Chapter 11: Chapter 11

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 Mrs. Samantha, who was outside my office. Is this woman trying my patience?

Saying a goodbye to the doctor, I decided to go back in. I felt Mrs. Samantha hold my wrist, as I stared at her with disdain.

“Don't believe anything she says. Ariel is wayward and left home on her own. I really do hope you can see her for whom she truly is.” I jacked off my wrist as she stumbled backward.

“What a lovely mother you are.” I teased, a taunting smile on my lips.

“Mrs. Samantha, get out of here before I call security. Just so you know, our company will be sending you a contamination letter, if I figured out what you did to my dear fiancée.” I glared at her.

“I will leave. She is a bad lady. Don't be swayed by her. She only has innocent face with bad characters. A gold digger, too.” She left hurriedly after saying those words.

I felt my feet still stuck to the position. At that point, I could not stop hearing the rise and fall of Mrs. Samantha words in my ears. I groaned in frustration, before darting inside.

I slid into my seat, watching Ariel from where I was sitting. Doubts beginning to cloud my mind on who Ariel really was. Were what Mrs. Samantha said true? If it is, I won't hesitate to cancel our marriage plan. I would rather not get married to someone with a tainted past.

My stomach growled in hunger, making me conscious of the basket of snacks Ariel bought. I decided to feast on it, after watching my hands.

I brought out the snacks, which included meat pies and muffin cake. I took a bite from the cake, and it kept me moaning. It tasted so well, making me forget what happened the last few minutes. It seemed that my illusion of who Ariel might be had faded away.

'You want to avoid having anything to do with her, yet you are eating what you prepared.' my subconscious mocked, making me groan inwardly.

I shook my head, as someone came to mind. Using my left hand, I decided to place a call. He picked the call at the first ring.

“Mr. Ackers, pardon me for my tardiness. I got caught up with family problems.”I smiled, glad he realized his mistake. He should have gotten back to me on time.

“Ariel's details any?” I requested.

“Yes sir. Apparently, she just concluded her College education a few weeks ago. She is a graduate of Business Administration….”

“Just skip that.” I retorted angrily. I do not need details. I wanted to know what happened to her the night I ran into her.

“You can send all those details to my email. What made her leave her home that night? “I asked.

“She left because she was sent out of the house. Neighbors close by claimed they heard Ariel begging to stay, but the real reason why she left was because her step mum Mrs. Samantha Peterson sent her away.”

My lips twitched up a little, as I was getting where it was all coming from.

“That very night, two masked men also left Ariel's home a few minutes after she was sent out. She was to be assassinated.” My eyes widened in shock, as my gaze landed on Ariel, who was still sleeping.

“I am still doing research on Ariel's real identity. I will give you a head up, as soon as possible. Pardon me.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mavins. I look forward to hearing from you soon about her identity. But face attend to your family. Take your time.”

“Thank you sir.” He replied, as I ended the call.

I twirled my chair around, the thought in my mind drawing to a quick conclusion. Mrs. Samantha have an evil agenda.

“Eva, when Ariel get home, do not allow her to get stressed. Take care of her.” I sent the message, leaving the remaining meat pies, as I settled back for work.

I am lagging.

ARIEL POV

I awake with a dull pain underlying in my right arm. I opened my eyes, staring up for a while. My vision blurry, as I blinked.

“You are awake.” I heard Ryan's pleasant voice.

I readjusted, trying to sit up, as his footsteps drew closer, his warm hand holding my arm.

After making sure I rested well on the couch, he moved to his table, taking the basket I brought earlier. My eyes followed his every move, quite pleased he was taking care of me.

“Here, eat some.” He beckoned, as I took bites from the meat pie, gulping some water from the bottled water he gave me.

I let out a sigh, resting on the couch. I allowed my feet touch the ground, Ryan's gaze following me.

“How are you feeling?”

“I am feeling good. Just a bit tired.” I answered honestly, trying not to reminisce over what happened a few hours ago.

“I'm sorry I allowed her to see you. I never knew there was something off between you, not until now.” He looked side way, guilt on his face.

Touching Ryan shoulder, our eyes met.

“Don't blame yourself. I should have told you about my family background. She is actually my stepmother.”

“Your stepmother who wanted you dead.” My eyes widened in shock, wondering if he knew something.

I simply looked away, trying to forget everything about her.

"The night you left home, she sent two men to kill you, right?” It was my turn to quiver at his words. I could not bring myself to answer.

“Answer me Ariel.” His voice stern, as my eyes met with his blue eyes.

“Yes.” I answered.

“I know what to do.” He simply stated, preparing to stand, as I hold his hand.

“Please, do not terminate your company cooperation because of this.” I pleaded, as he sat looking intently at me.

He patted me, drawing me closer as we embraced.

“You have a good heart. But if you continue to be goody two shoes, I am afraid people will continue to trample over you.” He whispered in my ears.

A shudder passed through me, as his warm breath grazed my ear. I was at a loss for words. All I wanted was to be in his embrace like this. I really hope our marriage will work out.

“You should rest. I can't promise to let your stepmom Scot free. Anyone who poses a threat to my fiancée is my enemy.” My heart warmed at his words, even though I wasn't supporting his revenge plan.

This would be another discussion for another day. His mind seemed made up for now. Convincing him now will definitely prove abortive.

He pulled away, holding my right hand softly. His blue eyes pierced into mine, as he put away the strands of hair on my face. He leaned closer, as I felt my heart skipped a bit.

He stopped, as if he was pulled by a force. Clearing his throat, he patted my shoulder.

A knock came from the door, as he gave permission for the person to come in, while still sitting beside me.

The door opened, revealing Mum. I meant Mrs. Selina.

“It seems you two are busy. Should I come another time?” My face flushed, as I laughed lightly.

“Mum.” Ryan groaned, as her mum winked at us.

He stood up, as he pecked his mum.

“Mum, to what do we owe this pleasant visit?” Ryan asked, as he held his mum hand.

“You two should sit together first.” She gently pulled Ryan, pushing him, as he sat beside me. Our eyes met for a while.

“I was able to book the two of you for a date at Mes-Amis- A French cuisine restaurant with a American flair."

I was lost of words for a while, not until I noticed Ryan's facial expression changing into an irritated one.

"Mum. I have work.I ," His mum held her hand up to stop him.

"I didn't come all the way here to make a request. You two should go. It is in the next three days." She stated firmly, before turning to face me.

"Ariel dear, my assistant will be picking you up on that day for shopping before the date."

"Okay mum. Thank you ma." She gave a wide smile.

"Is that all mum?" Ryan stood up heading to his table.

"Patience child." I giggled at her words, as Ryan glared at me. Just great.

"You two will be getting married soon." She dropped the bombshell, my heart almost throbbing out of its place.

I met Ryan's gaze and his look was indescribable. This is bad.