Chapter 16

Ophelia 

I looked at the caller ID and it was Dave.

“I know it is you, Dave,” I said.

“Well, you answered like you didn't know who I was, so I thought I would give you a little scare” he chuckled

“Sorry, I didn't check my phone before picking up the call,” I apologized and rubbed my forehead, trying to ease the ache.

“Are you alright? Is he treating you well?” he asked, sounding concerned.

“I am alright. The media is just making a fuss about my marriage with Ryder,” I replied.

“Hope they are not causing any harm to you. How is Ryder handling the situation? If things are getting out of hand, I have a friend that works over there at the major media house, I can ask for his help”

My heart flustered. His genuine concern brought a tightness to my throat, and I felt tears prickling. Dave and Lily were the only people who didn't judge me for who I was.

Or maybe it’s just because they never knew Olivia. I pushed the thought aside and answered him.

“There is nothing to worry about. I am safe. How is Lily?” I asked, changing the topic.

“She has been acting off lately” he sighed, frustration lacing in his voice. 

“Did you two have a fight?” I teased. Knowing them, it is usually one of their little spats and they always find their way back to each other and come back together. 

“No, It is different this time. She has been acting weird and distant. She asked for some time apart and it is killing me” he said quietly 

“Well, I know the two of you love each other, so give her time; she will come around,” I assured him. 

Back in London, I had dreamed of a relationship like theirs, except for their quarrels and arguments. I preferred the loving parts and not the endless back and forth.

“I hope you’re right,” he said, then added, “Actually… I could use your help.” He said and it piqued my interest.

“With what?”

“With Lily.” His request only fueled my curiosity. 

*****

Ryder has been avoiding me since what happened in the grocery store happened. He worked from home now and always had Ryan with him. He even hired a nanny and chef to help with Ryan.

Even though I think his behaviors are irrational, I miss Ryan so much. He has become a big part of my life. Not seeing him, holding him, and kissing him was affecting me very badly.

Distracted while cooking, I accidentally sliced my finger with the knife. Trying to stop blood from gushing out, my food burnt in the process. In short, everything felt off without him here.

I wrapped my finger in a napkin, pressing it tightly to stop the bleeding. As I tried to salvage what was left of the burnt food, my phone chimed with a message. It was from Dave.

“Hey, I have a plan to get Lily back. I will call you later. I have an errand to run.”

I managed a small smile. Dave has been persistent, looking for a way to fix things with Lily. It only made me more happy for Lily. She has a man who is ready to make things work between them. If only I had that same confidence when it came to my own life here.

The silence in the house was getting heavier as the days wore on. Without Ryan's smile and laughter that always lightens up my day or his little footsteps echoing through the halls when he is running from me or his food, everywhere just feels shallow.

The cook and the nanny come in every day. While the cook comes in to cook, the nanny stays with Ryan while Ryder works. Ryder's coldness, his distance, and now, the absence of Ryan, every one of these things was weighing down on me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

If he was trying to punish me then he is doing a great job because I might lose my mind soon.

After dinner, I went to Ryder's door, hoping to ask questions about the reasons why he was treating me so badly. I knocked on the door and waited for him to open the door.

While waiting, I went through all that I was going to ask once he opened the doorin my head. I just needed to see Ryan. Not seeing Ryan could make me lose my mind. 

The door opened and my eyes met Ryder's beautiful blue eyes. 

Beautiful really? Focus Ophelia. I kicked myself mentally.

“What do you need?” He asked, his expression was tired. His hair was very messy like he ran his hands through them multiple times. His shirt 2 buttons were opened, making me catch a glimpse of his chest.

“What is it, Ophelia?” he growled slowly. 

All the speeches I practiced in my head went blank instantly. 

“Erm–” I searched for words.

He was already closing the door when I held the door. “Pls let me see Ryan” I pleaded. 

“He is sleeping,” he said and wanted to close the door again. 

“Please Ryder, let me see him. You have punished me enough, just let me see him for a few minutes” I didn't know when tears started rolling down my eyes.

“I will bring him to you tomorrow. Goodnight” he said and shut the door on me. 

I couldn't help the tears that kept falling from my eyes. I was tired, tired of everything. When did I become like this, begging just to see my son? 

“Ryan is mine and Olivia’s son.” The memory of his words echoed in my head, reminding me of my place in Ryan and Ryder's life. 

I had thought that maybe, Ryder might start to see me more than a stranger in his home and life. It is clear where I stand now.

Feeling numb and tired, I just wanted to hit my bed and for the day to end.

As I lay down in bed, I realized that no matter how I try, I can't get through the walls around his his heart