ARIEL POV
There was comfortable silence, as the doctor took her final check on me. I fought with the apprehensive thoughts running through my mind, and it took a lot of courage not to give way to tears, especially if the doctor confirmed Eva's words to me.
Eva had demanded that Damien call a doctor to check up on me, and a test had been run on me. The last few hours are all dedicated to me.
"Miss Ariel is two weeks and a few days pregnant.”The doctor dropped the bombshell, as I felt my heart pinned.
I should have expected this, but it was as if I were in a trance.
Eva's body collided with mine, as she engulfed me into a hug. She stared at me with a giant smile plastered on her lips. It was as if she won a lottery.
"Congratulations sister-in-law.”She beamed, her palm resting on mine.
I gave her a small smile, still not acquainted with the new discovery that made me rather speechless.
"Thank you doctor.”Damien spoke, as he gave me a smile, which I reciprocated.
The doctor mentioned some important things, but my mind was floating, finding it difficult to really comprehend anything she said.
It was as if the words were entering my right ear and leaving through my left ear. But I was glad Eva seemed to be following, her head bobbing up and down, her face radiant like a bubbling child. She amazes me.
Damien walked the doctor out, leaving me with Eva.
"Oh my! I will finally be an aunt. I wonder if it would be a boy or girl, or maybe twins.”She stood, walking to and fro, her hands moving left and right.
She was quite overexcited compared to how I felt. I wasn't even sure how I felt.
I let out a sigh. Perhaps a little broken, angry, sad, happy. It was quite a combined version of emotions, and it was really difficult figuring it all out.
I am pregnant, obviously. But it seems so sudden. I facepalmed, realizing it was as a result of Ryan and I sexual passion the night of our first anniversary.
I felt Eva's presence beside me, as I adjusted.
Concern laced on her face, as she stared at me.
"You don't look okay, sis. Tell me what is going on.”She voiced out, pressing her palms against mine.
Her soft, warm palms were soothing and comforting.
"I'm just surprised. Everything seems so sudden.”I sighed, as she chuckled.
"It's fine. Knowing you will be a mother for the first time can be so overwhelming. Don't be anxious. You will be a great mother.”
I smiled, her words acting as the perfect consolation. How does Eva even know about this?
I should have expected she would be good with words. She definitely took it from her mum.
"Thank you. It is quite relieving, you think I will be a great mother.”I stated honestly.
Eva always surprises me.
"But aren't you going to be with my brother anymore?”She suddenly asked out of the blue.
I knew it was definitely the right thing for Ryan to be aware I was pregnant, but I wasn't ready to face him yet. I still battle with guilt at the fact that I left him.
I felt selfish that once. I had always put so much into our marriage, but I couldn't any longer. But right now, the thought of going back to him doesn't sit well with me.
It's unsettling.
"I will think about it.”I looked down, our hands resting on the pillow placed on my lap.
"It is okay with me. I am distressed about my brother. He hasn't been himself these past weeks. He needs you. Furthermore, he will be all over the moon if he knows his seed is growing inside of you.”
My stare cut to Eva's as it seemed she wasn't giving up anytime soon. She was determined, but I wasn't ready. I feel my mind going crazy. Am I normal?
"Eva, can we not push this further, please? I'm not ready yet. I really hope I will be ready soon. But for now, I would rather not force it. I want to be alone. Away from him for a while. Perhaps, a few weeks or a month.”
I could see the look of hurt on his face, as it felt disturbing, I must have said something bad.
Her next course of action shook me, as she hugged me. At that moment, I felt my body tremble with emotion. I let out tears, as it brimmed down my face.
"I don't really know how you feel, but I hope you forgive my brother. He can be a confused fellow occasionally. Just always remember he really loves you. Take your time.”
Her words echoed in my mind, as I forced my eyes closed, an image of Ryan confessing his love to me flashing through my mind.
I jolted out of my reverie, as we broke from the embrace.
It was crazy, but I really missed Ryan. I remembered all his love letters to me, but weirdly, he never used the word LOVE in it. They were simply words that explained his affection and admiration for me.
Eva cleaned off my tears, as I appreciated her.
She stood up, as she beckoned I to rest. I laid sprawled on the bed, as she chuckled.
"Rest well sister-in-law.”She made towards the door, as a thought ran through my mind.
My next set of words stopped her forward movement.
