Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE BENEATH THE ORCHIDS
Two years after Becca first entered the Onyx Room, she graduated.
Valentino attended with Luna, Stella, Nova, and Noah.
The girls carried flowers.
Noah cheered loudly enough to embarrass her.
Valentino looked proud.
After the ceremony, Becca found him waiting beneath a tree.
He held a small bouquet of white orchids.
She smiled.
"What's this?"
"A celebration."
She laughed.
"You already gave me flowers."
He looked down.
"These are different."
He took her hand.
"Becca, when you first met us, I thought money could solve everything."
She smiled faintly.
"I remember."
He continued.
"You showed me that my daughters didn't need another expensive specialist making promises."
"They needed time," she said.
"And safety."
He nodded.
"And I needed someone willing to tell me the truth."
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Becca stared.
"Valentino."
He smiled nervously.
"I know I don't have the right to ask you to forget my past."
She looked at him.
"I wouldn't."
He nodded.
"Good."
Then he said:
"But I want to spend my future earning your trust."
Tears filled her eyes.
"Will you marry me?"
She laughed through tears.
"Yes."
The triplets screamed with excitement.
Noah clapped.
May you like
Valentino pulled Becca into his arms.
And beneath the trees, surrounded by the people they loved, they began a new chapter.
