♥ Epilogue: Part 3♥

Alessio Vecchio.

Four days later. 

It's been four days, and Isabella and our son are finally returning home. During those days, I barely left their side. Isabella was exhausted, so I learned how to care for our son with the help of the nurses. They taught me how to change diapers and how to give baths, and I was determined to be the best father I could be, even though I was completely inexperienced.

They were scary and, at the same time, wonderful moments. It's scary because I never imagined I would be changing someone's diaper. I thought that if I had children, a nanny would take care of everything. But now, with our son, I don't mind doing those things. Every mistake I made was a lesson learned, and every success was a small victory.

In addition to taking care of our son, I also helped Isabella. The birth was difficult, and she continues to recover. Isabella needed help going to the bathroom and taking a shower. Due to giving birth, she was wearing diapers, something that initially made her feel self-conscious. Diapers were necessary because, after giving birth, it is common for women to bleed heavily while their bodies recover. I made a point of demonstrating that, for me, this was nothing more than a temporary necessity. I helped her with care and patience, holding her carefully as she moved slowly, her strength slowly returning.

During these four days in the hospital, Isabella's friends came to visit and meet our son. They were thrilled to see Orion Vecchio for the first time. One of them even started to cry with joy, enchanted by the beauty and serenity of our little prince. Isabella and I chose the name Orion because it symbolizes strength and protection, qualities we want for our son.

Orion is a perfect mix of both of us. He inherited Isabella's black skin, a constant reminder of his heritage and strength. His eyes are the same dark color as mine, reflecting the depth and intensity I've always felt. His dark brown hair is a perfect balance between the two of us.

***

15:40 '' Hospital. '' Portevecchio.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, as we pack our things to leave, Isabella watches me with a tired but grateful smile.

'' Thank you for everything, Alessio. '' She says, in a soft voice. ''You have been amazing.

'' There is no need for thanks, my queen. '' I respond, holding her hand. ''I will do anything for you two.

I take Orion in my arms and look at his little sleeping face. He seems so fragile and small, and I feel overwhelmed again by an overwhelming, protective love.

'' Let's go home. '' I say softly.

We left the hospital with Isabella leaning on me, walking slowly. As soon as we get to the car, Dante is there to help us. We carefully place Orion in the baby seat, and I help Isabella into the front seat. When everyone is ready, I get in the car and hold her hand.

'' Let's go home, Dante.

'' Yes, my lord. And congratulations on your heir, my lord. '' I smiled lightly.

'' I, thanks. '' I crossed my legs and looked away at my little family.

Family is a word that I didn't imagine had so much meaning for me. I have always been a lonely man, surrounded by power and fear, but never by love. Now, looking at Isabella and Orion, I understand what really matters in life. They are my reason for being, my reason to fight, to protect, and to love. I feel a pang in my heart, a mixture of happiness and responsibility, knowing that I would do anything for them.

During the journey, I couldn't take my eyes off Isabella and Orion. Seeing Isabella gently stroking our son's little hand and the tenderness in her eyes, makes me realize how much I have changed. Before, I was just Alessio Vecchio, the ruthless mobster, but now I'm also a dedicated father and companion.

When we get home, Dante carefully parks the car inside the mansion. I quickly get out and help Isabella out of the car, picking up Orion afterward. When I turn to the front, I see all my security guards lined up, waiting. As soon as they see us, they bow and shout in unison:

'' Congratulations on your heir, my lord. May our young master grow up healthy.

This bow makes me smile with satisfaction and recognition. It's a smile that reflects the pride of seeing our family grow and the honor of having an heir.

We enter the mansion, and I help Isabella climb the stairs with great care. Every step is taken carefully, ensuring she is comfortable and safe. We get to our room, where I help her sit on the bed. I place Orion, still in the baby seat, next to her.

'' We are home, my queen. '' I whisper, kissing your forehead.

'' Thank you, my love. '' She murmurs, visibly exhausted, but with a gleam of happiness in her eyes.

'' Do you want to take a shower first? We take advantage, since Orion is sleeping. '' I look at our son, who sleeps calmly in the baby seat.

'' Yes, please. '' She responds, while caressing my face.

'' Don't worry, I will take care of you. '' I say firmly, but I see a little fear in your eyes. ''Do you want to tell me something?

She lets out a sigh, looking a little hesitant.

'' We're not getting in your way, are we? '' His voice is soft but full of insecurity.

I kneeled in front of her, holding her hands.

'' Why do you think they're bothering me? '' I ask, noticing the sparkle of tears in her eyes.

'' Y-You left the mafia stuff aside. I know very well what the mafia means to you. '' She mutters, her voice shaking.

I let out a sigh, trying to find the right words.

'' Take a good look, my queen. The mafia meant a lot to me before. Now I have a wife and a son. You are my priority. '' I speak with conviction, looking straight into your eyes. ''Nothing is more important than the two of you.

She blinks, letting a few tears fall down her cheeks. I clean them gently with my fingers.

'' I just... I just don't want you to feel pressured. '' She says, her voice still hesitant.

'' Isabella. '' I interrupt, holding his face with both hands. ''Taking care of you and Orion is not a pressure. It's a privilege. It is the most significant and rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

She smiles, although the tears are still present. I caress her face, feeling the softness of her skin beneath my fingers.

'' Now, let's take care of you. '' I get up and help her get up too, taking her carefully to the bathroom.

I let the warm water run, making sure it's the right temperature before helping her in. She relaxes under the spray of water, and I stay by her side, ready to help with anything she needs. I take a soft sponge and start washing his back with gentle, careful movements.

'' You are so careful. '' She comments, her voice a little lighter.

'' I want you to feel good and comfortable. '' I respond, continuing with the gentle movements.

After her shower, I help her dry off and put on comfortable clothes. With each moment, I feel a deeper connection to her and our new role as parents. It's an overwhelming feeling, but in a good way.

We return to the room, where Orion is still sleeping peacefully. I put Isabella to bed again and sat next to her, watching our son.

'' He's so perfect. '' She whispers, stroking Orion's small hand.

'' Yes, he is. '' I agree, feeling my heart fill with love and pride. ''And he has an amazing mother.''

She smiles at me, her eyes full of love.

'' And an amazing father too. '' She says softly, holding my hand. ''Thank you, Alessio, for everything.

'' You don't need to thank me, my love. '' I respond, squeezing his hand back. ''It's an honor to be part of this family.

For the next few minutes, we sat in silence, just enjoying the moment. The responsibility I now carry as a father and protector of my family is enormous, but it is also the most rewarding of all. I feel a new kind of power and purpose, one that comes from love and dedication to Isabella and Orion. They are my life, my everything, and I would do anything to make sure they were always safe and happy.