The next day,
We sat down in the van and Sky went to the driver's seat. We could have taken the plane but I think a road trip would be fun, right?
We agreed to take turns driving but guess what? Nobody wants me to have a turn driving! They are convinced that I will get them at least two tickets.
We wanted to karaoke in the car but Ashley's phone rang and she had to answer the call. She was talking to someone in Spanish.
Ah, my sister is so talented. When she was my age, she could already speak 12 international languages. And if you heard her speak you would believe she was a native of the country.
Me on the other hand, I only know 5 languages and I can never give the language a good accent. And the worst thing is that Arian knows three languages FLUENTLY.
I really admire my sister. She's a good daughter, sister, friend, aunt and a good person. She never got a single bad grade or get into any trouble in school.
In my next life, I pray I will be as good as my sister or Riona. But for now I have one long term goal: I want to be wealthy.
I don't mean wealthy be being a billionaire or trillonaire. I will have a stable and peaceful family, good health and I must be richer than Oliver Havana.
Stupid Arianna! Focus on launching a company first. We'll be richer than your dad In the future.
Ashley finished her call and we began our fun games.
We sang to Ed Sheeran's " Bad Habit.' Juice world's Robbery. Little Mix, Power. Kate Perry's Dark horse.
Then we had snacks.
Oh Sh*t!!
I forgot to invite Chad! How am I supposed to reunite Sasha with her family if I don't invite them?
I remember Sasha gave me his contact. I dialled the number and after a few seconds a deadly enchanting voice came through.
What are you thinking Arianna?
' Hello?' ' Hello?'
I snapped out.
' Am I speaking with Mr Chad Anderson?' I ask.
' Yes you are. Who is this?' He replies.
' My name is Arianna Havana and I would love to discuss a collaboration with you.' Arianna says.
' Arianna Havana? From Sasha's wedding?' He asks.
This guy's got great memory. It's been 5 years already.
' That's me. I also want to invite you to the launch of a new company here. I was hoping we could discuss collaboration.' I say.
' Of course. I will send you my email address, you can forward the details.' Chad replies.
' Thank you. By the way, How are you doing?' I ask.
Don't give me that look! I am trying to see if the Andersons' situation is stable.
' Im doing well. Thanks for asking and how are you?' Chad replies.
' I'm good. I'll hang up now, take care.' I say.
' You too.' Chad replies.
I sent him an invitation online and told him I would have someone pick him up.
The ceremony is in three days, I have told him to come two days earlier. I want Sasha to meet her family before the ceremony.
****************
How could Chad forget that name or face? She had these big eyes that felt like she was boring into his soul.
She called him and invited him to a party and even asked how he fared. Did he also tug on her heartstrings? He hurriedly made preparation to go to Chicago.
If only his sister had listened to him. She even went as far as helping that good for nothing take their family property.
****************
Fred should be back by this evening, he has gone for a meeting in Florida.
There's a lot for me to do.
We have to properly organise the ceremony, Dispatch the employees, Take Mira and Arian shopping for their new term in school and then we need to start getting ready to exhibit all our new designs. My eyes fell on Mira and Arian.
Arian was asleep on Mira's shoulder while Mira was trying not to fall asleep.
I smiled, these two were super close. I stood up and sat next to Mira. I took Arian and placed his head on my lap and then I made Mira lie on my lap as well.
I stroke her hair.
' You were up playing games last night right?' I ask.
' Mm. Arthur said it was the finals of the tournament.' Mira replied. I could sense fatigue in her voice.
' Then close your eyes and sleep. We won't arrive till another three hours.' I say.
' Okay.' Mira replies. She shifted into a more comfortable position and closed her eyes.
It made me feel like she was still my little Mira. I looked at the two heads on my lao.
Wait a moment,
How did I not notice that Mira and Arian had the exact same hair colour. I mean they both had honey blonde hair that looked exactly the same.
They are truly fated.
I rested my head and closed my eyes, After all I was up way past my bedtime.
*************
Some hours later,
The group arrived at the company in Chicago.
The company gates open up and all the employees come in. Riona and Ashley goes to handle the food arrangements with some of the employees while Arianna and the others decorate the hall.
Mira, Skyler and Arthur returned to the Villa to make preparations for dinner while Raymond went to pick up Fred from the airport. Arian tagged with Arianna charming the employees with his cute behaviour.