" Promise not to tell Ryan about my whereabouts and this pregnancy.”
She stopped for a few seconds, and my heart skipped, thinking she might not accept and come in terms with my words.
She turned abruptly, giving me a tight fitted smile.
"I promise.”She declared, and those were the last words I remembered before shifting into Dreamland.
I dreamt about Ryan and I – another reminder to be haste in my decision-making.

RYAN POV
It was not easy acting oblivious to everything happening around me. My dad sleeping with Evelyn was a bomb, and it wasn't making me happy a bit.
I felt used, and angry. I loved Evelyn with all my heart. Throughout our College life, I satisfied her with everything she wanted. She was the only one I had my eyes on. She swept me completely off my feet.
I decided to let them be, not bothering to check the remaining files Mr Martin sent to me about their relationship. I had enough of a headache already.
I was glad I figured it out, and it was an easy way of getting a divorce – on the grounds of adultery, lies and deception.
I twirled my chair around, suddenly feeling upset at the thought of them. But that wasn't all, my childhood ran through my very eyes, my heart feeling heavy all of a sudden.
My dad will often beat my mum, while he cheats on her. My mum endured, and with time, dad stopped going physical on her, but never stopped sleeping around.
That made me hate him. Now, my hatred for him only grew stronger.
Yet, he had the effrontery to plan such a devilish act on the night of my wedding with Evelyn. Evelyn believed him, and then eloped, breaking my heart into a million pieces.
I really felt betrayed, and now and then, there was this great urge for revenge. To let them feel what I had felt for the past years. The pain and hurt I went through thinking my wife died.
I gave up on LOVE. It was one of those reasons why I didn't confess to loving Ariel all this while. I was afraid I would lose her. Weirdly, I already lost her.
I felt so useless, restraint on me, as I was waiting for the perfect time. Until then, I will keep looking for Ariel, to feel whole again.
My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts, as I rested on my table, picking my phone. I lifted it to my ear, the voice of Nick ringing through.
"Hello Ryan. We found Ariel. I will send the address shortly.”I felt instant goosebumps at his words as I stood.
He hung up the call, as I quickly unlocked my phone, my eyes staring at the address.
The address looked familiar, as I pasted it on my GPS. My body felt hot all of a sudden, the thought of seeing Ariel again, making me nervous as hell.
I glanced at the phone, realizing it was a private residential area which will take close to two hours to reach. It wasn't that far. Such a relief.
I paced for a while in my office, before picking my keys to leave. My steps outside were rather fast, as my employees kept staring at me.
I got into my car, as I made to start the car, but my phone rang, as I groaned. My brows creased, seeing Eva's name on my phone screen.
"Hello brother.”Her voice rang through, as I rolled my eyes.
She is probably up to something. But then, it struck my mind.
But then, it struck my mind that I hadn't thought of getting something for Ariel. A bunch of flowers maybe could be the best. Tulips? Roses?
My mind ran through the best type to get.
"Eva, which type of flowers will a lady like?"I asked, as my lips twitched into a smile.
"Huh? What's popping brother? You sound weird.''She stated, as I fastened my seat belt, getting ready to leave anytime soon.
"I found Ariel's location already. I'm going to visit her."I explained excitedly, beaming with a smile.
At the thought of Ariel, my bad thoughts suddenly flew away.
"Don't go brother. Sister-in-law doesn't want to see you."
And just like that, the smile on my face drained off, a frown etched on my lips.
"You know where she is already. Why didn't you tell me?"I felt sad instantly.
"She made me promise not to tell you. You hurt her brother, and giving her some space will be the best. She is still your wife. She left because you were finding it difficult choosing between her and Evelyn. You were limping between two opinions.She struggled with her mental health and peace of mind."Her words felt like salt to my wound, my chest rising and falling instantly.
I was downhearted suddenly, guilt plaguing me.
I cleared my throat, wanting to say something but not even one word came out from my mouth.
"I'm sorry brother. I will always be with her and try to convince her. Please bear in mind not to force yourself into her life now. Knowing her personality, her love for you might turn to hatred."
"Okay."I finally spoke before ending the call.
I wasn't ready to receive more words from Eva, as it felt like verbal blows to me.
I rested my head on the steering wheel.
It was at that moment I realized how much pain I must have caused Ariel.
I was determined to rectify it….