ARIEL POV I should have been more careful. That was what I kept chanting inwardly, as I stared at him, words stuck in my throat. He doesn't look good about it. "I just felt like writing about it. If you don't like it, I will stop.”I darted my eyes sideways as I spoke. I could feel his gaze fixed intently on me. I knew I had crossed the line at that instant. I should have been more careful with the laptop. "You just thought? Seriously Ariel? I'm pretty sure you portrayed me as the villain in your novel, right?”That seemed to get me a bit tense. What does he even mean? I forcefully raised my eyes, trying to read his expression. "Oh, let me guess. Ryan is an asshole. He has anger issues. He is a confused fellow.....” That was it. I needed to stop it. "That is definitely your insecurities talking, Ryan. You need to calm down, “His eyebrows arched, as he let out a forceful sigh. "We are imperfect, yes, but that doesn't mean I will paint my husband black. I'm a writer, but the way
RYAN POV There was always something beautiful about Ariel that always drew me in the best way ever. Her smiles, the way she prepared food. The tiny bits about her only brought this level of happiness or satisfaction about her. Sometimes, I want to embrace her, and appreciate her for coming into my life. For making me addicted to her delicious food. For helping me not to see myself as a villain, but rather a work in progress. For her patience and love even when I was disposed to rage. But staring at her now gave me the creeps. I wasn't certain if she would be able to give a response to Reginald's question. I felt my heart beating slower and faster than I thought. "I was first attracted to his eyes and lips.”Ariel blushed and glanced at me slightly. "Awwn.”Reginald swooned, as he smiled cheekily. I couldn't refuse the urge to roll my eyes. He is surely a killjoy. "Tell me more.”He faced Ariel and requested. "He is kind-hearted and strong. He cares for people he loves, and
ARIEL POV I was no doubt feeling more than giddy since last night. The sharing of childhood moments, or the moment of embracing. I felt a chemistry between us. Yesterday gave me the confidence boost that we were both close to being in love.Or maybe I was overthinking. I tilted my head, staring back at the visual display of my dad on my laptop. "Dad, he really takes care of me. We even went on a date last night. I like him already. He complimented me a lot. I felt my heart almost melting. He is so ….” "Seriously, Ariel, take a chill pill.”I giggled at my dad's statement. "Dad, you were worried. Just filling you up. How are you doing, by the way?”He sighed, making my heart flip a bit. I hope there was nothing wrong going on. "I'm doing fine. I hardly see Samantha. Your company won't make her rest. Are you happy now?”I fought the urge not to roll my eyes at my dad's set of last words. "Daddy.”I whined, as he hissed. "I wonder why you won't fight for what is yours. Your mum wo
ARIEL POV 'Why the hell will she blame you for the calamity that befell her?''Don't fall for her trick. Don't think of helping her. Karma is a bitch. She got what she deserved.' I shook my head, trying to block the numerous thoughts coming into my head. At that moment, I realized I had been standing for some seconds. "I do not believe in Karma. I would like to follow the good principles." I mused. I breathe in and out gently, holding unto the shopping bag in between my hands. I began walking towards the shopkeeper, as I asked her to help keep the clothes meant for Eva. She accepted, leaving me with choices, either to look for Lucille or Daniel. I wasn't sure what came over me, but I just can't stop the images of Lucille's swollen face on my mind. She must have been going through a lot in the hands of that monster. I kept walking down the mall, not until I noticed a familiar face flirting with another woman. My eyes widened, and I felt furious just staring at the two of them.
ARIEL POV I could have been bothered about the new discovery I just made, but my mind seemed to have drifted. I can't seem to be at peace with the presence of Kathleen around as I cooked. It reminded me of the villain in the typical romance novel I always read. Does that mean that she would be the villain in Ryan and I love story? I shook my head, trying to drive away my thoughts, as I tried to concentrate. Just like Eva told me, I should be least bothered by her. Hopefully, she will come around. I decided it was best not to think about her presence, especially her taunts. She wasn't the type that gives up. Not that I blamed her much, after all, her best friend happened to be Ryan's ex-wife who died all of a sudden. It would be difficult for her to accept me for her brother. Gently placing the oatmeal and flask of hot tea, with bottled water in the basket, I made to leave the kitchen, but was interrupted anyway. "I doubt if your cooking will taste good, by the way. I guess you
ARIEL POV There was a burst of happiness when the doctor discharged Ryan. I listened patiently to all the do's and don't in regard to his medication and his food. Gently climbing off the car, I appreciated Mr. Walter who drove us here. It was nighttime and a bit cold for the night. "Thank you, Mr. Walter. See you tomorrow.”I waved at him, as he smiled. "Mr. Walter, see you tomorrow morning,”Ryan said. I almost rolled my eyes, wondering why he couldn't say a thank you to him. "Okay boss. Take care.”A small smile tugged at the lips of Ryan as we began to leave. “Aren't you missing something, Ariel?”I turned abruptly at his voice, my face creasing a bit. "I still need you to help me to walk in. I would like to lean on you.”His face was unreadable as he spoke. I could not help but feel he was up to something. Typical Ryan. My mind went back to how he constantly made sure I fed him at the hospital. And to receive the injection,he would request for me to kiss him to ease the pa
RYAN POV It was the moment I saw my mum's number that I realized I'd fumbled. I shouldn't have trusted Kathleen when she showed me Ariel's phone. It was very disappointing on my part to not have trusted my wife. She was and still my superwoman. Always ready to help me to do the right thing. Even with my angry nature, she treated me kindly. She lists beautiful qualities about me, that I never even realized. Reality dawned on me, as I brushed through my hair. "You stoop so low, Kathleen. I will forgive you this time. But if this ever happens….”I glared at her, allowing her to complete my thoughts, as I darted to our bedroom. My mouth dropped open, as I saw Ariel packing her clothes in a bag. I felt my heart suddenly heavy, as I sauntered towards her. I held her left hand, pausing her movement for a while. "What do you think you are doing?”She jacked her hand off me, as my mouth suddenly became dry. I had never seen Ariel this angry before. I really messed up. "What does it look
ARIEL POV Kathleen left early the next morning, as I was the only one awake at that time. It wasn't something she wanted to do. Our last words to each other were not really something to write home about. "I will be back to end your relationship with my brother.”She had stated angrily. "Before you are back, your lovely brother would have fallen in love with me. It would be too late.” I gave her my reply. Even though I was confident about what I said, I still felt this unwavering feeling in the pit of my stomach, every time I remembered her words I wonder what she was up to next. I really hope my relationship with Ryan works out. "Ariel. Thinking?" The cologne of Ryan wafted through my nostrils, as I jeered back to reality. "I'm sorry. Just thinking about something.” I smiled, trying to reassure him. “Care to share.”He pressed on, as I felt nervous. "It is about your sister. She doesn't like me.”I voiced out my innermost thoughts. Ryan fondled me with his hand, as he drew me
#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…”