“Well... Mr. Rivera’s father isn't really at him much. He doesn't have an excellent business sense like his father, the patriarch of the Rivera family but he's not bad either.” Kayla answered Arya’s question as she helped her adjust the dress.“But he cares for Mr. Rivera’s happiness which is why he's coming to the dinner. I think as long as he sees Mr. Rivera happy, he would agree with anything and once he agrees, the others have no other option but to follow. This may also be the first time that they'll see each other this year.” Kayla continued.Arya was shocked at the information she was getting. She didn't know that Ryker’s father was such a person.Even though she was against a parent leaving their child for so long without that much communication, she still agreed with the fact that he cared so much for Ryker’s happiness.“What about his grandfather? Is he coming?” Arya asked.“No, I highly doubt he would,” Kayla answered.As much as Arya wanted to ask Kayla how she got the an
“Arya? What do you think?” Ryker asked once more.“It's lovely... I love it...” Arya whispered as she came closer to the drawing.“Of course, it is a product of our love...” Ryker smiled.He grabbed her hand softly and kissed her palm. The eye contact was mesmerizing.At least to Arya.It would've been better if he actually showed some of his emotions in his eyes but she still wasn't at a level where she could read him.“Ryker...” Even his mother was stunned.“I may have doubted you before but now I don't. Since both of you love each other so much, I give you my blessing. You're a lovely couple...” Ryker’s father also stood up and smiled warmly at both of them.Lovely.The dinner was a success.++++++“So nothing went wrong right?” Arya’s mother asked to confirm what she had said before.Arya had just finished retelling most of what had happened during the dinner. She wouldn't dare to tell her mother about the picture.She couldn't even think about it without feeling flustered, especi
“Nene! What the hell!” It was a random bystander that had said that and Arya didn't have time to remember who they were.Her attention was caught by the person lying on the floor.When she carefully observed her, Arya let out a gasp.The glass shards had pierced Nene’s arm and her leg seemed to be hurt from the way she fell. Something was up.“Are you ok?” Arya croaked out amid her fear and shock.Although the reaction she expected was completely different from what she got.She had received a hateful glare from the person in question.“Ryker’s wife is so sweet~”“Exactly, if it was me; I’d slap that idiot.”“Don’t be so violent, Hana...”“I wonder what’s wrong with the Laurens, how could they let their wild animal of a daughter cause trouble at an engagement party?”“A party personally hosted by the Riveras... I wish I had her confidence.”With each passing comment, the glare Arya received from the person on the floor intensified.“Nene!” A man hollered. From where she was, Arya co
Soft music from the hidden speakers echoed across the room but couldn’t hide the hushed whispers and excited giggles from the ladies seated in front.Today was the day.The beautiful bride walked up to the altar trembling with anticipation and determination and her father right beside her; this was the day she had been waiting for.Even as she was serious, she couldn’t help but take glances at the decor that Beverly had chosen.It was beautiful.As she let go of her father’s hand, Arya went up to the altar and stood in front of Ryker, her bridesmaids behind her.She noticed the nod that he gave her and forced out a smile.She couldn’t help trembling. There was no going back.She was going to be married at nineteen.Seeing that the couple was ready, the man started.“ Family and friends, thank you all for coming here today to share and celebrate this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite Ryker Rivera and Arya Peirce in marriage.”As he finished his first sentence, the
She ran. She ran as fast as she could without tripping over her heavy white gown. She also ignored the voices of her family and friends as they called her back. She ran for some time. She knew she had already reached the first floor, but she didn’t stop. Arya didn’t have a particular destination, so she would only stop when she was tired. Due to her tears that clouded her vision, she didn’t notice the lump formed by the odd placing of the carpet and tripped. Immediately, she could feel her elbow burn. She didn’t have the energy to check how bad the wound was though. She just sobbed quietly. The place was empty, or at least she thought so. “Hey, are you okay?” Her body froze as she heard that question. They had found her already? She raised her head slowly and looked at the person kneeling beside her in confusion. “Who are you?” Her tired and cracked voice echoed. “I’m Adam, back to my question… are you okay?” He introduced himself and asked once more. He was average. His loo
“I'm sorry.” That was the first thing Arya said when she arrived home.She thought it was better to apologize and move in rather than drag the issue.“Change and eat first, then we’ll talk.”“Yes...”And that was how she got herself into a situation like the one she was in.She and Ryker were seated in his study room in the resting area with trays of food in front of them. Although Arya was hungry, she was afraid to be the first to eat.“You can clearly remember what happened earlier today right?” He started.“Yes, and I'm sorry...” Arya mumbled.“I should've explained everything to you before we proceeded with the wedding, it was my fault for having loose security that would allow Blair inside, I'm sorry...” Ryker apologized.“I understand, I'm- wait, what?” Arya was stunned. This man kept on surprising her.How many people had the ‘great’ Ryker apologized to sincerely? Few.And she was one of them.Most likely feeling embarrassed, Ryker started eating his food. Arya didn't see any
