Chapter 44: Chapter 44

ARIEL POV

It was difficult to process my thoughts these days. A lot kept unveiling, giving me creeps. It was weird but I had a lot to look forward to or perhaps deal with.

Lucille's husband, who got physical with her. Kathleen unending obsession to ending Ryan's and I relationship and my gut feeling that Evelyn might be alive. The last was a bad assumption, so I decided to discard the thoughts quickly.

I put in more effort in sending the voice recording I took of him, in which he confessed his promiscuous life, as well as how he physically assaulted Lucille. After discovering I wasn't giving up,and knowing how bad it would be for him if the public got a hearing of the recording, he promised not to beat her again, but will still continue his promiscuous life.

I wanted to put him to stop, but I decided to end it there. I simply blocked him, before trying to focus on other things.

I sat at the back side of the house, enjoying the beautiful scenery. The garden was the perfect therapy to ease pain and sadness away. The air felt so good, and the trees and flowers bloomed beautifully. I must confess Ryan had a good taste for nature.

My thoughts were disturbed by my dad's voice call, as I picked it up with a smile tugged to my lips.

"Hello Ariel. What's up.”I chuckled at his informal way of greeting.

"I'm awesome dad. How are you doing?”I smiled, as I asked.

"I'm good. Can we meet today? It is crucial I see you today.”His voice brewed with urgency as I felt tensed slightly.

"Sure, please send me the address. I will come.”I replied.

He ended the call of which he promised to send the address. The sky began fading off its blue color, clouds forming making me wonder if it would rain or snow.

I left for inside, as I was surprised to see Ryan warming up the food in the kitchen. I stared at his back, as the apron hung on him. His hair was covered, making him look almost feminine. I almost giggled at my thoughts, not until I heard his voice.

"Staring at me without my permission is an offense.”He turned abruptly, his gaze briefly sweeping me off my feet.

He looked good even after waking up from sleep.

"Not if I am your wife. That offense does not count.”He off the cooker, as he walked to my side.

“Thank you for your help.”He hugged me, pecking me on my forehead.

I blushed, his eyes looking dreamy as ever. My phone vibrated, as we adjusted from our embrace. I stared at the screen as it was an unfamiliar number.

"I will get something from inside.”He patted my shoulder, as I slide my phone to answer, before bringing the phone to my ear.

"Ariel dear, longtime.”My jaw dropped, as my stomach felt unsettled instantly.

"Why are you calling stepmother?.”I sneered.

I wasn't ready for the conversation, as the thoughts alone made me nervous. The thought that she wanted me dead, scared me more.

I could not help but think she knows about my dad wanting to see me. She better not. No one is stopping me from seeing him today.

"It seems you aren't giving up on my company. I'm seeing your hands.”

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her statement. She should go straight to the point.

"And what was that supposed to mean? Be straight to the point already.” I voiced out.

If only Ryan was here and knew about our conversation, he would have collected the phone off my grip. He would have gotten angry too, as he had warned me not to communicate with my step mother again.

“Some set of people are buying the company shares with the goal of removing me from being the highest shareholder.”

"R…yan”I gasped, saying his name before realizing.

I shut my mouth with my palm, realizing I should be thinking that way. What if Ryan was oblivious to all of this?

"Ohhh. So, your husband is behind this.”I bit my lips, trying to think of words to say.

"What do you mean? Ryan is close to where I am and won't like the conversation between us. I will be cutting the call now.”Without waiting for her reply, I cut off the line, as I rested on the table in the kitchen.

Few seconds passed, leaving me with yet another thought to battle with. Was Ryan behind this? I thought I asked him to stop. I needed to ask him.

"Babe, what's wrong?" As much as that pet name was fine, it came at the wrong time.

"Ryan, are you still infiltrating my mum's company, headed by my step mum?”He paused, as he touched the brim of his nose.

That was enough answers, which made me angry. I have my reasons for making him stay out of it.

"I didn't step back. I wanted to make the company useless to Mrs. Samantha. Then, it will be all yours.”

My hand found it way to my forehead, massaging it softly. That was where he got it wrong. I wasn't interested in the company.

"Ryan, I was never interested in the company. Let her have it, “I said, as he rolled his eyes.

"You being a bigger person won't lead you anywhere. It is your mum's company. The least you could do is to honor her and have that company to yourself.”He pointed out, but it was difficult to sink in.

"Have it to myself?I'm happy already. I don't need the company. The company is my way of thanking her for taking care of me for 25 years of my life. I have forgiven her, but never forgotten. I don't want more drama in my life.”

He sighed, as he moves to my side.

“Sometimes, you should learn not to be too good to others who betrayed you. I will cut off my plans from the company if it will make you happy.” He breathed out gently, as I avoided his gaze.

"I won't like us to continue with this conversation. Thank you, Ryan.” I mumbled, hoping it will end here.

I was already feeling guilty that I was dispersing his help, Or maybe I wasn't appreciative of his time and efforts towards me. But, this was what I felt was right. No entanglement with my past.

"It is fine, miss goody two shoes. But once I find out she was the one behind your attempted murder the night I hit you with my car, she won't be going Scot free.”

I felt my body tremble at Ryan's confession. It was at that moment, my mind flashed back to the night I escaped from the armed men my step mum sent after me. Ryan was the one that hit me with a car, not Mrs. Selina.

Then why did Mrs Selina lie to me?

Everything blurred for a moment, as I felt my heart race,a sour feeling at the pit of my stomach.