Page 48 of Arranged with Twins

Leo

T hree weeks after Adrian’s death, I stand in my study at the estate watching Sienna explore the gardens through the tall windows.

She’s finally settled in completely, claiming the space as her own in ways I never expected.

Yesterday, she rearranged the nursery furniture and hung artwork she selected from my collection.

The day before that, she convinced the kitchen staff to teach her how to make my grandmother’s bread recipe.

She’s making this house into a home, and the transformation astounds me.

“The transition is going smoother than expected.” Ilya settles into the chair across from my desk, spreading financial reports between us. “Dmitri has taken over the shipping operations, Viktor handles security contracts, and Alexei manages the legitimate investments.”

I review the organizational charts he’s prepared. Each trusted lieutenant now controls a piece of what I’ve built over the past fifteen years. These are men I’ve trained, who understand both the business and the principles that guide it. “Revenue projections?”

“Down twelve percent initially, but that’s expected during leadership transitions.” He points to the relevant columns. “Within six months, they should exceed current numbers. These men are hungry to prove themselves.”

“Good.” I sign the documents that formalize my reduced role. From tomorrow forward, I’ll be a silent partner rather than an active leader. “What about our less conventional enterprises?”

“They’re being phased out entirely.” Ilya’s tone carries approval. “The weapons smuggling, money laundering, and protection rackets are all being transferred to other families, who can handle the heat if law enforcement investigates.”

“The men won’t lose their incomes?”

“If they don’t want to transfer to other families, they’re being absorbed into legitimate operations or given generous severance packages.” He closes the folder containing personnel files. “No one gets abandoned, as you requested.”

The transformation represents everything I’ve wanted since Sienna came into my life—the freedom to choose family over empire and love over power. For the first time in years, I’m building something instead of just maintaining it.

“There’s one more thing.” I pull out the deed to a property I acquired last week. “I’m giving you the house in Queens, the one overlooking the water.”

Ilya’s expression shifts to surprise. “Leo, I can’t accept?—”

“You’ve been loyal for fifteen years. You’ve earned it.” I slide the papers across the desk. “Besides, I’ll need someone I trust managing the financial side of my investments. Consider it a signing bonus.”

He studies the deed, clearly moved though he tries to hide it. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for making this transition possible.” I stand and move to the window where Sienna is now reading on a bench under the oak trees. “I couldn’t have stepped back without knowing the business was in capable hands.”

“She’s good for you.” He follows my gaze. “I haven’t seen you this relaxed since before your parents died.”

“She gave me something worth living for beyond revenge and survival.” I watch her turn a page as her lips part in what appears to be a sigh of satisfaction. “I want our children to know their father as something more than a criminal.”

“They will.” He gathers his papers and prepares to leave. “What’s next for you two?”

“I have a surprise planned for tonight.” I check my watch. “Something that’s been overdue for months.”

“Have fun.”

After Ilya leaves, I spend an hour reviewing investment portfolios and making calls to financial advisors.

The legitimate side of my wealth is substantial enough to support several generations, especially with Sienna’s business acumen helping to manage it.

Unlike Vincent, I won’t make the mistake of assuming she doesn’t know anything or needs to be protected from financial decisions.

At six o’clock, I find her in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair while reading what looks like a college catalog. She looks up when I enter, and her smile is immediate and warm. “How did the meeting with Ilya go?”

“Better than expected.” I lean against the doorframe, enjoying the sight of her in this room I built for our future. “The transition is nearly complete. Within a month, I’ll be officially retired from active leadership.”

“How do you feel about that?” She closes the catalog and gives me her full attention.

“Terrified and exhilarated in equal measure.” I cross the room to sit on the ottoman facing her chair. “I’ve never defined myself as anything other than what I inherited from my father.”

“Now you get to discover who Leo Denisov is when he’s not running an empire.” She reaches for my hands, intertwining our fingers. “I think you’ll like what you find.”

“What about you?” I nod toward the catalog in her lap. “NYU?”

“Their fashion merchandising program has an excellent reputation.” She reopens the booklet to a page she’s marked. “I’ve been thinking about becoming a buyer and maybe eventually opening my own boutique. I could carry Nadia’s line along with others.”

“I’ll support whatever path you choose.” I squeeze her hands. “You have remarkable instincts for what people want to wear.”

“I learned that from you.” Her smile turns teasing. “You taught me to trust my own preferences instead of following other people’s rules.”

“Speaking of preferences, pack a bag. We’re taking a trip.”

She arches a brow. “Where?”

“Somewhere private where we can celebrate new beginnings.” I stand and pull her up with me. “The jet’s being prepared now.” Before she can protest further, or ask more questions, I add, “Dr. Foxx said you’re safe to fly at seventeen weeks.”

That satisfies her, and there’s a sparkle of excitement in her eyes as she goes to pack. “What to bring?”

“It’s a warm climate.” That’s all I reveal.

Two hours later, we’re airborne over the Atlantic, heading toward a private island off the coast of North Carolina. The villa I’ve rented sits on a secluded beach, where the only sounds are waves and seabirds.

Sienna spends the flight reading her catalog and discussing her career plans while I review some final business documents. The conversation flows easily and is comfortable in the way that comes from knowing someone completely.

“Have you given more thought to what you want me to do about your parents?” I ask as the pilot announces our descent.

She sets down the catalog and considers the question. “I’ve been thinking about that actually.”

“And?”

“I’m satisfied with what you’ve done so far.” She turns to face me fully. “Letting the truth leak about their involvement with Adrian was perfect. They’re social pariahs now, which is worse than death for Mother.”

