RYAN POV
I shook hands with Mrs. Samantha as we finalized our partnership. Her company will be providing us with construction materials, and so far so good, they have been the best for the past 30 years of existence. She happened to be the new CEO of the company, and seeing our partnership worked out would make things easy for our company.
“It was so nice doing business with you. We promise not to disappoint you,” She smiled warmly at me.
“Thank you for the partnership. I would like you to meet the other stakeholders, as they are yearning to meet you. And since you are one of us now, we will have our quarterly meeting today,” She nodded, as we walked side by side.
We proceeded to leave the meeting room to another meant for the company's quarterly meeting.
I walked into the meeting room as Mrs. Samantha entered after me. We greeted each other warmly, as I sat at the end of the table.
The meeting started with the progress of the company so far, and I was glad things were turning out really well. We only have one, or two lapses, to work on. It was a good way to start the new year.
Putting on a smile, I said: “I really appreciate everyone for their efforts so far. As we continue to work, may we continue to put in our earnest efforts in it. Mrs. Samantha, you are also welcome.”
We were about to call it a day, when I began hearing murmurings.
“Ahem. There is still something the board of stakeholders wants to talk to you about,” Mr. Ronald, one of our executive stakeholders, spoke.
I nodded, as I relaxed on the chair.
“Well, it is about the scandal recently,” My forehead creased into a frown, as it became obvious what it was all about.
It was about the gay propangada flying around recently.I scanned the whole room, the scrutinizing look of every one of them towards me. It was as if they planned it together.
“The truth is, we stakeholders are in support that you should marry soon.” Mrs. Harrison, another esteemed stakeholder, spoke.
I simply nodded, acknowledging it all. I guess they want an answer.
“Thank you for your concern. I will get married soon. I already have a fiancée.” I announced, as they began staring at each other.
I lied, and I felt slightly guilty too. But there is a high possibility of getting a fiancee today.They must probably be wondering if I was joking, but I wasn't. I will be getting engaged to Ariel Peterson then,' I concluded in my mind.
“We are so sorry. We didn't know,” Mrs. Harrison looked slightly guilty, as she spoke.
“No problem. If that is all, let's call it a day.”
I waited, as they all left, except Mrs. Samantha who stopped by the door. I stood up, meeting her gaze.
“Happy marriage life in advance, Mr. Ryan.” I smiled warmly at her words.
“I would have given you my daughter. She is just twenty-four. But since you are getting married soon, I guess that will pass.”
“Thank you ma. I am sure your daughter will find a more suitable man than me,”
She smiled, as we both walked out. Shaking our hands once again, we departed in opposite directions. At that moment, different thoughts about Ariel Peterson began clouding my mind.
I smiled, remembering how simple and beautiful she was. She reminded me of the love of my life, Evelyn Grande. I let out a sigh, trying to dissolve the sad notion as I continued walking.
My mind went back to Ariel, as the picture of her face clouded my imagination. She has a beautiful gene, with long flowing blonde hair with bright brown eyes, and pink lips that remind you of delicate flower petals. Not to talk of her light skin body, which complemented her slender self. She was a beauty to behold.
Ever since Evelyn had died, I never felt attracted to any lady as I had towards Ariel. I had never even held a second glance, talkless of thinking about the opposite sex. But Ariel seemed to be an exception.
'Maybe because she shared some attributes as that of Evelyn,' my subconscious came in, as I snickered at my thought.
She looked beautiful, no doubt, but I wasn't going to make her know that. And I am definitely not going to fall for her. She will grow confused with my personality with time.
I shook my head. I can't believe I was describing her in my head.
On the good side, she even looked decent and also like someone that could be tamed easily. We are just getting married, but my heart belonged to my beloved.
I gently touched my pocket, certain the small box I brought along with me this morning was still with me. Time to meet Ariel Peterson," I whispered.I walked into my office, as she turned to look at me. She turned back to the book she was reading, drawing out my amazed look.
“Aren't you afraid that I will be angry for invading my space?”
She simply sighs, not sparing me a glance. I decided to sit beside her, as she peeked at me.
“If reading those novels on your desk is a sin, then I will likely die as a sinner,” I chuckled at her joke. It felt as if we had known each other for quite a long time. She is good with communicating,' I confessed inwardly.
I picked up one of the books I got, as I stared at it. She had her head buried in one of the books by Ellen Cover.
“I apologize for touching your stuff without your permission. I am just a freak for Romance, especially those written by Ellen Cover. Her novels are dope.” She stated, as her brown eyes met mine. I shook my head.
I guess we have something in common then. I love reading, especially novels.It was one of those ways to create a peaceful atmosphere for myself.
“Not a problem. But you seemed quite confident about the previous issue we were battling with,”
She raised her head, glancing at me.
“I have amnesia. What is it about Mr. Ryan?” She tilted her head, her eyes gazing at mine.
I could feel sarcasm in her voice. I smirked, as I leaned closer. Two can play a game,' I thought.
My eyes cut to hers and I found her watching me with a peculiar kind of focus, at least for some seconds, before turning her eyes away from mine.
“Interesting Ariel. But can you repeat that to my very face?”I whispered, as she was still, a smile crawled to her lips? Her bright round eyes twinkled above her sun kissed cheeks. It was difficult to put into words the charm and allure written over her face.
I shook my head, trying to break the trance I was slowly falling into.
She gently peeked at me and said: “Please remind me, Mr. Ryan,”
“Let me remind you then,”I drawled out, letting out a puff of air. It was time I changed my mood.
“Mother said you agreed to marry me,” I stared at her deeply in the eyes, as I took in her beautiful features.
“Yes, I did,” Her sultry voice replied.
“Good. We will get married, but only for a year,” Her face wore a confused look as she blinked.
Taking her wrist, I allowed my thumb to gently sweep up and down.
“Make me fall in love with you within a year, and we will live forever,” I let the words in my heart out
“What if I fail?” Her gaze met mine.
“Then we will end the marriage and part ways. Worse still, you will lose everything you have,”I replied icily, as her wrist slipped off. She looked at me with disdain.
“Do you agree, Ariel Peterson?”
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 stret
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