Almost every woman's dream is to get married to the man they love and desire. The love that radiates between them were the stepping stones to a brighter future together. Standing in front of Ryan made me realize just how fortunate it was to be getting married to him. Not that I was in love with him, but there seemed to be a blurry connection between us. He was not only handsome, but had notable qualities. Even when he looked or acted confused, he still cared in his own way. The past two months had been clumsy between us. Disagreements, laughter, agreement, hugging and a few kisses. My face flushed instantly at the thought of that. Ryan's warm hand trying to lift my left hand made me realize he was about to put a ring down there, as I stretched my hand forward. He gently slid in. “You guys should kiss.” Someone said from the audience. I definitely knew it was none other than Eva. Ryan and I stared at each other as he inched his face closer and our nose met before he took my lip
ARIEL POV Every step we took toward the garden reminded me of many things. It was my final night here. It was time to start thinking of being a married young lady. Furthermore, it was a dream I never expected to come through this year. The night was quiet except for the croaking of frogs. But still, it was peaceful. The neon lights in the garden were something I always looked forward to when I visited the garden here. It was a beautiful sight. We finally sat on wooden chairs, as we faced each other, thereby putting a pause to my thoughts. “Ariel. How do you feel today?” Mum's question was enough to make me imagine how my day went by. I put on a smile. “I felt good. Even though it was an arranged marriage, It didn't feel forced. I am glad to marry someone like Ryan. I hope our marriage works out.” I wasn't sure what led to those answers I gave, but it was simply the truth. Getting married is a relief for me, at least for now. The smile on mum's face brightened. She adjusted h
ARIEL POV I still found it difficult to wrap my head around what happened last night. The thought only had my mind wandering about. It was a mystery to me. I wasn't sure of how to react. Was I the one at fault? I woke up early this morning as everywhere was quiet. Mrs. Greta had left, probably as Ryan instructed. I figured out Ryan was sleeping opposite the room I slept in yesterday. I could not help but wonder where he got the keys to open it. It was his house anyway. He must have had spare keys. Everything was still a mystery to me, especially Ryan's reaction. I was able to figure out the kitchen easily, as I prepared breakfast. I hardly slept yesterday, as I spent the night brooding and shedding tears. Not only that, but I felt alone. I started working on making scrambled eggs to keep my mind off Ryan. I was surprised he had so much grocery and food stuff in stock. He is probably a good cook. As I continued preparing the food,my subconscious reprimanded me. “He was try
RYAN POV There is something beautiful about keeping one's life simple. The life of having your basic needs: food, shelter and clothing, and being satisfied. A life you won't have to worry who was doing better than you. Or the thought of improving yourself to please the crowd, instead of yourself. That life, you won't have to worry about perfecting your life, in other to avoid scandals. The life of YOU VERSUS YOU. That was the life I craved for, but it seems I should brace myself for the opposite. It wasn't up to a step I took out of the company when I was crowded by a bunch of reporters. They kept bringing up questions about my secret marriage, making me wonder who was behind leaking it. They expected a wedding, a glamorous one, instead of the quiet one I had. Furthermore, they questioned me on why I hid my wife, and if truly the lady in the viral kiss video was the woman in my life. I was frustrated and furious, but I managed to keep my anger under the lid. I wasn't going to l
RYAN POV Words alone can't describe how I had been feeling for the past three weeks of my marriage. It was a bitter-sweet experience, one that makes me felt I deserved an award. An award for THE MOST STUPID HUSBAND. As much as that felt like my guilty conscience talking, I couldn't deny the fact that I hadn't been treating Ariel well. How I had always been accepting the set of food she sends to my office every day, yet refused to appreciate her. Every night, I arrived late, but she still tried to stay awake for me. But the bitter truth was that: I still kept her at arm's length. Ignoring her as well as the dinner she makes. I thought she would stop treating me right despite what I had done to her, but she doesn't look like the sort that gives up. She still cared for me, cooked for me. I'm definitely an asshole. I allowed those thoughts run down my head, as I proceeded to leave for home. I felt the urge to make things right, but a massive part of me still felt repulsive to that
ARIEL POV It was three weeks. Three weeks of mixed emotions, anxiety, sadness, happiness, and disappointment. I wasn't sure what to conclude, seeing Ryan finally soft and saying thank you to me. It felt as if my heart somersaulted. I was happy within me. My communication with my dad had been regular, even though it was risky. My stepmom was not aware he gave me his contact information. All in one, I was glad our relationship was getting better. But still, every time we spoke, he kept reminding me of the secret he wanted to open to me about. It only brought this bitter feeling at the pit of my stomach. One thing I know for sure was that revealing that secret might make our relationship drawback. I do not want that. “I should have said that a long time ago. Pardon me.” He spoke gently. “Not a problem. Glad you said it now.” I admitted, licking my lips and determinably, pressing away the picture of my dad revealing his secret to me. “Thanks for understanding. I enjoyed this meal.
