Vivian turned to look before smiling warmly. “Mom, this is-” she began, but the housekeeper, unable to contain her excitement, interrupted her with a gasp. “Ha?! Mr. Rozzo?! Xa-Xavier Rozzo?!” Her voice was filled with disbelief. “The richest man in Italy!” she added, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Vivian tried again, “Mom, this is Xavier, the-” but her mother cut her off, her voice trembling with recognition. “I know him, dear. I’ve seen him on TV and the internet. He’s Xavier, the richest man in Italy.”.
Vivian’s father, still processing the unexpected encounter, adjusted his glasses and stepped forward. “Mr. Rozzo, what brings you to our humble villa?” he asked, trying to maintain his composure despite the shock of seeing such a well-known figure in their home.
Vivian attempted once more to clarify, “Mom, Dad, Xavier is-” but before she could finish, the housekeeper pointed excitedly at Victoria. “Ms. Victoria! Or better known as V! The international prodigy in jewelry!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. She then turned her attention to Lucas, “And Mr. Lucas! The chairman of the Luca Group, known as The Tyrant Boss for his strict business dealings.” Her voice was filled with awe, and she seemed on the verge of fainting. “My goodness! What is happening in the world?” she added, shaking her head in disbelief.
Vivian’s parents also noticed Lucas and Victoria, momentarily stunned. Her mother furrowed her brow, looking closely at Victoria. “This Ms. Victoria, Vivian, she really resembles you when you were young,” she remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Her father nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. “Yes, when I saw her on TV introduced as the daughter of the richest man in Italy, I thought I was seeing things. She looked so much like our Vivian in her youth. Now, seeing her up close, there’s no doubt, she really does resemble Vivian from back then.”
The housekeeper, still trying to wrap her mind around the situation, nodded vigorously. “Yes, she does look like Miss Vivian, but she’s the daughter of the richest man in Italy, so how could that be? Unless-” she paused, a wild idea forming in her mind, her eyes darting between Vivian and Victoria.
Vivian took a deep breath, her smile growing wider. “Mom, Dad, this is Xavier, my husband, and Victoria, my daughter. And this is Lucas, Victoria’s husband.”
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the revelation. Vivian’s mother, her voice filled with disbelief, asked, “Your daughter?!”
Vivian nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. “Yes, Mom. Victoria is your granddaughter.”
Victoria stepped forward, her demeanor respectful and warm. “Grandpa, Grandma, how are you?” she greeted them, her voice gentle and sincere.
Vivian’s parents were momentarily speechless, their eyes misty with emotion. Her father finally found his voice, “Is it true that you’re our granddaughter?” he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Victoria smiled softly, “Yes, Grandpa.”
Vivian’s mother turned to her daughter, her voice a mix of joy and reproach. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” she asked, her eyes searching Vivian’s face.
Vivian chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I tried, but the housekeeper kept interrupting,” she explained, glancing affectionately at the flustered housekeeper.
Her parents turned to the housekeeper, who covered her mouth in embarrassment, realizing her mistake. She gave an awkward smile, her cheeks flushed with color. “I’m so sorry, I just couldn’t believe my eyes,” she admitted, her voice apologetic.
Vivian’s father stepped forward, extending his hand to Xavier. “Welcome to our family, Xavier. It’s an honor to meet you,” he said warmly, his voice filled with sincerity.
As he spoke, a thought struck him, and he turned to Vivian with curiosity. “I remember you were with a man who wasn’t well-off. How did Mr. Xavier become your husband?” he asked, intrigued.
Vivian smiled, “Well, Dad, it’s a long story. It’s true that he was-” Her mother interrupted with a playful sigh, “Let’s save that story for later. We shouldn’t be standing here at the villa’s entrance. Besides, it’s your sister’s birthday today. Come inside, and we can talk more later.”
“Come on in, everyone,” she said warmly, gesturing for them to enter the villa. “There are plenty of rooms here, so why don’t you all stay for a while? We have so much to catch up on, especially after Vivian’s long absence.”
Vivian nodded in agreement. “That sounds perfect, Mom.”
The housekeeper then stepped forward with a smile. “Let me show you to your rooms so you can settle in.”
After they had a chance to check out their rooms and get comfortable, everyone gathered again in the living room, ready to continue their conversations.
“Let’s head to the backyard. Venice will be thrilled to see you, especially you, Vivian,” her mother said with a smile.
Vivian nodded eagerly. “I can’t wait to see my sister,” she said excitedly, then turned to Xavier. “Could you get the gift I prepared from the car?” she asked.
Xavier nodded and headed outside to retrieve the gift. “I’ll help you, Dad,” Lucas offered, following Xavier.
“Let’s go ahead to the backyard. The guests are waiting,” her mother said, leading Vivian and Victoria towards the back of the villa where Venice’s birthday celebration was taking place.
As they arrived in the backyard, they were greeted by a large gathering of guests, all from distinguished families. Her parents led Vivian and Victoria towards Venice.
“Mom, Dad, you’re here,” Venice greeted them with a smile as she saw them.
Now, we’ve come this far, but I haven’t introduced Vivian’s parents yet. Her mother is called Jasmine, and her father is Benedict. Okay, back to the story.
Jasmine, her eyes twinkling with excitement, said, “Venice, I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise, Mom?” Venice asked, curious.
Jasmine smiled mysteriously and stepped aside, revealing Vivian. “Sister,” Vivian said, her voice filled with emotion.
Upon seeing Vivian and hearing her voice, tears welled up in Venice’s eyes. “Vivian! My sister, is it really you?!” she exclaimed in disbelief, her hand covering her mouth.
Vivian nodded, her eyes shining with warmth. “Sister Venice, you look beautiful. Please don’t cry,” she replied.
Overcome with emotion, Venice rushed forward and embraced Vivian tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.
“Sister Vivian, is it really you? I thought I’d never see you again. We searched for you for so long. I constantly worried about how you were, where you were. I always wondered if you had enough to eat or if you were being bullied or struggling. My world fell apart when we heard the news that someone had killed you,” Venice said emotionally, tears continuing to flow.
“Sister, please don’t cry. It’s your birthday today. You’ll ruin your makeup,” Vivian replied, tears in her own eyes as she gently rubbed her sister’s back. “I’m here now, alive and kicking.”
The guests did not know what was happening, but they knew it was good news, so they remained quiet as they watched the drama.
After a few moments, the sisters pulled back from their embrace, though Venice kept her hands on Vivian’s shoulders. Just then, Victoria chimed in with a cheerful, “Hi, Aunt Venice!”
Venice, taken aback, looked at Victoria in surprise. Of course, she recognized who Victoria was. “Aunt?!” she exclaimed, astonished.