***************
' Don't worry dad. I'm still working on the plan, I've been with them for five years they trust me blindly. We don't need to do much. At the party, I will make Arianna destroy Ken Khurana on her own. Wait someone is here. We'll talk later.' The mysterious man hangs up.
***************
Fred sights Raymond's car and enters.
' What's up man?' Fred asks.
' I'm good bro. How about you.' Raymond replies.
' I'm good. How are the others? It's been just a few days and I missed everyone so much.' Fred says.
' They are all good.' Raymond replies.
Raymond's phone rings, he look at the screen and silences the phone. The screen had one word written on it, Dad.
Hadn't he explained things to the old man?
' You can answer your phone don't mind me?' Fred says.
' No he's nagging me about getting married. I explained it to him but the old man is too impatient.' Raymond replies.
************
The women and the little man finish up in the company and they all go home.
After dinner, Arianna sends a plane to pick up Sasha and Chloe. Chad was coming the next day and she wanted him to meet Sasha.
She briefed Sahsa on the plan.
The next day,
Arianna and Arian pick up Sasha and Chloe from the hotel they lodged and then they drove to the restaurant where they were meant to meet Chad.
' Arian when I give you a signal you take Chloe back to the room next to where we are going. Okay?' Arianna says to Arian.
' Okay.' Arian replies.
The four of them enter the private room Arianna had reserved. Chad was sitted sipping coffee elegantly.
Sasha had mentally prepared herself for her meeting with Chad but the moment she saw him she couldn't contain herself. She ran to him and hugged him. ' Brother!!'
Arianna sees that the siblings are currently emotional so she signals Arian to take Chloe away.
Arian leads Chloe outside.
' Sasha. Don't cry.' Chad whispered as he patted her back. No matter how angry he was with Sasha, she was still his only sister.
' Chad I promise I didn't take the properties. The doctor said I had to sign the agreement. He said it was stating that they could only save either me or my child and that the hospital wouldn't be held responsible. I didn't bother to read it I just wanted my child to be safe. Brother believe me I didn't do it intentionally.' Sasha says as tears fell down her eyes.
Chad cleaned her face and comforted her. His sister suddenly went limp in his arms.
'What's happening to Sasha? Sasha?' Chad calls out worriedly.
' Calm down Chad. She just fainted, the event is overwhelming.' Arianna replies.
' What happened to my sister?' Chad asks.
' She delivered successfully. She and her child was safe. She stayed in the hospital for a week with no family members. Not her father, brother or even her husband. Her so called husband threw divorce paper at her and threatened her with her child's life to sign them. A young girl with no house, no money, no family members, no husband, no college certificate and with a newborn child. The princess had to clean people's houses, sweep streets so she could provide for herself and her child. She was constantly mocked and couldn't even pay the rent for the single room house she stayed in.' Arianna replies clenching her fists. Even the thought of it made her blood boil.
Chad eyes were red as a tear threatened to fall down his eyes.
This was his golden sister who they didn't even allow to make her own bed.
' How is the baby?' Chad ask. If anything happened to her child he would never be able to forgive himself.
' She is fine. She's with my son in the next room.' Arianna replies.
Chad looked at his sister. The mere thought of her doing menial tasks to ensure her survival stabbed his heart.
' I am a terrible brother. I couldn't even protect my only sister. I failed her.' Chad says.
Arianna goes to him and places her hand on his shoulder.
The only reason why Chad didn't bother to contact her was because he thought she was with Lucian and still had things going good for her.
Arianna hugged him and let him pour out his frustration.
Chad forgot all about his sorrows when he realised how close they were. He could feel her warm breath tickle his earlobe and the softness of her skin. Her hair smelt so nice.
He cleared his throat and broke the hug before he did something stupid.
' Thank you for helping Sasha.' Chad says.
' Sasha is my friend. I can't stand quietly while she is in trouble. Forget all that, don't you want to meet your little niece. Her name is Chloe and she's simply the cutest.' Arianna says as she drags Chad to meet Chloe. Chad dwelled in the warmth her Palm gave him.
Inside the room,
' Chlo-Chlo this is your uncle Chad.' Arianna says.
' Hello Uncle. Are you mommy's friend too?' Chloe asks.
' Yes and I'm also mommy's brother.' Chad replies stroking Chloe's cheek.