RYAN POV Yesterday's moment with Ariel never left the space of my mind. It was as if I kept getting reminded of what transpired yesterday most especially her seduction that almost got me. Her shyness only made her cute, in some sense. At some point, I was mesmerized by her boldness in asking me out. In all, I said yes to her. And tonight will make it an easy way to fulfill her wish. I drove the car at my pace, not too fast, neither too slow. I've promised to pick Ariel up at 8pm that night. I needed time to think. Was I doing the right thing? At one end, I wanted to think about Evelyn, but Ariel's personality no doubt seemed similar to that of Evelyn. The peacemaking habit, calm and collected, beautiful when angry. A chuckle left my lips as I thought about it. I parked in front of the house, as I called Ariel on my phone. Within a few seconds, she was out. She wore a dark blue dress, buttoned up the front with pearl buttons, from her neck to her knees, matching blue shoes. Her
ARIEL POVI wasn't certain if my actions were enough reasons for me to react like that towards Ryan. I was angry, not against him for what transpired earlier between Cindy and us, but rather what happened at the restroom. “She just kept forcing herself on the young Billionaire.” The voice of one of the ladies I met at the restroom geared into my memory lane. Even when I felt I shouldn't have let them get to me, I still did. I sighed, realizing how unfair it was to react that way towards Ryan. I simply walked away, trying not to get back at them. Getting back at Cindy was enough for the night. I wasn't much of a fire for fire kind of person. I hoist my head up as it met with Ryan, who was taking giant strides towards me. My heart beat faster, as I hoped in my heart that he wasn't angry. The beeping sound of the car jolted me, as I opened the door to his car, not waiting for him to get in front of me. The least I could think of now was for the night to end in no time. I am alread
#FIVE YEARS LATER ARIEL POV We have come this far, and to be honest, it hasn't been easy. What drives us as a couple is the in-depth love that cares at all times. It had been a beautiful ride, completely worth it. My years of marriage with Ryan had been the best. It taught me lessons- to be tolerant and patient. To love and cherish Ryan and just when I fell in love with him, which wasn't reciprocated at first, I almost thought I would give up. But I never did. Evelyn's entrance into our life was yet something that left the fringes of hope that I had . The thought of Ryan finally loving me suddenly escaped into thin air. I wanted to vent my spleen and maybe give up, but my love for Ryan kept me going. It was a daily reminder that I had someone worth holding on to. Love is patient and kind, never seeks out for its own interest. My six years of marriage helped me to see clearly that sometimes, love is not a feeling. Because if it was, it would have faded like dust. I hit the
ARIEL POV My mouth dropped for seconds, as I stood. Ryan waved his hand, stopping my forward movement. He took one last glance at me, before walking further into the house. My throat dried, as a bitter feeling erupted inside of me. I felt bad for what I did. But I was scared. The thought of having a child seemed quite overwhelming at first, not to mention the fact that I wasn't sure Ryan was ready to be a father yet. “He will come around. Don't bother too much about it, sis.”Lucille's hand patted my shoulder, as I faked a smile. "I guess this was a bad timing. I have to leave now. You guys need time to sort things out.”Lucille commented as she held her bag. "Wait. What about the biscuits? I made them specially for you.”I took some in a plastic container as I placed it in her bag. She simply looked on, as I walked her out of the house. We hugged for the last time, as she promised to visit with her husband next time. I closed the door behind, feelings of chaos slowly fillin
RYAN POV It had been three weeks since Ariel moved back and my life had gotten better with her company. It was just like the good old days. Our conversations were quite a fine one with no stoppers to make it awkward in any way. Well, all had been good except for the lovemaking part. We always end up making out, but not any further into sex. Ariel always laid complaints or excuses, making me wonder if she was afraid of something. Or maybe she wasn't ready to have sex with me again. That thought had been lingering in my mind as far as possible. Even when I asked her what was wrong, she only asked me to be patient. I am patient, and I trust she must have a good reason for holding back. I really hope the reason wasn't because of me. I expelled a breath the moment I entered the garden at my mum's mansion. Everywhere was rather quiet with just the chirping of birds, and flapping of wings. The green plants blossomed greatly, making every part all green. I walked towards my mum, who se
ARIEL POV Summer is one of the best four earths seasons that foreshadows Autumn. The days become warm, hot, and long, nights shorter. Everyone loves summer. I love it too. It was the best time to go on a vacation, especially spending more time closer to the sea. Plenty of leaves on trees and numerous plants to admire. It was always a beautiful day to observe creation. And that was how I had been spending my days, yearning for Ryan to be beside me. Occasionally, I imagine us going for a vacation – just the two of us. Maybe Eva's question really got me, making me reconsider going back to Ryan. I didn't have the perfect words to reply to Eva that very day she asked that question, and I was grateful the doorbell came to my rescue once again. But now, the right answer was on the tip of my heart. Most times when I glance outside, it was always as if I felt Ryan's presence. Every gift he always sent was full of graceful and sweet words that often melt my heart. I really missed
