RYAN POV
It had been three weeks since Ariel moved back and my life had gotten better with her company. It was just like the good old days. Our conversations were quite a fine one with no stoppers to make it awkward in any way.
Well, all had been good except for the lovemaking part. We always end up making out, but not any further into sex. Ariel always laid complaints or excuses, making me wonder if she was afraid of something. Or maybe she wasn't ready to have sex with me again.
That thought had been lingering in my mind as far as possible. Even when I asked her what was wrong, she only asked me to be patient.
I am patient, and I trust she must have a good reason for holding back. I really hope the reason wasn't because of me.
I expelled a breath the moment I entered the garden at my mum's mansion. Everywhere was rather quiet with just the chirping of birds, and flapping of wings. The green plants blossomed greatly, making every part all green.
I walked towards my mum, who seemed to be admiring something as she bent slightly with a smile on her lips. With a few steps closer, I realized she was looking at the butterflies pollinating some flowers.
As if catching a whiff of my presence, she glanced at my side, her lips turning into a gigantic smile.
I really hope that smile was genuine, considering I hadn't visited her ever since dad was arrested. I felt guilty that I didn't do anything to prevent the case from happening. I let my dad be jailed. I wondered how mum was feeling.
Her hand pressed against my right arm as she pinched me.
"Ouch, mum, what was that for?”I complained, tilting my head.
"For not visiting your mother for like a month.”I closed my eyes slightly before opening them, at the truth of her statement.
"I'm sorry, mum. How are you doing?"I held her, pulling her into a hug, as I pressed a kiss against her forehead.
"I'm good. How has the company been since your dad's scandal?”She asked, and one look at her gave it away that she was hurt.
"Well, the company is not going really well. Some investors pulled off.”I paused, before holding her hands, and making her look at me.
"I have put a plan in place to make things back to normal as soon as possible. I can guarantee you that.”She nodded, a sense of warmth and comfort clouding me.
"You are one unique child, Ryan. Thank you for all you do. And never blame yourself for not doing anything to save your father. He deserves it.”I felt my throat dry, as she gently pulled away, turning her eyes back to the flowers, which seemed to have more beautiful butterflies lurking around.
“I have forgiven him though, even if it seemed to be something that I shouldn't have done. I have always loved him. What can I do?" Sadness emitted from her voice, and somehow I was curious to know about the love story between them.
There were moments when I felt my mum wasn't doing the right thing. She was in an abusive marriage with my dad for quite a while, not until she separated from him for a few months. After then, my dad continued with his promiscuous acts instead, never laying a hand on her again.
"The only regret I had was not listening to my parents. I allowed love to blind me, causing me not to stop and think for a second.”I swallowed at her words, filling my mind with it, a bit tense mum might break down.
Not only that, but I came for a specific purpose that hasn't been carried out. I don't even think I could go ahead with that any longer. I don't intend to hurt mum any further.
"What was your story with my dad?”I asked as mum's gaze met mine.
I wouldn't call that a love story, as their marriage life was something I didn't admire. At some point, I was beginning to think of living part of the life my dad was living- sleeping with different women, all for fun.
But I knew better with time, and it made me want to give marriage a second chance. Not until.....
I let the words stuck, and I was glad mum opened her mouth to speak.
"Your dad happened to be a driver for my parents. He was humble and loving, and slowly our relationship blossomed. We secretly dated right under my parents' nose. When my parents figured it out, they didn't come to terms with it, but I didn't care.” She paused briefly, looking forward.
"We had a secret wedding and I got pregnant. They had no other choice. Dad disowned me and warned of seeing the consequences. Bryan and I didn't care, and with that, I started with companies which bloomed within years. Your dad took over one as well as the hospital, and that was when it all started.”
I felt my throat suddenly turn gritty, as I couldn't hear any longer. I pulled my mum into a hug, hoping it would ease her pain. I wasn't certain if it were her words that hit me, or the fact that I already imagined the remaining part of the story. Apparently, I witnessed part of it. Our family at that time was a typical example of' The Rich Also Cry'.
