to cause me a moment of concern. Elena catches my eye, her expression filled with worry.
“It’s nothing,” I whisper, hoping my voice sounds more convincing than I feel. “Just baby Ivanov making his presence known.”
Liam doesn’t seem to notice as he leans forward, his voice low and serious. “The Flanagan’s have always been the top of the food chain, so to speak. But our alliance with the Bratva has made us nearly untouchable.”
I nod, trying to focus on his words, but another sharp pain cuts through me. I bite my lip, determined not to show any weakness.
“However,” Liam continues, “there’s a new player in town—a Greek operation. They’re ambitious and looking to carve out their own piece of the city. It’s only a matter of time before they try to test us to see if they can shake our hold.”
“That won’t happen on our watch,” I assert, trying to mask the discomfort that’s growing harder to ignore. “We’ll show them exactly why the Flanagans are not to be messed with.”
Liam smiles approvingly. “That’s the spirit. Your father had that same fire. But remember, it’s not just about strength. It’s about strategy and alliances. Knowing when to strike and when to hold back.”
I’m about to respond when another spasm of pain hits me, stronger this time. My breath catches, and I realize something’s wrong. Then, without warning, my water breaks, soaking the chair and floor beneath me.
Liam jumps up, his calm demeanor replaced by concern.
I’m in shock, my hand flying to my mouth.
I can’t believe this is happening now, of all moments.
Elena is instantly by my side, her face etched with worry. “We need to get you to a hospital.”
Liam is already on his phone, barking orders. “Pull the car around—now! We need to move quickly!”
I try to stand, supported by Elena and one of the bodyguards. “I was hoping for a less dramatic exit from this meeting, but I suppose this will have to do,” I attempt to joke, though the fear and anticipation are enveloping me like a shroud.
Liam escorts us to the elevator, his phone still pressed to his ear. “We’ll handle the Greek situation for now. You focus on bringing your little one safely into the world.”
As the car speeds through the streets, I’m trying to find a comfortable position in the back seat, desperate to focus on anything but the intensifying contractions.
“You’re doing great, Maura,” Elena reassures me, squeezing my hand. “Just hang in there.”
I manage a nod, relief taking over when I see the hospital looming ahead like a beacon, and before I know it, I’m being whisked into a wheelchair and through the bustling corridors.
I can hear Elena on her phone. “Luk, she’s in labor. Get here as fast as you can.”
I’m barely aware of the nurses and the flurry of activity as I’m taken into the delivery room. The pain is all-consuming now, each contraction sharper and closer than the last.
“You’re doing great, Maura. The baby’s coming soon,” one of the nurses tells me, her voice calm in the hail of pain and fear.
“Already?” I gasp, the reality of the moment crashing over me. “I can’t believe it’s happening so fast! My husband isn’t here yet!”
“Just focus on breathing,” Elena coaches me, her presence a constant comfort. “Luk will be here any minute now.”
The thought of Luk arriving in time for the birth of our child gives me a new surge of strength, and I cling to it, riding each wave of pain with determination.
The delivery room is a flurry of activity. A team of professionals moves with practiced ease as they prepare for the baby’s birth.
Luk’s arrival is heralded by his deep, reassuring voice, cutting through the fog of pain and fear. His presence immediately calms me. He’s by my side in minutes, his hands finding mine, our gazes locked on one another with an intensity that anchors me.
“You’ve got this, darling. I’m here,” he says, his voice a lifeline.
The nurses guide me through the process as the doctor prepares for the baby’s arrival. The pain is intense, a nonstop crescendo that threatens to consume me, but the thought of holding our baby gives me strength. I push with everything I have, a desperate effort to bring our child into the world.
After one final push that makes me think I might black out, there’s a cry, the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. It echoes through the room like a ray of sunshine cutting through storm clouds. Luk cuts the cord, a symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Our son is placed upon my chest, my arms instantly wrapping around him in a protective gesture, and the world narrows down to the tiny, perfect being cradled against me.
He’s here—a beautiful, healthy boy. His wide and curious eyes meet mine, and at that moment, everything else literally fades away. The pain, the fear, the uncertainty—all of it is washed away by the overwhelming love that floods through me. Holding him, feeling his warmth and his heartbeat, I’m struck by a sense of completeness, of perfection, that I’ve never known before.
Luk’s hand is steady on my shoulder, his presence a comforting weight. “We did it,” I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. “He’s perfect.”
My husband’s smile is all the response I need. Together, we’ve created something beautiful, something indestructible—our family.
The room fills with a new kind of energy as Luk carefully, almost reverently, takes Michael into his arms. The transformation is immediate and profound; the hard lines of his face soften, his usual intensity melting into something much softer, gentler. My heart swells seeing such tenderness from a man known for his strength and, at times, his ruthlessness.
“Look at him, Maura. He’s incredible,” Luk says, his voice full of awe and pride. The sight of this big, intimidating man holding our tiny son so delicately is enough to bring tears to my eyes. It’s a side of Luk I’ve only seen glimpses of but never so fully, so purely.
He walks over, a careful guardian of our newborn, and gently places Michael back in my arms. He kisses me then, a soft, lingering touch that speaks volumes. “I love you,” he whispers against my lips.
“I love you, too,” I reply. Our eyes lock, and we share a moment of profound connection over the life we’ve created together.
The door then bursts open, admitting a parade of love and noise in the form of Lev, Yuri, Grigori, and Elena. Their faces are alight with excitement, each clamoring to get a look at Michael, to share in our joy.
“Ah, look at him! A heartbreaker already,” Lev declares, his usual humor shining through.
Yuri, ever the stoic one, has a softness in his eyes that’s rarely seen. “He’s strong, that one. He will be a great man someday,” he states with certainty.
Grigori, not to be outdone, edges closer. “Can I hold him next? Before he becomes a great man who breaks hearts?” Laughter fills the room, a light, joyful sound that wraps around us, binding us together in this moment of pure happiness. One by one, they take turns holding Michael, each offering their own blessings and predictions for his future.
It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely perfect. As I watch our family dote on Michael, I realize that this is what life is all about—love, family, and moments of pure joy that come when you least expect them. My son, in his first hours of life, has already brought us all closer together, his tiny presence a powerful reminder of what truly matters.