My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 135: Epilogue

Ivy

Christmas Day...

As we gathered around the table for our holiday meal, the inviting aroma of Christmas filled the air. Aidan, as always, sat at the head of the table with Maxwell and me to his right and Maxwell to his left. Ellie and Giovanni joined us on my side, with Lucas by my side. Elora had reserved a seat next to Max for herself, while Ellie’s twin boys, Elliot and Noah, sat on either side of her. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Can you pass the gravy, please?" I asked Aidan, trying to hide my eagerness for the rich sauce Molly had spent hours perfecting.

"Of course," he replied, handing me the boat of gravy with a smile.

As I reached for it, a high-pitched argument erupted between Maxwell and Elora, both seven years old now. Elora crossed her arms and declared, "I’m two months older than Max, so I should get the turkey leg!"

Maxwell glared at her. "Age doesn’t matter! I want the turkey leg too!" His face reddened in frustration, making me worry about an impending tantrum.

"Hey, hey," I interrupted, trying to defuse the situation. "What if we cut the turkey leg in half, and you can each have a piece?"

"Why can’t I have the other turkey leg again?" Maxwell asked.

"Because it’s mine," Giovanni declared, holding his plate protectively.

Both children looked skeptical but seemed to accept the compromise.

"Great," I said.

Suddenly, laughter bubbled up from Ellie’s twin boys, both six years old now. They had discovered how much fun it was to throw peas at each other.

"Elliot! Noah!" Giovanni’s voice boomed, scolding them. "Enough with the peas. We don’t play with our food."

"Sorry, Papa," they said in unison, looking down at their plates sheepishly.

"Good," Giovanni replied, his stern expression softening into a smile.

"Hey, Uncle Aidan," Lucas, now twelve years old, piped up from across the table. "Do you want to play a game of chess?"

I glanced between my half-eaten plate of food and Lucas’ eager face, weighing my options. The kid had been practicing for months, training himself to beat Aidan. My lips curled into a small smile.

"Sure, but after we finish eating," Aidan told him.

"Deal," Lucas agreed with a grin.

As the night wore on, Ellie’s twins continued to test their boundaries, earning more scoldings from Giovanni.

I looked around the dining table, my heart swelling with pride and love for my family.

"Everyone!" I stood up, my voice firm but excited. "I have an announcement to make." The chatter around the table ceased immediately, all eyes turning towards me. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I raised my glass. "Aidan and I are having another baby!"

"Really?!" Ellie gasped, her excitement mirroring my own.

"Congratulations!" Giovanni chimed in, his voice warm and sincere. The room erupted in cheers and clapping, the atmosphere electric with joy.

"Here’s to new beginnings," I smiled, raising my glass.

"May our family continue to grow and thrive," Giovanni declared, locking eyes with Ellie. Her smile widened, and I knew without a doubt that our bond would only grow stronger.

I noticed Ellie fidgeting in her seat, a mix of nerves and happiness dancing in her eyes. She took a deep breath and stood up too, her hands gently resting on her own stomach.

"Actually, there’s something else we need to share," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I’m expecting a baby too!"

"Really?!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling with joy at the news.

"Way to go, Gio!" Aidan teased, playfully nudging him. "Are you trying to raise a football team or what?"

Giovanni chuckled, his eyes filled with love for his wife. "I’ve always wanted a large family, Aidan, and I consider myself lucky that Ellie is so fertile."

"Hey, watch it!" Ellie playfully glared at him, her cheeks flushed with warmth and happiness.

"Congratulations, Mom!" Lucas hugged her tightly, followed by Elora and Max.

The twins exchanged glances as if they weren’t sure how to react.

"Thanks, everyone. We’re going to have two more little ones to love," Ellie smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Aidan and Giovanni took charge of the gift distribution, his eyes lit up with mischief.

"Maxwell, here’s one for you!" He tossed the present to the eager seven-year-old, who caught it deftly in mid-air.

"Thanks, Dad!" Maxwell grinned, ripping open the wrapping paper to reveal a brand-new remote-control car. His eyes widened in delight as he exclaimed, "This is awesome!"

"Elora, this one’s got your name on it," Giovanni chimed in, handing the gift to Max’s cousin. She tore into it just as eagerly, revealing a beautiful art set. "Thank you, papa!" she beamed.

"Elliot, Noah..." Aidan continued, distributing the presents methodically. Each child’s face was a picture of pure joy as they unwrapped their gifts, the room filling with laughter and exclamations of gratitude.

"Bet you can’t beat me in a race now!" Maxwell challenged Elora, referring to his new car.

"Watch me," she shot back playfully, her eyes sparkling with determination.

"Alright, calm down, you two," Giovanni interjected, a hint of amusement in his voice. "There’ll be time for racing tomorrow."

"Who would have thought we’d end up with such a big, happy family?" Ellie mused. "I wouldn’t change it for the world, though."

"Neither would I," Giovanni agreed, his arm wrapped protectively around Ellie’s shoulders.

"Here’s to many more Christmases together," Aidan declared, raising an imaginary toast.

"Cheers!" we all chimed in, our laughter ringing through the room.

"Thank you," I whispered to Aidan, my voice barely audible above the crackle of the dying fire. "For everything."

"No...thank you for loving me," he replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. His eyes, filled with love and understanding, met mine for a brief moment before turning back to the flickering flames.

My family was far from perfect, and we often found ourselves in dangerous situations. But despite our flaws and challenges, they were the only family I had, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. Not now, not ever.

----The End---