Chapter 31: Chapter 31

ARIEL POV

The air felt stiff, different thoughts running in and out of my head. It was weird, but I was glad I still maintained my calm.

'She is not worth your reply. Just ignore her.' I kept thinking inwardly, trying not to focus on the lewd words Kathleen used.

“Kathleen, that was rude. Apologize,” I heard Nick sternly voice, prompting me to gaze at them.

Kathleen rolled her eyes, folding her arms on her chest.

“I would rather kiss the ground, then apologize. She is not worth it. And if you keep pressing on this matter, I better leave.” She sashayed away, as Nick looked angry and bewildered.

He held his palms together, as he faced me.

“I'm sorry about her. Please pardon me. She won't go scot-free.” He seethed, making my heart skip a bit.

Nick walked away. I attempted to follow him, as I was afraid he might do something crazy, but I felt Eva pull me back.

“And where do you think you are going, sister-in-law?” Eva drawled, as I simply let out a groan.

“What if Nick does something stupid to your sister?.” I paused, hoping she read between the lines.

“Like what?” She raised her brows, as her stare cut to mine.

Just great. I have to use my mouth to say everything. It was at that moment I felt a little good that few people were in the restaurant, and it was really a good idea that we sat in the rear end.

I hate dramas

“Like beating her, in order for Kathleen to apologize.” Laughter erupted from Eva, as my brows furrowed.

What the hell?

“Nick is not like that. He knows best on how to handle Kathleen. My sister is so in love with that man that she can't stay disobedient forever.” As much as her words were meant to comfort me, I wasn't certain how I should feel.

“I hope the feelings are mutual.” The words slipped out of my tongue.

I stared at the remaining snacks in front of me, as I had suddenly lost my appetite.

“They both like each other a lot. Kathleen is the soft one, if you get to know her better. Apologies for what she did earlier. And expect your apologies from her before the end of the day, latest this week.” Eva grinned, as I shook my head.

“I doubt. I wonder why she is so cold to me.” I sighed, as Eva placed her hand on my shoulder.

“The truth is that Ryan's ex-wife was Kathleen's best friend. So imagine how she would feel, realizing you took the place of her presumed dead friend.”

Now it clicked in. Evelyn was Kathleen's best friend. That explains it all. But who really was Evelyn? I wanted more details.

“Apparently, Kathleen still believed Evelyn was still alive. I am dazed.” I chuckled at her demeanor.

“I understand. But can you tell me more about Evelyn's relationship with Ryan?” I asked, my mind picking interest in knowing more.

Eva raised her hands in the air.

“I'm sorry I can't. I already rolled out too much information. My advice is that you never probe Ryan about it. He will tell you in his time.”

Now was my time to roll my eyes. I wonder why everyone was keeping it a secret. What was the worst that could happen?

Knowing more about Ryan's past was one of my stepping stones in making him move on and love me.

I simply pretended to accept Eva's little advice, but I doubt if I could stick to it. One of these days, I will figure out more about who Evelyn was.

That night, I dropped to the bed with the thought of Ryan slipping into my memory. I can't wait to see him the next day.

RYAN POV

#NEXT DAY

I had to call Nick to pick me up at the airport after arriving that afternoon at the airport. I needed to get Ariel one more gift and would be needing Nick's help since he seemed to know more about what ladies like.

Not like I do not, but I wanted to have something of better taste. He was rather quiet and kept getting lost in our conversation throughout the ride. He had suggested we pick a set of jewelries for Ariel, but haven't really been talking.

“My dear friend, did someone break your heart?” I teased, as he simply sighed.

“Why do you think so? Do you think my heart can be broken?” He countered as I shook my head.

He can't change.

“Of course. Heartbreak is like breakfast. It will reach everybody. I just hope it hasn't reached your side.” He laughed as I smiled, glad he was cheering up a bit.

“Where did you find those lines?” He asked, as I grinned, remembering where I saw something like that.

“Ariel's notes had some African hope hop wordings. Weird thing was how she wrote the words from the music. It was in pidgin, actually. I never asked her what it meant, but I think I got the point from those lyrics.” We both shared a laugh, as we continued talking about other stuff.

"You are stalking your wife already. Not bad." He snickered.

"If you are bothered, go and marry." I dead panned,as he hissed.

That headed our conversation there.

Thanks to Nick, I was able to pick up something for Ariel. It was a necklace pack, plaited in silver. It looked simple and beautiful.

“Is that all you want to get for your wife?”

“Yes, of course. I hope she accepts this one. She doesn't fancy expensive things.” I spoke, as my lips curled into a smile, at how well I knew her. At least, to some extent.

“Not bad bro. I hope she likes it. Next time, get her something from Italy, not here in America.” I nodded, acknowledging his words.

......

Ariel's hug was enough to relieve me of the stress I had gone through for the day. It was as if she took her heart with her, as she pulled away. Her face flushed, as she glowed with happiness.

“How was your trip?” She helps with my waistcoat and bag, dropping it on one of the chairs.

“Interesting and stressful. But I'm good.” I paused, noticing her gaze back to me.

“How are you?” I asked, as she smiled.

"I'm good. I miss you” I felt my tongue-tied, as she said those words. I found it difficult to say I missed her too.

The touch of her hand on mine, jolted me out of my reverie, as she pulled me to the dining.

We ate to our satisfaction and also chatted well. I was happy to see her. And her meal, no doubt, was the best I've tasted in my life.

The night went on, as we sat on the bed, still communicating. I decided it was time to give her something.

“I have something to say.” I spoke up.

“Me too. But It is something I wanted to ask you.” She replied, making my heart skip.

“Go first.” I nudged her, as she shook her head negatively.

“No. Go first Ryan.” She hummed, moving closer to me.

"Ladies first." I objected

"After gentlemen." She quickly responded, as we shared a laugh.

I picked my bag as I opened it to bring out the necklace I bought. She gasped, as her eyes widened with happiness, as I handed it to her.

“Thank you so much.” She pecked my lips, and that little action perked up a spark down my body.

I took out something else, as I handed it to her. She collected it, while smiling. She opened it, as she brought out what was hidden in the small covering.

“Wow. A laptop. Thank you. I'm so happy.” She looked at me, with a joyful smile plastered on her face.

This time, I couldn't help but wish she goes beyond pecking, but actually kisses me. But she never did.

Her soft palms on my hands, relieved me back to reality.

“I don't even know what to say. You keep surprising me.” I grinned at her appreciative gesture.

“It is fine. I hope the laptop helps with your writing. And the jewelry set.” I paused, staring at her.

“Yes.”

“I hope to see you wear it one of these days.” I let out an imagination passing my head of how he would look if she put it on.

It would definitely look good on her', I concluded in my heart.

“I will,”She replied softly as she kept the laptop at a safe spot, while keeping the jewelry set in the wardrobe.

“What do you want to tell me, or ask?” Her face turned pale for a while, as I felt something was wrong.

“I don't think it is necessary, I ask tonight. It will spoil the happy mood.” She tried to discard it, but I was not buying it.

She should know better than piquing my interest. I want to know now, as my mind seems to be in a frenzy.

“Ariel, tell me now. I hate suspense.” I spoke truthfully, as she sat at the other side of the bed.

“Promise not to get angry at me, if I should ask.”I furrowed my brows, at her suspense.

"I won't."I simply said.

She let out a sigh.

"Who is Evelyn?"

I wasn't sure how I felt, but I did feel goosebumps. Her question brought back memories.

And lastly, I was angry.

"What the hell?"