REBIRTH: A Tale of Family Ties

Candy Tanner, a petite 22-year-old with porcelain skin and long brown hair carefully adjusted her husband's collar. Her slender fingers moved with precision, knotting his red tie with a broad smile spread across her small pouty lips.Liam, five years older, stood patiently, his eyes appreciative. "You always make me look so perfect Candy, thank you."Candy's bright smile illuminated her doll like face, her beautiful blue eyes shinning with adoration and devotion.Liam took his gaze to the mirror and a satisfied smile found it's way to his lips. "I certainly look like the perfect male-lead in your stories." He winked and Candy blushed."You know, I was going to write about you and our perfect union" she grinned "Oh, I really can't wait to read that." Liam teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's definitely going to be a bestseller."Candy's cheeks flushed as she gazed at him, her heart skipping a beat. "I wouldn't mind. Then the whole world would see the angel in human form I'm married to." She whispered her voice barely above a whisper.Liam's gaze softened "I bless the day we met, " he said sincerely.Candy's thoughts drifted back to that fateful rainy day. Her books had been rejected by every publishing firm she'd applied to. Her parents and brothers were disappointed since she had already quit her Job, and her sister Tessa wouldn't even speak to her. Feeling broken and alone, she'd left the mansion without her guards, her vision blurred by tears.That's when their worlds literally collided. She accidentally bumped her car unto Liam's.Candy giggled, recalling Liam's concerned expression that day. "You were cute though" she said pinching his cheeks fondly."And you were a positive wind, blowing your essence into my life and changing everything.” They shared a tender moment, their lips brushing against each other, their forehead colliding softly."Your lunch" she said, handing him a small cute bag, containing his food, an apple and a drink. "I wouldn't want you eating out."Liam took it, his fingers grazing hers. "You're beautiful inside out Buttercup" he winked "you've spoilt me to the core."Candy's cheeks flushed. Their almost one-year marriage had deepened their connection and filled Candy with more joy , fulfilment and love than she'd received from even her family.With Liam dressed and ready, Candy stepped back to admire her handiwork. 5'2" frame and athletic built bellied a sharp mind and quick wit. "Have a great day sweetheart" she said tenderly."You too my love" he replied softly and pecked her forehead "I'd return in time for the gala." He said and walked out of the room.As Liam headed out of the door, Candy felt her heart swell with excitement as she turned around to face their luxurious bedroom, adorned with plush carpets and velvet curtains.Getting married to Liam, her family had thought wasn't really a good decision considering that he wasn't amongst the top 10 youngest billionaires in the state, but to her she couldn't have wished for anything more than their quiet moments far away from chaos and paparazzi.She yawned slowly and her mind suddenly drifted elsewhere. "Oh s**t, I've got a gala and fundraiser to prepare for."Moments later, Candy made her way to the kitchen, her flip-flops clicking against the marble floor. Sunlight streamed through the windows illuminating her beautiful and classy sleek space.She began making breakfast pending her older sister, Tessa's arrival. The aroma of fresh coffee and waffles which filled the air, forced their way into her nostrils, causing a satisfied smile to escape from the corner of her lips. Her mind wandered to her novel and she sighed"The deadline is near." She mumbled. She'd planned to write today, probably complete the volume and announce the release date for the next volume but the gala preparations took priority."Guess I won't make progress with the story today," she thought and smiled willfully knowing the fundraiser was a project for Liam's company and if it was successful, he might get recognized as one of the Top 10 billionaires, then her parents will finally stop whining.She took the waffles and Coffee, and settled in the dinning to eat, her mind wandering to the loads of activities packed for the day.Just as she finished eating, her two maids joined her in the dinning. They'd have made breakfast but she's given them strict warnings against making meals for herself and her husband, clearly defining their duties as basically house chores."Good Morning Mrs. Tanner," they chimed in unison."Morning girls" she replied with a warm smile. "Today's a busy day. We have a lot to prepare. Rachel please what's the schedule?""Ma'am, the florists will arrive at 10 am, that's barely an hour from now, to set up arrangements. The catering team will begin preparing the menu at noon."Candy smiled satisfactorily. "Emily, please ensure the linens are pressed in place, and Rachel, oversee the decorations. Everything must be perfect."With tasks assigned, the duo worked efficiently, the decorators and florist also worked hand in hand transforming the