Epilogue

A few years Later

Sleep! My eternal love. My lifetime friend. The only thing now I can do without fail. How peaceful it is to sleep like a log of wood and snore your way in your own office. That feeling is heart blazing people. I never knew that one feels so content after attaining that peaceful slumber straight for eight hours. But now that I have actually got habitual of drowning in that heavenly world, for seven years now, I realize that nothing can be more blissful than sleeping after a tiring day at work.

But as I tried to find a more comfortable position on the couch, I felt two whispers on either side. I tried to shun them away, but when I didn't budge, then without having any mercy, they killed my ears with their ear-shattering shriek.

"Ahhhhhhhhh," I fell down of the couch, in shock while the two reincarnations of Satan's stood in front with their hand their hips and mischievous looks etched on their faces. Their eyes roamed over my face and then seeing my rageful state, both burst out laughing flipping their long silky hairs to one side of their shoulder.

Serena Price and our little troublemaker, Rena Price; the six-year-old brat who can even scare the ghosts away with her dangerous pranks but yet a loveable sweetheart who was adored by each one of us, especially her elder brother, Nathaniel.

We realized that Nathaniel had my last three letters in his name, thus when the doctor informed us that we were having a girl, we decided to name her Rena; inspired by Serena.

The comparison was so much similar to like my name Daniel inspired by my mother's Danielle, while my brother Josh's name was taken after my father Jose Price.

Maybe it was a tradition in the family which we were following, but definitely, madness shouldn't be a tradition but looks like all the three people here have taken training from my siblings to annoy the shit out of me.

"What the hell you two devil's?" I finally yelped at the laughing culprits. Standing up, I took a yawn stretching my tired muscles while Serena gave me an amused look. I gave her a glare as she was shaking her head at me.

"Daddy, it's 12 in noon. Do you plan to wake up or not? And did you forgot bro is bringing his girlfriend today?" I rolled my eyes at the little version of Serena, who was frowning at me.

Who would have thought that the result of our long love activity on our honeymoon in Malaysia, will result in this little missy?

Not me surely.

"Renz, your dad is a baby. How do you expect him to wake up early? He is breaking records of all people here by sleeping in the working hours." Serena mocked me sarcastically while I rubbed my eyes to remove the drowsiness.

Of course, there was a time when I was an insomniac, but things change and so do I. I still remember that after we returned from Paris, for a month I still saw John because I was actually out of the habit of sleeping. So the maximum I slept was for two hours, but it was not a worrisome issue, with time I got used to the feeling of sleeping like normal people, and in no time I was back to my original self; that is the teenage Price who loved sleeping till late.

And now these monsters don't leave a second in making fun of me.

How to mean!

"I don't have work. So now you both Satan's go out and let me sleep."

"Nooooooooooooooo". They yelled deafening my ears, and my drowsy squinted eyes opened wide with terror hearing their shrilling voice.

Glaring at them I stomped my foot on the carpeted floor, and reprimanded them, "Can't you girls learn to speak low? One day you will end up making all of us martyrs of this building".

"We will learn to speak low, when you will start remembering things. Clients are waiting in the boutique, you forgetful specie. Who will give them the presentation about the new trend launch?"

"Holy crap!" I scratched my head as she reminded me of the most important work.

All three siblings wanted to be renowned fashion designers, thus after returning from our honeymoon, I decided to convert The Price Inns into The Price Boutique and Hotels.

Now we served a dual purpose in the town. Serena was chief head of the restaurant while I managed the boutique along with the top hired fashion designer from across the world.

It was certainly a challenge to handle the cloth line, but I tried to put myself in the place of those novel writers; who always researched different topics, created new characters, and drafted their thoughts. So in the same way I too decided to research, experience, and grow in this field.

And it is nowhere written that for attaining success in a particular field, you need to have a degree in that profession. If you have the compassion to learn, then nothing is impossible and I exactly used that line to my benefit.

I researched, took the advice of the designers, tried to draw few things on my own, got them cross-checked with the team; made amendments, and then we all worked on creating those fine arts into a beautiful piece of clothing.

And now Success was at my doorstep not just in my hotel, but in my star-studded boutique which was soon going to launch a new Summer collection along with the Wedding ones.

