ARIEL POV
My mouth dropped for seconds, as I stood. Ryan waved his hand, stopping my forward movement. He took one last glance at me, before walking further into the house.
My throat dried, as a bitter feeling erupted inside of me. I felt bad for what I did. But I was scared. The thought of having a child seemed quite overwhelming at first, not to mention the fact that I wasn't sure Ryan was ready to be a father yet.
“He will come around. Don't bother too much about it, sis.”Lucille's hand patted my shoulder, as I faked a smile.
"I guess this was a bad timing. I have to leave now. You guys need time to sort things out.”Lucille commented as she held her bag.
"Wait. What about the biscuits? I made them specially for you.”I took some in a plastic container as I placed it in her bag.
She simply looked on, as I walked her out of the house. We hugged for the last time, as she promised to visit with her husband next time.
I closed the door behind, feelings of chaos slowly filling me up. I've never seen Ryan so disappointed in me. His look says it all. He was hurt, and I caused it.
I slide to a chair, turning to the homepage of the last chapter I posted. I wanted to face my fears, this time around. I wanted to know what the readers felt when they knew my character hid her pregnancy from her husband. It's inhumane right?
Or maybe I was thinking too much.
Sudden wave of calmness swept through me the moment I scanned through the comments. Most acknowledging my fears of not wanting to tell my husband but advising me to do so as soon as possible.
My lips curved into a smile, as it hit me. I needed to make things right.
My legs found their way to our bedroom, as well as his other room where I thought he might be, but he wasn't.
I took gentle strides to his study room, and there he was, his back facing me. He was pacing, his hands on his hips.
I was careful not to make myself seen. He looked furious, and that was fine.
A thought came to mind as I felt the need to put it into action. But for now, I needed to give him a few minutes or perhaps a few hours' distance.
I hope this works….
RYAN POV
Words alone cannot describe how I felt, knowing Ariel kept such an important piece of information from me. It hurts to know the imagination of what went through her mind to not discuss about the pregnancy.
I wanted to surprise her, and that was why I came in through the back door. I wanted to share with her a beautiful piece of goodnews, but I ended up being the one surprised instead.
I can't put into words what I felt at that moment. It was embarrassing and somehow it made me look like a bad husband in front of Lucille. Apparently, a lot must have been going through her head at the thought that her older sister kept such important information away from me.
I shouldn't be angry. I should be calm, right? Ariel must have a strong reason for not informing me about the pregnancy. I tried to reason.
I paced to and fro, trying to calm my nerves. I plumped into my chair, staring at the laptop in front of me. I glanced at my wristwatch as I figured I still had more than three hours before my meeting with one of our investors.
And it dawned on me that I haven't called the only person that might have a better answer to some questions in my mind. I put a call through as she picked instantly.
"Hello, sweet brother.”Her voice rang through, as I groaned. She really is a pain in the ass.
"Cut the chase, Eva. Are you aware Ariel was pregnant.”I asked, as a comfortable silence fell.
I clenched my jaw, suddenly wondering why on earth she was thinking too much before providing an answer. I was about to speak further but stopped when she finally spoke.
"Did sister in-law inform you?”I snorted at her question, irritation spread across my face.
"How long were you both deciding to keep it away from me?”I asked, tapping my fingers against the keypads on the laptop, hoping to ease the tension building up in me.
"I'm sorry. Your wife knows better. I made a promise not to tell you. Now that you figured it out, I hope you will be patient enough to listen to her reasons for keeping such information from you”
"Seriously? I haven't done anything to hurt her, have I? This is simply ladies supporting ladies, right? You are simply siding with her.”I gritted my teeth angrily.
"Calm down Brother. Sometimes I I wonder if you really are my brother. Try to at least see through patiently.”Her words were like a verbal slap to my face, as I swallowed.
“You have lived with your wife for over a year. You should know her well by now. My time withl her occasionally reminded me that she loved a simple, unrestricted or less stressful lifestyle? Think brother. Think of the main reason why she kept the pregnancy news away from you.”I felt my mouth glued, and somehow I wished I never raised this up with Eva, but I was glad I did because my anger slowly dissolved.