' But mommy calls you brother Chad not Uncle Chad.' Chloe says.
' Did mommy tell you about me?' Chad asks.
' Yes. Mommy said that Brother Chad would scold her and then buy her chocolates to say sorry.' Chloe replies.
Chad laughs.
' We'll leave you two to catch up. Take care.' Arianna says.
' By Uncle Chad. Bye Chloe.' Arian says.
' Bye Auntie Arianna, bye Arian.' Chloe replies.
***************
' Grandmother do you think I should have staff reconstruction or should I have an examination.' Ava says.
Butler Phillip was annoyed on behalf of Rosalind but he maintained his professional and expressionless demeanor.
Ever since Rosalind distributed the settlement fees, Ava had become a regular visitor. Asking about Rosalind's opinion in the littlest ( is that a word?) of matters. She would buy several antiques for Rosalind with a flattering line.
' When I saw this sculpture, it reminded me of your nobility.'
' I saw this painting and I just knew you would like it.'
' This jewel piece means wisdom and grandmother is the wisest person I know so I bought it for you.'
' It depends on the gravity of the issue. Do your best not to major the minor and minor the major.' Rosalind replies sipping a cup of tea.
' I will listen to Grandmother.' Ava says looking venomously at the teacup in Rosalind's hand.
Arianna had gifted the tea set to Rosalind the previous year on her birthday.
It was just some cups and spoons what was so special about it.
Butler Phillip noticed her gaze and understood the meaning. The tea set was light and also conserved heat. The tea in the teapot could stay about one to two hours without losing its heat. And Rosalind likes her tea hot.
He wasn't in the position to pass judgement on any of the family members so he kept silent.
*****************
The day of the opening ceremony,
' Hang the marigolds on that wall.'
' bring the roses this way.'
' Lift that ribbon a bit higher.'
' Arianna, someone wants to see the CEO.' an employee says.
Arianna had insisted they called her by her name.
' I'm coming.' Arianna replies.
She sights Arian eating a triple scoop icecream. That glutton had a double scoop in the morning.
' Arian Aiden Havana! You big foodie.' Arianna says.
' Oh no! Busted.' Arian says as he grabs his icecream and starts running.
Arianna chases him. They run around till Arian accidentally drops the icecream on someone's shoes.
' Arian you little... You?' Arianna says shocked. Why was Ken Khurana here?
Arian glared at his scumbag father. How dare he show up at his mother's company?
' Arian please go inside.' Arianna pleadingly says.
Arian casts a last look at Ken before leaving.
Ken wasn't so happy. This woman that occupied his thoughts and prevented him from having peace was busy playing around with her love child.
' What are you doing here?' Arianna asks.
' I want to discuss something with the CEO.And what are you doing here?' Ken says.
' What do people do in a company? Of course I am here to work.' Arianna replies.
' And you brought your child to the office? Does this look like a daycare center?' Ken says.
' What I do in my office is none of your business.' Arianna replies.
' Your office?' Ken asks confused.
' Mr Khurana came here to discuss business with the company and cannot even recognize the company's CEO. No problem, let me introduce myself. Arianna Havana, CEO of ARADEC Industries.' Arianna replies.
Ken is stunned. CEO? How?
' Shocked aren't you? It's funny how an Immoral girl with low conduct is able to achieve great things. Mr Ken Khurana, tonight is our opening ceremony. I'm now inviting you for the second time. I do hope to see you there.' Arianna says as she walked away.
She felt happy and fulfilled. Was this how it felt face slapping someone?
***************
Khurana industry,
Ken was very sure that Arianna didn't establish a company on her own. She barely passed her classes, she couldn't understand the simplest problems and acted like a child all day.
It was then he remembered that she was a mother now. Could that boy's father be her backer?
He wanted to back out of the event.
No! Why should he be the heartbroken one? If Arianna moved on so did he.
He picked up his phone and dialled a number.
' Miss Thompson, Get ready. You'll accompany me to the ceremony tonight. I'll pick you up at 7pm.' Ken says.
' Okay Brother Ken. Thank you, I knew Brother Ken wouldn't say no to me.' Sage says happily.
*****************
' The time has come to execute the plan. For five years I have been laying the foundation for my plan and tonight I ruin Ken Khurana and the Khurana family.' The mysterious man says.
He steps out of the dark revealing an awfully familiar face,
It was.....