Title: The Reborn of Aria Delaney
I woke up in a room so magnificent it felt like heaven. Did God finally accept my soul? I never imagined heaven could be this beautiful.
"Good gracious, I'm in heaven!" I whispered.
"No, Aria, you're in your home," a calm voice replied.
My eyes shot open. "My home? And who are you?"
A handsome man in his late forties smiled warmly."I'm Tom Delaney, your father."
"Father?" I scoffed. "Can't you let me rest in peace?"
Light fades out.
A flood of questions raced through my mind. I have a father? Azazel is the one I thought was my dad. Bella is my real mom, but who is this man? Am I in someone else's body? Did I die and wake up as someone else? Does he want to buy me for sex again? And how did he know I was called Aria?
"Aria, mi Aria, come down for breakfast before I explain and introduce you to the servants," he said kindly.
He rose and called out, "Alice, this is my daughter Aria. Assist her with everything—bath, clothes, and direct her to the dining hall."
"Okay, Mr. Delaney," Alice responded.
"Be good, Aria. I'll see you down there."
I stepped down, gazing at the paradise around me. I thought I had seen riches, but this man... he could be God himself.
I looked down—tank top and jogger shorts. How did I get changed? I splashed water on my face to check if I was dreaming, but I couldn't wake up.
"Good morning, Miss Aria Delaney," the servants chorused.
There were at least twenty-six of them.
"Umm, good morning," I replied shyly.
"Aria, come sit," Tom beckoned.
How did he know my name? No one calls me that.
I took a seat as he claimed the master's chair at a massive table that could fit forty people.
"Aria, eat first. The table is filled with dishes," he said.
"Huh? Am I dreaming?"
"No, Aria. You're in the Delaney Mansion, Brooklyn, New York. And before you ask, dig in."
The maids unveiled every breakfast food I'd only ever dreamed of. The chef announced each dish with pride—carrot cake from the best carrots imported from China, apple and blackberry hummus from Thailand, pancakes with vanilla and almond extract, detox smoothies, chocolate milkshakes, chapatis, and guacamole.
"Thanks, Clark, but we get it," Tom chuckled.
After four bites, I knew this was no dream—I was in heaven.
We moved to the couch, and Tom began.
"As I said, I'm Tom Delaney, your father. Your mother, Bella Everleigh, was killed by Azazel Alasdair. We loved each other deeply, but I was the Don of the American Mafia. Bella feared our child would grow up a killer or drug lord, so she left me for Azazel, not knowing she was pregnant with me."
He paused. "Azazel married Bella after a one-night stand, accepting the pregnancy. After you were born, she found out he was involved in mafia business. She wanted to leave but stayed for your sake. Then, when you were two, there was an accident. Azazel learned he wasn't your father—I was around to give you some blood."
He touched his neck. "I gave you that scar. I'm sorry."
"At four, Azazel stopped providing for you. Bella begged me to help. I promised to correct my ways and start a family with her peacefully."
"She agreed but never came back—Azazel killed her. That day, he fled with you from Mexico."
Tom's voice broke. "I searched for you everywhere but found nothing. No social media, no friends."
"Then how did you find me?" I asked.
"At a gala, I saw your scar and couldn't take my eyes off you. You look exactly like your mother."
"I'm sorry you had to suffer."
"Don't blame yourself."
"And Azazel? I'll make hell reject him."
"He's worse than the Devil," I said, still processing everything.
"So, Aria, will you accept being a Delaney?"
"No. I'm already a Delaney by birth," I said, pausing. "And it isn't a choice, it's an obligation."
"That's my girl!" he smiled.
"The whole house is yours. Here are keys to the latest Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, Bugatti La Voiture Noire, Lamborghini Sián Fkp 37, and more."
He laughed. "There are twenty-six cars in the garage. Twelve mansions—you own four now, and the rest will be yours one day. Twelve hotels worldwide—America, China, Germany, Africa, Australia."
I blinked. "How long have you planned all this?"
"Since Bella died. I never accepted you were gone. I wanted you to be comfortable. The mansion has a massive library because you love reading, a swimming pool, music room, game room, cinema, two kitchens, makeup room, two master bedrooms, and six guest rooms."
He clapped his hands. Servants lined up.
"Aria, these are your assistants, drivers, gardeners, and kitchen staff."
I introduced myself, awkwardly complimenting their outfits. They all smiled warmly.
"Now get ready for your welcoming party tonight at 9," Tom said.
"A party? Isn't this enough?"
"Nothing is ever enough for you. I want you happy, never to raise a hand for anything again."
I nodded, tears pricking my eyes. "Thanks, Father. I never knew someone could care for me like this. It's not about money—it's about having a real family."
He smiled, tears shining. "I love you, Aria."
"I love you too, Papa."
I asked about my things from the cruise.
"They're in your room. Here's your phone—it fell when you were pushed in the water."
I picked it up.
Tom's POV:
I'm glad I have Aria back. Anyone who hurt her will pay.
Aria's POV:
From misery to riches in an instant. I can finally be free and meaningful to society. I called Larisa.
"Where are you?"
"New York. Should I come over?"
"On my way."
I glanced around the huge room—teddy bears with my name embroidered, a photo of my mother, and a diary labeledBella.
A note from Tom:Aria, your mother left this diary. I hope it means something to you. Love, Dad.
I smiled through tears, ready to face this new life.