"Wake Up, Sexy! Enough of your drowsiness. Go do some useful work now". Serena clipped in her usual way winking at me. Lately, that was one line she used on me every now and then, a bit in a literal sense it has a very wide meaning.

She did wake me up from the tragedy of the past, automatically forcing my demons to crawl in their graveyard while I was certainly blessed with the lifetime peace in form of her love and our two kids; who were our entire universe.

Remembering which I went back to Rena's statement regarding Nathan bringing his girlfriend.

"Did you just say Nathan is bringing his girlfriend here?" I asked them tugging my shirt inside my jeans while the girls exchanged curious looks. For a six-year-old, surely my daughter can put sixty-year-old people at shame with the way she gives those thoughtful looks.

Thank heavens, we didn't plan on having another baby, because certainly, I can't handle this huge Serena banshee.

"He is going to ask her out for the prom today". Serena stated and ran outside followed by Rena. What was wrong with her now? What blunder did they commit now?

I walked out of my office to the only gape at the scene.

The entire staff was running around the place, while there was no sign of any customer in the restaurant. But what were these people busy in?

I looked around and my jaw fell on the ground, seeing the board that was hung outside.

The restaurant is closed for today.

"Nathannnnnnnnnnn!" I yelled straight for him because I don't have to think twice about the things going on in here. Apart from him, no one has the guts to bring a tsunami to this place.

Hearing my yelling, all staff stilled while I raised my brows at them.

"Daddy".

"Daniel".

"Sir".

I showed my hand to Rena, Serena, and Jenna who came running to save their spoilt brat. But I was in no mood of listening to them, so I walked to the main area.

My once innocent baby was now called the hottest guy of the New York who can have any girl by his side in a blink. He wasn't just a Greek God for girls, but more like a loaded property who was going to manage the Five-star Hotel chains of The Price Inns, in Chicago, Switzerland, and London.

My eyes scanned the room to search for my son, and finally, I spotted him standing on the high stool, making a heart on the wall with red roses.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I saw his dedication to his girl. He was just seventeen, but still so serious about his relationship and it surely impressed me that, he wasn't anything like me.

"May I know with whose permission is this restaurant closed, Mr. Nathaniel Price?" I made my presence known to him, and he turned around to look at me with his mesmerizing eyes.

"Sir, Master is going to ask his girlfriend out, so we thought we will give him the privacy today in the restaurant." Max replied as Nathan got down the stool. I was taken aback as they winked at each other.

"And since when did you became his personal Lawyer, Max?" Sarcasm was evident in my tone.

"Since the day you declared me as the future ruler of the The Price Inns". Nathan replied sharing a hi-five with Max and I heard three chuckles behind me. Do I need to even turn around to look at the girls? Their laughter is enough to recognize them.

Shaking my head I took in his attire, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?" He eyed me begrudgingly. He can't handle anyone laughing at him forever. Like mother, like son. And both are unfortunately mine.

"You are going to propose her like this?" I pointed towards his attire of ripped coppery and black vest. No kidding that he looked hot, but there is a thing called decency too.

"Holy Shit! I forgot to change. She will be here anytime."

"No cursing boy". I chided him but he glared at me.

"Mommyyyyyyy!" Here comes the mother's baby boy.

"Mommy, I don't have clothes here. I can't go back to home." He cried hugging Serena who stroked his back while Rena hugged the two of them on their legs.

"Baby, I brought your clothes. Go in my office, and get ready." Pulling away he kissed her cheeks and forehead, with a big smile.

"You are the best, Mommy. I love you". No matter how much mature he was, he still preferred calling Serena Mommy. And their interaction hasn't even changed a bit. He still acted like a baby to her.

"Hey, say that to your girlfriend. Leave my wife alone". I butt in as my possessiveness kicked in for my girl. All looked at me like I have gone crack.

Turning around, Nathan stood in between Jenna and Serena, while Rena stood in front. He wrapped his both arms around the women's shoulders, giving me his charming smirk.

"Why oldie? Got scared of my charms, did you?" He teased earning a red rose on his face, which I threw straight after breaking from the nearby bouquet that he might have bought for his girl.

"Dad, don't touch my bouquet".

"Whatever. No go, and get yourself presentable. You look like a rotten tomato to me".