"Have you ever wondered if she saw Evelyn as a threat? Or maybe she thought you don't like babies.''And then it sank in.
On one of our dates, the latter must have been made obvious by me. I could still remember vividly how I choked at Ariel's mention of starting a family with children. Even though I tried not to make it obvious, I reassured her that we needed more time to explore as a couple.
As for Evelyn being a threat, well, I am speechless. Evelyn was presently out of the country and being properly monitored. We are no longer married. That was a relief and definitely going to be for Ariel.
"Brother, are you still there?”I cleared my throat, breaking the numerous thoughts going through my mind.
"You never ceased to amaze me. Anyway, just know that your monthly allowance for this month will not be sent to you, for cooperating with my wife in such a trivial matter.” I stated, as she blew raspberries over the phone.
"Fine by me. But don't be too cocky.”She hissed.
"Don't forget we still have to meet for Nick and Kathleen's wedding plan.”I reminded her.
"Fine by me. Bye for now.”She grinned, cutting the call as I sank back on the chair, slowly caressing my forehead.
"I don't think Eva should be at the receiving end of these.”My eyes opened instantly at Ariel's voice, as I swiveled my chair to face her.
She had a short white linen gown with a tray containing cookies and a cup of something. I swallowed at the sight of her.
"And how long have you been listening?”I asked, a frown etched on my face.
"Long enough to know you intended to punish Eva because she kept my secret.”She replied bluntly, as she walked over, placing the tray on the table.
I was still, and somehow, just the sight of her made me weirdly calm. She made to leave as I held her wrist, stopping her forward movement. I pulled her as her butt settled on my lap
"Ryan…" Her eyes met mine, as her lips hung slightly open.
"What are you supposed to say?”I asked, hoping to tease her, despite my heart hammering.
"Babe, I am sorry. I shouldn't have kept such good news from you. I felt…" I pressed a kiss against her lips, stopping from speaking further.
It was a short kiss that required self-control from my part to pull away.
"You are not angry at me?”It was more of a question as she blinked.
Gosh she looked so innocent and beautiful.
"I'm not. I apologize for making it seem as if I didn't like the idea of a child.”I breathe out softly, surprised by the change in me.
Eva's words really got to me.
"And congratulations to us.”My right hand settled on her tummy as my hand felt warm.
She smiled, resting on my shoulder, her fragrance doing the best in getting the best of me. It was seductive enough that she was sitting on my lap, but the sweet smell of her makes my mind so pervasive towards her.
"I really thought you would be mad at me. I guess I have to be more grateful to Eva.”She clamped her hand around me, as she said those words, her voice adding to the tingling sensation.
"Yeah. Mi Amor, how long before we can have sex?"She pulled away, but I was fast enough to pull her closer instead.
My eyes never left her, as her face turned crimson.
"After the first trimester. I never meant to seduce you. I should probably stand."She looked away shyly as I chuckled.
She is cute.
"I never said you were trying to seduce me. I love embracing you. Yes, I was mad at you before but I can't get angry at you for long."I teased, pinching her cheeks.
"Thank you."She gave me a quick peck, which did not do justice to my aroused self.
"Promise not to keep anything away from me."
"I promise."She placed her hand on her chest,her face bright and happy.
"I have good news. I will no longer be the CEO of the Ackers company after the next three months. Mum will be taking over alongside one of my trusted cousins." I stated, as her brows arched, surprise boldly written on her face.
"After Nick and Kathleen's wedding,, we will be settling in another country of your choice, living our simple lifestyle where I would support your writing career."
Ariel's body pressed against mine as she gave me a deep hug. My heart felt full and happy, and I knew instantly I made the right decision, the one that we will both love.
Being a CEO wasn't exactly what I wanted. It was a simple explanation of 'What you ordered versus what you got'.
Mum made me....
My long thought was cut shut as Ariel's stare cut to mine.
"I love you."She confessed, and with that, she leaned closer, her lips clamped against mine.
It was a long and best kiss ever. And it took me a lot of self control not to think of consummating with her.
But yet, it was worth it.
And to Ariel's last set of words to me, I find myself saying the same set of words in my mind, with just a little touch in it.
Instead, it was ' I LOVE YOU TOO '.