CHAPTER 411: YOU MATTER A LOT

They both pulled away slowly, their gazes lingering for a moment before smiles tugged at the corners of their lips.

Roger was the first to break the silence. "You can freshen up and change into something more comfortable," he suggested with a warm, reassuring tone. Rising from his seat, he gestured towards the hallway. "Follow me."

Varya trailed behind him, her thoughts swirling as she stepped into the bedroom, which was conveniently next to his. "You can stay here from now on," Roger said as he casually released the handle of her trolley bag. "No need to look for another apartment. This will be your home too."

Varya hesitated, her gaze flicking between Roger and the unfamiliar surroundings. "I don’t want to intrude on your personal space," she replied, unsure of how to navigate the sudden offer.

Roger chuckled softly. "There’s no personal space when it comes to you. Just stay here with me," he affirmed, his words filled with a gentle insistence. He took a step back, his eyes softening as he added, "By the way, I have a lot of questions. We’ll talk once you’ve had a chance to freshen up."

With that, he gave her a reassuring smile before walking toward the door. As he left, he closed it softly behind him, leaving her behind.

Arriving at the balcony of his apartment, Roger looked at the time on the phone before calling Lucius. The ring went and after some time, the call was answered.

"Hey, Roger," Lucius spoke in a gentle voice from the other side.

"Boss, did you ask Varya to see me again?" Roger asked. "I know, except for you, there’s no one who would do this. Thank you so much for this wonderful christmas present, Boss. Thank you for convincing her that I can be that woman, who will take care of her till my last breath."

"I didn’t want you to find out," Lucius said with a chuckle. "I didn’t do much, except for giving her a call. Roger, you are such a good friend to me and this was the least I could do for you. Enjoy your night and embrace this new phase in your life," he pronounced.

"Yes, Boss. I love you, Boss. You have given me so much when I was a nobody," Roger murmured, his voice turning heavy with emotion.

"Don’t say that, Roger. You were always an important person to me. A family member. Don’t say such things anymore. You are such a joyous and hopeful person. If there were any positive person in my life, even in the most bizarre situations, then it was you, Roger. So, you matter a lot. Now, I’ll hang up. I know you have a lot to talk with Varya," Lucius stated and hung up the call after a brief pause.

Roger lowered the phone in his hand and looked at the city lights on the christmas night. He wiped the tears from the edges of his eyes. As the cold winter breeze blew, he went back into the room, shutting the balcony’s door tightly.

Sitting on the couch of the living room, he waited for Varya to come out.

Finally, his wait ended as Varya had come outside in his warm night clothes. She sat next to Roger, keeping some distance between them.

"You loved your work, Varya. You won’t regret it ever, right?" Roger asked, looking at her. "I understand your ambitions."

"I told you I’ve been in the mafia work for over two decades. You were right. I kept my life in danger while working as the mafia queen. A change of heart happened. I decided to pursue my happiness this time. I regretted when I wasn’t with Matteo. Even in his last moments, I was absent. The past should teach people. It taught me too. And I came here... To you!" Varya explained.

Roger stepped closer, closing the small distance between them. Gently taking her hand in his, he said with quiet emotion, "And you chose a successor in such a short time for your business. Then... You chose me. I can’t express how blessed I feel. My own parents walked away from me a long time ago. I spent years trying to find a place to belong, searching for a home. And now... I think I can finally build that home, with you. A family of our own. I swear, I won’t let you down. Not after everything."

A tender smile curved his lips as he held her gaze.

"I trust you," Varya whispered, stepping forward to wrap her arms around him. One hand rubbed gently along his back in affection. When she pulled away, her eyes lingered on his with a hint of amusement.

"I remember quite clearly how you flirted with me in my office," she said, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Applying ointment on my wrist like you owned the place... I think I fell for that tactic that very night."

Roger laughed softly and shook his head in protest. "I wasn’t trying to impress you."

"Well, you did," Varya replied, her voice warm. "The way you walked in, held my hand, treated my injury so naturally, it left a mark on me. You were gentle. And kind. Even in battle, when we were surrounded by enemies, you weren’t just fighting, you were watching over me, worried for my people. I noticed everything. After Matteo... there’s been no one who could affect me like that. Until you."

Her eyes drifted to their interlocked hands, fingers laced with his.

"And I fell for you," Roger said with a sincere tone, "because you were strong and stunning. A fierce heart and a brilliant mind. I don’t know... I just knew it has to be you in my life, Varya. The moment I saw you. It was your eyes, they pulled me in first. And I’ve never wanted to look away since. However, I couldn’t come to you. It doesn’t make me a bad man, right?"

"It doesn’t. It’s good to choose yourself too. I chose you because I felt you are the man who will never let me down," Varya stated with a warm smile.