ARIEL POV
To mention that my astonished look wasn't obvious to Ryan would be an understatement. We kept looking at each other, as my gaze was filled with anger, anxiety, and confusion at the words he spewed earlier.
A year of marriage, and that was all? Divorced if I do not make him fall in love with him. It was the most bizarre thing I have ever heard, especially from someone like him. He had this confused notion, which only piqued my interest about who he really was.
“Yes, I agree to your terms and conditions, Ryan Ackers.” He smiled as I gently let out those words.
His next course of action stunned me the most. He stood up, before getting down on one kneel. He brought out a small box, as he opened it.
Unable to sit still, I immediately stood up, wondering what this was turning to. He was going to propose, and for a split second, my heart skipped a bit.
“Ariel Peterson, will you marry me?”
“Yes, I will,” my voice came out small, as he chuckled.
Without further ado, I stretched my left hand, as he gently slid the ring into one of my fingers.
He stood up, as he stared at me deeply in the eyes. My breath caught in my throat, as I watched him lean forward and brush his lips against mine. It was a soft, gentle kiss. The sweet scent of his cologne wafted through my nostrils. When he pulled away, I thought he took my heart with him.
That was my first kiss.
I felt completely dazzled by this man. He raised a brow and grinned at me. I blushed as I tried to hide it with my hair.
“I hope you succeed in making me fall in love with you.” I simply nodded, as he went over to the side of the table, where he really belonged.
He had his head down, as he began working on the files in front of him, silence clouding the atmosphere in his office.
It felt weird. And I felt I was no longer needed around him. Are we engaged? Yes, but it isn't real. I still had a Herculean task ahead. And that was to make him fall in love with him.
I sat for a while, trying to capture the brief event that transpired in my head. I sat down, as I just kept staring at him for a while. As if noticing my gaze, he lifted his head, as our eyes met.
“Staring at me? I thought you would want to leave by now.”
I shook my head, before picking up one of the files on his table.
“Let me help you sort out these files. That's if you don't mind.” I requested, as his forehead creased slightly.
“I studied Business Administration. And if you do not mind, I would like to relieve my fiancé from stress.” He chuckled, as he leaned back on the seat.
“Go on. You will not just be getting paid.” He teased, wearing an amused smile.
“Nah. Not a problem.”
I helped with sorting out the files, as I attended to the simple ones. By the time we were through, I was feeling hungry. The work was done in no time, as relief flashed through Ryan's face. I think he should get a Personal Assistant.
“Thank you for the help.” He appreciated it.
“You're welcome.”
The knock on the door interrupted my next set of words, as the secretary walked in after Ryan requested for her to come in. She glanced at me for a while, before dropping three bags she brought along on the table. She looked tired, but did her best to hide it.
With a smiling face, she looked at Ryan. I could sense she was harboring feelings for her boss, by her countenance.
“Here is what you ordered. Some men dropped it and I thought of bringing them here.” Ryan simply nodded, before standing.
“Thanks Chloe. You can leave now.”
With a final glare toward my way, she left.
Turning to look at me, he said:”Ariel, try these clothes out. And I ordered some meal for you,”
“What is the occasion?” I quickly asked, as it was getting a little weird for me.
“You will be meeting my family by 7pm for dinner. They would like to meet you.”
I stared at him, bewildered. Oh! no! My heart didn't just flip. It pined. It was as if cold water were poured on me, as I felt goosebumps.
“What? It is too sudden. Can't you shift it to a day or two?We just got engaged.” His lips curled into a smirk.
I felt my heart beat rise, as I was getting frustrated already.
“You got yourself into this mess in the first place, Ariel. We are now engaged. We are meeting my family today and that is final.” He stated curtly, as my mouth went dry.
My palms suddenly got sweaty, as I gently rubbed them on my gown. I felt a fluttering nervous stomach feeling.
“You….” I felt words stuck in my throat. I felt furious. It was too sudden.
