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...
"I know about the ownership of my cafe. Why did you lie to me?" Arianna said first.
"You are not that bright. Are you, Arianna." Marion said chuckling, she eyes Jessica to join her, but she didn't.
"Do not talk to my daughter like that, Marion. I am warning you." My mother spoke. Good going mom. Now go ahead and slap her.
"Daughter? Okay then. Well, at first, it was your uncle dearest's plan, so you don't fly away as your ungrateful mother did. But later.... "
"You fucking bitch that was your idea." Brandon Bell shouted. I know Arianna told me they have never hurt her physically. But these people are toxic. Just being in here, Is a form of emotional abuse.
"And where did that brilliant idea come from, You. Yes, Arianna dear, you heard it right. This is not the first time he did something like this. He took the money your grandparents saved for your mother so she could get culinary education. Your uncle took it to buy clothes to impress me. Unfortunately, It worked." She said, picking on her nails. Looking so relaxed, like she has no idea what she has just revealed.
"I wanted to give the papers after the wedding. You stopped me." Brandon started to speak, But My father stopped him by slapping him.
"You bastard. You stole from your sister and when that was not enough, you did the same to her daughter, too. How could you live with that." spat my father.
Brandon stood there, stunned. One hand on his cheek. Jessica gasped and stepped forward to come to his aid, but Marion stopped her.
"And you, Marion. You married a man like him. Were not you a little bit afraid he might do the same with you, too? Tell me, why leave him now. After all this time." My father asked suspiciously. That's a million-dollar question. Why is she cutting him loose now?
"It is difficult to find an intelligent man without a backbone. Brandon was the perfect puppet. And why now, you ask me. It was you, Arianna. Years ago When I was standing in the same spot with your parent's presence. I had to make a decision, leave him or endure him. I made the wrong choice. It's time to rectify my mistakes." For one second even I felt bad for her, like she got trapped with a spineless man. But I whiffled myself, She is a master manipulator.
"Brandon, you hand her the inheritance. Or my team of lawyers will dig your grave." Dad said in a calm but threatening voice.
"I'll hand It by evening. " Brandon said, rubbing his jaw. His eyes were glassy. What a bitch.!
'' You have 3 hours, Brandon. I'll make my lawyers check everything. If you leave a single penny...." He trailed off with an unspoken threat behind it.
We turned around to leave. Arianna's body was burning up.
"Take good care of your son, Elizabeth. He will need it. "Marion said, smirking. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Jessica run out of the room.
"Is that a threat, Marion?" my mother asked.
"NO... It's a promise." Marion smiled.
*****
We went home after that. Arianna has not said a word yet. And I don't know what to say to her. She is too vulnerable right now. At dinnertime, my mom made her favourites. She accepted it, thanked her for the meal, but it was robotic.
"I should call Jennifer." Arianna said. Even in this condition, she is worried about her friend.
"I already did. Ranveer is there. He will handle everything. "I said, smiling, but she just nodded. We went to bed, and she drifted off to sleep immediately. I lay there, holding her in my arms. In the morning, I waited for her to wake up. But she is still sleeping soundly.
I went downstairs to the kitchen. Mom and dad were sitting there, having breakfast.
"Mom, she is still sleeping. Should I wake her up? I am worried." I say.
"Did you check for her temperature," Mom asked.
"Yes, it's normal."
"Then she will be alright. She is just exhausted. Let her rest." She said, giving me my breakfast.
"Brandon came last night. You were already in bed. So I did not disturb you." dad said. Even hearing his name made my blood boil. "He handed over the papers, a box of jewellery and a book of recipes."
"Recipes..???" My mother asked if she heard him correctly.
"Oh My God.!Dad, I'm going to sue Brandon. The recipe book, Mom. It's not just a book. It has their family's secret recipes. I asked Arianna why she doesn't make Italian food. She told me that she doesn't have the reci... Her parents died before.... Before they cou...teach her. I... How am I.... Dad. Do something, They took away .r chi...od, her memories.. They.... " I am a sobbing mess. I have no shame in admitting that I am a 25-year-old, grown-up man. Who is crying while his parents are soothing him.
"Of course, Son. Marion is already suing him. He took the money from her to invest in the partnership venture we had agreed to. Since It suffered loss, Now She is filing charge. Every penny he has earned, Marion will drain every drop of it. And when we file the case, it won't look good on him. He's going inside for the rest of his life." Dad assured me.
I never thought ruining someone's life would give me pleasure.
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*****
Namaste, reader!!! I hope you liked the chapter. If you did then please don't forget to VOTE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave your precious COMMENTS behind.
I would love it if you check out my other stories, 'Aurora's Aura' 'Mafia & Miss Honey' 'Becoming Romeo' 'Violet Hues' & ''His Captive'. The story link is on my profile.
