Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I breathe in the fragrance I had grown accustomed to, as I stepped into the living room. The maids stopped to greet me as I responded politely.

“Miss Ariel, Sir Bryan requested your presence in his study room. “ One of the maids informed me.

I took long strides towards the study room, which I discovered during one of my tours around the mansion. I stopped a few meters to the study room, as it was open. I breathed in and out before coming in.

“Good day sir. You requested my presence.” He raised his head from the book he was reading.

He closed the book, placing his hands on the table.

“Yes, I did. Please sit.” I obediently sat, taking a glance across the room for a while.

“Selina told me your marriage is set to be next month. How are you preparing for it?”

“I'm trying my best, sir. Ryan and I haven't really discussed much on it. We would prefer a rather low-key marriage.” I said, as he nodded.

He leaned closer, making me move back a bit, resting on the chair.

“Hmm. Well, I know you two do not seem to be in love as Selina proposed.” My eyes widened, as I was beginning to tense up.

I tapped my right foot to the ground slowly, trying to ease the tension in me.

“Are you two really in love?” My brows creased slightly, as he looked intently at me.

“Yes… Of course.” I clamped my palms together.

He smiled lightly and looked away, his eyes resting on a file. Silence fell between us for a while. I was thinking he was done with the questions. I was about to ask for permission to leave, when I heard his voice again.

It disrupted the beginning of comfort in me.

“I don't like you for my son at first.” Our eyes interlocked, as he tapped his fingers on the table.

That explained why he never communicated with me all this while. He always had a cold look on his face whenever he saw me. But that was the least of my worries. At least for now.

I needed to appeal to Ryan and see to it that he knows that what happened at the restaurant was a misunderstanding.

“Oh…” I let out.

“But later on, I felt he must have picked the right one. After all, he has been married before.” I swallowed a lump of saliva down my throat at his words.

It seemed he was logically saying I was nothing but an option.

“You are a likable person, but I'm pretty concerned about countless things. And that was why I came up with two things, and would really appreciate it if you would cooperate with me.”

My heart beat, as I sulked in a breath. My body felt heavy, as I was at a loss for words. I couldn't help but feel what he was about to say was definitely not good.

“Let's have a deal.” He announces, adjusting a bit on his chair.

“What about a million dollars for you to leave Ryan.” He finally broke the ice, as I felt a shudder pass through me.

“What?” I was lost, dismay and confusion spread across my face.

He really does think I could be bought with money? Quite saddening.

“Deal or no deal.” His eyes bore into mine challengingly.

Shaking my head, I replied icily.” No deal.”

He stood up, letting out some air, before walking over to my side. He sat on the table, staring down at me.

“Can I leave now?” I asked, not meeting his gaze.

My mood was quite unsettled, and I must confess that I needed fresh air.

“Playing hard to get, huh?” He taunted, as his hand lingered to my shoulder.

I removed it instantly, as I stood up. His gaze moved over my face for a few seconds.

“Ariel, you are beautiful, you know. Why don't we get to know each other better?" He asked with a raised eyebrow as he gave me a cursory glance.

Pervert. I cursed inwardly.

I gritted my teeth, my hands forming into a fist. I moved away, a few distance between us.

“You should respect yourself, sir. I am your future daughter-in-law.” He huffed a humorless laugh at my words.

I was beyond agitated, and if not for the respect I had for Mrs. Selina, I would have barred his face with slaps.

“What? Tell me you are joking. Don't worry, Ryan won't know a thing about it. Even if you marry him, he would be too busy to realize something is going on between us. And the more we spend more time together, the more you will get more money.” He rambled on, pissing me off.

“Talking to you has been a waste of time. The next time you try to bring up something like this, don't be angry at the consequences.” I stated clearly, before stomping out.

I was beyond irritated.

I changed out of my outfit into a short-sleeved pink gown. Unable to remain less affected by Sir Bryan's petty advance, I left for the garden behind the house.

I sat on one of the benches, trying not to think about what just happened. I wish everyone were around to witness what came out of his filthy mouth.

I can't believe he is a father to Ryan. I just hope Ryan is not like him. The thought of it makes me feel feeble. I breathe in and out, performing the breathing exercise for up to three times.

I stared at the sky, the night drawing near. The breeze was refreshing, wafting on the leaves. It was spring. Spring was glee, no doubt. The bids of flowers were slowly blooming, trees thawed and the growth of grasses. My eyes glanced around, filling in the details of the garden. The scene was spirit refreshing and pastoral.

I spent over an hour at the garden, taking notes of the beautiful scenery, some neon lights illuminating some parts of the garden.

The ringing of my phone jolted me out of my reverie as my expression changed a bit at the sight of the unknown number. I picked up hesitatingly, barring the phone to my ear.

“Ariel.” My heart skipped a bit when I heard the voice.

“Dad. I miss you”I confessed immediately.

“I'm sorry. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me.” That was his response. I shook my head, tears forming in my eyes.

“Dad, you do not offend me. You know what? Let's meet. I want to see you.” I spoke quickly.

“Enough with the family reunion, Ariel. Sadly, you won't be meeting him.”

I felt my heart almost stop. It was as if a bucket of cold water was poured on me. I was bewildered.

“Mum.”

“Oh! You still remember me as your mum. I'm flattered. I hope you were able to get a glimpse of my present today.”

I held my phone, trying not to collapse. At that moment, I knew she was referring to what happened that afternoon.

“Speechless, huh?” She scoffed.

I let out some breath I might have been holding.

“I don't understand why you are still after my life, but whatever game you are playing, do not involve my dad with it.” I stated shakily, tears giving way down my face.

She let out a laugh at the other end.

“Guards, take him away.” She ordered, as I held on to my chest.

It felt as if I was pierced with a knife. My body shivered.

“Don't…. don't do anything to my dad. You won't go scot-free.”

“Oh. Until we meet again, Ariel. Pray your dad doesn't die.” She sneered.

I shook my head, as I heard the line went off. My body went numb instantly, as I felt my legs crumbling. My eyes got blurred with tears, as I fell, suddenly losing consciousness.