Chapter 25: Chapter 25

RYAN POV

Words alone can't describe how I had been feeling for the past three weeks of my marriage. It was a bitter-sweet experience, one that makes me felt I deserved an award.

An award for THE MOST STUPID HUSBAND.

As much as that felt like my guilty conscience talking, I couldn't deny the fact that I hadn't been treating Ariel well. How I had always been accepting the set of food she sends to my office every day, yet refused to appreciate her.

Every night, I arrived late, but she still tried to stay awake for me. But the bitter truth was that: I still kept her at arm's length. Ignoring her as well as the dinner she makes.

I thought she would stop treating me right despite what I had done to her, but she doesn't look like the sort that gives up. She still cared for me, cooked for me. I'm definitely an asshole.

I allowed those thoughts run down my head, as I proceeded to leave for home. I felt the urge to make things right, but a massive part of me still felt repulsive to that thought.

Maybe Ariel will get tired one of these days and leave me. Perhaps she would see how cruel I was and seek for a divorce. I don't want her to feel comfortable with me. I am confused.

The moment I stepped out of the elevator put an end to my trance, as one of my senior staff, Mr. George, approached me. He was no doubt one of the most hardworking worker here.

“Good evening sir.” I nodded curtly at his greeting.

He stretched out a card towards me and said: “I would be getting married two weeks from now. This is your wedding invitation.” I took hold of it, not sure of why I did.

All I could say in my mind was that I love his courage.

I cleared my thought as our eyes met.

“I will attend. And you are granted a leave right from tomorrow to prepare for your wedding.” His lips spread into a wide smile.

“Thank you sir.” He appreciated, his lips curled into a gigantic smile.

“How is your wife to be? Have you been dating for long?” The words rolled out of my mouth before I could stop it.

I watched keenly, as surprise was written on his face, for a while.

“About 3 months. It was an arranged marriage.” He simply put in, as I nodded.

Just like Ariel and me.

“But I like her. Hopefully, love develops in our marriage.I want our marriage to work out” Happiness permeates on his face as he said his last set of words.

I patted his shoulder, gently placing the wedding invitation in my suit pocket.

“Happy marriage life in advance.” I left, as I walked out.

I stepped into the car, as I sped off. This time around with Mr. George's last set of words echoing in my ears.

'Hopefully love develops in our marriage?'

Can love develop in the marriage between Ariel and I?

***********

Through the glass door of the kitchen, I saw Ariel busy cooking vegetables. One minute, she was cutting vegetables and the next minute she was cooking them.

The delicious smell of the vegetables wafted through the crack of the glass door, stimulating my stomach in the process. I suddenly started feeling hungry all of a sudden.

I could not help but keep gazing at her. At that point, I admitted in my heart that she was indeed elegant and beautiful, especially with her long blonde hair that looked enchanting, when allowed to fall freely. I was lost again in a trance.

I saw her turned off the gas as she turned. Our eyes met, and that was when it struck me that I should have avoided her. I didn't waste time in turning to leave, as I made my way to the sitting room.

I had nearly made it to the sitting room when I felt someone wrap her hands round me. None other than Ariel.

That seemed to do the trick, as I stopped on my track, my heart beating faster than usual at the contact between us. Her soft body resting on my back.I almost lost grid on my self-control.

“Ryan, even if you will still be angry with me, can we at least put our differences aside for this night? Please.” Her voice sounded like music to my ears.

Differences? I wasn't angry with her. I was just disappointed with myself. I was drawing closer to this lady, and I shouldn't be. Not only that, but I still loved Evelyn. I felt my throat ran dry instantly, and words melted at the top of my tongue.

“Can you at least release me from your grip?” I let out the air I was holding.

She released her hold on me, slowly darting her eyes downward. Facing her squarely, I wasn't sure what else to do

“Does that mean you have agreed?” She took a step closer, pouting with those lips of hers.

I nodded, as I proceeded to leave. She held my hand. She suddenly released it, immediately my stare cut to hers.

She looked nervous. She exhaled like she'd been holding her breath. Then she rubbed her forehead. When she sighed again, her hair fell forward, hiding her face.

I found her expression cute.

“I prepared dinner. Do you mind taking a bite.?"She requested, making my stomach growled at the thought of food.

She chuckled, as I shook my head before taking strides to the dining, then settled down.

I doubt if I am sane any longer. It was as if I were spell bound by Ariel. What happened few minutes ago is simply.....

The aroma of the vegetable soup wafted through my nostrils, invading my thoughts.

Wow, she is a good cook.

In no time, we started eating and no doubt it was worth it. It was mouth-watering, relishing and tasteful as well. I loved it.

Throughout the meal, Ariel was focused on her food without raising her head. I continued staring at her, as guilt reckoned on me.

I treated her badly these past weeks, but she was always patient and loving. Even when I put up a cold shoulder, she tried to communicate. She continually made constant effort in showing she really cared.

I'm pretty sure I might have developed an ulcer if not for her daily two meals, that sustains me throughout the day. I have grown accustomed to her meals, to the extent that any other meal does not go well with me. Yet, I never appreciated her.

Out of impulse, my hand covered her left hand, which was laying on the table. She stopped, as her fork dropped from her hand. She stared at me, as I gulped down something down my throat.

“Thank you, Ariel.” I finally found my voice.

Her mouth dropped open, and I was sure that surprise was painted all over her features. She was astonished.