Chapter 14

Ophelia 

Getting back, we went to get Ryder and I spent the rest of my day with him. Ryder had work to do so he was locked up in his home office. 

The house wasn't cold as it was and a flicker of hope rose in me. Maybe, just maybe it can be good for me.

The next morning, I woke up early and got to the kitchen to make breakfast for Ryan and Ryder. 

After a few minutes in the kitchen, I was done and pleased with my work. I went to Ryder's room and knocked on the door.

Immediately, the door opened and Ryder stood In front of me, dressed in a suit. His hair was styled and he smelt so nice.

“Good afternoon, I greeted him and he raised an eyebrow. “Breakfast is ready,” I said, smiling softly.

He looked at me for a few moments before giving me the answer that sunk my hope. “I am not hungry”

“Please feed Ryan; he has been up for some while,” he added as he was already walking out the hall.

What changed between the previous day and now? Why did he act so cold to me? He looked more distant to me than before.

I heard Ryan's voice and went to get him. “My little champ,” I kissed his face and he giggled, sticking his hand in his mouth. 

“What would you have for breakfast?” I asked, carrying him to the kitchen. He responded in his gibberish. Ryan's words are sometimes not right but I could understand what he meant sometimes. You can call it mother instinct.

After feeding Ryan and having my breakfast, I decided to go grocery shopping. 

“Ma'am, are you going out?” The driver asked as I stepped out of the house. “You don't have to worry. I am just going to the store to get groceries” 

“I will come with you. Sir asked me to always make sure you are safe,” He said but I insisted. “Thank you, I know my way around.” He looked reluctant, but he nodded his head, and I called a taxi.

I carried Ryan in a trolley as I was shopping. I was so lost in my shopping until I heard two women talking by a corner of the store.

“I heard she tricked him into marrying her”

“I bet she is not as beautiful as her sister. She must be jealous of her” I grew more interested in their discussion. I pulled Ryan with me behind them but away from their view.

“Some sources said she deceived him into sleeping with him so she could marry him. What a worthless bitch. How can she do that to her late sister?” 

“The whole internet is flaring up, her picture is all up on the internet, but it isn't clear, but I know she is an ugly bitch” The two women started cursing as they continued their discussion.

Everything they were saying sounded like my situation except their news. Their news wasn't correct but I married my sister's husband. 

Ryan's voice attracted the women and I immediately left there to the counter to pay for my groceries. Lining up to pay for my groceries, I saw myself and Ryder on the TV. My face wasn't entirely showing but it was me.

Ryder was by the car opening the door for me while I was slipping inside. That was when we were leaving Ryder's parent’s house.

I listened to the reporter and my face turned pale with what the reporter was saying.

All what was being said was false. I didn't trick him into marrying me. I didn't sleep with him.

“Report just came in now that she is in a grocery store along…” My mind went blank and I didn't wait to listen to anything. I carried Ryan and buried his face in my chest, walking to the door.

“Shoot” I murmured as the front of the grocery store was packed with people and reporters.

“That is Mrs. Smith.” I heard someone scream, and I had to rush back inside. I held Ryan close, his small arms wrapping around me instinctively. I turned quickly, ignoring the camera and phones all pointing towards me. 

I searched for a side exit, but the store was now crowded, and every step I took only seemed to draw more attention.

I wasn't surprised they figured me out because of my resemblance to Olivia.

My phone went off and Ryder's name flashed on the screen. I picked up the call and placed it on my ear. 

“Where the hell are you?” Ryder's angry voice came from the other side of the phone. 

I could feel the stares and whispers intensify. “In a grocery store,” I answered.

“Where in the store?” Before I could answer, his voice came through again. 

“Stay where you are.” Not long after he said that in the call, he reached me with three guards. 

“Ryder” I breathe in relief.

“Walk closely behind me,” he said

“I haven't paid for my groceries yet,” I told him.

He said something to his guard and the guard left. 

He wrapped his arms around me and Ryan and led us outside with the help of his guards.

We ignored the reporter's questions and entered the car.

The drive back home was so quiet that Ryan slept off. It was like a ticking bomb. The guards were clearing the mess so Ryder was the one driving. 

His fist clenched the steering wheel that I was afraid it was going to break. His eyes were on the road, but the hard lines and lips in a tight line were enough evidence that he was very angry.

My heart was almost in my mouth. I was afraid of the outcome. This was just the calm before the storm.