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
RYAN POV What transpired between Ariel and I kept playing on my mind like a movie. It was as if she knew what I wanted at each time. The time when I needed solace, or when I was just confused. She is very patient and loving. The perfect reminder of the qualities Evelyn had. I wish she never died. I sighed, as I geared back to the documents in front of me. The work kept coming up ever since the secret marriage of Ariel, and I was blown out. It was expected that most companies wanted partnership because they felt it deem to count me more responsible than ever before. I fought the thoughts that kept coming in, but was not successful. I decided I needed to rest more than ever, even though I can't have one soon. I just needed to adapt as soon as possible. The door to my office opened, revealing Nick and my secretary who followed behind him. My head hoisted, glancing at some files in her hand, ignoring Nick, who simply sat down. “Sir, I came to give you this. This is from Mrs. Samant
ARIEL POV I sighed for the umpteenth time, holding to the novel I was reading. A teen fiction, apparently which focused on a young teenage boy who struggled with feelings for both same and opposite sex. As much as that seemed frightening, the plot twist only made me dig deeper. It was the little I could do to while away time, and most especially the thought that I missed Ryan. I tossed and turned, trying to concentrate with the book I was reading, but my thoughts kept splitting from my phone to the novel in hand. I was waiting for Ryan's text message. Not only that, but I had texted him a few minutes ago, asking about his travel to Italy and if he had settled down. But sadly haven't received a reply. Maybe he is busy,' my subconscious hinted. I held my breath while engaging In an internal brawl between myself and myself. I inhaled and exhaled, as I sat up on the bed, checking my phone again. I let out a groan, before releasing the phone off my hand. “I shouldn't worry. He is f
ARIEL POV The air felt stiff, different thoughts running in and out of my head. It was weird, but I was glad I still maintained my calm. 'She is not worth your reply. Just ignore her.' I kept thinking inwardly, trying not to focus on the lewd words Kathleen used. “Kathleen, that was rude. Apologize,” I heard Nick sternly voice, prompting me to gaze at them. Kathleen rolled her eyes, folding her arms on her chest. “I would rather kiss the ground, then apologize. She is not worth it. And if you keep pressing on this matter, I better leave.” She sashayed away, as Nick looked angry and bewildered. He held his palms together, as he faced me. “I'm sorry about her. Please pardon me. She won't go scot-free.” He seethed, making my heart skip a bit. Nick walked away. I attempted to follow him, as I was afraid he might do something crazy, but I felt Eva pull me back. “And where do you think you are going, sister-in-law?” Eva drawled, as I simply let out a groan. “What if Nick does som
RYAN POV I wasn't sure what I felt about that question from Ariel, but I was angry. I was furious, my body trembling with anger. Different questions ran through my head as I stared angrily at her. How did she know about Evelyn? And what gave her the effrontery to ask about her? Just because we were getting close does not give her the permission to pry into my personal affairs- to ask personal questions. “You should go to sleep, Ariel. Goodnight.” Calming down, I said, making sure my voice wasn't raised. I walked towards the door, not until her voice stopped my motion. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked such a personal question. My inquisitiveness got the best of me.” Now she is talking, but because I was still feeling tense and angry at her choice of question, I needed more space and time to clear my mind. Her words triggered many things in me. “If you would like us to still be on good terms, be careful of the question you ask. We aren't so close.” I opened the door, walking
RYAN POV I let out a disgruntled groan, realizing I requested for a wrong file. I tapped on my desk, trying to ease the tension building up in me. I was tired and sleepy. I could feel pangs of pain, keeping me from working properly. The door opened, revealing Chloe as she walked in with a file. “Sir, this is the business deal that needs your attention as soon as possible.” I shook my head slightly, trying to be as calm as possible. Who was she to decide which business deal needed my attention as soon as possible? “Sir…” She called out. “Can you just not talk?” I tried to keep my voice down, but obviously, the look on her face explained it. She was shocked. “I'm sorry, sir.” She quickly apologized. I raised my hand, halting her from speaking more words. I quickly performed a breathing exercise, my head resting on my palms as I breathed out gently. It was very wrong to transfer aggression, especially to Chloe. She had been the best secretary ever. I just can't put into words
RYAN POV I smiled, reminiscing the event that happened the previous night, the thought of sleeping on Ariel, bringing me to chuckle. It was even weird that I saw the stain of her lips stick on my lips this morning. She must have kissed me. That naughty lady. Taking one final look at myself, I decided to leave the room for the dining. My eyes met with Ariel the moment I stepped into the dining room, as she quickly looked away. My lips curled into a small smile, as I sat looking at her intently. With a flirtatious smile, I winked at her, as her cheeks turned crimson. “What are we eating today?” I asked, as she began dishing out my breakfast. “Something light. Just toasted English muffins and coffee. I hope you love it.” I nodded, as she prepared to leave. My hand held her wrist, preventing her from moving further. She stopped, as I felt her tensed up a bit. “Ariel, can you sit with me?” I wasn't sure that came out, but I'm glad it did. She sat gently, as she still didn't meet
RYAN POV I wasn't certain how I felt about Ariel's kiss that morning, but it was exciting. I almost got lost, and if not for the last self-control on me, I would have encouraged us to continue where she started. I wasn't certain, but all I could think of was how to pay Ariel back. She is quite confident to initiate a kiss. Not only that, but I can't seem to get my mind off it. My imagination kept going wider than I thought. "Sir.” The touch of someone jolted me out of my reverie. I cleared my throat, adjusting my sitting posture, blocking the thought of Ariel, at the sight of the people watching me. The throbbing I felt between my legs dropped immediately. I felt speechless for a while, suddenly realizing I was in a meeting, but all I could think of was Ariel's kiss. I haven't been bewitched, have I? Nah! I don't believe in that. "Please, go on.” I rested on my chair, trying to bring back my concentration again. "Since the end of the year is drawing near, we thought the compa
#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…”