For both the families, It was just a business deal. A partnership, that would ensure their 'Billionaire' titles. And to top it all off, they even agreed to lump their children's life, by marrying them.
The future couple had a plan of their own. A co...
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That same night, when I got home, Arianna was not there. Looking at things around me, I didn't think she had come home. I went to Jennifer's place, but she wasn't there. Jenny got worried about her, but I assured her that she would be in the cafe doing orientation. But Arianna wasn't there either.
I immediately understood where she could have gone. So I went to the graveyard, fresh flowers were on top of her parents' grave. I found her sitting on a bench in front of the Finleys' grave. Arianna was sitting there, legs pressed to her chest and her chin propped on top of her knees. She was lightly rocking back and forth, looking into oblivion. I sat beside her, and she halted. She peered at me through her long, beautiful lashes; they were wet from her tears.
"They told me they lived a beautiful life, Axel. I thrived to have a life like my parents had. I want the life the Finleys had too... But every time we start, something keeps pulling us back." Her chin trembled as she talked.
"And we will. They won't bother us again. I took care of it," I whispered. The wind picked up, and Arianna shivered. I pulled her into my lap and covered her cold body with my jacket.
"You will... I know you will. This is the problem with me, Axel. There is always someone who takes care of me. I have done nothing on my own; there is always someone... My whole life, I thought of myself as Cinderella. A Cinderella without a godmother. I was so indulged in self-pity, I didn't see the signs. My parents took care of me... The Finleys took care of me... And now you are. Where is... Where is Arianna? Who am I..." She sobbed, blanching down, somehow making her body look even smaller.
"Arianna, why are you saying this? You have done it all on your own," I said harshly. I couldn't hide my irritation like I should have.
She narrowed her bloodshot eyes at me. "But I haven't. I got the cafe, privilege. I got the recipes, privilege. I own that big-ass property in Manhattan, privilege. I have done nothing to earn it, Axel. Nothing. I want to earn it. I want to be worthy of the treasures I have been passed on to... I want to earn it." I knew I wouldn't like what was coming next. But I will do it if that makes her happy.
"I want to join a culinary school. Just like my mom wanted..." She said, her breathing labored. My own heart plummeted rapidly.
"That's a great idea. We can manage the timing..."
"In Italy, like my mom wanted..." She wept. I did not expect that.
"Sure, if that's what you want," I said, plastering a fake smile on my face. But honestly, I wasn't sure. It will be difficult for us, but we'll make it work.
