RYAN POV There is something beautiful about keeping one's life simple. The life of having your basic needs: food, shelter and clothing, and being satisfied. A life you won't have to worry who was doing better than you. Or the thought of improving yourself to please the crowd, instead of yourself. That life, you won't have to worry about perfecting your life, in other to avoid scandals. The life of YOU VERSUS YOU. That was the life I craved for, but it seems I should brace myself for the opposite. It wasn't up to a step I took out of the company when I was crowded by a bunch of reporters. They kept bringing up questions about my secret marriage, making me wonder who was behind leaking it. They expected a wedding, a glamorous one, instead of the quiet one I had. Furthermore, they questioned me on why I hid my wife, and if truly the lady in the viral kiss video was the woman in my life. I was frustrated and furious, but I managed to keep my anger under the lid. I wasn't going to l
RYAN POV Words alone can't describe how I had been feeling for the past three weeks of my marriage. It was a bitter-sweet experience, one that makes me felt I deserved an award. An award for THE MOST STUPID HUSBAND. As much as that felt like my guilty conscience talking, I couldn't deny the fact that I hadn't been treating Ariel well. How I had always been accepting the set of food she sends to my office every day, yet refused to appreciate her. Every night, I arrived late, but she still tried to stay awake for me. But the bitter truth was that: I still kept her at arm's length. Ignoring her as well as the dinner she makes. I thought she would stop treating me right despite what I had done to her, but she doesn't look like the sort that gives up. She still cared for me, cooked for me. I'm definitely an asshole. I allowed those thoughts run down my head, as I proceeded to leave for home. I felt the urge to make things right, but a massive part of me still felt repulsive to that
ARIEL POV It was three weeks. Three weeks of mixed emotions, anxiety, sadness, happiness, and disappointment. I wasn't sure what to conclude, seeing Ryan finally soft and saying thank you to me. It felt as if my heart somersaulted. I was happy within me. My communication with my dad had been regular, even though it was risky. My stepmom was not aware he gave me his contact information. All in one, I was glad our relationship was getting better. But still, every time we spoke, he kept reminding me of the secret he wanted to open to me about. It only brought this bitter feeling at the pit of my stomach. One thing I know for sure was that revealing that secret might make our relationship drawback. I do not want that. “I should have said that a long time ago. Pardon me.” He spoke gently. “Not a problem. Glad you said it now.” I admitted, licking my lips and determinably, pressing away the picture of my dad revealing his secret to me. “Thanks for understanding. I enjoyed this meal.
RYAN POV Yesterday's moment with Ariel never left the space of my mind. It was as if I kept getting reminded of what transpired yesterday most especially her seduction that almost got me. Her shyness only made her cute, in some sense. At some point, I was mesmerized by her boldness in asking me out. In all, I said yes to her. And tonight will make it an easy way to fulfill her wish. I drove the car at my pace, not too fast, neither too slow. I've promised to pick Ariel up at 8pm that night. I needed time to think. Was I doing the right thing? At one end, I wanted to think about Evelyn, but Ariel's personality no doubt seemed similar to that of Evelyn. The peacemaking habit, calm and collected, beautiful when angry. A chuckle left my lips as I thought about it. I parked in front of the house, as I called Ariel on my phone. Within a few seconds, she was out. She wore a dark blue dress, buttoned up the front with pearl buttons, from her neck to her knees, matching blue shoes. Her
ARIEL POVI wasn't certain if my actions were enough reasons for me to react like that towards Ryan. I was angry, not against him for what transpired earlier between Cindy and us, but rather what happened at the restroom. “She just kept forcing herself on the young Billionaire.” The voice of one of the ladies I met at the restroom geared into my memory lane. Even when I felt I shouldn't have let them get to me, I still did. I sighed, realizing how unfair it was to react that way towards Ryan. I simply walked away, trying not to get back at them. Getting back at Cindy was enough for the night. I wasn't much of a fire for fire kind of person. I hoist my head up as it met with Ryan, who was taking giant strides towards me. My heart beat faster, as I hoped in my heart that he wasn't angry. The beeping sound of the car jolted me, as I opened the door to his car, not waiting for him to get in front of me. The least I could think of now was for the night to end in no time. I am alread
RYAN POV What transpired between Ariel and I kept playing on my mind like a movie. It was as if she knew what I wanted at each time. The time when I needed solace, or when I was just confused. She is very patient and loving. The perfect reminder of the qualities Evelyn had. I wish she never died. I sighed, as I geared back to the documents in front of me. The work kept coming up ever since the secret marriage of Ariel, and I was blown out. It was expected that most companies wanted partnership because they felt it deem to count me more responsible than ever before. I fought the thoughts that kept coming in, but was not successful. I decided I needed to rest more than ever, even though I can't have one soon. I just needed to adapt as soon as possible. The door to my office opened, revealing Nick and my secretary who followed behind him. My head hoisted, glancing at some files in her hand, ignoring Nick, who simply sat down. “Sir, I came to give you this. This is from Mrs. Samant
ARIEL POV I sighed for the umpteenth time, holding to the novel I was reading. A teen fiction, apparently which focused on a young teenage boy who struggled with feelings for both same and opposite sex. As much as that seemed frightening, the plot twist only made me dig deeper. It was the little I could do to while away time, and most especially the thought that I missed Ryan. I tossed and turned, trying to concentrate with the book I was reading, but my thoughts kept splitting from my phone to the novel in hand. I was waiting for Ryan's text message. Not only that, but I had texted him a few minutes ago, asking about his travel to Italy and if he had settled down. But sadly haven't received a reply. Maybe he is busy,' my subconscious hinted. I held my breath while engaging In an internal brawl between myself and myself. I inhaled and exhaled, as I sat up on the bed, checking my phone again. I let out a groan, before releasing the phone off my hand. “I shouldn't worry. He is f
ARIEL POV The air felt stiff, different thoughts running in and out of my head. It was weird, but I was glad I still maintained my calm. 'She is not worth your reply. Just ignore her.' I kept thinking inwardly, trying not to focus on the lewd words Kathleen used. “Kathleen, that was rude. Apologize,” I heard Nick sternly voice, prompting me to gaze at them. Kathleen rolled her eyes, folding her arms on her chest. “I would rather kiss the ground, then apologize. She is not worth it. And if you keep pressing on this matter, I better leave.” She sashayed away, as Nick looked angry and bewildered. He held his palms together, as he faced me. “I'm sorry about her. Please pardon me. She won't go scot-free.” He seethed, making my heart skip a bit. Nick walked away. I attempted to follow him, as I was afraid he might do something crazy, but I felt Eva pull me back. “And where do you think you are going, sister-in-law?” Eva drawled, as I simply let out a groan. “What if Nick does som