Build It Better - Aron Wright

So we saved a few things that were spared

And brought it to the ground

Cause you always build it better the second time around

Arianna woke up at 8 pm. She looked like the strong woman, I know she is. Mom was right, she needed to cry and get it all out. Indeed, I was still worried because she slept through her exhaustion. But now that she looks good.The wait was worth it.

We had dinner together. She asked Dad and I about the inheritance. She thanked them for dinner. But Arianna was grateful for everything else too. But she did not say it out loud. And we all got what she meant to say.

"Can you drop me off to Jennifer's place." She asked, when we were on our way back. I had already told Ranveer.That meant Jennifer knew too.

"Of course."

*****

Arianna stayed the night with Jennifer. And I did not even sleep a wink last night. The small bed I am used to sleep in feels too big and empty. In the morning, I decided to out for a run. When I saw Arianna, sitting in a bench across the street.

"What are you doing here, Arianna." I ask, sitting beside her

"You know, when I first found out about the place. I sat here, alone, looking at the closed shutter. Wondering what lies behind It. That's when Mr. Finley spotted me.He had a key. I went in, but my heart shattered when I saw the destruction." She said leaning her head on my bicep.

"Destruction, Who did that." I ask.

"Apparently, One of the servers who had the keys, first stole the furniture and sold it. Then It became a hiding spot for the junkies. The walls were covered in gratifies, obscenities. Mr. Finely avoided coming around here. When someone complained about the noise he found out what was happening. He closed the place down. He tried to explain how this looked like, it did not work. So I decorated it my way." She sighed.

" You know I used to think you were a narcissist naming your cafe, Arianna. I was so prejudiced." I say, tugging her legs on my lap.

"I was no better. I google searched you too. I read about the fights, the link ups. You have quite a reputation, Playboy." She said playfully, tracing my stubble with her thumb.

I let out a long sigh and lean in to her touch "That is also Liam."

"What..." Her mouth gaped. I licked her lips and she hid her face in my chest.

"Well I am not a total saint. I did get in one or two fist fights, I dated... a few models too..." I say carefully, twirling her hair around my finger, "....But the ones that made news were Liam. And you know how he did that. " I say and she nodded.

"I asked Jennifer to become my partner, she refused. She did appreciate the offer and accepted raise. But no partnership." She said. I knew they were tight knitted. But it is unbelievable. When Arianna told me that she was going to offer her partnership. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her that It is her inheritance and she does not need to do this. But I was afraid how she will take it.

"I know you thought, I was being stupid. But you don't know how much she had helped me. Mr. Finely had one picture in the cafe. I tried to mimic the back ground. But buying the suitable things would have costed a fortune. Jennifer found the places where we could buy them for a lesser amount. She stood by my side. Took care of the cafe single-handedly. This one time, Marion made me cater for her party and didn't pay me a dime. Jenny didn't take any salary that month. And she often gave me her share for the monthly payments I had to make to my... to Brandon and Marion."

"So What's the plan now. " I ask.

" Now we look at these pictures and re brand my parent's cafe. Jenny and I were up all night. But we need a financial adviser." She said looking up at me. I am still not confident If I should be trusted.

"I need you, Axel. " She whispered. How can I say no to these eyes.

*****

I spent all day, checking the finance. Her parents had left her a fortune. There were pictures of them with celebrities too. Just when I think I can't hate Brandon anymore, This happens. They ruined what her parents had worked for. They were so successful. And had the plan to branch out and buy a house too. I called my mother for advice. She told me that Ranveer's mother and she could help us with the interior.

Ranveer will coming in for dinner tonight. Jennifer and Arianna are working in the kitchen following the family recipes.

"It is delicious, Arianna." I say. She thanked me but she did not mean it.

"What did you make, Jenny." Asked Ranveer.

"Nothing, Just the desserts. It's a secret recipe." She said.

"Come on. We are friends...." Arianna said.

"Don't start again." Jennifer waved her off. Ranveer looked so proud at his girl. If I were him I would too. Jennifer refused to be a partner or see the recipes, because It is a family heirloom. I am happy for him, for them.

After dinner, We spoiled our girls with their favorite Rose Wine, And the lightweights passed out quickly.

"We are lucky bastards, aren't we." Ranveer asked, looking at them listening to their light snoring.

"Damn right, we are. And we don't deserve them." I say, hauling Arianna in my arms.

"But will keep on trying." We say in unison.

Two days later. Axel and I went to Finley's house.