Mum was strong and hid it from us. I wouldn't have suspected, if not that I was closer to her. I wish I could help during that time, but mum would always say kind words about him,preaching on how it was important I honor my father even though he was inflicting pain on her.
"It's fine Ryan. I am no longer hurt by the past. I just wished I listened to my parents' warnings.”She whispered against my chest.
She suddenly withdrew, holding my hands firmly, her stare cutting to mine.
"Please promise me that you would never do anything bad to Ariel. Promise me that you won't defile your marriage bed or even raise your hand to hit her.”She pressed onto my hands as she said those words.
"I promise mum. I will be a good husband.”I reassured her, as she embraced me.
My mind was muddled up for a while, not because of the promise- because I definitely have the guarantee I can keep it, but because my aim here today wasn't successful.
Apparently, I want to resign, and move back to the simple lifestyle I wanted.....
ARIEL POV
I put the tray of cookies and butter biscuits on the dining table anticipating my guest's arrival. I checked my laptop, looking out for the update on the new chapter of my book I posted anonymously some hours ago, as it had gained countless likes and comments.
I tried not to check the comments as I felt the readers might complain about my character for not speaking up about my pregnancy to Ryan.
I sighed, remembering how excited my readers were when they knew I was starting a season two of my story. And just thinking about writing made me feel whole again. I loved it.
I didn't appreciate myself for hiding such important news from Ryan, but still, I was scared. What if he was disappointed?After all, he wanted us to explore more as a couple before thinking of childbirth.
I facepalmed, not knowing what to go for among the puddle of thoughts embedding inside of me.
The doorbell rang, an indication that lightened up my mood. I quickly closed my laptop, placing it in the sitting room as I took strides, unlocking the door.
"Lucille, nice to see you again.”I almost screamed, as she lunged at me, holding me in the warmest embrace ever.
"I missed you. I called, texted. I was worried.”I chuckled, as she complained yet again.
I beckoned her to come in, admiring her blue bow gown which made her look elegant as ever.
Her eyes widened in anticipation as she noticed the tray of cookies and butter biscuits. We both washed our hands before gathering in the dining room.
"How have you been?”I asked, as she took a bite of her biscuit.
"Pretty good, and bad. Which would you like to hear first?” She asked, prompting me to hold my chin in a thinking manner.
"The bad first.”
"Mum is partially paralyzed and still undergoing an operation. Dad had to take over the company.”She sighed, as my heart plummeted.
It suddenly felt too tight at the news. It was saddening.
"Oh my! I wish her a quick recovery.The good part?"I quickly asked, not wanting to dwell on the bad news I just heard.
Lucille smiled. I was glad she understood and was ready to talk about the good part of her life.
."My husband is treating me well and guess what? I'm pregnant."She stated, a glint of happiness spread across her face.
"Congratulations. You will deliver safely."I prayed, as she smiled.
"It's all thanks to you. My husband revealed how you threatened him to stop sleeping around. I'm one of the happiest women in the world."I chuckled at her statement, suddenly having a flashback at her words.
"It's nothing. I'm glad your marriage life is getting better."I acknowledged.
"Yeah. What about you? Are you pregnant also?"She squinted her eyes, as I blushed,giving it all away.
"Tell me.... Tell me. "She smiled cheekily.
"I am pregnant. A month and a few weeks."I stated.
"Wow. Congratulations. I can't wait to be an aunt. I'm still a few weeks old. I'm pretty sure Ryan must be all over the moon."She stated, as I grimaced.
My body went still for a while, my heart pounding. I readjusted on my seat, tapping my fingers on my arms, hoping to subside the tingling feeling at Lucille's statement.
"Ryan isn't aware."I confessed, as the smile on her face fell.
"Why?"She asked, as my lips moved, but no word came out.
"Exactly what I am thinking right now."
I suddenly felt a combination of anxiety, dread and sadness at hearing that voice.
I turned abruptly, as Ryan's gaze was on me.
My eyes feel gritty and hot.
He was furious, but more than that.
I could see hurt boldly written on his face.
My heart broke into a thousand pieces.