RYAN POVIt has been over a week since I witnessed that horror scene that kept plaguing memories. The secrets that came with it only left my mind off, my body trembling with anger and disappointment. Nick came right on time. Dad and Evelyn saved, which at least made me feel better. I wanted to let them live, even with the hurt they caused me. They made me look like a fool for so many years. However, it made me grateful that all these happened. It made me feel special to have Ariel in my life. She is a special gem who has helped me introduce changes to myself. Slowly, she helped me strip off my old personality. As for dad, he was arrested and will be spending the rest of his life in prison. He was involved in illegal deals with drugs and human trafficking. It was a shocker. Evelyn, on the other hand, was under confinement in the psychiatric hospital, as she was being taken care of. It was shocking to realize that her mental health was at stake because of my dad, who used these dru
RYAN POV Everyday seems like I would go out of my mind any moment from now. It is really appalling to see the effect Ariel had on me. And so far so good, I have been able to make a decision if at all she ever agrees to be in my life again. I had decided to resign from being the CEO of this company. I hadn't told anyone about this, as I was still debating on it. I wanted to be certain I really wanted that simple lifestyle I yearned for those past years. My fingers shook as I waited patiently for Eva to text back. I had been asking her about Ariel all this while. It was safe to say I was happy she was doing fine. But, I really missed her. I felt miserable without her. Ariel still proved to be the best as she saved food recipes for me. I cooked with them and it has been my lifesaver. I wondered what would have happened if Ariel didn't leave those recipes of hers. I would have been diagnosed with ulcer - the ailment I had battled with in the past. Even Though I didn't thoroughly en
ARIEL POV Being pregnant seemed to be tampering with my mood, as I seek solace in quiet places. In fact, I love silent places. I love to be alone most of the time. Eva has been the kindest soul as she often sttays with me. She always leaves for work in the morning and returns in the evening. Damien had been making sure I was regularly checked by the doctor. Every now and then, I felt lonely, the thought of Ryan's well-being hovering in my mind. I didn't give in too much thought to Eva's words, but I still imagine what it was like for Ryan to have witnessed his father having sex with his wife. It was a betrayal that will definitely sting deep. I wonder if he is drowning in alcohol, or wallowing in self-pity. He probably misses me now. I sighed, as I glanced at my new phone, as if I was expecting a call from him. He doesn't even have access to my new number. How will he call? I grimaced at my thought. The doorbell rang, as I made to stand, but stopped as Eva passed by. "I wi
ARIEL POV There was comfortable silence, as the doctor took her final check on me. I fought with the apprehensive thoughts running through my mind, and it took a lot of courage not to give way to tears, especially if the doctor confirmed Eva's words to me. Eva had demanded that Damien call a doctor to check up on me, and a test had been run on me. The last few hours are all dedicated to me. "Miss Ariel is two weeks and a few days pregnant.”The doctor dropped the bombshell, as I felt my heart pinned. I should have expected this, but it was as if I were in a trance. Eva's body collided with mine, as she engulfed me into a hug. She stared at me with a giant smile plastered on her lips. It was as if she won a lottery. "Congratulations sister-in-law.”She beamed, her palm resting on mine. I gave her a small smile, still not acquainted with the new discovery that made me rather speechless. "Thank you doctor.”Damien spoke, as he gave me a smile, which I reciprocated. The doctor ment
RYAN POV Moans and groans filled the four corners of the room. I watched their illicit act, each part of my body trembling and almost breaking. They were caught up in the sham of CONSUMMATION that they were oblivious to my presence. I simply looked on, my feet unable to move. I was beyond stunned. Finally, my assumption was proved right in front of me. My dad had been screwing with my wife for like forever. It stabbed me like a knife, at the betrayal. Evelyn's innocence had been lies all this while, yet I fell for it. I allowed her to jeopardize my relationship with Ariel. I savaged my College life, doing everything to please her. She had always claimed to be a virgin and that had been one major reason why our relationship hadn't gone past kissing, hugging and holding hands. But it was clear. She never loved me. She was only pretending. She only loved my father. I turned to leave, making a slight noise with my shoes, and it seemed to do the trick of distracting them. “Ryan…”