"I baked some lasagna, Mrs. Finley." I say, standing outside her room's door.

"Don't give me the healthy one. I want the greasy treat you gave my husband." She said like a stubborn kid.

"I don't think that's a good idea. " I say coming in. Her room smells of medicines and saffron, The mild perfumes Mrs Finley always wears.

"I'm the doctor here. Go get me one." She scolded.

Downstairs, Axel and Mr. Finley were deep in talking. There was a plate of lasagna in the counter.I smile shaking my head, Mr. Finley really knows her well.

*****

"It was delicious, Darling." She said taking the last spoon.

"Thank you, I tried my best. But... " I trailed, pursing my lips.

"But, you are not enough." She said.

"Yes... " I shrugged.

"What's cooking up there, Tell me." She said, pointing to my head.

"I am thinking about the life I could have had. If my parents were with me." I say, going over to sit beside her.

"You can't change the past, Arianna. Focus on the future. As a neurosurgeon, I was focused in my career. You uncle was also on a mission to sweep this city free of crime. When we thought we were ready to have a baby. We realized it was too late. It sounds crazy that I was so ignorant about my body being a doctor myself. But your parents, they lived fully in their short life. There were no regrets. They believed in each other and focused on making their future better.So If you have something in mind, Do it before you're too late."She said kissing my temple.

*****

At night. When we were in bed. Axel told me what he and Mr. Finley discussed about.

"Mr. Finley told me, Your parents were looking for a place in the city. They wanted to give you better education so they were planning to branch out. They saw a place too. They asked for Mr. Finley's opinion on the property. The place is sold out now. But I got what he wanted to tell me. He also said that I should go back to the office. Now that Liam has resigned. My father will be alone and I should not leave him."

"I agree with him, Axel. He is right. I wanted to talk to you about it too. I want you help me, But you can do that after office hours too. " I say turning back to face him.

"I will talk to him tomorrow. I want to start from the scratch, Just like you did. I am done living the privileged life. I want to be worthy of you. " he said pulling me top of him.

"I respect your decision. And you're already worthy, Axel. Don't beat yourself out."I say, tracing my hand on his chest.

"You are way too good for me." He said kissing me.

*****

For the whole week. My cafe was closed, and Jennifer and I spent half of the time mastering the recipes. She finally agreed to cook them with me. And then we both go to Finley's house with the food. Mrs.Finley always eats it. She looks more lively than I have seen her, since she was diagnosed with cancer. I hope that she got healed miraculously.

"Ohhh You should have seen him, In uniform. He was mouthwatering." Mrs. Finley said, Jenny and I giggled.

"Tell us how you met him." Asked Jenny.I have already heard the story. In two different point of views.

"I was a resident, When this big ol mafia guy was sent from jail, for his surgery. His people tried to get him free. I was in the middle of a crossfire when Arthur came in like a knight in shining Armour." She said shaking her head, looking so content and.. free.

According to Mr. Finley, She stabbed the guy with a scalpel. That bought him time to come in to her aid, On time. She was really brave. She was everything he wanted in his life partner and hoped he would be enough for her too.

"Do you wish to have a strong bond like them too." Asks Jennifer. When we were walking back to our place.

"Everyday. And I think we have got ours too." I say. She was quiet, so I added. "Ranveer is a good guy, Jen. "

"I know his family loves me. But I am who I am." I know what she is talking about.

"Your mom will get better." I say. After I gave Jennifer the money she was entitled to, for working in the cafe. She used it to send her mother to a rehab. Her mother did refuse. But when She told her about Ranveer and how she wants her to get clean so She could introduce her to the Ahujas too, she agreed.

"That won't change the past. That won't tell me who my father is. Ahujas are so welcoming, I want to introduce them to my mother. I want to be worthy enough to be a part of their family."

"You're worthy, darling. And It is a thing of the past. Focus on the future and be my partner for the cafe." I say using the opportunity to ask her again.

"That's your family heirloom. And don't worry, when we branch out. I'll take care of the new cafe. Without you breathing down my neck." She said.

"heyyy... I don't do that." I say pushing her hard and she gave me knowing look.

"That was one time Jenny. " I say in my defense. I am never gonna apologize for that.

"One month to be precised, Arianna." She said resting her hand on her hips.

"And whose fault was that, You totally ruined that latte art. It looked like a d*ck, I had to make sure, You were doing it right." I say. and we started laughing remembering that embarrassing moment.

*****

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.