As the wedding planning progressed, Florence found herself growing closer to the Moretti family. They welcomed her with open arms, and she felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in years.
Leo, noticing Florence's emotional state, reached out and gave her a warm hug. "Don't worry, Mom," he said, using the term of endearment that Lily used for her own mother. "We're going to make this wedding perfect for Lily."
Florence's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged Leo back. "Thank you, Leo. That means so much to me."
Madam Clara, observing the heartwarming moment, smiled warmly. "We're so glad you're here, Florence. You're a part of our family now."
As the days went by, Florence found herself growing closer to the Moretti family. She bonded with Madam Clara over their shared love of cooking, and she even managed to make Elder Moretti crack a smile or two.
Lily, overjoyed to have her mother back, spent every spare moment with Florence. They went shopping for wedding dresses, tried out different hairstyles, and even took a cooking class together.
As the wedding day drew closer, Florence couldn't help but feel grateful. She had been given a second chance, not only to reconnect with her daughter but also to become a part of the Moretti family.
"I'm so glad I'm here, Lily," Florence said, hugging her daughter tightly. "I'm going to make sure your wedding day is perfect."
Lily smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "I know you will, Mom. I love you."
Florence's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged Lily back. "I love you too, baby girl."
The day of the wedding had finally arrived, and the Moretti estate was buzzing with excitement. Florence, beaming with pride, helped Lily into her stunning white wedding gown.
"You look beautiful, baby girl," Florence said, her eyes shining with tears.
Lily smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have done this without you."
Just then, a team of top hairstylists and makeup artists arrived at the estate, ready to work their magic on Lily. They were the best in the business, and Madam Clara had spared no expense in ensuring that Lily looked perfect on her special day.
The hairstylists got to work, crafting a stunning updo that showcased Lily's delicate features. The makeup artists followed, enhancing her natural beauty with subtle shades and expert techniques.
As they worked, Lily's excitement grew. She couldn't wait to see herself in the mirror, to see the finished result of all the hard work and preparation.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Lily stood up, and the team of stylists and artists stepped back to reveal their masterpiece.
Lily gasped, her eyes widening in amazement. She looked stunning, a true princess in every sense of the word.
Florence, overcome with emotion, hugged her daughter tightly. "You look beautiful, Lily. Just like a princess."
Madam Clara smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "You're perfect, Lily. Just perfect."
Leo, waiting anxiously at the altar, caught his first glimpse of Lily and was taken aback by her beauty. He smiled, his eyes shining with love and adoration.
As the ceremony began, Lily walked down the aisle, her father by her side. Florence, beaming with pride, took her seat in the front row, her eyes never leaving her daughter's face.
The ceremony was perfect, every moment carefully planned and executed. Lily and Leo exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.
As they sealed their love with a kiss, the guests erupted into cheers and applause. Florence, overcome with emotion, hugged Madam Clara tightly.
"It's perfect," she whispered. "Everything is just perfect."
As the ceremony began, Lily walked down the aisle, her arm linked with Elder Moretti's. Florence, beaming with pride, watched as her daughter approached the altar.
Lily's eyes met Leo's, and she smiled, her heart full of love. Leo's eyes shone with adoration as he took Lily's hand, and they turned to face the priest.
The priest began to speak, his words filling the air as he talked about the sanctity of marriage and the love that Lily and Leo shared.
Then, it was time for the vows. Lily went first, her voice trembling with emotion as she spoke.
"Leo, from the moment I met you, I knew that you were someone special. You make me feel seen and heard in a way that no one else ever has. You are my best friend, my partner, and my soulmate. I promise to love you, to support you, and to be there for you, no matter what. I love you, Leo."
Leo's eyes shone with tears as he listened to Lily's vows. Then, it was his turn.
"Lily, you are the love of my life. You are the sunshine that brightens up my day, and the stars that light up my night. You are my everything. I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to be there for you, always. I love you, Lily."
As they finished their vows, the priest smiled, and nodded. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Leo's lips met Lily's in a tender, loving kiss. The guests erupted into cheers and applause as the newlyweds turned to face them, beaming with happiness.
Florence, overcome with emotion, hugged Madam Clara tightly. "It's perfect," she whispered. "Everything is just perfect."
The reception was in full swing, with guests mingling and laughing as they celebrated Lily and Leo's union. Florence, beaming with pride, watched as her daughter and new son-in-law danced their first dance as husband and wife.
Just then, a group of familiar faces appeared at the entrance of the reception hall. Andrew, Victoria, Sophia, and Alex had arrived, and they looked like they didn't quite fit in with the joyful atmosphere.
As they scanned the room, their eyes landed on Florence, and they were shocked and frightened. Andrew's eyes widened in disbelief, and Victoria's face turned pale.
"I thought you were dead..." Andrew stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "How...how is this possible?"
Florence's eyes narrowed, her expression cold and unforgiving. "That's none of your business," she spat, her voice venomous.
Just then, Elder Moretti appeared at Florence's side, his eyes blazing with anger. "I think it's time for you to leave," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Andrew, Victoria, Sophia, and Alex took a step back, intimidated by Elder Moretti's presence.
"Let me make one thing clear," Elder Moretti continued, his voice dripping with warning. "You are not welcome here. You will not come near Lily or her mother again. Do I make myself clear?"
Andrew, Victoria, Sophia, and Alex nodded hastily, their eyes wide with fear.
"Good," Elder Moretti said, his expression unyielding. "Because if you do, there will be consequences. And trust me, you don't want that."
With that, Andrew, Victoria, Sophia, and Alex beat a hasty retreat, disappearing into the night like ghosts.
Florence watched them go, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. She knew that she and Lily were finally safe, thanks to the Moretti family's protection.
As the evening drew to a close, Lily and Leo made their way to the exit, surrounded by cheers and applause. They drove off into the night, ready to start their new life together.
And Florence, surrounded by the Moretti family, knew that she had finally found a sense of belonging and peace.