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
I breathe in the fragrance I had grown accustomed to, as I stepped into the living room. The maids stopped to greet me as I responded politely. “Miss Ariel, Sir Bryan requested your presence in his study room. “ One of the maids informed me. I took long strides towards the study room, which I discovered during one of my tours around the mansion. I stopped a few meters to the study room, as it was open. I breathed in and out before coming in. “Good day sir. You requested my presence.” He raised his head from the book he was reading.He closed the book, placing his hands on the table. “Yes, I did. Please sit.” I obediently sat, taking a glance across the room for a while. “Selina told me your marriage is set to be next month. How are you preparing for it?” “I'm trying my best, sir. Ryan and I haven't really discussed much on it. We would prefer a rather low-key marriage.” I said, as he nodded. He leaned closer, making me move back a bit, resting on the chair. “Hmm. Well, I know
ARIEL POV I tried to open my eyes, but it was blurry, prompting me to close them. A numb pain shot across my head as I hissed. A sweet fragrance invaded my nostrils, as I breathed it in. A little conscious, I snuggled closer to the undeniably comfortable thing.It felt like a human sized pillow. I snuggled closer, burying my face in it while enjoying the lovely scent. A subtle movement brought me to open my eyes. My eyes widened in shock when I became aware of what or perhaps who I had my head on. I jeered back immediately, my heart racing at the sight of Ryan sleeping comfortably in my bed.'What is he doing in my room? I facepalmed, feeling embarrassed at the thought that I embraced him thinking he was a pillow. I gently caressed my forehead, the incident that happened the previous evening crossing my mind. I felt my body trembled, a reminder that my dad was at risk. I must have felt unconscious yesterday. I grimaced at the thought that yesterday's incident made it the third
RYAN POV I allowed my eyes to hover over her from head to toe. She looked simple, but the expression on her face was priceless. Maybe, it really was true what Damien said yesterday. Were they getting back together behind my back? “Since you are my fiancé, I will spill the beans.” She let out a sigh of relief, before resting on my chair. “Go on.” I gestured. “Damien was my senior while I was in College. We were both studying Business Administration. There has not been any romantic relationship between the both of us. We were close, but not really close.” She fiddled with her fingers as she spoke, her gaze meeting with mine. My eyebrows creased. I don't even know why I was bothered. “Whatever.” I huffed, shaking my head to distract my thoughts. It was still difficult for me to accept that it was true. Or just perhaps, Damien was simply doing that deliberately to piss me off. “Am I pardoned?” Her eyes raised a bit, as she peered at me. “Yes, as long as you do not have any dealin