Page 19 of Sold to the Mogul
Epilogue
Roman
One year later…
“Thank you, Mr. Vincent. I’ll get back to you soon,” I say, ending the call.
This client intends to pay millions for a piece of art that’s been missing from the public for more than twenty years. He claims it belonged to his family before it was swindled off his grandfather. When an artifact like that is considered missing, it’s in someone else’s private collection and very hard to retrieve. But that’s why he reached out to me—no matter how coveted a piece of art is, most collectors are greedy and would sell for the right price.
Just like the art I recently acquired.
My gaze shifts to the beautiful painting displayed against the wall of my home office and a wide smile pulls at my lips. It’s a gift I got Bella for her graduation. One of Warren’s earlier pieces—a painting of Bella when she was a child. In it, Bella is depicted as a young girl walking through a field of flowers. Warren’s masterful use of color really captures the way the summer sunlight glints off of young Bella’s red hair.
She had mentioned in passing how she would like to see the painting again. And now it’s here, after a series of connecting calls and palm greasing.
It wasn’t easy to retrieve, especially when the owner blatantly refused to part with it. But, after some thorough research to find his most coveted artifact—because people like him always have something that they desire more—I found his weakness. And when I got my hand on the artifact he most desired, it was easy to negotiate and trade for Bella’s gift.
It arrived just in time. The ceremony is tomorrow, and I want to surprise her with it today, when she’ll have enough time to appreciate it.
Speaking of my wife, I push back my seat, remembering that I told her to wait for me in the living room. I pick up the covered painting and walk out of the office. A little smile tugs at my lips as I draw closer to the living area.
“Baby?” I call.
“In here,” she replies in a muffled voice.
I frown slightly, balancing the piece against the wall before heading into the kitchen. My eyes widen and a fond smile tugs at my lips as I find Bella standing in front of a huge ice cream carton.
“Baby? Why are you eating ice cream directly from the container?” I ask with a slight chuckle as she swallows a spoonful. I walk to stand behind her and slip my hands around her waist.
“It tastes better this way,” she replies as she turns in my arms.
I laugh softly, shaking my head at her. “That’s just so wrong, but I love you anyway,” I whisper against her smile before taking her lips in mine.
My tongue explores her mouth, the taste of vanilla mingling with the naturally intoxicating taste of her. I slowly break the kiss. “Come. I have a surprise gift for you,” I say, gently pulling her along with me.
We walk into the living room and I gently push her down onto the sofa. Then, I pick up the wrapped painting and place it in her lap. “Happy graduation, baby,” I say, looking into her soft gaze.
“Oh, thank you!” she exclaims with a quick smile.
Then she turns her attention to the gift, painstakingly unwrapping the brown paper until she reveals the art. She looks up at me, gasping in shock. “Oh my God. Roman, how…how did you find it?” she whispers, her voice thick with tears as she reverently slides her hands over the surface.
“I made some calls, and the man was able to settle for the right price,” I say.
She places the artwork beside her and shifts closer to me. “Oh, Roman. This is the best gift. Thank you,” she whispers, hugging me tight. “I love you so much.”
I slide my hands up her back. “I love you too, baby.” I straighten and cup her cheek as I steadily gaze into her eyes. “I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come. Your father would have been proud of you. Remember that I’ll do anything for you, baby. I’ll always make sure you’re happy,” I whisper, feeling elated for bringing that sparkle of excitement to her soft brown eyes.
“I know.” Her hand reaches up to cover mine on her cheek and her eyes go tender with warmth and love. “I have some great news for you,” she says softly.
“Really? What’s the news?” I ask, my fingers gently grazing her soft cheeks.
“You’re going to be a father,” she says, smiling warmly.
I stare at her in shock, wondering if I heard her right. “What?”
Her lips stretch wider with a smile. “I’m pregnant, Roman,” she says, giggling.
My eyes widen and an overwhelming feeling of joy fills me. My hand goes to her still-flat stomach and an intense feeling of love fills my heart for our unborn baby. I never thought I would ever fall in love, or ever bring a child into this world. I hadn’t wanted any of these things, because I thought I didn’t deserve them.