He leaned towards me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I could tell he was doing this on purpose.
“Those bags contain everything you will be needing for tonight. There is a bathroom at the right end of the office. Get ready before 6: 30 pm. I hate tardiness.”
This man had successfully pissed me off. I picked up a pen and threw it at him, which he dodged.
“You're so inconsiderate and annoying.” I huffed, folding my arms.
“Are you done?” He lifted his eyebrow, looking bored. I ignored him, looking sideway.
He left his side as he moved to where I was.
“If you really want to make me fall for you, you might start pleasing me. I hate lateness. I will be back to pick you up before 7pm.” Our eyes met again, his blue eyes pierced into mine,as his words registered into my brain.
I shouldn't have been angry with him. I should really work on being gentle towards him.
He opened his drawer as he brought out a phone. Opening my hands, as I allowed him, he placed the phone into my hand.
“You are my fiancée now, and we should start acting like a couple. See you soon, Ariel Peterson.”
Saying those words, he left the office . I felt speechless, nervous and anxious. 'This is not good," I mumbled, resting my head on the table.
A lot was going on my mind the moment he stepped out. I simply sat on the chair, my whole mind going to and fro. Everything seemed so sudden. The engagement, the kiss…. I felt my face flushed at the thought of the kiss. It felt good. I shook my head, discarding the thought. I still found Ryan unreadable, and he was constantly changing like a chameleon. From being sweet to cold. If not that we had only met for today, I would have considered him to be having alter personalities, but I reserved my thought until further notice. My eyes wandered to the shopping bags in front of me, as I decided to open it. My mouth slightly open at the sight of what I saw. I kept checking without picking anything in particular. A small makeup kit, comb, pair of shoe, clothes, just to mention a few. It was no doubt everything I would be needing for that evening.The first thing I craved for was food, as I gently opened the last bag containing a plastic container which has in it Bacon and eggs. I scoffed
RYAN POV There was something about Ariel's presence that I can't really put my head around. She looked beautiful, no doubt, simple, just the way I liked it. I looked at the picture of my ex-wife and Ariel, not sure why I was contrasting the two together. It felt so good and bad to be attracted to the opposite sex after so long. I felt as if I was betraying my first love. Filling my cheeks with air, I exhaled it in a puffing sound. She was the perfect one meant to me, but death took her away. My throat suddenly went dry, as I cleaned the tears which were beginning to brim down my eyes. I decided to focus on the picture of Ariel. There had to be something captivating about her that kept me drowning in the pool of attraction I was beginning to have for her. Even when I wouldn't say it to her face or anyone's face, I felt she was my gateway to moving on from the late love of my life. I couldn't forget the glitter of happiness that I felt when our brims brushed against each other. I
ARIEL POV The next day was Saturday, my best day out of the weekdays. I gazed outside my window, enjoying the view of the sun. It felt warm, and I liked it. After Mum's words to me yesterday, I felt so weak. It must have been saddening for her. If I were to be in her shoes, I doubt if I won't divorce. I could accept any mistake from my marriage partner, but him lying down with other women is a NO for me. Come to think of it, Mum never complained about it. The camera's in the house must have made her realize I heard the confession Ryan's dad had. My phone beeped, jolting me out of my thoughts. I picked it up, staring at the content on the screen, as my heart skipped for a while. Ryan sent me a message. Just great! After over a week, he had last seen me. “We will be going for a photoshoot this afternoon. Eva will help you get ready.” I read out, as I left out a frustrated groan. How was I supposed to prepare for an impromptu Photoshoot? And was it really necessary? After all, w
