Arranged Marriage: The Lost Bet

Epilogue: Beginning of forever

"Push, baby, push!" Lucas encouraged Arianna as she labored to give birth to their twins.

Sweat and tears streamed down her face with each contraction. "I'm trying," she gritted through clenched teeth.

"One more big push, Arianna. You can do it," the doctor urged. Lucas couldn't bear to look, fearing what he might see.

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed as she pushed again, followed by the piercing cry of their newborn.

"It's a healthy boy!" the nurse announced as she rushed to clean him up.

"It's happening again!" Arianna yelled as another contraction surged through her.

"Push, baby, you can do it. I love you so much," Lucas said, tears filling his eyes. Just a year ago, he hadn't wanted to be married, let alone a father, yet here he was, watching his beautiful wife bring their children into the world.

After two more pushes, a scream filled the room as Annabell Marie made her grand entrance.

Exhausted, Arianna fell back against the bed, eager to hold her children.

"I love you so much," Lucas said, gazing down at her.

Arianna smiled weakly, tears welling in her eyes. "And I love you, Lucas," she murmured.

Just then, the nurse brought over a small bundle wrapped in a blue blanket and placed their son in Arianna's waiting arms. She looked down at him and said, "Oh, Lucas, he's perfect."

"Yes, he is. What will we name him, baby?" Lucas asked.

She smiled at their beautiful son. "Dominic Christopher Carter."

Lucas nodded, approving of the name. "It's perfect," he said.

As Lucas settled beside Arianna, cradling their precious daughter in his arms, he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He couldn't help but reflect on how fortunate he was that Arianna's father had lost that bet, which had ultimately forced him into marriage with the woman he now adored.

It was hard to reconcile the man he had been—the once cold and heartless Lucas Carter—with the loving husband and father he had become. The arranged marriage that had initially felt like a burden had transformed into a beautiful partnership filled with love and joy.

Lucas glanced at Arianna, who was gently gazing at their daughter with a look of pure adoration on her face. In that moment, he realized how deeply he had fallen for her. She had not only captured his heart but had also brought warmth and meaning into his life.

He knew one thing for certain: he was completely head over heels for Arianna, and he would do everything in his power to protect their family. No matter what challenges lay ahead, nothing would come between them. Together, they were ready to face the world as partners, united by love and a shared commitment to their children.

He leaned in closer, kissing her forehead as he marveled at the little life they had created together. The tiny fingers of their daughter wrapped around his thumb, and he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility mixed with joy. He knew he would do anything to ensure that Gabby, Dominic and Annabell grew up in a loving environment, surrounded by the happiness that he and Arianna had found in each other.

In that moment, Lucas made a silent vow. He would always be there for them, not just as a father but as a partner in every sense of the word. He would support Arianna in her dreams, celebrate their children's milestones, and face any challenges that came their way together.

"Whatever comes next, we'll face it as a team," he promised, looking into Arianna's eyes, filled with determination. "I'm all in."

She nodded, her expression softening. "I feel the same way. I never imagined I could love someone this much."