Chapter 30: Chapter 30

ARIEL POV

I sighed for the umpteenth time, holding to the novel I was reading. A teen fiction, apparently which focused on a young teenage boy who struggled with feelings for both same and opposite sex. As much as that seemed frightening, the plot twist only made me dig deeper. It was the little I could do to while away time, and most especially the thought that I missed Ryan.

I tossed and turned, trying to concentrate with the book I was reading, but my thoughts kept splitting from my phone to the novel in hand. I was waiting for Ryan's text message.

Not only that, but I had texted him a few minutes ago, asking about his travel to Italy and if he had settled down. But sadly haven't received a reply. Maybe he is busy,' my subconscious hinted.

I held my breath while engaging In an internal brawl between myself and myself. I inhaled and exhaled, as I sat up on the bed, checking my phone again.

I let out a groan, before releasing the phone off my hand. “I shouldn't worry. He is fine.” I spoke to myself, trying to relieve myself from the constant urge to continue checking my phone for messages from Ryan.

I stood up from the bed, as I went to the kitchen to get a cup of water. I looked at the wine cabinet, realizing it was all stocked, made me wonder if Ryan was a fan of expensive wines.

“Ryan, Ryan, Ryan…. Why does everything remind me of him?” I mumbled, before moving back to the bedroom.

I'm home alone. My phone beeps, as I felt my heart race. I dropped the glass of water on the table as I picked my phone. I sulked in a breath, as I unlocked my phone.

“Sister in-law, I will pick you up in the next 15 minutes.”

The urge to roll my eyes came, as I was disappointed it was not Ryan. I should be happy, Eva wanted to take me out. It was good enough, right? At least it would stop me from thinking about him. Everything about this building reminds me of him. Sighs.

Dropping my phone, I looked in a mirror, assessing my clothes to see if it was fit enough. It was a knee-length skirt with flowery sundress. I quickly braided my hair to a Side Dutch braid, one of the hairstyles I learned on YouTube a few days ago.

Within a few minutes, I joined Eva outside. She was more than happy to see me. She wouldn't stop teasing me, most especially for Ryan and I consummating our marriage. If only she knew the truth.

We alighted at a restaurant, which I later came to know was that of the Ackers. It was closer to a College, and was focused majorly on snacks and a few continental dishes.

We decided to sit at the rear of the place, as we ordered ice-cream, sausages, doughnuts and meat pies.

We both settled to devour the yummy snacks, as silence boomed in. Munching on the snacks, the thought of Ryan came into my foggy mind again. I felt like calling him to ask for his welfare. He might not be back until tomorrow. I let out a small sigh.

“You're thinking about your husband, aren't you?” Eva wiggled her eyebrows as she said so. I laughed nervously.

“Have you two spoken since he left?” She asked as I shook my head in a negative response.

“I texted him, but no response.” I sighed, as Eva brows creased.

My phone beeped, as I quickly checked it. A wide smile crept to my lips as it was a message from Ryan.

“He just texted me back,” I beamed happily as Eva moved closer to me.

“Thanks for the message. I've been busy all through. Thanks for the beautiful recipes you gave me. They remind me of a beautiful soul like you.” Eva read out, as he giggled.

“Wait. That's it?” She asked, as I nodded. What else was she expecting? That her brother will write a love poem.

We aren't even in love. Just friendship for now.

“Seriously? My brother needs to start taking more lessons from me. I only like the last part. Seems he missed your cooking. Let's spice things up, shall we?” She winked at me, leaving me wondering what she was up to.

Taking my phone, she started a video call. She returned the phone to me, as I felt my heart beat, just staring back at the phone screen. What if he doesn't pick it? What if he thought I was disturbing him?

A lot of what if's started cresting to my mind. That stopped the moment I noticed that pair of blue eyes staring back at me, looking weary, but with a smile dancing round his lips.

“Come stai amore mio?”(How are you, my love?) My heart raced at how the Italian words rolled out of his mouth. It was sweet and soft to my hearing.

“STO BENE MIA CARISSIMA”(I'M FINE, MY DEAREST). I smiled, as I replied. My Italian response earned me a look from Ryan. He eyed me.

Eva, on the other side, had to cover her mouth from swooning. She was dramatic.

“You speak Italian?” He asked, as I chuckled.

“I learned a few from a friend of mine while in College. Not really that fluent.” I confessed, as he nodded.

I wish this wasn't online. I wished it was physical.

“What are you thinking?” His voice jolted me out of my brief thought.

“Huh?” I replied, adjusting the phone properly.

“You are thinking.” He said, as I swallowed a lump of saliva down my throat.

I wanted to say something.

“MI MANCHI TANTO”(I MISS YOU SO MUCH). I voiced out, looking away shyly.

“I miss you too. Your smile, gentleness, and your cooking. And I also have a surprise for you.” My face brightened up with joy, as I heard him. I returned my gaze back to staring at him.

I never expected him to say that.

“Before you start making the single ones like me to start thinking of getting married, can you end this call?"

Ryan and I laughed at Eva interference.

“Never knew you were there little sister.” Ryan commented, as she moved closer to see Ryan.

“Just in case you have a surprise for your wife, don't forget mine. And my account details are still with you. You can send me something because I took your wife out. Just kidding. You are doing well, bro.” She let out her tongue, as we laughed.

The call ended in no time, and I was fully satisfied I spoke with Ryan. It was as if I had a whole new energy. I was happy, confident that we both are working to make the marriage work.

“You look happy.” I simply munched at my sausage rolls, not wanting Eva to tease me as to why I behaved like a teenager who just fell in love.

“Of course, I am.” I simply replied.

“Sister in-law, you seemed to know my brother well.” My brows furrowed, as I wondered what that was about.

“He loves a well cooked home meal, and you have managed to make him like your meals. Now is the time I finally got to believe that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well done sis.” She complimented as I let out a nervous laugh.

“Thank you. I am getting to know Ryan well. He is a good person”

“I agree.” She gave a thumbs up to my words.

“But I have a question. It is quite sensitive.” I dropped my spoon, as I was more attentive.

“Please, go on.” I beckoned.

“What is that one thing you can never forgive if Ryan ever does to you?” That question got me, as Eva mumbled, but I couldn't say it out loud.

It is only when he cheats on me that I cannot tolerate it.

“I'm sorry I can't tell you.” I mumbled.

“Understable. But Ryan is a dedicated fellow. He would never cheat on you, nor will he cause you any trouble to make you think of leaving. I doubt if he even knows anything about sex, except if you had taught him.” She winked, as my face flushed.

My eyes lingered around the restaurant as only a few people were around. It was majorly a couple of tables and chairs. My eyes widened as I saw two people holding their hands and smiling at each other. None other than Kathleen and Nick.

“Isn't that my sister and Ryan's best friend? Oh! Cozy.” She broke my thoughts, as they turned, only for their gaze to fall on us.

I felt nervous, as Kathleen's facial expression changed. I quickly dropped my gaze, even though I felt them approaching.

“Hello ladies. So nice to meet you.” I glanced at Nick, giving a small smile.

“So nice to see you too, most especially you, sisto.” Eva grinned, as Kathleen rolled her eyes at her.

“Can we join you guys?” Nick requested.

“Yes, you can.” I replied.

"Hell no. I won't be sitting with someone who claims to love my brother, but is clearly after his money."

I felt a wave of something disturbing as my face flushed in embarrassment.