• F O R T Y ( E P I L O G U E ) •

A n E p i l o g u e

Natalia gazed the stars while she stood at the balcony of their house, their house seems so unreal to her. Almost a year ago she was purchased by a devilishly handsome billionaire and later married the most charismatic man in the world. It all happened a year ago. This year if someone asks how did it go she'll be happily saying it 'this year was full of surprises, she found love, life, family, and freedom'

Almost three months back the verdict was given and a lot of gossips were made, the media didn't give up an ounce back to ruin her life and her reputation but she never knew she could be this strong but it turns out she is more strong then she ever believed.

The person who gave her courage was none other than Ashton David Cross, while his name itself can bring back the blush on her cheeks. If someone would have told her that she is going to fall in love with the blue eye billionaire she would have laughed it off but finally, she has come to the realization of her love. Although his grandmother and mother didn't accept her anymore and treat her like a stranger still she has her man and there are always possibilities of good things. She'll wait for those possibilities.

she felt arms encircle around her waist she knew the possessor, past three months, were heaven and all her life many more heavenly nights are yet to come "Bed is not the same without you" she hears him murmur in her ears smiling she allows wet kisses all her neck

"I love you"

"I love you more"

***

"You know I'm still confused how did it happen?" Natalia gave a pointed look to Gracy while Xavier chuckled

"You know cops can be con man too" Gracy replied while Natalia's forehead creased in confusion

"Alright, I'll leave you, ladies, alone in the kitchen and watch out for my bro" Xavier referred to Ashton and left the ladies in the kitchen.

It's been three months to their freedom but still has a lot of impact on their life mostly Natalia while Gracy is away from the media she has just re-started her life, a fresh start. It was difficult to start afresh she didn't have any valid documents and no good qualifications to find a decent job in New York. At first, she started working as a waitress in a local bar later Ashton offered her a job as his assistant purpose Cedric is still in Hospital. It's temporary until Cedric comes back.

Gracy was grateful to Ashton he has given her freedom, a new life and even supported and helped her as well she owed him a lot, a lot more than she expected. Natalia's life wasn't at ease though she went to college to continue her studies students kept staring, whispering and some guys did misbehave with her. Ashton then decided she takes another year off and with another university resume her studies.

Life was coming back to normal, there were fights, love, romance and a little bit of possessiveness but it was good. She was feeling the sweetness of marriage.

Cedric woke up from the coma a month back but till that time their friendship was all twisted, noting was the same March-Austin fiasco happened which led to rifts between Aaron and Austin, Aaron and Allen, March and Aaron, March and Natalia. Years-long friendship was on the brink of getting destroyed and turn into dust but Ashton was keeping them constant steady even when they didn't want to be.

Aaron left New York, he was recently in Italy while Austin took over the business and trying to bring back the lost reputation, Allen went to New Zealand with Allison taking over Wittgenstein business. The boys weren't in contact with each like they used to be in the past, only Ashton was the one who used to be in touch with everyone tracking everyone's whereabouts.

It was New Years today, One year to Ashton-Natalia's engagement. Ashton had asked everyone to attend their celebration, not for the sake of anyone but him and their old days. Austin agreed to it, March didn't but on a lot of protestation of Allison she did. Allison made sure Allen accompanied her to the celebration. Natalia phoned Aaron and Abigail separately but the surprise was on the way. Abigail has become a part of their family mostly when she became a rock-solid pillar to Natalia during her case.

Evening rose up, the sun started to settle while the guests/family started to invade the romantic mood of Ashton but instead of cribbing he was happy at least they all, be together. Xavier and Gracy were already present for two days helping with preparations. Xavier was assigned back to his place but he was having second thoughts of having his employment. something has started to abide on him recent days and it has something to do with Gracy. He was confused and yet to figure out the new changes.

The first to enter was Austin he hugged Natalia along with a bro shake with Ashton and Xavier and a sweet 'Hello' to Gracy. One by one they all assembled Allison and Allen followed by March later Cedric. He was not fully recovered but at least walkable to attend the New Year.

Last to everyone's shock Aaron and Abigail came hand in hand, which surprised everyone they were poles opposite at first they couldn't stand each other of course it was Abigail who couldn't but when did Abigail fall into the playboy's trap was a question for everyone but they kept it for later.

Lotus served wine to everyone, there ever won't be a time when Lotus and Natalia will get along with each other and Ashton was sick and tired of both complainings against each other. He every day watches a new quarrel emerge between them and in the end both ask his opinion much to his dismay. Lotus and Natalia rolled their eyes directed to each other while others stuff chuckles in their mouths.

March and Austin had anticipation growing between them, it was almost three months they last saw each other and only they knew how much they missed each other but chose to keep away their differences and attend the celebrations. The atmosphere in the house was tensed nobody knew what to speak next. Everyone had their wine glasses in hand and stared at each other some friendly, some awkwardly.

"I am confused" Xavier initiated the chatter trying to ease a bit the mood

"Regarding?" Ashton asked

He sipped his drink replied "Abigail and Aaron" to which Abigail blushed while Aaron gave a low chuckle

"is it that surprising?" Aaron asked with a smile on his face, a real smile from the time he entered till now it was his first real smile, everyone was in bewildered which made Abigail blushed a darker shade of red

"It is" Natalia replied

"You guys are exaggerating"

"Abigail we aren't" Allison almost gave a dramatic sigh which made others laugh

Soon the atmosphere lightened, they all waited for the clock to tick twelve welcoming New Years with open arms and new opportunity. They all stood in the massive balcony and waited for the fireworks, moment the clock ticks twelve.

