♥ EXTRA: Continued.♥

Alessio Vecchio.

Ten years later. 

After ten years, I can say that my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I am now forty-eight years old, while my beautiful queen is thirty years old. Orion, our son, has grown up well and is now ten years old. It's amazing how he developed a personality so similar to mine. He is extremely jealous of his mother, and, to be honest, I'm happy about that. While I work, he keeps an eye on his mother, and always tells me if anyone has tried anything on her.

Orion is a very intelligent boy. At school, he always has the best grades in the class. Two years ago, he surprised me by asking me to train him, saying that when I died, he would take my place and protect his mother. I could have taken that as an insult, but it actually felt good to hear that. Knowing that my queen would be protected if something happened to me brings me a certain peace. At first, Isabella didn't like the idea, but Orion got her permission. She can't deny him anything.

Two years after Orion's birth, Isabella became pregnant again. This time, we were blessed with a girl, our princess, Isadora Vecchio. She is eight years old and is a copy of Isabella. Isadora is also very intelligent and, like her brother, is jealous and possessive of her mother. Isabella often says that she now has three bodyguards, something that makes me laugh, but it's something I completely agree with.

****

We are currently preparing to go out to dinner. I'm helping Orion put on his tie, while Isabella helps Isadora with her dress.

'' Dad, can I kill someone if they look at Mom and my sister? '' Orion looks at me with an unexpected seriousness for a ten-year-old boy.

I feel a shiver of pride and worry at the same time.

'' I don't want the police on my tail, son. But just mark the person's face. Then, I tell Dante to pull the image from the camera. And then you get rid of it. '' I respond softly as I adjust his tie.

'' Serious? '' His eyes shine with excitement, mirroring the same determination I see in the mirror every day. That's my boy. It definitely influenced my personality.

'' Of course. But are you prepared to take someone's life? '' I ask seriously, wanting to test your conviction.

'' For my family, I will do anything. ''Orion does not hesitate.

I smiled mischievously, satisfied with the answer.

'' This is my heir.

'' I just hope you guys aren't planning a murder. ''Our moment is interrupted by Isabella.

We turned around and found Isabella and Isadora, both beaming.

'' You look beautiful, my queen. '' I say, trying to change the subject and admiring the views of my wife and daughter.

She laughs, but with a look that doesn't hide her distrust.

'' Yes, mom. You guys look beautiful. '' Orion adds, following up on my praise.

Isabella places her hands on her hips, a gesture I know well.

My queen has changed so much. Before, she was shy, but now she has become a confident and determined woman. Her transformation is stunning, and her new glow only makes her even more enchanting. She is a very strict mother when she wants to be, always concerned about the well-being and education of our children. She involves them in enriching activities and guides them with a firm, loving hand.

'' You don't fool me. Today I want a family dinner, without violence. Did the three of you understand?

'' Even me, mom? I didn't do anything. '' Isadora, always smart, protests.

Isabella replies and responds.

'' You're worse than both of them, young lady. ''My princess does not deny the accusation. ''I hope the three of them behave tonight. I just want to have dinner with my family in peace.

I smile and pull Isabella by the waist, kissing her softly.

'' Alright, my queen. We will try to keep the peace tonight.

She sighs, still suspicious, but gives in and leaves the room. I look at Orion and Isadora, and we exchange complicit glances. Anyone who dares to disturb Isabella tonight will regret it.

We left the room and went down outside the mansion, where Dante was already waiting for us next to the car.

'' Good evening, sir, madam, young master, and young miss. '' He greeted me, opening the car door with a bow.

'' Good evening, Dante. '' Isabella replied, getting into the car with grace.

My children nodded, going in too and settling down next to their mother. I get into the car in silence.

'' To the Central Restaurant. ''I ordered firmly.

****

The whole way is very quiet, and, before I know it, we arrive at the restaurant. Immediately, our presence attracts attention. The curious and respectful looks of customers and employees turn to us. It is impossible to ignore the aura of power and authority that we emanate. Especially because I am already known as a renowned CEO.

I get out of the car, extending my hand to Isabella. She accepts with a smile, and I put my arm around her waist, holding her firmly but affectionately. Orion, always protective, holds his mother's other hand, his gaze vigilant. Isadora, my little princess, holds my hand with determination.

We enter the restaurant, and, with each step, we attract more eyes, but I'm just focused on my family. Isabella's presence by my side and Orion and Isadora's trust fill me with pride and satisfaction.

The murmurs in the restaurant stop momentarily as we walk through the entrance. The restaurant staff, already notified of our arrival, immediately takes us to a reserved table in a more private area, away from prying eyes.

I pull out the chair for Isabella, who sits gracefully, and help Isadora sit next to her. Orion sits next to me, still holding his mother's hand, which makes Isabella smile tenderly.

'' We are ready for a perfect night. Right, my love? '' Asks Isabella, with that suspicious look that makes me hold back a laugh.

'' Okay, Mom. ''My children respond without hesitation.

'' Right, my queen. '' I completed, smiling at her.

We chose our dishes and started talking about the day, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. I ordered a rare steak, Isabella opted for pasta, Orion wanted a burger, and Isadora decided a pizza.

'' So, Orion, how was school today? '' I ask, while cutting my steak.

'' I got a perfect score on the math test. '' He responds, proudly.

'' That's my boy. ''Compliment, smiling with satisfaction.

Isabella smiles at Orion, her eyes full of pride.

'' And you, Isadora? How was your day? '' Isabella asks, while helping her daughter cut a piece of pizza.

'' It was good, mom. The teacher said my essay was the best in the class. '' Isadora responds, beaming.

'' Our little writer. '' I say, winking at her. ''What was the essay about?

'' It was about what I love most in the world. I wrote about our family. '' She responds, with a sweet smile.

'' That's wonderful, honey. And what did you write? '' Asks Isabella, visibly touched.

'' I wrote that you are the best parents in the world and that I love it when we have nights like this, where we are all together, laughing and talking. '' Explains Isadora, her eyes shining with happiness.

'' I also love these nights. '' Says Isabella, taking her hand. ''These are moments that we will remember forever.

Orion, always observant, notices something in my gaze.

'' Dad, what are you thinking?

'' I'm thinking about how lucky I am to have you three in my life. ''I answer sincerely. ''And how I want to protect and take care of you always.

Isabella smiles at me, her eyes full of love and understanding.

'' We are also lucky to have you, Alessio. '' She says, in a soft voice.

'' Dad, when I grow up, I'll be as strong as you. '' Orion says with determination.

'' You are already strong, my son. And you, Isadora, will be an incredible woman, like your mother. '' I say, caressing Isadora's face.

'' Let's make a toast. ''suggested Isabella, raising her glass of juice. ''To our family, our love, and our memories.

'' To our family! '' We all repeated, touching glasses to each other.