The Dark Side of Fate

160 One Day To Go

-Amelia-

For six days, we dedicated ourselves to preparing for the blue moon. Tamia took charge of all the arrangements, ensuring everything was in order. Almost everyone was present except for Vino, Claudia, and the triplets. They had been away in Lucland, only returning this morning. Little did we know, Vino had specifically asked Kappa Levi to send the triplets to his home in Lucland, where he and Claudia later joined them after Tamia's lounge party.

That explained why we didn't see the triplets when Bryce brought the children. It would have been nice if Vino had allowed us to meet them, but I'm sure he had his reasons for sending them away. I understood that they needed some time alone after their recent ordeal. Now, they were back and getting ready for the wedding scheduled for tomorrow.

Leo and Susan's parents had been flown in for the wedding, and at that moment, it struck me with a sudden realisation.

I excused myself from the bustling banquet hall where Tamia, Linda, and Nicole diligently arranged the seating. Unbeknownst to me, my nerves quietly crept up until I entered my bedroom.

As I settled down, I took a few deep breaths, seeking solace and attempting to calm my jitters. This was it-the moment I had been eagerly awaiting. I counted my blessings and felt profound gratitude welling up within me. If someone had told me this extraordinary life would be mine, I would have dismissed it as a fanciful lie. I could have never imagined such a marvellous outcome for myself.

My mind wandered back to the serendipitous way Leo and I had met and all the remarkable events that had unfolded to bring us to this point.

Indeed, I was blessed beyond measure. Not only had I found my soulmate in Leo, I had also gained a loving family and found my rightful place in this vast world. Every fibre of my being overflowed with gratitude as I eagerly anticipated the future with a renewed sense of hope.

Lost in my contemplation, a gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Curiosity piqued, I rose from my seat and approached the door to discover who sought my attention.

"Who is it?' I asked, and my mother's voice responded. She had been absent for two days, so I was relieved to see her return. Welcoming her inside, I could tell from her appearance that she had just arrived. My curiosity was piqued about her activities with Erik. Still, I chose to withhold my inquiries and respect her need for privacy. Perhaps one day, she would willingly share the details.

I ushered her in and offered her a seat.

"Where is Leo?" she inquired, to which I shrugged.

Since the lounge party, he had been occupied with the sentencing and execution of punishments. It wasn't solely his responsibility; all the men were busy. He had left early in the morning and was yet to come home.

"Somewhere," I replied, and she chuckled.

"Erik and I travelled to Gad to reclaim the properties and wealth Yuri stole from me," she explained, and I felt genuinely happy for her.

"So you have everything now?" I asked, elated on her behalf.

She nodded, smiling.

"I have what remains of it," she admitted, but her nonchalant demeanour assured me she was content.

"I'm glad for you. You no longer have to dwell in the shadows," I conveyed, and she acknowledged my words with misty eyes.

"Amelia," she began, holding my hand and gazing at me intently.

"I'm proud of you," she stated.

"I'm proud of the woman you've become. I know it hasn't been easy for you, and I admire your strength. Please know that there hasn't been a day when you weren't on my mind,” she confessed, her voice trembling with the threat of tears. Wanting to spare her further emotional strain, I intervened.

"Let's leave the past behind, Mother, and focus on the future," I reassured her, and she nodded, attempting to blink away her tears.

from her bag. I wondered if she had gone

to me on our wedding day. It belonged to his mother. He claimed he kept it for his fated, but I knew he had given it to Alexei's mother, who returned it after their divorce. I never let on that I knew so as not to spoil the moment," she explained, and we laughed. 2 "Anyway, tomorrow is the night of the blue moon. Although you and Leo don't need it, you've chosen to

adorned with delicate charms shaped like the Stepanov family crest.

realising my initial assumption of it being silver was

charm bracelet." She said, and I admired

The metal was truly mesmerising. It gleamed in the sunlight, emanating an ethereal radiance that instantly captivated me. Its surface sparkled with an otherworldly brilliance, the kind only precious metals possess. The sunlight danced upon it, creating a dazzling spectacle

around the palladium, caressing it like a gentle lover. Its pristine shine was an invitation to delve into a world of wonder. As I touched the palladium, I was astonished by its smoothness. The metal's cool, silky surface felt like liquid silk under my fingertips. I was awestruck by the craftsmanship that had

I said and looked at

looks perfect on your

on, I put aside the box

to Gad?" I asked her, and her eyes showed a bit of difficulty. I knew she believed the answer she would give

your brothers. I also want to be a part of my grandchildren's lives. Your children, Alexei's and hopefully Clay's,' she said, and

share," I said, and she

even before I was born, even though they were not with her and our

dress and our honeymoon plans. My mother was

me away at the altar, but

we wanted the wedding to be private, with only friends, family, and well-wishers. Nothing on the big screen,

I knew it was

mother left, and I decided to check on Susan and Claudia. On my way to

he was supposed to be with

today?" I inquired, noticing his unease. His demeanour suggested he was privy to something he wished to keep

pressed, and he

I probed further, and eventually,

mention to Leo that I divulged this to you," he pleaded earnestly. Understanding the urgency,

He said, and I laughed. It explained why Leo hurriedly dressed and was out the door before I could ask questions. They had been through a lot. It was good for them to unwind and have fun before the

why are you here?"

on her way to the estate,' he said, and my eyes

two...' I started, and he shook his

Blue Moon ceremony," he said, and

happy for you," I said, and he

in a hurry, I let

eager to

why Leo wasn't that way with me when we met, and it took him a while to

Susan's room, and she let me in. She was energised and high- spirited. I could see the

me, and there was no point lying, so

said, and I smiled in

and she lifted my hand to

said, and I

to her

are connecting," she said, and

happy for you," she said, and

we be doing

bath,' I said, and she squealed. I could see her eagerness and was happy for her. She talked a lot about her dress. Susan had never been the chatty kind, but she seemed to be talking suddenly; I guess that was how she