E N D I N G
Today, Nico was taking me on a proper date.
He'd asked me what my favorite flowers were, I told him red roses. So, I knew he had a perfect date planned.
And Lizzy was finally back.
I don't think I'd stopped talking since I woke up. Angelo had driven me all the way there while I rambled excitedly in the backseat about Lizzy, about how much I missed her laugh, how I couldn't wait to hug her again, how everything finally felt... lighter.
The rooftop restaurant rose above the city, glass and lights glowing against the darkening sky.
When I stepped out of the car, I smoothed my dress nervously. It was my favorite color. Simple, elegant. My hair fell naturally over my shoulders—curly.
Nico had insisted.
Please, he'd said earlier. Leave it curly.
I took a breath and walked toward the elevator.
That's when I heard my name.
"Daria."
I turned.
A woman stood near the entrance, watching me with an expression I couldn't place at first—soft, overwhelmed, almost reverent.
She had dark skin, warm eyes framed by faint smile lines, black coils falling gently around her shoulders. She was tall, slender, and somehow... familiar.
"Yes?" I said carefully. "Can I help you?"
Her lips trembled into a smile.
"Wow," she whispered. "You're... you're so beautiful."
My stomach tightened.
"Who are you?" I asked softly.
She stepped closer, careful, like she didn't want to scare me.
"My name is Bethany," she said. "Bethany Knowles."
My heart stuttered, I searched her eyes.
"I'm your biological mother."
Everything inside me cracked open.
I stared at her, my chest burning, tears blurring my vision.
"You're... my mom?"
She nodded, eyes shining. "Yes, honey. I am."
My breath came out shaky.
"I've waited so long to see you," she continued. "Just to know you were okay. To see who you became."
She reached out, hesitated, then gently took my hands.
"I'm so sorry I gave you up," she said quietly. "I was so young. So scared. You were only one. I didn't have the means to take care of you the way you deserved."
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
" But I never stopped thinking about you or loving you," she said. "And seeing you now..." She smiled through her tears. "I know I did the right thing. You grew into such a strong, beautiful woman. I'm so proud of you."
Something inside me gave way.
I stepped forward and hugged her.
She held me like she'd been waiting her entire life to do it.
For the first time, I understood what it felt like—to be seen by a mother who wanted me.
She laughed softly and pulled back. "Okay—okay. I don't want to mess up your makeup for your date."
I let out a small, broken laugh, wiping my cheeks.
"You look stunning," she added. "Nico asked me to guide you upstairs."
I noticed then—the smile.
It was the same as mine. Something warm passed through my chest. It was the first time, I'd seen someone look like me.
When the elevator doors opened, my breath caught.
The rooftop was glowing—soft lights, flowers, candles, the city stretching endlessly behind it all.
And there they were.
Lizzy. Enzo. Nessa. Isabella. Angelo.
My heart soared—and then stopped.
In the center of it all stood Nico, in a suit.
And behind him, a beautiful shiny sign, with red roses.
My hands flew to my mouth as I walked over to him.
Nico smiled at me, eyes shining, and then—he dropped to one knee.
"I need to do this properly," he said.
Tears streamed down my face.
"Daria," he continued, voice steady but full, "I've loved you since our fifth tutoring session. And I know, I will love you forever. Will you marry me?"
I looked around.
Lizzy was already jumping up and down, clapping wildly. "YES YES YES YES!"
"SAY YES." Nessa screamed.
I laughed through my sobs and nodded. "Yes. A million times."
He stood, smiling like the happiest man alive.
"Jules," he said softly, "the ring."
My breath caught as he took his mother's ring and slid it onto my finger. He'd shown me the ring, I didn't realize he was going to propose with it. His mother left it for him, for his wife— the letter said.
It fit perfectly.
He pulled me into his arms, holding me tight as applause and laughter surrounded us.
Enzo and Lizzy joined us, wrapping their arms around us in a messy, perfect group hug.
"I CALLED it!" Lizzy said happily.
"Finally." Enzo teased.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged.
And as I held Nico, surrounded by love, family, and a future I never imagined... I felt it.
This was home.