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ARIEL POV It would be best to describe the past few days. It was wondrous, beautiful, blissful. I can't think of the perfect adjective to describe it. Ryan couldn't help but almost stop me from visiting his family for the weekend. He insisted he would feel lonely. After much pleading, he accepted on the note of having some of my ready-made cooked meals as well as food recipes. It warmed my heart to know he really cared about me. It had been day two of my visit to the Ackers home, and no doubt I longed for something. Ryan and I had been communicating steadily on phone calls and messages. The most heart lifting one was his special love letter he promised to send throughout the weekend. The one I read yesterday made my heart warm and joyful. The letters, words made a lot of sense, and touched me deeply. Ryan should be a writer. "You're thinking about your hubby, aren't you?”Eva's voice jolted me out of my reverie. She wiggled her eyebrows, prompting me to laugh. She q
RYAN POVWords alone can't describe how I had felt for the past two days. Without her, it was difficult to remain too well. I had to eat alone, cook, and sleep alone, this reminding me of the time I was single. And when I finally saw her, with that beautiful smile on her face, I felt my heart full. It was glaring to say my heart felt too full and tight, at the sight of her. She was the one for me. And when she drew me into a warm embrace, I felt my body suddenly light. I felt like not leaving her. I breathe in that familiar scent, reminding me of how it calms my soul. I felt my heart throbbed when she said those words: “I MISSED YOU”It made me the happiest man on earth, just in the arms of my darling wife. "Aww. You guys are making the single ones like us jealous with the scene in front of us.” I groaned at Eva's comment, as Ariel chuckled against my chest before pulling away, our eyes locking each other briefly. Those brown eyes. How, I have missed them so much. "You would
ARIEL POV I think I would have to confess that Ryan had been a little weird today. From his embrace in front of his mum and Eva, to his constant care and attention. It felt all kind of new to me. As if with a massive touch of more addition, more display of affection. I loved every bit of it. It was mind-blowing going on a date again. And then it all happened swiftly:the great coincidence. Seeing Nick and Kathleen hand in hand, smiling lovingly together. I knew Ryan was oblivious to their relationship, but was quite slow to stop him. In fact, it was as if I was hit with confusion, speechlessness, and shock. I simply stood. And when I did recollect myself, it was late. Ryan did not have pity on the young man who happened to be his best friend and future brother-in-law. He was furious. The only thought that came to my mind was to stand in front of him, to receive the next incoming blow. Probably stupid and immature. But that was the only thought that crept to my mind. And there I
ARIEL POV Ryan pressed his lips against my forehead, my heart suddenly felt too full and tight. He locked eyes with me, as he gave out a groan. "I will miss you.”He mused, his eyes with hidden emotion I could not easily decipher. Ryan had to travel with his dad for the next three days, and to be honest, I felt a big part of me not willing to let him go. Slowly, I was becoming attached to him day by day. "I will miss you too. Don't forget to get me some presents.”I let out a lopsided smile as he chuckled. "I will never forget that.”He paused, as his stare left me for a few seconds. He held my arms, as he looked in my eyes. "Why am I feeling reluctant to go? Maybe I should just cancel the trip.”He rasped out. My eyes squinted, not sure if I heard right. "This is because of your dad, right?”His facial countenance changed immediately. "What do you mean?”He didn't meet my eyes again as his grip on my arms slowly left. “You are still angry with your dad, aren't you? I felt that
RYAN POV I wasn't convinced if I felt my thoughts were straight for the past few days. Anxiety, pain, and the throbbing past kept haunting me like a storm. Every time I tried to keep calm, but I am not certain how long I could keep up. I was scared, tired at the same time. Just like a comet, I felt those emotions I have managed to hold on coming back to life. Those emotions I thought I had buried suddenly resurrected. And just when I thought I was going to avoid him, he was always close to me. That proximity breeds nothing but deep hatred.I thought I had forgiven him, but it was false. How could I?The car door opened, as my dad entered, a smile on his lips. I looked to the other side, wishing I had arranged to be in a different car. The car started moving and there was silence between us. It didn't help much as the inside of me craved to voice out. I had been holding it for too long. I thought it didn't matter, but my heart was still heavy. "Son. We should talk.” His voice ca
RYAN POV Just like a flash of light, reality dawned on me. I was extremely tense, as I paced to and fro the hospital waiting room. My muscles were unable to release, and goosebumps clouded my body. It was as if I had seen a ghost. If this is a dream, please wake me up. I kept tapping myself to be certain I was in reality and not a dream world. It was difficult to think straight. My phone rang for the umpteenth time as I groaned out of frustration. My frustration only grew into anger when I saw that familiar number. "Mr. Martin, the fake investigator. I am sure you got my message.” I seethed, my right hand in a fist, in an attempt to calm my angry self, but it didn't seem to be working. “I swear that I made a thorough investigation about Miss Evelyn. Even the remains of her body found were tested and confirmed to be hers. Maybe the person you saw was a doppelgänger.” He explained, but I was not buying that. It was Evelyn…. Evelyn, my wife. "I will let this slide for a tempora
RYAN POV I watched, with guilt, as she adored the ring. The smile on her face was priceless. It was as if she saw a lost possession. I wasn't sure what to reply to her, because I was afraid to hurt her feelings.She was already trying to reciprocate. I wasn't going to add more pain to her. I felt overwhelmed by my carelessness. Just like a flash, Evelyn left and miraculously today, I saw her again.I'm speechless… Her deep brown eyes immediately found mine, jolting me out of my reverie. "Hello. I asked a question.”Her face beamed with a smile. My mind spun in different directions, a frantic sprint of my neurons, trying to think of the best way to break it. She stared at me for long seconds, and it was at that moment I realized I needed to speak up.I bit my bottom lips, as I looked away. Opening and closing my mouth, suddenly out of words. I cleared my throat as I breathed out slowly. "I have remarried, after two years of your assumed death. The ring is not ours.”I locked eye
RYAN POV If there had to be something I would have given myself a full mark for, then it would be the fact that I kept boundaries with Evelyn throughout our ride to the States. It wasn't easy, but yet, I did. She had always been the less clingy person when we were still dating. I did most of the clinging. But since she was aware that I was her husband, she was clingy, to be honest. I almost thought she was a entirely different person. Every tine I glanced at her, I felt nothing but sympathy and pity. That only made my throat and heart lock tight at a bitter sense of feeling in my gut. I exhaled, allowing myself to follow Evelyn who seemed to be taking a peculiar kind of attention to the mansion I got for her. She stared for as long as she could, especially at the sitting room, her guardian standing a few distance behind her. The mansion was painted deep blue, as it was her favorite color then. I could still remember how most of her things, as well as her clothes, were blue. It
#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…”