“What are you doing?” Arya asked him weakly.Instantly, as if realizing something, Ryker stopped and then sighed tiredly.“I'm sorry, I'm probably just tired...” He said as he stepped away from her.“No, don't worry...” Arya said once she saw how listless he looked when he was lost in his thoughts.“Excuse me.” Ryker briefly said and stormed out of the room.“Ryker wait!” Arya called out to him right before he close the door but she was too late.He had ignored her.Arya hissed as she fell onto the couch. As she looked back at the previous events that had transpired in the room, Arya felt even more embarrassed.She didn't like him, she was sure of that but just like the majority of the world; she couldn't resist the temptation of a handsome person.The next day came quickly. Arya had left the room after spending some time also to clear her mind, she had her bath and changed into comfortable clothing. She had half the mind to go and meet Ryker but she decided against it, it would be t
“Oh, that's easy, it's because my mother had worked in the mansion since the Rivera family’s children were small. So she would always tell me about all of them.” Kayla answered with a light laugh.It didn't seem like she was lying.“That makes sense... Wait, you said you knew about all of them right?” Arya pondered and asked another question.Although the answer was obvious, Kayla still answered her with a smile.“Yeah, I did.” “What can you tell me about the first son?” Arya asked while she picked a book from the bookshelf and sat on a soft carpet near the window.“You mean Tyler?” “Yeah... I already know that the family doesn't like to talk about him that much but that's all I really know.” Arya said with a sigh.She was in the dark when it comes to most things, this was one of them.“Tyler Rivera is the original heir of the Rivera family, but he doesn't behave like one,” Kayla said with disgust at the end.“How so?” Arya’s curiosity was at its peak. She wanted to know what made Ty
"hurry up." Arya urged the trio toward the plane when they finished their check in. It was her first time on a real life plane, how could she not be happy? "We're coming, Arya." Kayla said as she tried to catch up to Arya who was running toward the stair leading inside the plane. "She's the direct opposite of you." Lucas teased Ryker who had an annoyed expression on his face. Lucas knew the reason but still continued to talk. When they all got on the plane, they found their respective seats. Lucas sat next to Ryker while Kayla sat next to Arya who was looking out the window. Since they were flying first class, there was plently space and everyone minded their own business. "How long is the flight?" Arya asked when she finally calmed down. "About three hours, after that, we'll continue on boat to the island." Kayl explained as she let out a yawn. Being on a plane makes her sleepy. "That's a long time..." Arya sighed when she discovered that she didn't have anything to do. She
Who doesn't love waking up? Especially to the excited squeals of young women. Ryker doesn't. Yet that was how he started his day. "What's going on?" Ryker asked Blake who was watching Arya and Kayla squeal and laugh. "Your mother just gave her a present... a plane ticket to go to one of your private islands, sir," Blake explained tiredly. It was still early in the morning and he was already exhausted. "That isn't enough reason for them to be screaming so loud this early." Ryker frowned as he watched them. Thankfully, they had already stopped screaming. "Actually, sir, it's not that early in the morning. It's 10:00..." Blake said as he showed Ryker the time on his watch. "I'm going back to sleep... Tell them to keep their voices down and don't let anyone disturb me unless it's important." Ryker ordered as he started going up the stairs but a sudden voice stopped him. "Ryker! You're awake!" Arya excitedly exclaimed. She was still dressed in her nightwear but she didn't really mi
"You're not going to answer?" Ryker said as he wanted to grab his brother's other hand but was stopped by someone holding onto his arm. It was then he realize that Arya was also here. Almost immediately, he calmed down and regained his reasoning. "Are you okay?" Ryker asked with a straight face. "Yes, I'm fine but what should we do about him?" Arya asked, worry written all over her face and body language. "Don't worry about him, let's go," Ryker said and gently dragged Arya out of the room while ignoring the screaming man who was shouting curses at them. "Arghh! You dumb bitch! I'm going to fuck you up so badly the next time I see you!" That was the last thing that they heard from him before they closed the door of the VIP room. It seemed as if the bright pretty boy act was over and the real Tyler had been revealed.Ryker was already used to his tantrums but he crossed the line today. This time, the person he touched was involved with him and nobody harms his people and gets aw