“The bank is moving to foreclose on both the townhouse and your old penthouse.” I’ve been monitoring their financial collapse with professional interest. “Vincent won’t be able to maintain his lifestyle much longer.”

“Good.” Her voice carries a coldness I’ve rarely heard from her. “I want them to lose everything they valued more than their daughter.”

I smile in approval. “You don’t sound conflicted about that anymore.”

“I’m not.” She stares out the window at the ocean below. “I kept expecting them to reach out, to apologize, or maybe show some remorse for what they did. The silence tells me everything I need to know about their priorities.”

I hate seeing her hurting, even though the worst of her reaction to their betrayal has happened. This is lingering sadness that will probably never completely dissipate. “They’re probably too ashamed to face you.”

“Are they capable of shame?” She turns back to me with a bitter smile. “I think they’re more likely calculating how to spin this situation to their advantage somehow.”

The possibility doesn’t surprise me. Vincent and Katherine have spent their entire marriage prioritizing appearances over substance and manipulation over honesty. “Either way, they’re no longer our problem.” I reach across the aisle to take her hand. “Tonight is about us and our future.”

The villa is everything the rental agency promised, with secluded luxury and stunning ocean views along with complete privacy. We arrive as the sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange that rival Sienna’s engagement ring.

“It’s beautiful.” She walks onto the terrace overlooking the beach, breathing deeply of the salt air. “How long can we stay?”

“As long as you want.” I join her at the railing, slipping my arms around her waist from behind. “We should probably head back before your next doctor’s appointment.”

“Mmhmm.” She leans back against my chest, relaxed in ways I’ve never seen before. “I could get used to this kind of peace.”

“Why don’t you take a bath?” I say. “I’ll make us some dinner.”

She nods and goes into the bathroom. I follow a few minutes later, quietly slipping her engagement ring off the counter and sneaking out again before she notices me.

We have dinner on the terrace as stars begin to appear overhead. The conversation ranges from baby names to investment strategies to her ideas for the boutique she wants to open. Every topic reveals new depths to the woman I’ve fallen in love with.

“I have something for you.” I stand when she finishes her dessert, nerves making my pulse quicken.

“Leo, you’ve given me so much already?—”

“This is different.” I pull the ring box from my pocket and drop to one knee beside her chair.

Her intake of breath is sharp and surprised. “What are you doing?”

“Something I should have done months ago.” I open the box to reveal the orange diamond engagement ring. “This isn’t for the press, or for business alliances, or for anyone else’s expectations. This is a private event just for us.”

Tears begin to gather in her eyes as she stares at the ring and down at her finger. She flushes slightly. “I didn’t even realize it was missing when I got dressed after my bath.” There’s a note of accusation in her voice, but she’s grinning.

“Sienna, I love you beyond reason and logic. You’ve shown me that strength isn’t about controlling others but about choosing who matters most and protecting them completely.

” I take her hand in mine. “Will you marry me for real? Not because our families arranged it, but because we choose each other?”

“Yes.” The word comes out broken and fierce. “Yes, of course, I will.”

I slide the ring back onto her finger where it belongs with hands that shake slightly. When I stand, she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me with joy, passion, and promise.

“I love you too,” she whispers against my lips. You’re the first choice that’s ever been completely mine, and I freely choose you now that there’s no obligation or pressure to do so.”

“Thank you.” I hold her closer, breathing in her scent. “This is just for us.” I cup her face in my hands. “I used to think love was weakness, but you’ve taught me it’s the only strength that matters.”

We make love that night with tenderness and passion, celebrating not just our official re-engagement, for real this time, but everything we’ve survived to reach this moment.

The ocean breeze drifts through open windows as we move together slowly, savoring each touch and kiss like we have all the time in the world.

Afterward, she traces patterns on my chest while I stroke her hair, both of us reluctant to sleep despite the exhaustion pulling at us.

“Tell me about the island,” she murmurs against my shoulder. “How did you find this place?”

“I asked my assistant to find a romantic place,” I confess. “I let her handle the logistics, but this island represents everything I want to build with you. Peace, tranquility, and love as unending as the tides.”

She nudges me. “Did Talia write that for you too?” Her tone is lighthearted though.

I stare at her with complete seriousness. “Those words come from my heart, lyubimaya .”

Her expression softens. “I know. I shouldn’t have teased you. You’re so insecure, after all.”

I feign outrage. “I’m not insecure.”

I start tickling her, which makes her laugh until she begs for mercy. Once I stop, she settles back against my chest with a contented sigh. “I want to bring the babies here someday when they’re old enough to appreciate the ocean.”

“We’ll make it a tradition. Every summer, just our family.” The word still feels foreign on my tongue, but increasingly right. “Away from business, expectations, and anyone who thinks they have a claim on our time. We should buy this island.”

“I like that idea.” Her voice grows drowsy. “A place that’s completely ours.”

I listen to her breathing even out as sleep claims her, but I remain awake, staring out at the moonlight on the water.

The transformation from who I was to who I’m becoming still amazes me.

Six months ago, I would have seen this isolation as a tactical disadvantage, cutting me off from real-time information I used to make life-and-death decisions. Now, it feels like a refuge.

I pull Sienna closer, breathing in her scent and imagine our children moving restlessly in her belly. They’re active tonight, giving me the faintest taps when I cradle her stomach. I can barely feel them yet but knowing they’re in there unravels me in ways nothing ever has before.

“Your daddy used to be a very different man,” I whisper to them, circling my palm around her stomach in search of more movement.

“Thankfully, your mother taught him how to be better so I can be the man you two deserve.” Sienna stirs in her sleep, and a small smile crosses her face as if she can hear my words in her dreams.