"Let's started the count down" Gracy shouted, it was all new to her she was excited about this new life, she was going to see the world with different eyes now onwards.

5

4

3

2

1

booooommmm

Fireworks enlightened the sky, but the moment the clock hit twelve Ashton pulled Natalia and Aaron pulled Abigail in their respective arms and kissed each other at dot twelve. Followed by a few ewwws and awwws. March and Austin had the same passion going on in their eyes but chose to shut it quite.

Eight years later

"Mom Audrey is irritating me"

"Mom Nikolai is irritating me"

"Audrey Anna Cross and Nikolai Allen Cross one more noise and I'll crack both your heads" Natalia had the tendency to shout by full name whenever she was angry.

Being Happily Married for eight years and having three kids with him was like a dream for Natalia but then the reality was much the same. They were all getting ready for their family photo but the twins were always the naughtiest among the three.

Noah Nicholas Cross was the elder son of Natalia and Ashton, he was mellow and kind just like Nicholas but he had the blue orbs just like his father. Audrey and Nikolai were the two three-year-old toddlers. Nikolai was a mama's boy he was just like Natalia always at the mercy of others but can too fight for himself. Audrey was the package of Ashton and Anna. She is bold and wild even in her childhood her pranks are beyond a three-year-old.

It was Christmas it was their rule to have a family photo together every Christmas. They were at the mansion with Ashton's complete family although Alessia and Liana haven't yet accepted her they no more treat her as a stranger just in front of kids. Noah is his grandfather's favourite while Nikolai is Alessia and Liana's favourite and the very own Audrey is just her daddy's girl. The only person who doesn't like Audrey is Lotus. Ashton just assumed Lotus doesn't like females he's always cribbing to either his wife or his daughter.

They waited for Ashton to arrive so that they all can together celebrate Christmas and even have the family photo. Natalia called in a few times but he always replied he's stuck in traffic. It already started snowing outside Audrey wanted to play but for the photo, she was awaited.

"I'm here" Ashton finally arrived, he had started to grow a beard which suited him more, Natalia found him even sexier with a beard. Ashton had tons of bags in his hands' gifts for everyone. They all hurriedly had the family photo within a few clicks Noah, Nikolai and Audrey ran in the snow with Mark.

Ashton saw the hype in his house, he was content in his life. He had things now he never wished, it was beyond his wishes. He was grateful for this life. After a long tiring day, he comes home to a loving wife and his three kids. Could life have been better?

Never

***

(How were all the documents and bank details erased?)

"Can you arrange our entry to your mother's home?" Xavier asked Gracy while she was admitted to the hospital.

Veronica was on her way to New York to meet Victor and execute the plan but in Seoul, South Korea they were a different alliance working against her

"I can"

Xavier with Tae-oh and Heo-Joon Jae entered the Villa, Veronica's safest place on the earth. They entered through an underground valley which Veronica uses at the time of emergency. Heo Joon-Jae being a hacker had the locks of Veronica's home doors at his fingers. They weren't any door in the world he can't unlock.

Tae-Oh and Xavier entered the office and searched every area they could but nothing was found. Tae-oh felt something fishy he tapped on the floor and knocked on the door. After a few rounds around the office room, he found something strange.

He tapped his foot on the floor but it felt different, the noise wasn't similar. He removed the carpet and found a hidden door that opened a box. The box was filled with a lot of tapes, documents, agreements and papers that indicates her direct relation to human trafficking. Xavier collected the important tapes such as Ashton-Natalia's buying tape and the documents. There weren't just tapes they were sex tapes. He removed all the tapes and burned them in the room itself.

Heo Joon-Jae injected a virus in the computer and laptop of Veronica and if any other mobile phone or electronic devices are connected all will be affected. Everthing will be erased and no hacker is capable of removing that virus.

Ji-Wook went to the bank and met the CEO of the bank as a detective of Crime Branch. He told them regarding Veronica's actual work and blamed the bank for the same. The CEO was scared he let Ji-Wook check his records. Joon-Jae had already given the virus to Ji-Wook in a microchip that will erase all the data from the computer.

It will take least by least 24 hours to restore the complete data and by that time Joon-Jae will be easily able to remove the complete Ashton transactions from the data and transfer back all the money back to Ashton's account.

THE END

A/N: Here we mark the ending of the book *wipes tears* It took me three-four years to complete this book and finally I have ended it on a good note. This book needs to be heavily edited and it could be better but what-ever I have written I am proud of my work. I hope you all loved this book as much as I loved it writing it. The book is filled with love, hatred, friendship, and emotions but a lot of times I have exaggerated a lot of things but I love exaggerations. Hyperbole is always good. Please Vote Comment and Share this book

I am truly sorry for all the errors that bothered you during your reading. I'm thankful for everyone who read till the last chapter and stayed with me and #AsLia till the end.

The next part is the story characters as per my imaginations. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LOVE. *Cries with happiness*

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year. Don't forget to read 'The Millionaire Chef' I've updated the second chapter.