#FIVE YEARS LATER
ARIEL POV
We have come this far, and to be honest, it hasn't been easy. What drives us as a couple is the in-depth love that cares at all times. It had been a beautiful ride, completely worth it.
My years of marriage with Ryan had been the best. It taught me lessons- to be tolerant and patient. To love and cherish Ryan and just when I fell in love with him, which wasn't reciprocated at first, I almost thought I would give up. But I never did.
Evelyn's entrance into our life was yet something that left the fringes of hope that I had . The thought of Ryan finally loving me suddenly escaped into thin air. I wanted to vent my spleen and maybe give up, but my love for Ryan kept me going. It was a daily reminder that I had someone worth holding on to.
Love is patient and kind, never seeks out for its own interest. My six years of marriage helped me to see clearly that sometimes, love is not a feeling. Because if it was, it would have faded like dust.
I hit the last set of words on my laptop as I expelled a breath.
"I'm done.”I raised my voice, as the door opened within seconds.
I stood from the bed, as the smiley looking son and daughter of mine plunged forward. I took them into my embrace.
Yes, I gave birth to twins and they are both beautiful and handsome children. We moved to Italy where we live now.
"Mummy, we want to play with you.”Gabrielle, the older twin, spoke, pouting her lips.
I smiled gently, as my gaze lingered until it met with that of Ryan, who looked rather exasperated.
I winked at him, as he rolled his eyes. I made him keep the children for two hours so that I would be able to write, but it seemed they disturbed him too much.
"Mum…" Gabrielle drawled, as my stare cut to hers.
Oh, they needed a response.
"Well. I learned it is good for young children to sleep early. It is already 8pm, so no more playing.”
Gabriel, the male twin chuckled, as Gabrielle frowned.
I pinched her cheeks lightly, forcing a small smile from her.
“Mum, that's fine.”She said in her small voice.
I took their hands as I led them to their room. I helped Gabrielle sleep on her bed, which was quite comfy and beautiful. The part of the room where her bed was painted in light pink, while that of Gabriel was painted sky blue.
"Goodnight my lovelies.”I said, placing the blanket slightly above Gabrielle's shoulder.
"Goodnight mommy.''They both chorused.
I sat, staring at Gabrielle, as she had long blonde hair just like mine. She was outspoken and took most of her dad's qualities-strong, sassy, just to mention a few.
I turned off her lamp stand, as I walked to the other side of the room, where Gabriel was. I let out a smile, admiring how handsome she looked. He had the perfect look of his father. Young, vibrant when around the right people, quite the independent fellow, a brilliant weirdo and quite emotional occasionally.
Despite being four years old, he was mature and had this responsible vibe. I said a silent prayer, as I turned off the light from his lamp stand before sliding off away from the room.
My breath hitched when I felt Ryan's warm hand against my arm. I was in a sleeping gown which stopped right below my knees, short-sleeved too.
"It's night time, and I miss you already.”He pressed his lips on my neck, as I closed my eyes at the sudden feeling of sensation jolting through me.
"Babe.”I pulled away quickly, walking away to the kitchen.
What if the kids were still awake?
Ryan followed me, but stopped a few steps away from me, when he noticed my hold on the bottle of water. I downed it in a go, expelling a sigh of relief.
I turned abruptly, the light doing justice to his unfathomable,eyes which contrasted exceptionally with his light - toned face.
He took steps closer, as I dropped the empty bottle. He held my hands, his eyes meeting mine. His eyes are quite deep and expressive, where one can easily get lost if stared for too long.
I cleared my throat, glancing sideways for a few seconds.
"Thank you for always helping me with the kids. I love you.”I stated, as he smiled.
He brushes the back of his fingers affectionately over my jaw and down my throat. I gulped down, in anticipation.
"Thank you too. For being the mother of those beautiful and wonderful children. I love you too. “He inched forward, saying those words into my ear.
"The kids will be five soon. What about we make another baby.”I pushed him slightly, ny face flushed at his ridiculous demand.
