It was late spring when Engin and Cyprus exchanged their vows in front of Lake Seraphina, the town’s most picturesque destination, famous for its numerous villas. The ceremony was intimate, attended only by a few close friends, as Engin’s family did not favor Cyprus. She was an ordinary girl who sold flowers in the local market of Lake Seraphina. Of medium height, and striking beauty. Her features were defined by alabaster skin beneath a crown of flaxen hair, and an expressive almond – brown eyes. A perfect complement for Engin’s physical feature. He stood tall, his fair skin catching the light. His jet black hair was a sharp contrast to his features, and a distinguished beard traced the curve of his jaw, drawing attention to his intense, amber eyes.

This disapproval was not minor. Engin was the sole heir to the immense fortune of Manolo, who owned a vast vineyard and winery across the country, a true multi-billionaire in the region. It was unthinkable that Engin would choose an ordinary girl, especially when he was expected to take the hand of Thalia, the seductive hotel heiress, in an arranged marriage.

The priest’s voice rose clearly above the gentle sound of the lake, “Engin do you take Cyprus to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the bonds of matrimony?”

Engin met Cyprus expressive, almond-brown eyes. All thoughts of his family and fortune was vanished as he looked at her and said firmly “I do.” Then the priest then turned to Cyprus. “And do you, Cyprus, take Engin to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

With a radiant look of happiness, she didn’t hesitate and said “I do.”

The priest smiled. ” Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

Engin gathered her close, his beard brushing her cheek, and kissed her with a certainty that defied every expectation place upon his name. A wave of genuine applause followed and everyone present was beaming with joy for the newlyweds.

With their vows sealed, the newly weds began their life together, one of the modest means that deliberately stood apart from Engin’s former world. They settled just outside the skirts of Lake Seraphina, choosing contentment over luxury. Cyprus opened a small flower shop run from their home, while Engin, having renounced his inheritance, found work as a manager at a local restaurant. It was a happy marriage, grounded in genuine love and mutual respect, confirming the choice they made that spring day.

Despite their contentment, the shadow of Engin’s father Manolo, was long and inescapable. Using his immense power, the multi-billionaire blackmailed the restaurant owner and had Engin summarily fired from his manager position. With his family’s wrath now directed at their livelihood, Engin was left with no choice but to immediately search for work to support Cyprus, who was now heavily pregnant, nine month along with their first child.

Engin spent the entire day desperately searching for job openings until weariness finally overtook him. By evening, physical exhaustion and mental despair had consumed him. It was due to this lapse, this crushing fatigue, the he never saw the fast – approaching car. It struck him with brutal force, killing him instantly. The vehicle, spinning violently out of control, careened off the road and plummeted over the nearby cliff edge.

Unaware of the tragedy that had just unfolded on the roadside, Cyprus was enduring her own devastating crisis. Alone in their small home, she was already in agonizing labor. At the very moment Engin’s life was extinguished on the cliff road, Cyprus brought their first child into the world. One life has ended, and another had begun.

When the news of the accident finally reached Cyprus, she was overcome by deep sorrow, instantly turning her joy to grief. Her new fear was that Manolo, Engin’s cruel father, would one day come and take their daughter Baby. To protect her, Cyprus decided to move to southern region, a place where no one could identify her or the child.

Once again to make ends meet, she sold flowers in the local market. Since she was an orphan with no one to support her, she had no choice but to bring Baby to the shop every day. The people of the market quickly grew fond of Baby’s angelic looks and cute smile. Her fellow vendors often carried the little girl while Cyprus was busy with customers. Baby grew up to be polite, industrious, and cheerful girl, who always hugged Cyprus from behind and whispered, ” I love you, Mama.”

One day at the shop, another little girl, about Baby’s age, walked past. Baby was instantly astonished by the girl’s neat outfit.” Mama, she immediately asked Cyprus, her gaze fixed on the passing child, “what is she wearing.?

Cyprus recognized the look of longing. “She’s wearing a school uniform, my dear.”

What is a school? Baby asked.

Cyprus, heart heavy, gently began to explain the concept of learning. ” Can I also go there and dress like that?” Baby pleaded. Teary-eyed, Cyprus hugged her daughter tight. “Yes, very soon, my dear,” she whispered, a promise she desperately hoped to keep.

Cyprus often cried at night, the only solace being Engin’s picture she held tight against her heart. It was a sorrow Baby knew well. Seeing her mother’s tears, Baby would silently wipe them away before quickly pulling Cyprus into a fierce hug. It was no secret to Baby that her father had died when she was born, she simply said her papa was handsome and the best, a belief she held with an unwavering faith.

The need to send Baby to school gave Cyprus new resolve. She found a job working as a dishwasher at a restaurant, taking evening shift to save money for Baby’s tuition. Six years passed in this manner. Baby was now in Grade 6 and excellent in her studies. Their life settled into a demanding rhythm. Immediately after school, Baby would head to the flower shop to help her mother with the customers, and then Cyprus would leave for the restaurant. Their success was a testament to their love and sacrifice.

Little Baby knew that her mother was battling with cancer more than poverty. Cyprus had first felt the small lump on her right breast few years ago, a secret she fiercely guarded. The cancer was now spreading to her lungs.

The years of tragedy and hidden illness had taken a cruel toll on her body. Her illness become visible in the severe edema affecting her right arm and leg, a stark contrast to the thinness of her left side. Baby frequently heard her mother coughing deep in the night or worse found her fainting without warning. With no money or savings, Cyprus conditions became worst until her body finally began to deteriorate.

Enveloped in profound sadness. Baby watched her mother sleep as the painkillers slowly began to take effect. Despite her illness, the next morning Cyprus insisted on one last visit to the flower shop. Baby reluctantly gave in, determined only to make her mother happy. That day, however, was full of unexpected joy, the fellow vendors, though they saw the agony in Cyprus’s movements, had prepared a small celebration for her.

As they closed the shop, Baby gently hoisted her mother onto her back – the donated wheelchair was completely ruined. Slowly walking toward their home through the cold evening winter air, Cyprus whispered ” I love you my Baby” and ” I am proud to be your mother.”

” I love you too, Mama, ” Baby choked out, fighting her tears while carrying her mother’s frail weight. “You will be fine soon Mama,” Baby said.

But even as she spoke, she felt her mother’s hands grow cold and slowly drift away from her shoulders. Baby stopped, the weight on her back suddenly unbearable. In the middle of the empty, winter street, she realized her mother had finally passed away.

After giving Cyprus a proper burial, Baby returned to the flower shop, fighting for survival alone. She was soon kicked out of their rented space and forced to live in a small tent outside the park. On the other side of country, Manolo intensified his search for his grandchild, not out of love but out of fear that no one would inherit his vast fortune.

But it was too late. Baby was found dead four days after Cyprus’s passing, a casualty of the brutal winter hyperthermia.

In her final moments, shivering alone in the tent, she saw them: Engin and Cyprus, smiling and calling her name. Baby’s last clear memory was a heartbreaking mirror image – her mother carrying her on her back as a child, and then Baby carrying her mother on that final winter walk. With her last, weak breath, Baby whispered, “I love you, Mama and Papa.” Her spirit went out, finally joining the love she had fighting to survive for.

©2025 Eorie Faye. All Rights Reserved.