Arranged Marriage: The Lost Bet

Chapter Twenty-two

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The Bahamas stretched out before them, adorned with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Dolphins danced in the distance, while people milled about, some swimming in the ocean, others riding the waves or sunbathing under the warm sun. It was peaceful, relaxing, and absolutely breathtaking.

"This is the life, Ari. I can't believe we're in the Bahamas!" Madison exclaimed, lounging on her beach towel.

Arianna sighed contentedly as she watched Brandon and Lucas playing with Gabby in the sand. "Sure is. We all needed to get away for a while. So, how are you and Brandon doing, sweetie?" she asked, turning to face Madison with a smile.

Madison blushed and giggled. "Fantastic. I love that man to pieces. I know he's the one for me, Ari," she said, her expression shifting as she glanced at Brandon, who caught her eye and smiled back. "I'm just not sure if he feels the same way about me."

Arianna reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "He does, sweetie. Just give him time—though not too much time. Look at Lucas; he took five years. That was way too long and a huge pain in the ass, but now look at us! If someone had told me we'd be this in love and have twins on the way, I would've laughed and said, 'bullshit.' But here we are." She glanced back at the two men and Gabby, who were building a sandcastle. "Everyone can see how much you two love each other. Maybe I'll talk to Lucas and see if Brandon has mentioned anything to him."

Madison's eyes sparkled with hope. "You really think he feels that way? I just... I don't want to scare him off."

"You won't scare him off, trust me. You're perfect together. Just be patient," Arianna reassured her, feeling a warmth in her heart for her friend. They were in paradise, and amidst the beauty, it felt like anything was possible.

Madison smiled and hugged Arianna tightly. "That would mean so much, Ari. Thank you!"

"Mommy!" Gabby squealed, her laughter ringing out as Lucas and Brandon buried her in the sand, leaving just her head peeking out.

Laughing, Madison and Arianna watched the three of them play. "Well, it looks like we have not one child to watch after but three," Madison said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's different seeing Brandon and Lucas so carefree. Before, Lucas was this scary man that everyone feared. Well, actually, he still is scary and everyone fears him, but he doesn't scare me anymore!" Madison commented with a laugh.

Arianna giggled. "I used to be so afraid of that man. He was so cold and filled with hatred that most days, I wanted to run away and never look back. He wasn't the nicest man or very caring. I still call him Satan." She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He has changed a lot towards me and my family, but he's still the cold and scary man that I was forced to marry. I don't have many regrets, but one. I regret running from this man. I never knew I would find love and happiness with him. He's my everything. And I know soon enough, you will have what I do with Brandon."

Madison's expression turned serious, a hint of worry creasing her brow. "I hope so. I really love him. I brought up the marriage card, and he shut down and pulled away. I just hope I didn't ruin our relationship, Ari."

Arianna's heart ached for her friend. "Oh, sweetie, don't think that way. Men can be a bit clueless sometimes. It could have just startled him. Marriage is a big step, and he might need some time to process it. Just give him space and let him come to you when he's ready. I'm sure he cares about you deeply. Just look at how he is with you."

Madison nodded, her gaze drifting back to the beach where Brandon was playfully tossing sand at Gabby, who squealed in delight. "I just want him to feel the same way I do. I don't want to lose him."