Ace's Heart Extended Epilogue
Five Years Later
Melanie smiled as she gazed out the window of her tour bus, watching the sunrise cast its golden glow over the world. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and she leaned back into her husband's embrace.
Five years had passed since their fairy tale wedding turned mafia take-down. After a dream honeymoon in Italy and living at the villa in Positano for a a couple of years, Ace had surprised Melanie by purchasing this sprawling ranch just outside of Havencrest. It was perfect - close enough to visit family and friends, but remote enough to enjoy privacy and solitude together.
While Melanie pursued her music career, Ace maintained their non-profits, ever since their son was born taking car of the next generation had become even more important to him. Along the way there had been a few threats from old mafia enemies, but either they were taken care of by the Bassito family or Ace always handled them swiftly, eliminating dangers before they could touch his wife. Melanie knew she was safe under his fierce protection.
Today was the day of her album release and it was a whirlwind of activity. Melanie's team had put together a promotional tour, including TV appearances, radio interviews, and performances at various venues. She was grateful for their support and expertise, but it also meant being away from Little Ace for long stretches of time.
***
As she sat in the makeup chair before her first TV appearance, Melanie couldn't help but feel a little anxious. What if people didn't like her music? What if she wasn't good enough?
Ace's words from their wedding day echoed in her mind - "You have a gift that you need to share with the world." He believed in her talent even when she doubted herself.
With a deep breath, Melanie pushed those negative thoughts aside and focused on the excitement of sharing her music with others. She had poured her heart and praise into this album, and she knew that was all that mattered.
The TV appearance went off without a hitch, and Melanie received rave reviews from viewers and critics alike. She felt like she was floating on air as she made her way to the next stop on the promotional tour.
But as she approached the venue for her performance that night, Melanie's heart sank at the sight of paparazzi swarming outside. She had dealt with fame before, but it still made her uncomfortable to have cameras constantly flashing in her face.
Ace and her security team ushered her inside quickly, but not before one persistent paparazzo managed to snap a few pictures. Melanie tried to brush it off as she got ready for the show, reminding herself that this was all part of the package deal of being a successful musician.
However, during her performance later that night, Melanie couldn't shake off an uneasy feeling creeping up inside her. It wasn't nerves or stage fright - it was something else.
After the show ended and she was back in their tour bus heading home, Ace noticed something was off with his usually confident and bubbly wife.
"What's wrong, baby?" he asked, brushing a strand of her curly hair behind her ear.
Melanie hesitated, staring out the window at the passing city lights. "I don't know, Ace. I just... I felt this heaviness tonight on stage. Like something was off."
He took her hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "You were amazing up there, Mel. The crowd loved you."
She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "It's not about that. It's about..." She paused, unsure of how to articulate the unease that had settled in her chest.
Ace waited patiently, a gentle hand against her cheek, concern evident in his honey-colored eyes.
Melanie sighed, her long curly hair cascading around her shoulders as she leaned into his touch. "I don't know, Ace. It's just... all this attention and the paparazzi, it's overwhelming."
Ace's expression softened as he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. "I understand, Mel. It's a lot to take in, especially for someone as private as you are. But remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here with you every step of the way."
Melanie felt a wave of gratitude wash over her at his words. She knew Ace was right - they were a team, facing whatever challenges came their way together. With a small smile, she tilted her head up to look into his eyes.
"I love you," she whispered, the weight of her worries easing slightly in his presence.
"I love you too," Ace replied, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "And I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and our happiness."
Melanie's heart fluttered at Ace's words, feeling a rush of love and gratitude for the man beside her. As the tour bus rumbled on towards their new home, she found solace in his unwavering support and understanding. The city lights faded into the distance, replaced by the quiet darkness of the countryside.
***
The bus finally pulled up to their ranch, and Melanie breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped inside their warm and welcoming home. Their beautiful son ran up to them, his laughter filling the air as he hugged his parents tightly.
Melanie scooped him up in her arms, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Did Grandma take good care of you, sweetheart?"
The little boy nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with joy. "Yes, Mama! We had so much fun!"
Ace watched them with a smile, his heart swelling with love for his family. As they settled in for the night, Melanie felt a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the challenges that fame brought, she knew that as long as she had Ace and their son by her side, she could weather any storm.
Cradling their son in her arms, Melanie leaned against Ace on the couch, feeling the weight of the day begin to lift off her shoulders. In the quiet embrace of their home, surrounded by love and laughter, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As they sat together in comfortable silence, Melanie closed her eyes, listening to the soothing sounds of her family's laughter and the gentle hum of the evening outside. In that moment, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for all that she had - a
loving husband, a beautiful child, and a home filled with faith, warmth and laughter.
As Ace played with their son, his laughter ringing through the cozy living room, Melanie's thoughts drifted back to the performance and as the spirit of heaviness tried to make its way back into her she prayed that her faith would guide her through the uncertainty of their newfound fame. Despite the challenges and the ever-present eyes of the world on her, Melanie knew that her family and their unwavering love would always be her anchor. She felt a sense of peace settle within her as she watched Ace and their son play, their laughter intertwining with the gentle melody of a lullaby that seemed to echo in the room.
With a heart full of gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, Melanie made a silent promise to herself - to stay true to who she was, to hold onto her faith amidst the chaos, and to cherish the moments of simple joy that filled their home. As she nestled closer to Ace, letting the warmth of his presence soothe her restless thoughts, Melanie closed her eyes and offered a prayer of thanks for the blessings that surrounded her.
In that tranquil moment, with the glow of love illuminating their home and their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of hope and resilience, Melanie knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, strengthened by love, faith, and an unbreakable bond that transcended all else. And as the night deepened around them, cradled in the embrace of family and grace, Melanie felt a