mansion into an elegant venue.Throughout the morning, Candy supervised, her attention focused on the smallest details to ensure perfection.As hours passed, Candy's thoughts occasionally drifted to her novel, but her focus remained on the gala as she walked through the lawn.A black BMW stopped by the driveway, and sighting it a bright smile escaped Candy's lips.Tessa, her older sister stepped out of her car, her stilettos clicking on the driveway. "Right on time, as always." Candy said with a big smile.Tessa grinned joining Candy on the lawn. Candy filled her in on the details, from the catering to the decorations, making sure to leave out no detail. Tessa listened carefully, her gaze drifting occasionally to Candy's outfit.Tessa grinned. "Wouldn't miss it. How's the prep going kiddo" she smiled and both sisters shared a hug."It's going on well, I'm certain Liam will be super proud" Candy said in genuine excitement. "Come, I made something for you." She said, dragging Tessa along with her to the kitchen."You're still on with your goodie two shoes huh" Tessa said secretly rolling her eyes. "I wonder why maids exist if you'd still do most of the work on your own, you seem to be forgetting the daughter of whom you are."Candy paused and sighed. "Not today Tessa. I thought we've talked about this? And Liam too, he doesn't have a problem with it.""Of course he doesn't. He also doesn't have a problem with your modest dress sense" Tessa scoffed. "Come on, you're married now, you should act a little slutty with your husband."Candy groaned and shut Tessa a glare knowing there wasn't a way they'd avoid having this conversation. Instinctively, her eyes darted to Tessa from her head to toe, looking all gorgeous, hot and classy.Tessa noticed Candy's glance and chuckled. "What? You don't like my outfit?"Candy shook her head smiling. "No, it's just...you always look so put together, perfect and hot, still maintaining that classy and responsible look."Tessa winked her cheeks burning up. "Someone has to represent the Whales style, and that person is definitely not you."Candy felt slightly hurt, but rolled her eyes playfully. "You know Liam loves me for who I am, not my clothes" she shrugged. Tessa's expression softened. "I know kiddo. I just want you to enjoy your youth and beauty." She said with a soft smile. "To think that you even quitted your job."Candy's heart warmed. "I'm enjoying my Life, Tessa. With Liam, he adores me, and as for my Job, you know how stressful it was at the company... Liam is capable of taking care of me, and writing is paying well."Tessa nodded, her gaze growing distant. "If only she has the slightest idea...perfectionist my foot." She thought with an eyeroll.**The evening unfolded under the beautiful sky. Soft music drifted through the air, accompanied by the clicking of glasses and loud laughter. Candy mingled, her warmth and hospitality rubbing off on every guest and putting them at ease.The gala unfolded with elegance and class, a will of Candy's detailed supervision and efforts. Guests mingled, laughing and admiring the lavish decorations. Liam's employees praised his company's achievements and Candy's warmth and welcoming speech gave everyone a feeling of being welcomed.As Candy inspected, ensuring everything was going on well and everyone was having fun, her anxiety shattered and was replaced with pride and excitement. Tessa approached her with a glass of champagne in her hand. "Kiddo, you've outdone yourself, a testament of the Whales breed. This is stunning."Candy beamed, her eyes shinning. "Thanks, Tess. I couldn't have done it without your help you know."Liam joined them, his arms wrapped possessively around Candy's waist. His lips brushed softly against hers. "Thank you Buttercup, you've made me proud." He winked.Tessa smiled shortly, her gaze flickering between them. "You two are adorable. I'm so glad I'll get to spend tomorrow with you, since it's your anniversary." She grinned and secretly winked at Liam who gave her a knowing look.Candy's face lit up. "We're a year together already." She mumbled her eyes growing teary. "I almost forgot! With all the gala preparations-"Liam chuckled. "I haven't forgotten, Buttercup. I have something special."Tessa's gaze lingered on the couple, with her thoughts running wild.As the evening wore on, Candy's mind began to wander as the last guests departed. She let out a sigh of relief. "That was exhausting but worth it."Tessa yawned, stretching. "I'm glad I can crash here tonight. Your anniversary celebration will be a lovely sendoff."Candy smiled, oblivious of the tension looming beneath the surface. "I'm so glad you're staying Tessa. It'd be just like old times."Liam's eyes met Tessa's, some form of communication going on between them, Candy was so lost in thoughts, so she failed to notice."Let's get some rest." Liam's suggested, guiding Candy towards their bedroom. "Tomorrow is certainly going to be special."As they bid Tessa goodnight, Candy felt grateful for how perfect her life was going. Little did she know, tomorrow would bring more than just anniversary celebrations...