Chapter 38: Chapter 38

ARIEL POV

I was no doubt feeling more than giddy since last night. The sharing of childhood moments, or the moment of embracing. I felt a chemistry between us. Yesterday gave me the confidence boost that we were both close to being in love.

Or maybe I was overthinking.

I tilted my head, staring back at the visual display of my dad on my laptop.

"Dad, he really takes care of me. We even went on a date last night. I like him already. He complimented me a lot. I felt my heart almost melting. He is so ….”

"Seriously, Ariel, take a chill pill.”I giggled at my dad's statement.

"Dad, you were worried. Just filling you up. How are you doing, by the way?”He sighed, making my heart flip a bit.

I hope there was nothing wrong going on.

"I'm doing fine. I hardly see Samantha. Your company won't make her rest. Are you happy now?”I fought the urge not to roll my eyes at my dad's set of last words.

"Daddy.”I whined, as he hissed.

"I wonder why you won't fight for what is yours. Your mum won't be happy at all.”

Here he comes again.

"Firstly, the dead knows nothing whatsoever. But I feel it was the best thing to let things go. Time will determine numerous things. Please promise me not to mention this again, dad.”I voiced out my thoughts.

He raised his hands in the air, as a sign of compliance.

"You are just like your mother. Soft, gentle and forgiving. Use your senses and don't always trust others, and that include your husband. He might hurt you later.”It was as if a sharp knife were pressed to my heart.

What was dad insinuating? I knew in my heart, Ryan won't do anything to hurt me, especially in a brutal manner.

"Dad, not all men are like that. Ryan would never do anything to hurt me.”I confidently stated, trying to cover my worries with a smile.

My inner mind kept wandering about, making me wonder if what he said was actually true.

"Don't tell me I didn't warn you. Have you both consummate your marriage?”That question was enough to make my cheeks turn crimson.

I simply shook my head, as he let out a sigh of relief?

"You see? How do you intend to prevent your man from spending time with another lady? What if he cheats on you?”

I shook my head immediately.

"Ryan is not like that. I trust him on that.”

"What if he does cheats on you?" He retorted, and it was at that moment I realized I needed to end our conversation.

Why was my dad suddenly becoming negative?

"Dad. I trust Ryan. Whatever it is you have with him, please bury it. When are we meeting?”I asked, hoping to divert his attention.

"Not sure when, but I really want to see you. I need to tell you some things.”My eyebrows raised a bit, as I wondered what it was about.

Why can't he tell me here?

"Sure. Tell me. I'm all ears.”I said, as he shook his head.

"I can't. It is about my past and would like to tell you face to face. I'm beginning to walk well now, so hopefully we will see.”I hummed and nodded at his statement.

My mind kept wandering around on what it could be.

What if he has a hand in my mum's death?' I shook my head at my ridiculous thought.

What the hell was I thinking?

"Thinking about something?”I got out of my trance, as our gaze met.

“Nothing. Ryan and I are going on a honeymoon.”I announced, hoping my dad won't react negatively to the news.

"Wow. Enjoy your honeymoon. But still, don't trust too much. Only believe.”

Dad's words only left me with a weird sensation clouding my mind. I wasn't sure what I felt, but I didn't feel fantastic. It was as if he were able to climb to my brain with my words.

At that moment, I began doubting my thoughts about Ryan. Was he really the sweet, charming person? Or was he pretending?

I was almost done with eating lunch that day when my phone chimed. I opened it only to see the message that made my dad's words to rekindle on my thoughts.

"Ariel dear. I will be traveling for three days for a business in Mumbai. Take care.”

I wasn't sure what I felt, but I lost my appetite instantly.

Why did he inform me late?

My mind went into frenzy.

*******

The three days went in a blur, and it was probably the worst and good for me. I felt lonely at night, and I did miss Ryan a lot.

And he seemed to have my best interest at heart, as Eva visited me, prompting me to spend most of my day chilling with her. According to Eva, Ryan made sure she got three days off at her training center just to spend time with me.

We are at the mall, as she requested I helped her pick one or two dresses. I assisted with that, as she changed and picked it if she likes.

She frowned, as she got out of the changing room. She was in a short pink gown, which has shades of magenta and light blue. It looked beautiful on her.

"Ariel, I have to leave now. Can you please wait for me here? My boss needs something from me.”She wore a puppy face as she tugged my arm.

"It is fine. I will stay at the reception. You can leave. I will wait.”I smiled warmly at her, as she hugged and left.

I simply packed the two clothes she picked, as I paid for them with my card. It was worth $600. This is simply my way of saying thank you to Eva.

She is a rare gem.

'Your earnings have dropped' I felt my subconscious remind me, as I simply began walking to the reception side.

My eyes widened as I came face to face with my step-sister. She looked….

Her look was priceless, as her gaze seemed to meet mine, her eyes slightly hidden under the sunglasses. She was with her husband, Daniel, who seemed to have his eyes over me, as he stared deeply at me.

"You two should talk. See you in five minutes, dear Lucille.”He pressed his lips on Lucille cheeks, who seemed not to like it a bit.

He winked at me, as he walked away. I walked closer to Lucille, as I led us to a quiet section of the mall. Where eyes couldn't see us.

"Lucille, what is going on? Your face?”I made to touch her, but she flinched.

"Don't touch me. You caused all this. Take a look at me.”She removed her sunglasses, revealing a more horrific view.

Her eyes were red, and eyelids were swollen. I felt my body trembled.

Even with the heavy makeup on her face, it wasn't able to do justice to her look. The bruises on her face were slightly seen.

"Lucille, calm down, okay. What did Daniel do to you?”I asked, even though I knew the answer already.

"None of your business. Just know that what happened to me was plainly your fault. If you had married him, I won't have been in this state. You caused this. I swear to make you pay.”She stomped on her feet, as she made to leave.

I quickly held her arm, as her stare cut to mine. I withdrew my hand, noticing her deadly glare towards me.

"I can help you. You need to leave him if he is treating you badly. You are his spouse, not a punching bag. Let me help you.” I enunciated my words carefully, hoping she would have a change of heart.

"Ariel, I hate you.”She spat out with venom, leaving me with my million thoughts.

This is not good.

And why do I still care?