Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Almost every woman's dream is to get married to the man they love and desire. The love that radiates between them were the stepping stones to a brighter future together.

Standing in front of Ryan made me realize just how fortunate it was to be getting married to him. Not that I was in love with him, but there seemed to be a blurry connection between us.

He was not only handsome, but had notable qualities. Even when he looked or acted confused, he still cared in his own way.

The past two months had been clumsy between us. Disagreements, laughter, agreement, hugging and a few kisses. My face flushed instantly at the thought of that.

Ryan's warm hand trying to lift my left hand made me realize he was about to put a ring down there, as I stretched my hand forward. He gently slid in.

“You guys should kiss.” Someone said from the audience.

I definitely knew it was none other than Eva.

Ryan and I stared at each other as he inched his face closer and our nose met before he took my lips.

His lips moved on mine and the kiss wasn't rough. It was sweet, soft, slow, and passionate.

Each time we kissed, I felt renewed, refreshed, energized. So did he.

The cheering of the audience jolted me out of my reverie as we broke the kiss. With our arms entwined, we both signed and collected our marriage certificate as we left the podium of the Registry.

Ryan's mum was the first to meet us, as she hugged and kept wishing us a happy marriage life. Eva hugged me as if her life depended.

“I will miss you.” She said, and I was a little teary-eyed. I would definitely miss her too. She was not only my sister-in-law, but my best friend.

“I will miss you too.” I whispered.

“At least she is married to Ryan now, can we go home?” Kathleen stated, as a look of shock flashes on everyone's face.

Aidan tried to whisper to her ears,as she only sent a glare towards him.

Eva withdrew from the hug as everyone's eyes were on Kathleen.

“Of course you are free to go home. At least you are not the bride. Thanks for coming, “Ryan quickly said, pulling me closer.

Kathleen took one close look at me before leaving the registry. She doesn't seem to like me. I was a little relieved she left.

“Excuse me please.” I left them as I walked towards my parents, who were still seated. My joy knew no bounds when I saw my dad in the wheelchair. He was looking intently at me, tears brimming down his eyes.

I knelt down as I hugged him tightly. I felt a burst of happiness. I missed him.

“Ariel, you look beautiful.” I smiled warmly, cleaning the tears that were beginning to fall from his eyes.

“Happy married life. I apologize for not being there for you.”

“It is okay, dad. I can't hold a grudge on you. It is in the past. We should be happy today, not sad.” I let out throaty laughter, as he chuckled.

I introduced my step mum and dad to Mrs. Selina. And even though I wasn't pleased she was here, I was glad she kept her promise of bringing my dad to my marriage.

With time, every moment went into a blur. After my dad secretly gave me a paper, I hugged him for the last time, before leaving with Ryan. That was it. A marriage with 10 people as well-wishers. Ryan's family, my step mum and dad and two executives from Ryan's company.

I hopped into the car, before tucking the paper my dad gave me into my inner pocket, as Ryan closed the door before going to the other side.

“Congratulations, Sir and ma'am.” Mr Walter spoke up, making me smile again.

“Thank you, Mr. Walter. And again, it is Ariel to you, sir.” He chuckled as he looked at the front mirror, probably to see Ryan's reaction, but didn't get any. Ryan simply was looking outside.

“Let's move to where I informed you about earlier.” Ryan finally spoke up, as Mr. Walter ignited the car.

The ride went for several minutes and the silence between us only made me feel stressed from time to time.

I could not pick a thing from Ryan's demeanor, except that he was thinking. But what was it about?

I wanted to start a conversation, but then I kept mute. Ryan simply is unreadable. He can be nice today, cold the next day. But I really hope this marriage works out between us. I won't like a divorce at the end of one year.

********

I felt pain shooting from my neck as I opened my eyes. Everywhere was almost dark, as it felt like I was moving. I rub sleep off my eyes, reality struck me that I must have slept for a long time.

I readjusted myself as Ryan glanced at me.

“You are awake. I hope you will be able to sleep tonight.” He spoke, as I hummed, not sure how to reply.

He finally found his voice back.

I could not help but wonder how long Ryan's meeting earlier this afternoon was. I reached for my phone in my purse as I realized it was around 7pm. I shuffled my phone back before resting my head on the window, allowing different thoughts to continue in my little mind.

When the car eventually passed through a familiar street, I became aware that we were still branching at Ryan's family house.

As the car parked at the compound, we were welcomed by the family except Kathleen. She was nowhere.

We enjoyed the dinner together, as we gist and laughed on different things we discussed. The night was drawing near, and it only made me wonder what will happen if Ryan and I were to be alone at his house. Will we consummate our marriage?

“Excuse me, bro, but I would like to borrow your wife for a few minutes.” I glanced at Ryan who nodded, giving me the go ahead, as I left with Eva.

Eva took me to her room, as she prepared a bath for me. I bathed and in no time I was dressed up in a little black dress, with long sleeves and a short skirt that stopped at my knee. She allowed my hair to lay over my shoulder.

I packed the gown I wore, as one of the maids assisted me in putting it in the car.

I allowed myself to sniff my body, as the lavender scent from the water I used to bathe was lovely. At that instance, I became aware of Eva's plan. She was preparing me for tonight. But I wasn't ready, at least for now.

She sprayed some perfume on me, as she led me back outside. Everyone's gaze landed on me, as if I looked different. I avoided Sir Bryan's gaze, as the thought of him creeps me.

Taking my seat beside Ryan, I felt him look at me with a peculiar kind of focus. His gaze was intent, as my stomach became a hot mess of lovely knots. A few tingles of uncertainty around. I pressed my lips together, twisting them to the side so I wouldn't grin.

“Ahem. Ryan looks as if he would swallow my sister-in-law whole.” Eva made the comments, as my face heats up.

Ryan gaze lingered back to his food as silence broke in again. Ryan is a sulker for jokes,' I concluded.

It was exactly nine at night when we began to leave. Mrs. Selina and Eva followed us as we were outside the house.

I am going to miss this house. I will miss everyone. For the first time in months, I felt real love again.

“Ariel, I need to speak to you in private. Eva, keep your brother busy for a while.” Eva nodded, as she began conversing with Ryan.

Ryan and I shared a glance sparingly before I looked away.

Mum pulled me as we kept walking towards the garden.

I kept wondering what mum wanted to talk about. The thought alone sends my thoughts flying…