Chapter 37: Chapter 37

RYAN POV

There was always something beautiful about Ariel that always drew me in the best way ever. Her smiles, the way she prepared food. The tiny bits about her only brought this level of happiness or satisfaction about her.

Sometimes, I want to embrace her, and appreciate her for coming into my life. For making me addicted to her delicious food. For helping me not to see myself as a villain, but rather a work in progress. For her patience and love even when I was disposed to rage.

But staring at her now gave me the creeps. I wasn't certain if she would be able to give a response to Reginald's question. I felt my heart beating slower and faster than I thought.

"I was first attracted to his eyes and lips.”Ariel blushed and glanced at me slightly.

"Awwn.”Reginald swooned, as he smiled cheekily.

I couldn't refuse the urge to roll my eyes. He is surely a killjoy.

"Tell me more.”He faced Ariel and requested.

"He is kind-hearted and strong. He cares for people he loves, and won't allow injustice to slide. He is humble, and loving. His compliments made me go on cloud nine.”The last part got me as I grinned.

"Wow. That is so astonishing Ariel. You have only been married for like a month now, and you have numerous reasons to like him. My friend is fortunate.”Reginald wouldn't stop blabbing.

"We wanted to talk about business, but you ended up bringing my wife into this conversation. Aren't you ashamed?.”I voiced out, placing my hand on Ariel's shoulder.

She didn't flinch, but drew rather close to me. My heart is full. I was happy.

"Whatever bro. Talking about business, does Ariel have any innovative ideas?” Reginald spoke, as Ariel peeked at me before meeting his gaze.

"Sure. A food restaurant close to a College will be the best in bringing in students. But the best part about it is having sections for couples to sit. A kind of atmosphere that brews romance, with different kinds of food delicacies.Ariel shared her thoughts and I felt her ideas were good.

It will just be competitive, especially since restaurants are almost all over the city.

"Interesting. But it definitely will need many innovations to draw people's attention. You can tell your husband to work on it.”

I cleared my throat, as Ariel tried not to glance at me.

"We will work on it,Mi Amor, your idea is beautiful, but we still need to work on a few things to make it catchy.”Ariel nodded as we continued the conversation.

I almost felt like a lost sheep this time, as Reginald's attention and words wouldn't stop revolving about Ariel. He was even convincing Ariel to travel when he discovered her love for the city of Australia.

I can't wait for the night to end. Or perhaps the night with Reginald.

**********

The atmosphere was rather quiet, with each one with his or her thoughts. Ariel has never spoken to me after we finished our date with Reginald.

"Ariel. About your business idea…"

"Don't mind it. I just came up with the idea a few days ago. I don't think I want to venture into a business now.”She cut me short as I nodded, breathing in gently.

“Are we going home?”I felt my heart warm at her use of the word 'home'.

It was weird, but my thoughts got quite mushy today, ever since our reconciliation. It was as if Ariel had her way into my thoughts.

"Do you want to go home? “I asked, not taking my eyes off the road.

"No. The park is close by. Can we visit the park? Few people will be there by now.” She said, as I glanced at my wristwatch.

It was 8:45 pm

"Sure.” I nodded, a smile on my face.

Maybe the park will be an opportunity for me to appreciate her for thinking of me as a good husband.

.....

We walked hand in hand as we approached the most quiet part of the park. The few people that were around were mostly friends or couples, and I was glad they didn't look our way.

We sat as our hands were entwined in each other. The night was a little cold as I removed my suit for Ariel to wear. She mouthed a 'thank you' as she held onto it.

"Those words you said about me to Reginald, are they true?”Her eyes widened a bit, as she stared at her front side.

"What do you think? That I lied to please your friend?”

I knew that voice. She wasn't actually upset. Perhaps I shouldn't have asked such a question.

"Apologies. I shouldn't have said that.”She looked at me, taking in our hands together.

"The way I see you is different from how others do. That is just the truth. And I'm pretty much of a good observer. I know that behind your cold demeanor to others, there is a sweet personality behind it.”She smiled, as I chuckled.

Her words were sweet and soft to my ears. There were like small coins dropping and I wish she would not stop talking.

I continued staring at her, the thought of locking my lips with her beckoning on my thoughts. It was at that moment I realized why my mum wanted me to marry her. She is a gem.

Not helping the ravaging thoughts in my head, she looked gorgeous. Her long hair falling over her shoulder. I liked her like this.

"Thank you.”Breaking free from my trance, I spoke, before embracing her.

She reciprocated, warmly accepting the hug. Embracing wasn't something I did lightly. But with her, I was ready to. Her hair brushes against my nose, making me smell a faint fragrance.

We drew away from the hug, as she couldn't meet my gaze.

"May I ask you a question?”Her stare cut to mine, at my words. And I was glad I caught her attention.

“Sure, please do.”

"What was your childhood like?”I asked, as she pursed her lips for a few seconds.

"Interesting. Mostly rough. We struggle to make ends meet, but we always have something to eat every day. Challenges left and right, but somehow I had learned endurance from childhood. My childhood was a happy one because no matter how little I have, I was content with it.”There was a glint of happiness, as she spoke.

It was as if her childhood were playing in front of her. It was, however, at that moment, I wished we could swap childhood moments. Even though my thought was a selfish one.

'She shouldn't go through what I went through,' I corrected my inner thought.

"What about yours?”She asked.

I hummed before exhaling.

"Not really the happy one everyone desires. I faced bullying right from an early age and refused to let anyone know. I felt withdrawn and worse part was that I was almost raped by one of my male teachers while I was still very young. It affected me so much, as I find it difficult to open up and trust others.”

Ariel's expression was enough to make me realize I finally let out that thought from my mind. A part of me that can be never forgotten.

"So sorry about that. I do hope that you do not reflect much on it. The bullying part is definitely something, not to mention the attempted rape.” I smiled at her, her warm hands pressing into mine.

"Ariel, I was thinking we should both travel together for our honeymoon.”

"Honeymoon?”She looked rather shocked at my words. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word honeymoon. I must have scared her.

"Yes. A week or so. Just the two of us. To Australia, perhaps,since you liked it.”

Her lips curled into a smile, as she inched closer, hugging me. I smiled, embracing her.

"I would love to.”

That was how the night went on. It was a beautiful night I would never forget. Ariel's words about my qualities bursting through me.

I think I like her already.