This is the last chapter before the epilogue

wow has it been a journey

enjoy!

Kasia

"Remembering Lotus Romney. A life of challenges and a spirit of resilience. In her short years, she faced shadows and light. A daughter of strength, a mother's love defined her. Her journey took her through winding paths. Yet her daughter's laughter brought her joy. In the end, her story was a tragic one. May we see beyond her past to the soul within. Taken too soon, but her daughter's legacy lives on. Born: 1992 - Departed: 2012"

"My father said his mother wrote this epitaph. That she was the only one who really cared about my mother." I whispered to Silver, sitting next to the gravestone that was in the mausoleum they built for her out of respect.

He sat beside me, quiet, and hugged me and I broke down in his arms. "I never got to meet her," I cried.

"I know," he said softly, hugging me tightly.

"She died protecting me and I don't even remember her." I hiccuped, wiping my tears. "I can't remember her," I whispered.

Silver cupped my face. "Now you can have her." he touched my heart.

I laughed and Silver also began to laugh. "Stop it," I sniffled. "I'm supposed to be sad."

Silver kissed my cheek. "You're supposed to be happy, amore mio." (My love)

??? POV:

Lotus Romney's life was woven with threads of hardship and unexpected turns. In the tumultuous years before her daughter Kasia's birth, she faced challenges that would shape her destiny in unforeseen ways.

Lotus was a young woman navigating life's rough waters with resilience. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her inner strength that truly defined her. Born into difficult circumstances, she found herself drawn into a life she didn't choose, becoming a prostitute as a means of survival. Despite the struggles she faced, Lotus carried herself with a quiet confidence that belied the storms raging within.

It was during these trying times that she crossed paths with a man named Kenneth, whose mother had plans for him to marry and carry on their family legacy. Kenneth's mother, who met her first, was eager for grandchildren, and took an interest in Lotus when she helped carry groceries to their home. Seeing beyond the surface, she decided to give Lotus a chance to change her life.

But, Kenneth's mother's intentions were far from altruistic. Driven by the desire for grandchildren and a legacy to carry on, she orchestrated a meeting between Kenneth and Lotus–Despite Kenneth already being married and in love.

Lotus, ever composed, agreed to the arrangement, though the weight of the situation was not lost on her. She found herself in a complex web of emotions, facing a choice between her own well-being and the potential for her child's future–but, she had liked Kenneth, oblivious to his marriage, she thought she could fall in love with him someday.

As fate would have it, Lotus did become pregnant, but the circumstances grew even more complicated. She discovered that Kenneth was already married, and Lotus knew that her child wouldn't be accepted by him or his family. Faced with the impending arrival of her daughter, Lotus made the heart-wrenching decision to keep her pregnancy a secret. She carried her growing belly and her dreams for a brighter future quietly within her, even as danger lurked around every corner.

When Kasia was born, Lotus's love for her daughter shone brightly despite the shadows that surrounded their lives. She knew she couldn't provide the life that Kasia deserved, but she held onto the hope that one-day things might change. In a desperate bid to secure a future for her daughter, Lotus stole money from a dangerous drug dealer, hoping to escape their grim circumstances.

Unfortunately, fate dealt Lotus a cruel hand. The drug dealer discovered her theft and sought vengeance. Lotus, aware of the impending danger, hid her beloved daughter under a floorboard as she faced the wrath of the drug dealer's retribution alone. Tragically, she lost her life that day, leaving behind a two-year-old daughter with nothing but a hidden memory of a mother's love.

Lotus's story is one of sacrifice, love, and the unyielding will to protect her child at all costs. Though her life was cut short, her legacy lives on through Kasia, who would grow up with the strength and resilience inherited from a mother who defied the odds for her sake.

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"I had so much fun, dad, Kasia." Analia squealed.

"Lana and Taylor had to go home but it was so much fun. We went on rides, looked at weird people, talked about boys, ate so much we were featured on TLC's My 600 lbs Life."

