Liam Payne and his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, had big plans for their future before the singer died at age 31.
Cassidy, 25, released a statement on Instagram Wednesday and said she’s “struggling” to live without the One Direction alum, who fatally fell of a balcony in Argentina last week. Cassidy left Argentina two days before the tragedy.
The influencer revealed in her post that before Payne’s death, the couple wrote notes detailing their plans together.
“A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together. I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it,” Cassidy wrote.
“It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.’ Liam I know we’ll be together forever, but in the way we had planned. You will always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel,” she said.
Cassidy then promised Payne “I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”
Cassidy’s post, which featured various photos of the duo together, was shared exactly one week after Payne’s death.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” she wrote at the start of her statement. “My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now. You brought me so much happiness and positivity to everyone — millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved.”
Cassidy continued, “You are — because I can’t say were — my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into.”
“None of this feels real,” she added, “and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to find how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things.”
Cassidy remembered the “Strip That Down” singer for having “the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit.” She also said that she has “lost the best part of myself” in the wake of Payne’s death.
“I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love,” she said. “You brought so much light into my life.”
Cassidy broke her silence after Payne’s death on Friday.
“Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss,” she posted on her Instagram Story. “Nothing about the past few days have felt real.”
“I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private,” she continued. “Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Cassidy traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the musician but returned to Florida solo two days before he fractured his skull and died instantly of “very serious injuries” when he fell from his third-floor hotel balcony.
They were together for two years.