Page 78 of Mr. and Mrs. Novak

40. Epilogue

SOPHIA

A month after the arrests, we all find ourselves on a junk boat, sailing through Ha Long Bay for a fifteen-day cruise. Ruslan booked the entire boat for us and our loved ones—our parents, the young ones they take care of, Nicolas, Akim, Tania, Émeline… and of course, Raphaël.

On deck, we soak up the sunshine, lounging on deck chairs, cocktails in hand, toes up, as the boat glides through the breathtaking scenery. Sometimes, we make stops to visit caves or have lunch at lavish restaurants.

Midway through our trip, we stop at a small island. After climbing 396 steps, we reach the top and take in a stunning view of the bay. That’s when, under the setting sun, Ruslan drops to one knee in front of all our loved ones.

"Sophia, even though I already loved you three months ago, I married you for the wrong reasons. Today, I want us to start over. Will you become my wife again… but this time, for the right reasons?"

I look at him, a teasing smile playing on my lips.

"And what are those right reasons?"

His gaze softens.

"And because after everything we've been through, I still choose you. Today, tomorrow, and every day I have left to live. Because I love you madly—have ever since we were kids. Since the day you wrapped your arms around me and told me you believed me… or maybe even before that, when you planted tulips for Renée and trusted me with your most secret hopes. Or when I kissed you for the first time, when you were only fifteen. Or when you told me you’d help me despite my betrayal. I don't know anymore. The truth is, every moment by your side has made me fall more deeply in love with you. And I know I can't live without you. You are the other half of my soul. And I don't want a shadow to tarnish what should be one of the happiest days of your life."

His sincerity tightens my throat and brings tears to my eyes. Our friends whistle and openly tease him.

"Wait," Akim says, "I need to film this. No one’s going to believe me otherwise!"

"It’s true—you don’t see Ruslan kneeling in front of someone every day," Nicolas adds.

"Quiet, guys, we want to hear her answer!" Émeline exclaims.

His words bring tears to my eyes. For years, I dreamed of this moment without ever truly allowing myself to believe it would come. The little boy I have loved all my life is asking me to become his wife once again. And yet, there is still a mischievous part of me that cannot resist making him suffer for a few seconds longer.

I take a shaky breath before answering,

"Um… I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it," I say playfully.

Ruslan lowers his head, disappointed, but still smiling. Then I decide to put an end to his suffering. I take his face in my hands and press a gentle kiss to his lips before answering:

"Yes."

Ruslan pulls me into his arms and claims my mouth hungrily, as if he wants our souls to merge.

"Hey, there are kids here!" Isabelle, one of the teens, protests before bursting into laughter with the others.

As night falls, we renew our vows under the stars, bathed in the glow of hanging lanterns and a roaring bonfire. The celebration is simple, filled with laughter and joy.

Later in the evening, I notice Raphaël stepping toward the water. Ruslan follows him. They talk quietly for the first time in years. My heart swells with happiness. When they return, something has changed. They seem calmer. The rift between them feels smaller.

"What happened between you two?" I ask Ruslan a little later.

He smirks.

"We talked about the Christmas after your eighteenth birthday…"

I frown.

"Oh?"

"I wanted to know why he kissed my girlfriend at the time."

I blink, stunned.