How boring. Those were Ryker's thoughts after Arya had gone and he had changed into his natural business face. He also resisted the urge to glare at those greedy people that only knew how to be leeches. He was thankful that his father and the patriarch would name him as the owner of the company today. When he resumes work, he'll cut off any leech that thinks they can suck off both him and the company. While those were his thoughts, Ryker didn't let any negative or positive emotion leak through his mask as he continued the conversation between the group. He was used to things like this. It was what he had to go through to achieve his dream. His dream of being the head. He didn't want to be controlled and restricted by anyone. Once he's the head of the company, the next step is becoming the head of the family. No matter what. He will achieve his goals. "Mr. Rivera, how does that deal sound to you?" A tall ad thin man asked with a bright smile on his face. If Arya had been here,
The wedding was a success. Arya was surprised that no one had caused trouble for them and was also amazed that Ryker managed to stop Blair's plan. "So, we're finally married..." Arya said to break the silence that had been hovering above both of them for the past hour. "Yes, we are. That means step one has been completed." Ryker responded as he adjusted his watch. After the wedding, they went home to change for the after-party that would be happening later on. The after party for the wedding was held in the company, all the employees would also be attending. The last detail was the one Arya disliked. She could still remember the harsh treatment that they showed to her when she first saw them. The company had a floor just for events like this. "We're nearly there so prepare yourself," Ryker told Arya when he noticed her change in facial expression. "Yeah..." Arya responded as she watched the driver take a left turn to the company. Once the people surrounding the area saw their
Today is the day.Light makeup adorned Arya’s face as her hair was styled into a complicated yet alluring hairstyle. Coupled with the fact that her dress was gorgeous and fit all her curves in the right places, Arya resemble a goddess.Arya sat down quietly as she watched everyone try to prepare themselves.All her bridesmaids had already arrived and were currently trying to finish up their look.It won't be long until someone came to call her to start coming.Arya was happy but she couldn't stop the voice in the back of her mind telling her something was going to go wrong. She also couldn't ignore the fact that Blair was still out there somewhere planning her downfall.Just thinking about the things that could go wrong made Arya’s palms sweaty.“What? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet already?” Tamira teased once she noticed how nervous Arya was.“You don't have to worry. Everything will be fine, Arya.” Kayla too rushed over when she heard Tamira say that.It seemed that all thr
“Yes?” He replied nonchalantly with a slight smile.He wasn't even trying to hide the amusement that shone in his eyes.“That’s a heavy accusation that you’re trying to put on Arya’s bodyguard.” Kayla was quick to go on the defensive as she eyed Jace and his family.Arya was still in shock because she knew that Jace was telling the truth but she didn’t think that Lucas, who had been so nice, was the one who kidnapped Jace!“Mum, he’s the one that did this to your only son!” Jace screamed in fear as he shook his mother who was staring hatefully at Arya and her group.“Arya, my baby, is that true?” Arya’s mother asked terrified and shocked.“It’s not, Jace is probably not feeling well after what happened to him,” Arya said to her mother as she ignored her ex-boyfriend’s yells.How did she even like someone like that?“Are you calling my son a liar?! No wonder you didn’t do anything to help us! It was you who caused everything!” This time it was Jace’s father’s turn to scream.Even with
“Lucas..?” Kayla groaned as she said that name.Yet that didn't discourage the man, instead, he seemed even more delighted.“That's my name~.” The man, Lucas, said with a little tune.“What are you doing here?” Kayla asked as she squinted her eyes.“I'm here for this little miss...” Lucas said whilst pointing at Arya who in turn had a confused expression on her face as her lips twisted to form a frown.“I'm sorry but, who are you?” Arya asked.“I'm the one Ryker sent to help in your little...delima.” He finished with an odd smile.Lucas was what one would describe as a gym freak. A hot gym freak.He looked to be about the same age as Ryker, maybe older. With his dashing hair and fair skin, he wore a casual black and white suit with an earpiece on his left ear.With every step he took, his muscles bulged, and his odd smile remained the same.“You’re not coming?” He asked as he turned around to face her when he noticed she was still in the same position.“Right, sorry, Kayla. I'll see
“Wait...so you didn't believe me until now?” Arya asked coldly.She thought someone had finally believed her and then she heard that from his mouth. She really can't trust anyone.“You can't blame me, Arya.” Ryker glanced at her with a sigh as he said that.“And why can't I?” She refuted asking another question.“We have zero romantic relationships and this-” He paused as he pointed at both of them, “Is all business, a relationship between partners, where we both help each other when needed.” Arya was silent after he had said that. He wasn't wrong.Both of them accepted that fact right from day one so why was she expecting him to say something different?“It's getting late and I'm sure you haven't had dinner,” Ryker stated, snapping her out of her train of thought.“Oh? You want me to leave so soon?” Arya let out a depressing chuckle as she stood up from her seat.“It's not like that, Arya-”“Don’t worry. I'll take my leave now.” With that, Arya walked out of the room and shut the