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...
Woke up starin' at this, starin' at this empty room...
Looked at thousand different pictures that your mother took of you...
You see I had this crazy dream last night, this man he talked to me...
He told me everything that's good and bad about my history...
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"Victoria, Vihaan, come on. It's time to cut the cake," Arianna called. They were hiding in Vihaan's room. Victoria Knight and Vihaan Ahuja groaned and walked out. Arianna kissed Vihaan's temple, and he squirmed in irritation. Victoria giggled at him. Today was their 10th birthday. But, the little brats were behaving like they were too old to celebrate by blowing candles and cutting the cake while others sang 'Happy Birthday.'
Victoria and Vihaan, Arianna and Jennifer's elder kids, were born 10 days apart but always celebrated their birthday together. Jennifer held Victoria's shoulder and pushed her forward to the living area.
"Kim, we celebrated your birthday a month ago." Kimberly Knight, Arianna's younger daughter who celebrated her 6th birthday last month, again wanted to be the center of attention and refused to step back from the cake.
"It's okay, Aunt Arianna. Come here, Kimmy," Vihaan said, already holding his younger brother Jeremy in his arms to come stand with them. Jeremy, who was 4 years old, was currently drooling over at the sight of the beautiful cake Arianna and Jennifer baked.
"Where is Dad?" Victoria asked, taking Jeremy from Vihaan's hold. Jeremy removed his hands from his mouth and, with grabby hands, touched Victoria's cheek, smearing it with his drool.
Arianna took a deep sigh, and Jennifer came to stand beside her.
"Must be in the den shooting daggers at Liam," Arianna whispered to Jenny.
"Let's get them back before they kill each other with fake kindness," Jenny answered.
Liam lived in London with his wife, Emma, who was his colleague. Liam often visited Manhattan with his wife and 7-year-old son, Zachary.
Zach and the other kids got along well. Axel and Arianna were happy that the strained relationship they had with each other was not passed to their kids. The past was not talked about by anyone, but the grown-ups still refused to act like one. Every now and then, they got into a verbal spat.
Jenny and Arianna excused themselves from the kids gathered around for the party. When they were outside, Matthew stopped them, "Let me handle this," he said and went to the den.
*****
As expected, Ranveer and Axel were sitting beside each other, scowling at Liam, who was giving them a haughty, challenging glare in return. When Matthew came, Liam schooled his expression back to normal.
"Aren't you too old to have this den? It's time you pass it over to your heirs," Matthew said, looking over the place. Their kids were not allowed to set foot in their den. Ranveer and Axel were possessive about it. While Jenny and Arianna hid in their restaurant for a breather, this is where they relived their frat days.
"You are still sitting on your throne as a chairman, Dad. So don't talk about passing over my legacy to my kids, and don't you still call your old college friends 'Buddy'," Axel said and wiggled his eyebrows at Ranveer, like he had won the debate.
Matthew Knight rolled his eyes. He was still in his chairman position and would be for the next 3 months. He wanted to retire earlier, but Axel wanted him not to leave the position on his account and work as long as he wanted to. But he still took the first opportunity to taunt him.
"Everyone is here. Let's go before Jeremy jumps on top of the cake. He is already drooling like a river." Ranveer looked away. His son had a habit of ruining his suits by licking them.
Axel and Ranveer stood up, giving another look to Liam. They were busy talking, or you could say warning Liam, like they had for the past few months. Even during their kids' birthday party, they found time to take him aside and threaten him. Because Liam, a reformed rascal, was shifting back to New York with his wife and kid, to be close to his family. He would be working in a different company but still, better safe than sorry.
Liam stayed in the back, giving Jessica some space, who arrived with her twins Jake and Gianna and her husband Gerald, a lawyer who previously took care of all her financial affairs and made sure Brandon and Marion stayed away from his wife.
Liam and Jessica never shared a word, but their kids were friendly and recognized each other as cousins. Emma stood by Liam's side. When her gaze met Jessica's, she gave her a nervous smile. Emma knew about everything her husband did and accepted him with all his faults.
"One... Two... Three... Happy Birthday!" Everyone cheered in unison. Vihaan and Victoria shared a look and smiled at their family and friends' childish antics.
"Thank you so much, Grandma." Daphne, Melissa, and Elizabeth gave their blessings and gifts. The duo received them with a polite smile, like mature 10-year-olds.
Life was not perfect. They had their ups and downs. Busy days with work and studies, and relaxing family holidays.
The two restaurants were now a chain, famous for their Italian dishes and their charity work. Axel now featured on the magazine cover for the most successful man under 40.
Their love, hard work, and success finally turned into a billion-dollar wedding.
THE END.
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