Promise To Give A Chance

Ariana POV

The next morning,

I woke up and found the room empty. Ryan was not there. Getting all the tightness and creakiness out of my body, I moved to the washroom. There I found everything I needed: new shampoos, body lotions, cleansing milk, and everything. These products were not new to me as Ainsley had these things of the low brand, but for me was the first time.

I had a good, warm shower after such a long time. After a shower, I came out in a towel and entered a walk-in closet.

In the night, I didn’t find time to look around as my heart had broken, but now as I glanced around. I found amazing dresses.

Party wear, formal, casual, and every type of dress were present there. I took a short dress, but the dress wasn’t a good fit for me.

“Oh!” I realized.

“These dresses are not for me. Why would it be for me? Ariana stops expecting.” I exclaimed, moving to the jeans section and took a pair of loose pants and a tee shirt. I walked to the undergarments drawer and found a startling collection, but nothing to my size. 

Huffing, I took one bra and adjusted it to my size by cutting the straps and adding additional cloth.

“I think, Mr. Ryan, all these things are for your would-be-bride. That was not me.”

With great difficulty, I made myself presentable.

“Arianna, nothing can change your fate. You have to carry yourself like this all your life.“

I mocked myself in front of the mirror because, even after coming to this luxurious house and finding all these luxuries, nothing was for me.  Getting ready, I walked out of the room and reached into the lounge where Evelyn was present.

“I was going to see you, but you came by yourself. Come sit here.” Evelyn made me sit with her extending hand.

“Thanks, Mrs. Walter.”

“What? I’m Ryan’s mother, and now you’re his wife, so call me mom, not Mrs. Walter.” She said with a fake frown.

I nodded. “Thanks, mom.”

She smiled and hugged me. After that, she kissed my head, but soon her forehead creased with lines when she examined me from head to toe.

“I’m sorry.” She muttered.

“Everything happened so soon. We didn’t find time to arrange for your closet but don’t worry. Everything will be present in your room till night.“

I shook, tapping my fingers in nervousness.

“I don’t know who you are and how you came here, but now you’re Ryan’s wife, and I assure you that you won’t have any problems here. This house is yours, and if you want anything, just tell me, and you’ll have it.” My eyes became teary.

“What happened? I said something wrong. Oh! Sorry baby.” She wiped my tears and tried to calm me.

“You’re so good. Except for my father, Michael, no one treated me this way.” I sniveled.

“No one, I didn’t get your meaning,” she said. I looked at her and thought about how to tell her about my uncle and aunt. However, I told her everything. I don’t know whether it was her kindness towards me or something else. I poured my heart out.

Listening to my past, she sympathized with me. Evelyn took me into an embrace and I cried out.

“Shush, stop crying. That passed, but now you have your mom and dad. I won't promise you anything, but I assure you that you won’t have any problems here in my presence.“

“If I had my mom, I’m sure she would be like you.” I became emotional.

Soon, she enlightened my mood with her love and caring attitude towards me. The marriage that gave me a strange husband also gave me a loving mom in the name of my mother-in-law.

While we were talking, Evelyn brought up the topic of the previous night and asked whether anything occurred between us.

I shook my head in embarrassment, and Evelyn sighed.

“Ryan needs some time, and he’ll be good to you soon. Just give him some time. “ I said nothing, as I knew nothing.

“Ryan’s fiancee ran with her lover on the wedding day. I don’t know if he told you this, but you should know everything.” She gasped and then continued.

“Ryan liked her from childhood, but that girl was not good for him. I’m happy she ran away, but my son has broken. I can see your innocence and purity in your eyes, and I know you’re a perfect match for him. The moment I saw you in the bridal room. I know you’ll be the only one for my son who’ll mend his broken self and make him a better version of himself.” Evelyn spoke in her trance. However, I cut her off.

"But he doesn’t want me.” My face was red because of embarrassment.

Evelyn caressed my face, and a sad smile appeared on her lips.

“He’ll crave you, but it’s up to you to tame him. Just give your marriage a chance and promise me you’ll give it.” Evelyn extended her hand for a promise.

I thought for a moment, why should I promise? Ryan didn’t want me. He told me last night that I’m his wife only for the outside world. He took me with him just for five years, so how could I give a chance to this marriage? And why would I?

“What are you thinking?” Evelyn asked.

I again thought I needed shelter and support to hide from the outside beast. I was not a match for Ryan, but if I could make him mine, then it’d be a win-win for me. What I could get more than this was that he’d start loving me. A smile came to my lips, and I thought to give this marriage a chance to save myself and mend his broken self.

“I promise to give this marriage a chance.” I put my hand on Evelyn’s hand and voiced out. She smiled, and in the meantime, the maid came to announce breakfast.

“Call your master in the dining hall. We’re coming.” She ordered her and kissed my forehead.

“God bless you. Let’s have breakfast. “

We moved towards the dining hall and took our seats.

Soon, Roman Walter came and took the head seat.

“Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning,” I replied.

“How are you feeling here? Did Ryan behave well with you?“

I nodded, and he smiled.

“Good. Now, this is your home, so feel at home. If you need anything, tell your mom, and if she won’t listen. Then talk to me. I’ll help you out.” He showered his love and care for me, and I felt delighted.

“Where is your son? And Damien, where is he?” He asked Mom, taking a fork and a knife in hand.

“Ryan went to the office early in the morning as he had some work there, but Damien, he...”

“Someone calls me and see, I’m here.” Damien walked into the dining hall and took a seat next to me. I felt awkward because he was Ryan’s friend, so what was he doing here?

“Hello, how was your night?” Damien mumbled in my ear, and I gasped.

“Damien, what is this? Don’t be like Ryan. Be on the table. And about your son, what was so important on the first day of his marriage and he knows tonight was the reception party, so what does he do in the office? Can’t he take a day off?” Roman’s voice was solemn, and he huffed in anger.

“Maybe he has some important work.” Evelyn voiced out and Roman mocked. “Important work,”

“Sorry, Dad. I won’t be late next time.” Damien spoke to lighten the environment, but I was surprised.

Roman nodded, and they became busy eating breakfast, but I mumbled, “Dad,”

The word was a mere whisper, but Damien had listened, so he murmured close to my ear.

“Don’t be shocked every time. I also live here, and you’ll see me every day. “

A line formed on my forehead, and I raised my brow, understanding nothing.

“I’m not only Ryan’s friend but also like a brother to him. My actual dad was the best friend of Roman Dad, so after the death of Mom and Dad, I moved here.“

I felt bad and surprised at the same time. I felt surprised because he was talking about his parents’ death casually, but I felt sad as well. After all, they were no more.

“Sorry,” I tried to show sympathy.

“Don’t make a sad face. It’s okay. They died when I was four years old, so I don’t even remember their faces. “ 

I gasped, looking at his face and how easily he described his feelings.

“Damien, stop talking. It's poor etiquette to talk at the dining table.” Roman voiced out.

Damien put his finger on his lips, and I chuckled at his childish behavior.