CHAPTER 5- GETTING ENGAGED

 RYAN POV

 I shook hands with Mrs. Samantha as we finalized our partnership. Her company will be providing us with construction materials, and so far so good, they have been the best for the past 30 years of existence. She happened to be the new CEO of the company, and seeing our partnership worked out would make things easy for our company.

 “It was so nice doing business with you. We promise not to disappoint you,” She smiled warmly at me.

 “Thank you for the partnership. I would like you to meet the other stakeholders, as they are yearning to meet you. And since you are one of us now, we will have our quarterly meeting today,” She nodded, as we walked side by side.

 We proceeded to leave the meeting room to another meant for the company's quarterly meeting. 

I walked into the meeting room as Mrs. Samantha entered after me. We greeted each other warmly, as I sat at the end of the table.

 The meeting started with the progress of the company so far, and I was glad things were turning out really well. We only have one, or two lapses, to work on. It was a good way to start the new year.

 Putting on a smile, I said: “I really appreciate everyone for their efforts so far. As we continue to work, may we continue to put in our earnest efforts in it. Mrs. Samantha, you are also welcome.”

 We were about to call it a day, when I began hearing murmurings.

 “Ahem. There is still something the board of stakeholders wants to talk to you about,” Mr. Ronald, one of our executive stakeholders, spoke.

 I nodded, as I relaxed on the chair.

 “Well, it is about the scandal recently,” My forehead creased into a frown, as it became obvious what it was all about.

  It was about the gay propangada flying around recently.

 I scanned the whole room, the scrutinizing  look of every one of them towards me. It was as if they planned it together.

 “The truth is, we stakeholders are in support that you should marry soon.” Mrs. Harrison, another esteemed stakeholder, spoke.

 I simply nodded, acknowledging it all. I guess they want an answer. 

 “Thank you for your concern. I will get married soon. I already have a fiancée.” I announced, as they began staring at each other.

   I lied, and I felt slightly guilty too. But there is a high possibility of getting a fiancee today.

 They must probably be wondering if I was joking, but I wasn't. I will be getting engaged to Ariel Peterson then,' I concluded in my mind. 

 “We are so sorry. We didn't know,” Mrs. Harrison looked slightly guilty, as she spoke.

 “No problem. If that is all, let's call it a day.”

 I waited, as they all left, except Mrs. Samantha who stopped by the door. I stood up, meeting her gaze.

 “Happy marriage life in advance, Mr. Ryan.” I smiled warmly at her words.

 “I would have given you my daughter. She is just twenty-four. But since you are getting married soon, I guess that will pass.”

 “Thank you ma. I am sure your daughter will find a more suitable man than me,”

 She smiled, as we both walked out. Shaking our hands once again, we departed in opposite directions. At that moment, different thoughts about Ariel Peterson began clouding my mind.

 I smiled, remembering how simple and beautiful she was. She reminded me of the love of my life, Evelyn Grande. I let out a sigh, trying to dissolve the sad notion as I continued walking.

 My mind went back to Ariel, as the picture of her face clouded my imagination.  She has a beautiful gene, with long flowing blonde hair with bright brown eyes, and pink lips that remind you of delicate flower petals. Not to talk of her light skin body, which complemented her slender self. She was a beauty to behold.

 Ever since Evelyn had died, I never felt attracted to any lady as I had towards Ariel. I had never even held a second glance, talkless of thinking about the opposite sex. But Ariel seemed to be an exception.

 'Maybe because she shared some attributes as that of Evelyn,' my subconscious came in, as I snickered at my thought.

 She looked beautiful, no doubt, but I wasn't going to make her know that. And I am definitely not going to fall for her. She will grow confused with my personality with time.

 I shook my head. I can't believe I was describing her in my head.

 On the good side, she even looked decent and also like someone that could be tamed easily. We are just getting married, but my heart belonged to my beloved.

 

  I gently touched my pocket, certain the small box I brought along with me this morning was still with me. Time to meet Ariel Peterson," I whispered.

 I walked into my office, as she turned to look at me. She turned back to the book she was reading, drawing out my amazed look.

 “Aren't you afraid that I will be angry for invading my space?”

 She simply sighs, not sparing me a glance. I decided to sit beside her, as she peeked at me.

 “If reading those novels on your desk is a sin, then I will likely die as a sinner,” I chuckled at her joke. It felt as if we had known each other for quite a long time. She is good with communicating,' I confessed inwardly.

 I picked up one of the books I got, as I stared at it. She had her head buried in one of the books by Ellen Cover.

 “I apologize for touching your stuff without your permission. I am just a freak for Romance, especially  those written by Ellen Cover. Her novels are dope.” She stated, as her brown eyes met mine. I shook my head.

 I guess we have something in common then. I love reading, especially novels.It was one of those ways to create a peaceful atmosphere for myself.

 “Not a problem. But you seemed quite confident about the previous issue we were battling with,”

 She raised her head, glancing at me.

 “I have amnesia. What is it about Mr. Ryan?” She tilted her head, her eyes gazing at mine.

 I could feel sarcasm in her voice. I smirked, as I leaned closer. Two can play a game,' I thought. 

  My eyes cut to hers and I found her watching me with a peculiar kind of focus, at least for some seconds, before turning her eyes away from mine.

 “Interesting Ariel. But can you repeat that to my very face?”I whispered, as she was still, a smile crawled to her lips? Her bright round eyes twinkled above her sun kissed cheeks. It was difficult to put into words the charm and allure written over her face.

 I shook my head, trying to break the trance I was slowly falling into.

 She gently peeked at me and said: “Please remind me, Mr. Ryan,”

 “Let me remind you then,”I drawled out, letting out a puff of air. It was time I changed my mood.

 “Mother said you agreed to marry me,” I stared at her deeply in the eyes, as I took in her beautiful features.

 “Yes, I did,” Her sultry voice replied.

 “Good. We will get married, but only for a year,” Her face wore a confused look as she blinked.

 Taking her wrist, I allowed my thumb to gently sweep up and down.

 “Make me fall in love with you within a year, and we will live forever,” I let the words in my heart out

 “What if I fail?” Her gaze met mine.

 “Then we will end the marriage and part ways. Worse still, you will lose everything you have,”I replied icily, as her wrist slipped off. She looked at me with disdain.

 “Do you agree,  Ariel Peterson?”