Chapter 13: Chapter 13

ARIEL POV

My eyes met with Ryan's cold face, looking Stoic as ever. I felt my heart skipped a bit, my tongue-tied. It was as if cold air passed through me, my nervous self appearing.

“Is that true, Ariel? Your ex-boyfriend, whom you are trying to get back with, right?” His brows creased, his eyes boring into mine.

“No. No. He is just a friend.” I spoke up finally, as it felt like eternity.

Ryan scoffed, glancing around before meeting my gaze. Damien had a smirk on, as he wanted to put his hand on my shoulder, but I pushed him away.

Ryan eyes darkened. He let out a sigh, before leaving. This time, I followed him, not until I felt Damien hand on mine.

I slipped off my hand, proceeding outside, only to realize Ryan was gone. I simply went back in after waiting outside for a few minutes. I couldn't allow our reservation to go to waste.

I approached the receptionist, who directed me to one of the private rooms. I walked in, taking in the beautiful features of the room. It was spacious with beautiful furnishings. Different types of food were placed there, making me freeze at a point.

“Ma'am, if you need anything, please inform me.” The waiter announced, jolting me out of my thought.

I gave him a curt nod, with a smile, as I settled on one of the couches. I looked at the different dishes on the table, but suddenly felt my appetite almost gone.

My mind flashed back to what happened recently, and I really felt Ryan simply misunderstood. Damien was not my ex-boyfriend. He was my senior and a friend. I wish Ryan could at least be more patient and not draw conclusions like that.

I picked one of the spicy soup, taking sips of it. It was spicy and hot. Exactly my type of me. I dropped the spoon after five spoon. Gently cleaning my mouth with the napkin, I decided to send a message to Ryan.

“Ryan. It was all a misunderstanding. I'm still at the Mes Amir Restaurant.” I hit the sent button, before resting my head on the couch.

I continued staring at the ceiling, admiring the display of colors of the light bulbs. It looked beautiful. I was disturbed, no doubt, but what really bothers me is seeing my dad healthy. I really missed him. He was my father and friend, always ready to be there for me.

A smile crept to my lips, as I pictured my childhood moments with him.

The door lunged open, making me hoist my head up. My heart leaped faster, and a look of shock was written on my face, as it revealed Ryan. He came?

I stood up immediately. He sauntered to the other side of the room.

“Ryan, I can explain. It was ….” He held up his hands in the air to stop me from speaking.

“A misunderstanding? It is okay. I believe you. Can we get this over with? I am only spending ten minutes here.” He stated sternly, as I nodded.

He is no doubt a hard nut to crack. I will wait for a better opportunity to explain myself. For now, a little weight had been lifted knowing he came back. At least, mum will be happy.

The silence was there. I watched as he rolled up his sleeves. It suddenly felt like a scene, as his whitish skin showed. It felt good just staring at him.

My eyes flushed, realizing my stupid thoughts. If Ryan knew I was looking at him like that, he would no doubt attacked me for not having any dignity.

'But you are his fiancée right? You are free to gape,' my subconscious butted in.

I shook my head, taking in my soup. He, on the other hand, only ate two pieces of streaked meat. He never tried other dishes. This would definitely waste.

I watched as he called someone on the other hand, as my heart warmed at his words.

“Mr. Walter, have someone with you pack some food from Mes Amir. Kindly distribute it to each head of department to share among themselves.” He hung up the call after.

I'm mostly sure Mum must have set up this large banquet. The thought of Ryan sharing this seemed rather weird to me. There was no doubt he hates wastage.

After finishing his last piece of streaked meat, he stood up. I tried to follow him, but his cold look on his face was enough to hold me back.

Mr. Walter and a lady came to pack the other dishes. I could not help but wonder if it was acceptable by the restaurant. And this kept me wondering if words about these gets out. The news would probably go from odd to weirder, especially with overdrive from the paparazzi.

I allowed myself a few more minutes, taking pictures with my phone. I left then, wondering how I would get back home. I'm pretty sure mother would have thought Ryan would take me along with him. But the angry part of him won't allow that.

I began walking down, deciding to take a tour of the city. The beautiful scenery was able to brighten my mood instantly. I was thankful I was in disguise, at least with a hat covering my head hoping people won't recognize me, especially from the kiss video of Ryan and me that went viral. One of the reasons why I wanted a simple lifestyle, one without the attention of everyone following me about.

By the time I checked the time, it was almost evening. I decided to give Ryan a call, but felt the presence of someone. It was as if someone were following me. My heart raced. I began walking faster, trying to find someone safe, not until I find someone's grip on my hand.

I almost screamed, not until I peeked at the intruder.

“Some people are coming after you. Let's leave.” Damien pulled me,

I tried blocking the thoughts of my incoming captors, simply following him, even though I was mad at him.

My stupid self looked back, and that was when I saw two familiar figures, men behind. The two husky men!

My eyes widened, as one pointed at me, as I looked forward. Damien pulled me into his car parked nearby.

“Drive.” He ordered as the driver drove us.

I held on to my chest, feeling it tight again. I couldn't believe my mum was still bent on killing me. If not for the intervention of Damien, I would have been kidnapped or secretly killed by now.

“Are you okay?” His voice rang in. I simply nodded. I was yet to organize my thoughts properly.

He reached to touch me, but I simply adjusted. He sighed, looking at me.

“Where do you stay?” He asked.

“Avila Estate. It has a number 2 for indication. I don't know the place specifically.” I said, placing my hands on my laps.

“Oh. It is closer to where I live. John, take us to Avila Estate, the unit building number is 2.” Damien directed, as his driver nodded in agreement.

“Are you angry at me?” That was the question I was expecting. He caused all this.

“What do you expect? That I will clap for you for being my knight in shining armor?” I scoffed.

If he had not shown all of a sudden, Ryan wouldn't have left me.

“You just show all of a sudden.” He chuckled, his gaze meeting mine.

“You haven't changed a bit. So glad I got you angry. You still look beautiful when you are angry.” He smiled, his gray eyes piercing mine.

I facepalmed, turning swiftly to look at the window.

“I'm sorry, Ariel. I just did that to piss Ryan.” I turned to him at the mention of Ryan's name.

“You know him?”

“Yeah. We were once business partners, but not anymore. I still hold a grudge against him for what transpired between us.” He looked away, trying to hide something away.

Ryan doesn't look like someone who loved looking for trouble. There is probably a misunderstanding somewhere.

“Ma'am, we have arrived.” I hoist my head, relief flushing through me. Finally, I'm home.

“Thank you. “I appreciated the driver.

I turned to open the door, but Damien's hand on mine stop me.

“Don't be angry, okay? It's been a while I have seen you. I won't like us to start on a quarrel ground.”

“I'm fine. I am no longer mad at you. Just don't try this again. I am getting married soon. It would be better if we are just friends. Thank you, Damien.” I stated, as he smiled, gently releasing his grip on my hand.

“Take care. Be careful out there. Some people are out to harm you."I nodded, returning his smile, before stepping out of the car.

I continued looking as the car sped off, an appreciative look on my face. I've escaped harm for now.

I wonder what my step mum is up to now. The thought of her was enough to dampen my spirit.