"Very funny. And by the way Mom and Rena loves me more, Silky Chocolate". Sticking his tongue out, he ran inside Serena's office followed by laughing Rena and Jenna.

Serena bit her lip in embarrassment, as she realized the nickname Nathan slipped out in his happy mood.

Obviously, I told her my inner thoughts of our wedding night encounter to her on our honeymoon, and this potato chip woman has so clearly, revealed it to our kids.

I gave her a pissed look, but she held onto her ears, apologizing to me and my heart melted right there. We never liked hiding anything from our kids especially if it was funny stuff and I wasn't surprised that, she revealed to them about that crazy nickname.

"Excuse Me, Mr. And Mrs. Price!" Before we can get lost in our moment, we heard a sweet voice behind us.

We turned to greet a beautiful young girl in her teens. I assumed her to be my boy's choice and needless to say, I approve of her.

"Hey babe!" Nathan called running out still zipping up his jacket. Boy! He doesn't have any patience.

He hugged her sideways planting a kiss on her temple, while Serena snuggled near me, wrapping her arms on my waist.

"Meet my silly girl, Rena. And that's my Mom, and Dad. Serena and Daniel Price!" Nathan introduced all of us. Rena who was hiding behind my legs, ran forward to greet her.

"Hello Baby. Nice to meet you. I am Carolina.”

The girl was introduced, and I felt Serena tensing in my arms, but today this name didn't affect me, instead, I realized that on basis of one person's doing, I can't judge all the people having that name. Carolina, who was my past, didn't stare at me the way I saw Nathan's Carolina staring at him with love and affection. There was a huge difference, between both and in that moment, I knew that I have got my lifetime closure.

"Welcome to the family, Carolina." I walked up to them while Nathan beamed at me. He instantly hugged me, and I patted his back.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Serena smiling at me with proud tears, but she didn't dare to shed them.

"You approve us?"

"Of course I do Nathan. I don't have any reason to deny you your love, but always remember that stay loyal to the other. Never resort to hurting the other intentionally because you never know whether you are capable of handling that pain or not. Because some or other day, you have to face the consequences of your own actions. Thus, make sure that whatever issue you have, you face it together and talk it out before taking any decisions". I advised him of the lesson I have learned from my own life.

"Thanks a ton, Dad. You are the best. Love you".

"Thank you, Mr. Price. We will make sure to keep your advice in mind always". Carolina agreed and nodding at them, I walked away to my cabin, leaving the couple to have their privacy.

I was standing near the window with a smile playing on my lips after I was done with my meetings when I felt two arms snaking around my waist.

"Someone has become so mature!"

I turned around to take Serena in my arms and she happily came.

"It's all your doing wifey. You have awakened the sleepy soul, after all. So, I am bound to talk sense now, don't I?"

She played with the buttons of my shirt as I stroked her back.

"I am so proud of you, Daniel".

"And so am I. In fact much more than I can ever explain. You have given the best upbringing to our kids, Serena". I complimented her stroking her cheeks as she stared deeply into my eyes. I just wanted to get lost in those pretty orbs and never look at another thing.

"Don't you think we are becoming to mature these days?" She laughed at her own question.

"Why? Thank you, Mrs. Price but I was always mature, it's you who is changing now. Maybe, you are transmitting your crazy hormones to Rena!" I replied. She scowled at me, but I embraced her tightly in my arms.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me till now. I don't have words to express my gratitude towards you for bringing this warmth of love in my life". I confessed and she planted a soft kiss on my heart.

"If it makes you feel any better, then you brought warmth in my life too. I love you, Daniel"

I placed a chaste kiss on the side of her head.

"But you know darling, I love those line more from your smart mouth". I teased back earning a smack on my chest.

"Say it please. For once". I pleaded to give her my puppy looks. Still hugging me tightly, she repeated those lines in a lyrical way which gelled well with our life story as well as our love story.

He was a Challenge to her by God,

Drowned in his sorrows to the heart,

His soul finding his homely feel,

But nothing can make him feel!

Apart from her,

Only her,

Who herself was a bigger mystery,

But in days,

She changed his history.

He learned to smile, and laugh like a child,

Enjoying in her arms,

His Demons slept forever, his soul started to breathe,

When she chirped like a Nightingale in his ears.

Wake Up Sexy, Please!