LUCILLE POVI braced myself, breathing in and out gently to reduce the anxiety clouding my mind. I could not count the number of times I've gazed around the sophisticated living room of my future in-laws. The thought of seeing my arranged groom, only gave me flutters within. I've spent most of my days staring at his pictures. He looks so dazzling. The constant thought of getting married soon, crossing my mind like the streams of water. Finally, I could get what was meant for her. I hope there will be a day when she will come crawling to my feet. She ruined my life. I raised my head, my eyes meeting with my future mother-in-law. I stood up, as she hugged me immediately. “Good afternoon dear. Your daughter looked more decent in real life than in pictures.” My mum smiled warmly at her words, as they exchanged pleasantries. I felt my body tingle with discomfort, faking a smile. I was definitely not pleased with her choice of words. She used decent instead of beautiful for me. “Let'
RYAN POV I let out a frustrated groan as my mum ended the call. I pinched the tip of my nose, releasing the breath I felt I had been holding for a while now. I can't believe a viral video is on with the kiss from last week at the photoshoot. There could only be one person who might have taken and posted that video. None other than Eva. I took my phone to call her, and she picked up the second ring. "Hello brother. How are you doing?" She asked. "Are you playing a game, Eva? What is with that video you released online? You know how much I detest the world seeing me." She snorted, and I could imagine her doing an eye roll. "You should calm down bro. I was looking out for you." I gritted my teeth. Those were the exact words Nick used. Was I getting too old now? I hissed. "Now, everyone knows you are not gay. Ariel's face isn't that obvious. After all, you initiated the kiss. You should have been more careful, not to kiss in the open that way." She
RYAN POV I looked on as the doctor checked Ariel's breathing through the stethoscope. I looked at her peaceful look as she slept soundly on the couch in my office. I am glad it was nothing serious, but couldn't help but send out Mrs. Samantha after she fainted. I knew instantly there had to be a mystery somewhere. After all, she claimed Ariel was her child. But Ariel's bubbling face, while she got here, suddenly turned pale at the sight of her. Putting my hand in my pocket, I stood behind the doctor. I really needed to know why she went unconscious by the sight of her mum. The doctor stood up, turning to face me. “Mr. Ryan, she is out of the danger zone.” He stated, as I nodded. “Just make sure she eats and rest. Avoid allowing her to go through stress, or situations that might warrant her getting shocked.” “Thank you, Doctor Delaney. I will make sure she follows everything you have stated.” We shook hands, proceeding to see him off. My face turned angry at the sight of Mr
ARIEL POV Putting on a blue long sleeved top with black jeans and fitting black loafers, I sank into the bed. I checked the time, trying not to dwell on the thought that I was quite early. At least close to thirty minutes to when I was to leave for the shopping. Looking in a mirror, I allowed myself to reflect on the past two days. Ryan and I never spoke again ever since the incident that occurred. I often find myself wondering if he was serious about his revenge plan. I wondered how my dad had been coping. I really wanted to see him. I needed more answers to my questions. Why was my stepmom after my life? I shook my head, trying to prevent the thought from lingering any further. I took my phone to read novels to pass time. I received a message a few minutes later from Mrs. Selina who requested I go outside. I left my room to the outside of the mansion, as a car was waiting for me outside. “Hi, Miss Ariel. Mrs. Selina requested I take you to the mall.” The woman, whom I bel
ARIEL POV My eyes met with Ryan's cold face, looking Stoic as ever. I felt my heart skipped a bit, my tongue-tied. It was as if cold air passed through me, my nervous self appearing. “Is that true, Ariel? Your ex-boyfriend, whom you are trying to get back with, right?” His brows creased, his eyes boring into mine. “No. No. He is just a friend.” I spoke up finally, as it felt like eternity. Ryan scoffed, glancing around before meeting my gaze. Damien had a smirk on, as he wanted to put his hand on my shoulder, but I pushed him away. Ryan eyes darkened. He let out a sigh, before leaving. This time, I followed him, not until I felt Damien hand on mine. I slipped off my hand, proceeding outside, only to realize Ryan was gone. I simply went back in after waiting outside for a few minutes. I couldn't allow our reservation to go to waste. I approached the receptionist, who directed me to one of the private rooms. I walked in, taking in the beautiful features of the room. It was spac