Ziya

P R O L O G U E

7th April 2000

Giovanni Romano stood by his wife's hospital bed as she went through the painful process of bearing their 7th child into this world. Both had been desperately attempting to bring a girl into their family, but alas that had only happened after their 6th child. But they did not know that yet. After their scan a few months back where they were asked whether they would like to know the gender of their child, they abstained, already having the inkling that their 7th would be a boy because at this point it was standard knowledge.

"You're doing so well amore mio. Just a little longer and we'll have our baby soon." Giovanni whispered in his wife's ear, stroking her forehead with his thumb. 

"I'm so tired Giovanni, I just want to stop." Alina sniffled. After bearing 6 children, she did not anticipate the shear pain that would come with this child.

"Okay Mrs Romano, I just need one last push. Come on mama, this is the last big one." The midwife encouraged the mother to be.

After one last push, "And welcome to the world baby Romano. Well done mama! Dad, come and cut your baby girl's umbilical cord." The midwife beamed.

Gio's head snapped to the midwife so fast that it was a surprise he didn't suffer from whiplash.

Baby girl? Was she sure?

"A baby what? D-did you just say baby girl?" Giovanni breathed, clearly in shock. The midwife softly laughed and beckoned the shocked father over. Within seconds, the umbilical cord was cut with Giovanni intently staring at his little bundle of beauty.

"Amore, she looks just like you. Bellissima. Baby, w-we have a daughter!" Gio huffed out, half laughing and half whispering. Cleary still in shock. 

An hour later and baby Romano was wheeled back in the private suite after having her health check up. Just as the cot was placed next to Alina's bed, the nurse delicately placed the baby into the mother's awaiting arms and left the family for their moment.

Alina gazed at her daughter's little face, ever so softly grazing her daughter's features with her finger. Gio stared at his wife and daughter with utter adoration and couldn't help but wrap his arms around his beautiful wife and pepper kisses all over her head.

"Gio, she's so beautiful. And small. The boys were so much larger than her. She's so precious." Alina whispered as she stared at her daughter with so much love, she thought she'd burst. At the sound of her mother's voice, the youngest Romano stirred awake opening her eyes for the first time as her gaze landed on her mother. Alina softly gasped as her eyes filled with tears. There she was. She was staring into the most beautiful shade of brown.

"Gio, baby, she has your eyes." Alina said as she turned her gaze to her husband who's gaze was trained on his daughter. Gio stared at his daughter with the utmost love , he couldn't even describe it.

Taking in her surroundings, the youngest Romano turned her gaze to her father who's breath got caught in his throat as he stared into her big doe eyes.

"Ziya. Gio, that's what her name should be. After all this time, she's our source of light and that's what her name means. What do you think?" Alina softly spoke to Gio, who had the largest smile on his face.

"It's perfect baby. Absolutely perfect." He whispered against Alina's forehead, laying a gentle kiss on her forehead then leaning down to lay one on his daughter's head.

Early next morning, the Romano couple were on their way home with their newest addition. Driving up to their house, Alina couldn't keep her eyes off Ziya's little sleeping form. The content smile didn't leave her face nor did it leave Gio's as he kept his arm wrapped around his wife. His heart melted at the sight of his girls. His girls. Plural. How unreal it felt for him to say that.

Upon hearing the gate buzz open, the 6 boys shot up off the sofa and dashed into the main reception area in anticipation of their parents. They wondered who the baby would look like more. Will one of the brothers have a mini them or will the newest addition look like a mix of them all. The nerves and excitement rolled off them in waves as they stood practically shaking as they waited by the door.

Gently unbuckling the baby seat and helping Alina out of the car, Gio walked up the steps, both wife and daughter on each arm as he entered his safe place. Looking up, he caught sight of all 6 of his boys and the parents of both Alina and Gio stood with proud smiles on their faces.

As Gio made his way to the living room with the family trailing behind, he ensured Alina was sat comfortably before unbuckling Ziya from her seat and settling her in her mother's arms. The boys surrounded their mother with nothing but wonderment and adoration shining brightly in their orbs.

"Boys, meet your baby sister, Ziya." Gio softly spoke, yet loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. All of a sudden,  multiple sharp intakes of breaths were heard. Everyone looked at Gio and Alina with tears in their eyes.

A baby girl.

Something the family did not have the blessing of for generations.

"Dad, you're not joking with us right?" The youngest of the boys shakily breathed out.

"No, my boy. You have a sister. Finally." Gio spoke into his son's hair as he hugged the youngest to his chest. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they adjusted to the news.

Alina watched as her heart liquified at the sight of her children and how they all had nothing but undying love written all over their faces.

Marco, the eldest of the Romano boys, walked up to his mother and crouched in front of their little miracle. "I promise to protect and love you until my last breath mia piccola farfalle. I will always be there for you no matter what." He whispered against his little sister's forehead as he placed small kisses to the soft skin. 

Looking up at his mother, Marco silently asked permission to hold his little butterfly and his mother did not hesitate to pass Ziya over. Marco held her with such delicate care and tenderness as he stared at his baby sister. Sitting there with his baby sister in his arms is something that will forever be ingrained into his memory, something he will cherish for the rest of his life. A tear slipped out of his eye as Ziya stirred awake in her brother's arms. As she blinked her little eyes, her eyes connected with Marco's as he held his breath in anticipation of a reaction. A few seconds had passed and the most breathtakingly beautiful smile adorned Ziya's face as she stared at her brother. Marco's lips stretched into the largest grin possible as tears continued to stream down his face.

"She didn't smile at me." Gio grumbled as he watched the interaction between the oldest and youngest of his children. He may have sounded childish, but on the inside he was so consumed by happiness that he could not even be mad.

Alina leaned her head on Gio's bicep as she gazed at her boys interacting with their baby sister, Marco still protectively holding his little sister. She turned her head up to gaze at Gio who was already looking at her with a small smile on his face.

"You did it baby. You gave us a daughter and I couldn't be more proud of you." Gio whispered against Alina's forehead.

"Our family is complete, Gio." Alina giggled as Gio peppered kisses all over her face. Gio couldn't help but agree instantly. He was a proud father of 7 children, that was all he could ask for. He was happy. Ecstatic with how full his family was.

What he didn't know was that this happiness wouldn't last for very long. What he didn't anticipate was the ultimate crumble of his family that would change this family for years to come.

A/N: Andddddd that's the prologue!!

I'm so excited for you guys to read what I have in store for the Romano family.

What do you think will happen to the Romano's? Any guesses for what awaits for their future?

If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be? Mine would definitely be Falling - Chase Atlantic.