Leo stood on the construction site, overseeing the development of the massive project that was part of the big contract with Donald Trump. The contract had the potential to bring in billions of dollars in revenue and create new job opportunities for the country.
As he watched the workers laboring away, Leo felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. This project was a game-changer, and he was determined to see it through to completion.
The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of activity, with Leo working tirelessly to ensure that the project stayed on track. He had met with Donald Trump several times, discussing the details of the contract and the progress of the project.
As the days turned into weeks, the project began to take shape. The skeletal structure of the buildings rose into the air, and the sound of hammering and drilling filled the air.
Finally, the day of the project's opening arrived. Leo and Donald Trump stood side by side, cutting the ribbon to officially mark the beginning of the project.
With the project now underway, Leo could finally turn his attention to his upcoming wedding to Lily. He was excited to share the news with his family and start making plans for the big day.
As the family's discussion turned to the finer details of the wedding, Lily's eyes began to well up with tears. She excused herself, feeling overwhelmed, and stepped out into the garden. Leo followed her, concern etched on his face. "Lily, what's wrong?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
Lily's voice trembled as she spoke. "I just wish my mom was here. I miss her so much, especially now that we're getting married. I wish I knew what happened to her... if she's okay..." Her voice trailed off, and she buried her face in Leo's chest.
Leo held her tightly, trying to comfort her. "We'll find out what happened to your mom, Lily. I promise. But for now, let's focus on our future together."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Lily felt a pang of sadness. She had given up hope of ever finding her mom, and the pain of not knowing still lingered.
Meanwhile, in a distant location, a woman with a familiar smile watched Lily and Leo's moment together on a screen. Her eyes filled with tears as she whispered, "My baby girl... I'm coming home."
The woman's face came into focus, revealing a striking resemblance to Lily. It was Florence, Lily's long-lost mother.
Florence's eyes lingered on the screen, her heart swelling with emotion. She had been searching for Lily for years, and finally, she had found her.
As she watched Lily and Leo together, Florence couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. Her daughter had grown into a beautiful, strong woman, and she had found love.
But alongside her happiness, a burning desire for revenge ignited within her. She thought about Andrew, her ex-husband, and Victoria, his manipulative second wife, who had tormented her and torn her away from Lily.
Florence's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in determination. "It's time," she whispered to herself. "Time to reclaim my daughter, and time to make them pay."
Beatrice, her loyal friend and confidante, stood beside her, sensing the fire burning within Florence. "We'll get them, Florence," Beatrice vowed. "We'll make sure they regret the day they ever hurt you."
With a fierce glint in her eye, Florence nodded. "Let's do this," she said, her voice dripping with resolve.
As the evening arrived, the Moretti family gathered in their lavish living room, discussing the wedding plans. Leo and Lily sat together, surrounded by their loved ones.
Just as Madam Clara was about to announce the wedding date, the doorbell rang. Mrs. Jenkins, the family's trusted advisor, got up to answer it.
A few moments later, Mrs. Jenkins returned with a woman in her mid-40s, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit. The woman's eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on Lily, her expression changed.
Lily, sensing someone's gaze, turned around, and her eyes met the woman's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with emotion.
"Mom?" Lily whispered, her voice trembling.
The woman's face lit up with a warm smile. "Lily, my baby girl," Florence said, her voice filled with tears.
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Florence and Lily. The Moretti family exchanged surprised glances, unaware of the significance of this unexpected reunion
As the room remained silent, Florence's eyes locked onto Lily's, filled with a mix of emotions - happiness, sadness, and longing. She took a step forward, her hands reaching out to her daughter.
Lily, still in shock, slowly rose from her seat, her eyes fixed on Florence. The two women moved towards each other, the air thick with tension.
Just as they were about to embrace, Lily's voice whispered, "Mom?" Her eyes searched Florence's face, seeking answers to the countless questions she had harbored for years.
Florence's face contorted in a mix of pain and joy as she nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry, Lily. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry I didn't protect you."
The room erupted into a cacophony of gasps and whispers as the Moretti family struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before them.
Leo, sensing Lily's distress, wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she trembled with emotion.
As Florence and Lily stood there, locked in a poignant embrace, the room around them melted away. The Moretti family, though shocked and curious, respectfully gave them space, allowing the long-overdue reunion to unfold.
Leo, sensing Lily's distress, wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she trembled with emotion. He exchanged a warm glance with Florence, who smiled weakly, her eyes brimming with tears.
As they stood there, the silence was filled with the weight of unspoken words, unresolved emotions, and unanswered questions. But for now, the simple act of being together was enough
Lily's body shook with sobs as she clung to Florence, her arms wrapped tightly around her mother's waist. Florence held her close, whispering soothing words into her ear.
"I'm so sorry, baby girl. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you," Florence whispered, her own voice trembling with emotion.
As they hugged, Lily's tears flowed freely, releasing years of pent-up emotions. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, and now that it was finally here, she couldn't let go.
Florence gently stroked Lily's hair, her eyes filled with tears. "My baby girl, I'm home now. I'm home, and I'll never leave you again."
As they stood there, Florence took a deep breath and began to explain. "Lily, when you were seven, I...I didn't leave you by choice. Andrew and Victoria, they...they tried to kill me."
Lily's sobs slowed, and she looked up at Florence, her eyes wide with shock. "What?" she whispered.
Florence's face contorted in pain. "They wanted to get rid of me, to keep me from being a part of your life. But I escaped, Lily. I escaped, and I've been hiding ever since, waiting for the right moment to come back to you."
Lily's eyes filled with tears again, and she buried her face in Florence's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry I didn't know."
Florence held her close, whispering words of comfort. "It's not your fault, baby girl. It's mine. I should have protected you better. But I'm here now, and I'll do everything in my power to make it right.
Elder Moretti's face darkened as he listened to Florence's words. His eyes flashed with anger, and he took a step forward, his voice low and menacing.
"How dare they?" he growled. "How dare they try to kill you and tear you away from your child?"
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Elder Moretti. His anger was palpable, and it seemed to fill the entire space.
Florence shook her head, tears still streaming down her face. "I don't know, sir. I only know that they wanted me out of the way, and they were willing to do whatever it took to make that happen."
Elder Moretti's face turned red with rage. "I'll make sure they pay for what they've done," he vowed. "No one hurts one of our own and gets away with it."
Leo stepped forward, his eyes locked on Elder Moretti. "Sir, please. We need to think about Lily and Florence's safety right now. We can deal with Andrew and Victoria later."
Elder Moretti's anger slowly gave way to a calculating calm. He nodded, his eyes never leaving Florence's face. "You're right, Leo. We'll protect them first. But mark my words, Andrew and Victoria will pay for their wickedness."
With Elder Moretti's vow to protect them, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Florence, still emotional, smiled weakly as she hugged Lily again.
"I'm so glad I'm here for this," Florence said, her voice filled with joy. "I want to help plan the wedding, if that's okay with you, Lily."
Lily's face lit up with excitement. "Really, Mom? You want to help plan the wedding?"
Florence nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I've missed so much of your life, baby girl. I want to be a part of this special day."
The Moretti family, delighted by the reunion, welcomed Florence with open arms. Madam Clara, beaming with joy, took charge of the wedding planning, with Florence by her side.
As they sat down to discuss the details, Florence couldn't help but feel grateful. She had been given a second chance, not only to reconnect with her daughter but also to be a part of her special day.
Leo, noticing Florence's emotional state, reached out and took her hand. "We're glad you're here, Florence. I mean mom. We're going to make this wedding unforgettable."
Florence smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in years. "Thank you, Leo. I'm going to make sure it's perfect for my baby girl."