Chapter 29: Chapter 29

RYAN POV

What transpired between Ariel and I kept playing on my mind like a movie. It was as if she knew what I wanted at each time. The time when I needed solace, or when I was just confused. She is very patient and loving. The perfect reminder of the qualities Evelyn had. I wish she never died.

I sighed, as I geared back to the documents in front of me. The work kept coming up ever since the secret marriage of Ariel, and I was blown out. It was expected that most companies wanted partnership because they felt it deem to count me more responsible than ever before.

I fought the thoughts that kept coming in, but was not successful. I decided I needed to rest more than ever, even though I can't have one soon. I just needed to adapt as soon as possible.

The door to my office opened, revealing Nick and my secretary who followed behind him.

My head hoisted, glancing at some files in her hand, ignoring Nick, who simply sat down.

“Sir, I came to give you this. This is from Mrs. Samantha, as she is interested in investing more in the company's warehouses business.” I nodded, collecting the files from her.

“Thanks for the update. Kindly book a flight for me today to Italy. I will be leaving tomorrow morning.” I stated, as she acknowledged before walking out of the office.

I took another glance at the documents before placing it in front of Nick.

“How are things going with Ariel step mum's company?” I asked, as Nick gave a complicated expression.

“Pretty slow. The woman seems to have some tricks off her cliffs. It is difficult to penetrate easily.” I excluded a disgruntled groan, not happy with the report.

I wanted to make sure that the company will no longer be hers. It was not hers in the first place.

“Do something fast about it. I trust you to make things turn out how I expected it.” Nick simply clamped his hands together, under his chin, watching me with a peculiar kind of focus.

“What? Is there something on my face?” I rubbed my forehead, oblivious to what, I felt, might have been on my face.

“Nope. I just feel you are going too far. Why do you care so much? Did Ariel consent to this?” He pointed out, as I grimaced.

“Seriously? She is my wife. I won't allow that woman to slip away like that. Ariel will get back that company as hers. As for you, just help me fasten the whole process. As for the partnership she wants with this company, she won't be getting it.” I was getting angry as I spoke.

Ariel only revealed a little of her story, but after getting my investigator's discovery about it, I decided it was time to teach someone like Mrs. Samantha a big lesson. She doesn't deserve to be called a mother.

Nick allowed a few seconds to pass, before speaking.

“Calm down bro. I'm just trying to help you reason here. If truly you wanted to avenge Ariel, then let her know. It should have been her company since it was run by her mother in the past years. If you talk to her about your plans to get the company's back, know whether you have her back on it. You would rather not make a big mistake, do you?” I closed my eyes, basking in the thought of Nick's words.

I wasn't certain if Ariel would agree. She had always been the soft type, with a good heart. She won't even hurt a fly, not to talk of gaining her rightful position as the heiress to the company her stepmom stole from her.

“Whatever. Let's not talk about this again. You have a way of meddling with my thoughts.” He snickered.

“That is why I am your best friend. And you are welcome.” I shook my head, as he laughed.

“I hope you won't miss Ariel much since you are traveling tomorrow.” That stopped my movement on the file I was about to attend to.

As much as I never thought about it, I would miss eating the meals she prepared. Not only does she cook American cuisine, she is talented with local and some mouth-watering dishes.

“You are drooling, bro.” Nick's words knocked me back to reality, as I pushed away the picture of Ariel's special meals out of my mind.

I swallowed, gently rubbing a napkin on my lips.

I glared at Nick, who had a mischievous smirk on. The perfect definition of Nick's opportunity to tease me has begun,' my subconscious mocked.

“Don't tell me you are already thinking about her. I can't wait to marry.” He teased, a big smile on his lips.

“Stop with your jargon. I have a lot of work. You are distracting me.” As much as I tried to chase him away, he wouldn't bulge.

“I came to visit you. Why should I leave so early? It is almost lunch, let's eat what my sister-in-law cooked for you together.”

“You.....” I felt speechless, as my eyes widened at his audacity.

Picking a pen, I threw it at him, as it hit him.

“Was that why you came? You are unbelievable.”

“Calm down. I'm just teasing you. Try to inform her about your trip tomorrow. Appreciate her more often, and when you are coming back from Italy, buy something for her.” He rambled on, prompting me to just rest on my seat.

“You do not have to inform me. I'm not a baby.”

“Bye for now.” He stood up to leave.

“Finally…” I let out a sigh of relief, as he chuckled before he left my office.

I couldn't help but feel happy, most, especially of his last hints. I looked forward to doing those. But what gifts could I buy for Ariel from my trip Tomorrow?

............

I glanced around the sitting room, before my gaze landed on Ariel sitting in the kitchen with a book in her hands. Her face lightened up with a smile as she walked towards me. She tiptoed, landing a soft kiss on my cheeks, before hugging me, one of her habitual habits these days.

As much as a part of me wanted me to stop her from doing that, my inner self kept drawn to her inviting pink lips, and the thought of kissing it always came to my mind.

“How was work today?” Her voice brought me back from my dream world as I smiled.

“Stressful as usual, but it is fine.” She nodded, helping me with my bag and removing my suit.

“Just try to rest when necessary. You look tired these days.” My heart raced at her concern.

“Thank you. I will.”

“I made something delicious. Please, settle down in the dining room.” My body warmed up, as my brain ransacked on what she prepared for tonight.

She went inside as I sat on the chair by the edge of the dining room, trying to denote how to tell Ariel I was leaving the next morning.

My stomach grumbled as Ariel placed the tray containing the food she prepared. At that moment I gazed at the food, I realized it was an African dish.

“Wow, another African dish,” I smiled seeing the orange-colored rice.

“Yep, I made it with long grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, vegetables, and some other bunch of stuff,”

I felt Ariel's gaze at me as I began to munch and moan at the taste of the food, gulping it down with water.

“Are you sure you would rather not be a chef? This food is delicious, not to talk of the ones you have given me before,” I commented, as I took more of the African delicacy.

“Well. I never thought about it. I cook for fun.” I gently dropped the fork, peeking at Ariel.

“Well, if you ever think of being a chef, don't forget to inform me. I love your cooking.” I blurted out, as she smiled widely.

“Thank you.”

My gaze lingered to where her hand was, as it was holding a book.

“You are not eating?” I asked, as she shook her head.

“Yes. I've eaten a while again. My apologies.” I chuckled, waving it off.

“Not a problem. I will try getting home early enough.” I winked at her as she blushed.

She continued reading as I finished my meal. It was at that moment, the thought of what to buy for her occurred to me.

I cleared my throat, as her gaze met mine.

“Ariel, I will be traveling tomorrow morning.” I let out the bomb.

Her facial expressions changed in no time, and I wasn't sure she was happy about it.