Chapter 21

"Oh, I guess my dad didn't mention this to you, but you'll be living with my brother," Anika said.

"What!" Ariana's eyes widened like saucers. "Why about my brother?" she asked.

"He'll be living with my dad. He had always wanted a third child, so I guess your brother can fill in that space as his third child," Anika said.

"Wait...this is a lot to take in," Ariana panicked, and she stammered.

"Sure is a lot," Annie said with the look that says 'I warned you.'

"You'll be fine, let's go. My brother will be home soon, and you'll be staying at his villa," Anika stood up. Annie hugged them both, and she escorted them to the car where she collected the clothes she shopped for. She was too angry, and so she left without collecting them, luckily, Anika brought them back to her.

At the villa, Anika helped Ariana unpack her clothes in the guest room. Ariana took a shower, and Anika gave her a dress to put on. "Let me apply some makeup to your face," she said as she brought out a small makeup kit from her bag.

"I'm not sure I'll be needing those."

"Trust me, you'll be needing it. You have to look nice for my brother," Anika insisted.

"I'm not getting married or anything," Ariana chuckled. "Tell me about your brother, what's he like?" Ariana asked. Not that she cares, she just wants to live peacefully at this villa.

"He's quiet, annoying, and cold, but he's sweet when he gets to know you, so you have to be patient with him," Anika stated. Ariana nodded, maybe he won't be too difficult. Since he's quiet, he'll give her space.

"Aren't you nervous?"

"Why should I be?"

"Okay. One more thing..." she opened the bag she had been carrying along. Ariana also found that bag odd; Anika carried it everywhere they went today. She brought out a wrapped box. "Here, it's for you," she handed Ariana the box.

Ariana raised an eyebrow and collected the box. She unwrapped it and saw a brand new iPhone.

"Oh my God!!!" she yelled out of surprise. She felt like passing out; is this real? She pinched her cheek and felt that burning pain. Hell yeah, it's real. That's an iPhone 13, she always wanted that phone. "Anika, I can't take this. You've done so much for me today," Ariana said. She wanted to accept it, but Anika had already bought so much for her and her, so it would be greedy of her to accept this gift.

"Take it. It's from my dad. He said it's your engagement gift," Anika laughed at Ariana's dramatic expression.

"Really?" Ariana's eyes shone like stars.

"Of course. I got you a little something." She opened her bag and brought out a phone patch. She had designed a beautiful pink unicorn phone patch.

"You got me a phone patch?"

"Not just any phone patch. I designed this phone patch myself, just for you...I mean, for us," Anika smiled.

"Anika..." Droplets of tears fell down Ariana's cheek.

"You don't like it?" Anika asked when she spotted the tears on Ariana's face.

"I love it," Ariana answered.

"Then why are you crying?"

"I'm crying because I'm happy. Thank you so much, and please say thanks to your dad for me," Ariana smiled.

"Welcome to the family, Ariana." Anika hugged her.

Ariana switched on her phone. Anika had already gotten her a new SIM card, and she saved Anika and Annie's numbers on her phone.

They were both so engrossed in their chat that they didn't even notice someone entering the house. They later heard a lazy sigh. Ariana didn't know how all this happened overnight, but she was damn sure it was fate.

"Finally, you're here," Anika smiled. Ariana turned her face to where that sound was coming from and saw Zach!!!