I laughed along with her as Silver shook his head. "I'm glad you had fun." Silver said. "And I hope you didn't actually get on any show."

"No, dad, don't be silly." Analia giggled, rubbing Zaire's head. "By the way, why are we staying here all together now?"

I smiled sheepishly as Silver rolled his eyes. "Kasia needs to learn how to make people suffer before forgiveness."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up," I put my arm around Analia. "Your dad's just a hater and doesn't like anyone."

Silver lay down on the bed with Zaire on top of him. "No one gave me a reason to like them."

"Well we have a few days left here so let's make the best of it." I frowned. "I was kinda disappointed I didn't get to see Denise or Thomas. Apparently Thomas is visiting his sister for the summer."

Silver sat up and looked at me. "Kasia, stop talking like we know the people you're talking about."

Analia laughed, eating some candy from the minibar. "Dad, stop,"

I pursed my lips. "I hope you sleep very well tonight."

Silver frowned. "Um, amore–"

"Shut up," I grumbled.

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I furrowed my brows. "Wait," I blinked in confusion. "Why does everyone know about this surprise but me?" I asked when my own parents and Aunt Gloria and Uncle Robert showed up where Silver told me to be.

Like, at this point Zaire knew. I mean he did leave first with Silver and Analia. Everyone was just smiling at me and Kishma kept Winston quiet.

"What's going on?" I asked them. Analia shrugged and I narrowed my eyes on her. "Seriously?"

Aunt Gloria sighed. "Just go and see, Kasia."

Uncle Robert grinned widely. "Yes, yes, hurry on child."

Father nodded as Jacqueline held his arm in excitement, Kishma and Winston jumping up and down in excitement and so I decided to indulge.

I was a little pissed off because this was supposed to be a private date with Silver but a family dinner's nice too. I looked around the romantic outdoor restaurant Silver picked out.

Soft candlelight bathes the space in a warm glow, casting a gentle play of shadows on the walls. The decor is designed to accentuate the beauty of the surroundings.

I noticed the pathway of rose petals that formed a delicate carpet leading to the heart of the setup. Lush floral arrangements, featuring a palette of soft pastels and vibrant blooms, adorn the space, infusing the air with the sweet fragrance. White roses are prominent among the blooms.

A canopy of twinkling fairy lights is suspended above, reminiscent of a starlit sky, creating a magical and dreamy atmosphere. The lights gently sway in the breeze, creating an enchanting dance of illumination. Hanging from the canopy are elegant drapes that billow gracefully, adding an ethereal touch to the scene.

At the center of it all is a beautifully set table for two. A tablecloth in a soft, romantic hue cascades to the floor, accented by delicate lace runners. Fine china, gleaming silverware, and crystal glassware sparkle in the candlelight, evoking a sense of refinement and celebration. A bouquet of fresh flowers graces the table as a centerpiece, echoing the beauty of the surroundings.

"Oh shit," I whispered once I realized what this was. I watched Silver walk up to me graciously with a small smirk on his face. "What are you doing?" I asked even though I knew what was going on. I couldn't believe it, I was in denial.

"Surprise," he responded, getting down on one knee as everyone started to come in, recording and smiling at us. "Kasia, amore mio, you deserve the world. You are...an elysian. I have hurt you and caused so much chaos but you have treated me with so much love. So again, you deserve the world and I only ask that I can be in it. Will you marry me amore mio," (my love)

"Oh, Silver," I covered my mouth as tears of joy pooled on my face and a sob broke out of my mouth. I sniffled, nodding. "Yes, Silver, I will marry you."

He smiled his beautiful smile and pushed the ring onto my ring finger as everyone cheered for us. He stood up and kissed me. "I love you."

I smiled, looking at my beautiful ring. "Aw, it's my birthstone," I kissed him again.

"You did tell me about it."

"I did," I whispered, kissing him yet again. "You are my Elysian as well."

Silver smirked. "I targeted you first."

See you guys tmmr!

we're almost done!

two more chapters. HOW YALLL FEEEEL