"Instead, why don't we do more of question and answer tonight. A little special, you know.”I suggested, as he hummed.
He nodded, as he stood to get something from the microwave, before sitting opposite me on the stool in the kitchen. He opened the tray and it was some meat pies.
The ones he prepared. Ryan is really getting good at cooking.
"Sounds great. So who is going first.”He picked one of the meat pies, munching it slowly.
"You.''It comes out faster, prompting him to stop munching on the pie.
He cleared his throat, his eyes revering over mine for a while.
"What was the first act that I did that actually swept you off your feet?” He asked, as the image came to mind instantly.
I fumbled with my night gown for seconds before finally ready to speak.
"The first time we met. You kissed me after proposing to me. It was my first kiss, and probably the best.”I said hurriedly, and I was sure my face must be read as a tomato now.
"Wow. I'm stunned, Mi lady. I never knew I was a good kisser”He winked at me, as he gave me a quick peck.
"Don't be so cocky." I hit his shoulder slightly as he let out a small laugh.
I knew instantly it was my turn to ask a question but I wanted to ask a different one.
"What was the weirdest thing you've ever done to me, that I probably know nothing about?”I asked, as his eyes moved momentarily from me to the tray of meat pies.
"Not the weirdest, but maybe there was something I did you didn't know. My mum must have told you she hit you with her car, thus getting us into an arranged marriage, but she didn't. I was the one who did.”He confessed, and somehow reality dawned on me.
"Why?”I could only whisper.
Mrs Selina had already told me later on, but I wanted to tease Ryan further.
RYAN POV
Her face concocted into a look of disappointment as I wondered why I had to spill that out.
"Hey. I'm sorry. I know you are disappointed in my mum and me but my mum really liked you for me. That night, my drink was spiked, and I mistakenly hit you.”I was already feeling the depth of exasperation.
She burst into laughter suddenly, as I raised my brows. What was going on?
"I already knew the truth. Mum later told me herself.”I let out a sigh of relief, as I pinched her cheeks instead.
I gave her the' you will pay for this kind of look later', as she rolled her eyes.
"How did you feel when I finally confessed that I love you too.”I watched as she adjusted herself on the stool.
She suddenly was a bit nervous as she tapped her fingers gently on her lap.
“I have been longing for those words for a long time. And when you finally confessed, it was the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. My heart sang and leaped with joy. It was a reassurance and quite the best day of my life.”I felt my heart full at her words, as I gave her a smile.
A different kind of smile, a smile full of gratitude.
"What about you? How did you feel after realizing you loved me?”She asked, as I paused, taking in the last crumbs of the meat pie in my hand, as I munched, swallowing slowly.
"I had freedom and at the same time I felt I was imprisoned. I was glad and free, knowing I fell for your beautiful qualities. It was unique because I gave up on ever loving again, but you ignited that spirit in me once more. Thank you.”I stated, as she blew me a kiss, making me chuckle.
"And I felt imprisoned because I denied myself of ever being in love with you. It was suffocating. But I am glad I came to my senses, and didn't lose a gem like you.”I whispered the last part, as we laughed.
It was beautiful seeing her laugh, smile, walk, talk. She was unique and drove me in the best way ever.
After the betrayal from Evelyn and dad, it was really difficult not to overreact and think Ariel might betray me too. Despite the way I behaved, she was patient and loving to me. She freely forgave me.
I stood, closing the gap between us. At that moment, the words of Ariel came to mind when I thought of when I asked her how she was still keen on making the marriage work without getting tired of me.
I remembered her words vividly:
"I learned to continue putting up with you, freely forgiving even when I had a cause for complaint. We are both imperfect and will make mistakes, but the most important thing was never giving up on each other at the same time. True love always conquers at last."
I kissed Ariel's forehead.
"I love you Ariel Peterson "
"I love you too Ryan Ackers."I felt happy at heart with a set of words in mind.
"LOVE CONQUERS AT LAST."
We both locked ourselves in a warm embrace, each one's heart beating in rhythm.

This is our love story.
THE END