ARIAI am still baffled at who he called or how they were able to do it, but the moment we stepped into the hospital, no one was in sight, and I was granted easy access to the wards. Noah remained outside, after telling me to take my time if needed and planting a kiss on my forehead.I walk into the ward, my heart racing with anticipation. I have dreamed of this moment for so long, and finally, I am going to see my parents. I make my way to their room, my legs trembling with emotion. As I enter the room, I am shocked by the sight before me. My mother and father are sitting on the bed playing a game of cards and discussing and laughing, my mother places her hand on my father's chest her head falling to the side as she laughs at something he must have said before I stepped in. Wait! What the hell is going on? I stand there, frozen in shock, my mind racing with questions. How are they able to sit up and play cards? The doctor had told me they were still recovering from their injurie
NOAHShould I have waited in the car? Why is she walking towards me with her parents by her side and why do they look perfectly fine I think to myself as I watch Aria approach me with her parents.The last time I spoke to her father was over the buyout of his company, the conversation had not exactly played out as I planned or maybe I just underestimated Mr. Hayes and his desire to protect his company. I remember the phone call vividly - his firm tone, his refusal to back down. I had underestimated him, and it cost me. But what's done is done. As Aria and her parents approach me, I can't help but wonder what they're thinking. Do they still hold a grudge over me wanting to buy out their company? Do they know about the surrogacy my mother offered Aria? She seems so close to her mother, perhaps she had mentioned it to her. I try to push my thoughts aside and focus on the present moment. Aria's father extends his hand, once they close the distance between us and I shake it, trying to
ARIAI stare at my phone for the fifth time as I wait in the park for Noah to arrive, his last message was that he is on his way but I have yet to see him. I lean back on the bench watching the children afar playing in the sand. The sound of their laughter and shouts fills the air, and I can't help but smile. As I sit there, I can't help but think about how much my life has changed in the past few weeks. From meeting Noah Wright in his office to that silly bet at the cafe and to introducing him to my parents last night, it's all been so surreal. And now, I'm waiting for him in the park, feeling nervous and excited at the same time. I check my phone again, wondering where he is. Just as I'm starting to worry, a message from him pops up on my screen. [I am sorry for the delay, I am currently held up in traffic. - Noah]Traffic huh? I frown typing away on my phone. [You are not going to ask me not to get angry? Because I am angry, I have been waiting close to half an hour now. One wo
ARIAMelissa turns around to face Noah, the mean glare on her face fading away and replaced by a teary-eyed I know all too well. At this point, she should be given an Oscar award for best actress."Oh Noah, thank Goodness you are here. I saw Aria, and I came to greet her but then she got really mad at me and started hurling insults at me to stay away from you and then she hit me across the face," Melissa lies."Aria hit you across the face?" Noah questions, a look of disbelief in his eyes. "See," she cries out removing her hand from her face to show him my palm still printed on her face, looking at it now, I think I should have slapped her harder than I did. Noah extends his hand to Melissa's arm and turns her to the side looking closely at the mark on her cheek.Why is he even touching her? Does he believe her pathetic lies because even a blind man can see she is pretending, well maybe the slap did hurt her, but she is lying.His eyes narrow, his expression unreadable. "Melissa, wh
ARIA"So, what's it with you and this cabin?" I ask as he offers me a glass of wine before joining me on the couch. "Do you bring all your girlfriends here?" "Girlfriend?" He chuckles taking a sip from his wine glass. "I don't do girlfriends Aria, you are the first."First? I don't know if I should believe that or not. "The cabin is just a safe space for me, away from everyone," he continues."Well, the reason I wanted us to meet was because of my parents," I begin, taking a sip from my drink. He raises an eyebrow, " Your parents? Are they fine?""Yeah, they are but my dad suspects foul play, he thinks someone might be on to him and my mum. He said the accident was caused by the brake failure," I explain. "He wants his recovery with that of my mother hidden for now, he hopes this will hopefully lure out whoever is behind it."Noah takes a sip of his drink, nodding his head, "You want me to hide seeing him and your mother?""Yeah, for now of course," I say."You know, you could have
NOAHDammit!I have placed her in a spot, look at her eyes, I can see the desire to say yes, but also the confusion at how soon this is all happening. I knew I should have waited a bit, but I don't think I can.The thought of someone else and not me being her life is going to completely wreck me. I always have this ring, it has been in the family for ages, all I had to do was ask my mother for it. She was stunned when I asked, "Are you sure Noah? I mean I am happy you are finally asking for the ring, but are you sure you want it?" She asked."Aria, you don't have to say anything right now," I say, not wanting to get rejected. Her rejection will hurt more than her silence. "How about you think about it? I don't want to pressure you into anything okay?" I say holding her hand and placing the ring in her hand. "Y-You want me to think about it, while I hold on to the ring?" She stutters. "That's a lot of pressure Noah, and... And this ring looks like a family heirloom."Of course, she d
ARIA"This should fit just fine," Noah says handing me one of his T-shirts from the wardrobe, I don't know how he convinced me to spend the night in the cabin, if anything I should be heading home to be alone, and think about the proposal but I want to be here with him. Whenever I am with him, every other thing seems meaningless. Noah had suggested spending the night at his house first, but I was against it, at least for now. His mother would just have us married at sight, if anyone wants us paired together other than Noah, it's her.I put the towel on the hanger and wear the T-shirt over my head, the T-shirt fits like a dress, big and just above my knee. I check my face in the mirror, packing my hair into a ponytail before leaving the bathroom. I am not surprised when I find Noah in his pajamas standing by the door waiting patiently for me to come out. His eyes light up the moment I step out, his eyes falling from my face to his T-shirt on my body. "Noah, you're staring," I say, t
ARIAMelissa stands in the doorway, a stern expression on her face. "Well, what do we have here?" she says, her voice firm but polite. What the hell is she doing here and how did she get in? Did Noah not close the door? I am sure he wouldn't have made that mistake, to keep the door open."What the hell are you doing here and how did you get in?" I ask, my voice getting loud with each word.Melissa chuckles and walks into the room, her eyes scanning the space as if searching for something. "I have a spare key, what? Did you think you are the only one Noah has brought to this cabin?"Rolling my eyes, I kiss my teeth not answering her question, it doesn't matter who has been here before. Although, I am jealous of the idea of him sharing this space with another woman, but he has made it clear that I am all he needs in his life and that is enough for me. "Anyways," she continues. "I wanted to see Noah, I have been trying to reach him since last night but he wasn't picking up my calls."O