RYAN POV I wasn't certain how I felt about Ariel's kiss that morning, but it was exciting. I almost got lost, and if not for the last self-control on me, I would have encouraged us to continue where she started. I wasn't certain, but all I could think of was how to pay Ariel back. She is quite confident to initiate a kiss. Not only that, but I can't seem to get my mind off it. My imagination kept going wider than I thought. "Sir.” The touch of someone jolted me out of my reverie. I cleared my throat, adjusting my sitting posture, blocking the thought of Ariel, at the sight of the people watching me. The throbbing I felt between my legs dropped immediately. I felt speechless for a while, suddenly realizing I was in a meeting, but all I could think of was Ariel's kiss. I haven't been bewitched, have I? Nah! I don't believe in that. "Please, go on.” I rested on my chair, trying to bring back my concentration again. "Since the end of the year is drawing near, we thought the compa
ARIEL POV I should have been more careful. That was what I kept chanting inwardly, as I stared at him, words stuck in my throat. He doesn't look good about it. "I just felt like writing about it. If you don't like it, I will stop.”I darted my eyes sideways as I spoke. I could feel his gaze fixed intently on me. I knew I had crossed the line at that instant. I should have been more careful with the laptop. "You just thought? Seriously Ariel? I'm pretty sure you portrayed me as the villain in your novel, right?”That seemed to get me a bit tense. What does he even mean? I forcefully raised my eyes, trying to read his expression. "Oh, let me guess. Ryan is an asshole. He has anger issues. He is a confused fellow.....” That was it. I needed to stop it. "That is definitely your insecurities talking, Ryan. You need to calm down, “His eyebrows arched, as he let out a forceful sigh. "We are imperfect, yes, but that doesn't mean I will paint my husband black. I'm a writer, but the way
RYAN POV There was always something beautiful about Ariel that always drew me in the best way ever. Her smiles, the way she prepared food. The tiny bits about her only brought this level of happiness or satisfaction about her. Sometimes, I want to embrace her, and appreciate her for coming into my life. For making me addicted to her delicious food. For helping me not to see myself as a villain, but rather a work in progress. For her patience and love even when I was disposed to rage. But staring at her now gave me the creeps. I wasn't certain if she would be able to give a response to Reginald's question. I felt my heart beating slower and faster than I thought. "I was first attracted to his eyes and lips.”Ariel blushed and glanced at me slightly. "Awwn.”Reginald swooned, as he smiled cheekily. I couldn't refuse the urge to roll my eyes. He is surely a killjoy. "Tell me more.”He faced Ariel and requested. "He is kind-hearted and strong. He cares for people he loves, and
ARIEL POV I was no doubt feeling more than giddy since last night. The sharing of childhood moments, or the moment of embracing. I felt a chemistry between us. Yesterday gave me the confidence boost that we were both close to being in love.Or maybe I was overthinking. I tilted my head, staring back at the visual display of my dad on my laptop. "Dad, he really takes care of me. We even went on a date last night. I like him already. He complimented me a lot. I felt my heart almost melting. He is so ….” "Seriously, Ariel, take a chill pill.”I giggled at my dad's statement. "Dad, you were worried. Just filling you up. How are you doing, by the way?”He sighed, making my heart flip a bit. I hope there was nothing wrong going on. "I'm doing fine. I hardly see Samantha. Your company won't make her rest. Are you happy now?”I fought the urge not to roll my eyes at my dad's set of last words. "Daddy.”I whined, as he hissed. "I wonder why you won't fight for what is yours. Your mum wo
ARIEL POV 'Why the hell will she blame you for the calamity that befell her?''Don't fall for her trick. Don't think of helping her. Karma is a bitch. She got what she deserved.' I shook my head, trying to block the numerous thoughts coming into my head. At that moment, I realized I had been standing for some seconds. "I do not believe in Karma. I would like to follow the good principles." I mused. I breathe in and out gently, holding unto the shopping bag in between my hands. I began walking towards the shopkeeper, as I asked her to help keep the clothes meant for Eva. She accepted, leaving me with choices, either to look for Lucille or Daniel. I wasn't sure what came over me, but I just can't stop the images of Lucille's swollen face on my mind. She must have been going through a lot in the hands of that monster. I kept walking down the mall, not until I noticed a familiar face flirting with another woman. My eyes widened, and I felt furious just staring at the two of them.
ARIEL POV I could have been bothered about the new discovery I just made, but my mind seemed to have drifted. I can't seem to be at peace with the presence of Kathleen around as I cooked. It reminded me of the villain in the typical romance novel I always read. Does that mean that she would be the villain in Ryan and I love story? I shook my head, trying to drive away my thoughts, as I tried to concentrate. Just like Eva told me, I should be least bothered by her. Hopefully, she will come around. I decided it was best not to think about her presence, especially her taunts. She wasn't the type that gives up. Not that I blamed her much, after all, her best friend happened to be Ryan's ex-wife who died all of a sudden. It would be difficult for her to accept me for her brother. Gently placing the oatmeal and flask of hot tea, with bottled water in the basket, I made to leave the kitchen, but was interrupted anyway. "I doubt if your cooking will taste good, by the way. I guess you
ARIEL POV There was a burst of happiness when the doctor discharged Ryan. I listened patiently to all the do's and don't in regard to his medication and his food. Gently climbing off the car, I appreciated Mr. Walter who drove us here. It was nighttime and a bit cold for the night. "Thank you, Mr. Walter. See you tomorrow.”I waved at him, as he smiled. "Mr. Walter, see you tomorrow morning,”Ryan said. I almost rolled my eyes, wondering why he couldn't say a thank you to him. "Okay boss. Take care.”A small smile tugged at the lips of Ryan as we began to leave. “Aren't you missing something, Ariel?”I turned abruptly at his voice, my face creasing a bit. "I still need you to help me to walk in. I would like to lean on you.”His face was unreadable as he spoke. I could not help but feel he was up to something. Typical Ryan. My mind went back to how he constantly made sure I fed him at the hospital. And to receive the injection,he would request for me to kiss him to ease the pa
RYAN POV It was the moment I saw my mum's number that I realized I'd fumbled. I shouldn't have trusted Kathleen when she showed me Ariel's phone. It was very disappointing on my part to not have trusted my wife. She was and still my superwoman. Always ready to help me to do the right thing. Even with my angry nature, she treated me kindly. She lists beautiful qualities about me, that I never even realized. Reality dawned on me, as I brushed through my hair. "You stoop so low, Kathleen. I will forgive you this time. But if this ever happens….”I glared at her, allowing her to complete my thoughts, as I darted to our bedroom. My mouth dropped open, as I saw Ariel packing her clothes in a bag. I felt my heart suddenly heavy, as I sauntered towards her. I held her left hand, pausing her movement for a while. "What do you think you are doing?”She jacked her hand off me, as my mouth suddenly became dry. I had never seen Ariel this angry before. I really messed up. "What does it look