Chapter 45: Chapter 45

ARIEL POV

It wasn't easy to neglect the thought of confronting Ryan about his statement, but I decided against the throbbing thoughts in my head. I just sat still on the kitchen stool, gulping down cold water to calm me.

I figured out Ryan probably knew about this, and must have told the truth about the accident on the night of my escapade because he was pissed. He sounded like he cared about me, as a smile curled at my lips.

I cleared my throat, thinking back to why Mrs. Selina decided to lie about the incident, but it seemed she really wanted me for her son.

"Ariel.”I turned abruptly as Ryan sat in front of me.

We stared briefly at each other, as I drank more of the cold water, trying to calm the tingling sensation in me.

"Are you angry at my mum?”My eyes widened a bit, as my stare cut to his.

He scratched his hair slightly, as he avoided my gaze. At that moment, I realized I must have been staring at him too much.

"I'm not. She probably wanted us married. And so far, I haven't regretted marrying you.”Those words slipped out of my mouth, right before I could control it.

I realized it was pointless to make a mountain out of a molehill.

"Thank you. The words slipped out of my mouth before I could realize it. I wasn't sure you will really be happy I accidentally hit you that night.”He confessed, making me chuckle.

It never crossed my mind that he would apologize for such an offense. I wanted to say something, but decided against it, as I remembered his last set of words before he left earlier.

The least I wanted him to remember was the fact that I was grateful he knocked me with his car that night, as I would have died in the hands of those armed men sent by step mum.

"For me to accept your apology, you will be driving me to meet my dad today.”I smiled, as his expression was calm.

"Fine by me. I will be ready anytime, milady.”His lips twitched into a small smile.

I wasn't really sure what I felt, but I could feel those lovely knots in my stomach, especially with his use of pet names.

"You know? We should have pet names. You haven't given me one.”As if reading my thoughts, he spoke further.

I darted my eyes away, as I felt my cheeks warm up. I never really thought about it.

"What about babe or ….”I drawled, my head blinking out of ideas.

Ryan broke into laughter, as he pointed at my face.

"You need to look at your face in the mirror. It is fine if you are indecisive.”He stood up, as his hands slightly touched my chin, sending chills down my body.

His touch was gentle, and soft, even though he was just being playful. I watched him, as he began walking out of the kitchen, not until he stopped by the door.

He turned abruptly, with that signature smirk on his lips, making my stomach churn a bit.

"There is something amusing about you when you are angry. You look more beautiful.”He winked, making my heart flutter immediately.

I suddenly felt jelly inside, as my lips curled into a smile for quite a long time. I couldn't stop smiling at his compliment.

*************

I felt nervous as we began approaching the restaurant, my dad wanted me to meet him. We are at the back of the car as Mr. Walter drove. I unconsciously fidget with my hairs, and nails.

I tried calming my nerves, as I counted numbers in my head,closing and opening my eyes at intervals. It was totally weird, but there was this bitter feeling about my dad's eagerness to see me. He wanted to tell me a secret.

"Thinking about your dad?" Ryan's voice brought me out of my thoughts, as I simply nodded.

"It will be fine. He looked like one perfect gentleman when I saw him at our marriage ceremony.”He smiled, as I laughed nervously, hitting me slightly in the arm.

"I… I don't like it when I feel this nervous. It is like a warning that something worse might happen. I…" I trailed out quietly, the rest of my words coming out in mumbling.

My eyes cut to that of Ryan, and I found him watching me with a peculiar kind of focus.

He moved closer to me, as he sighed. Unable to sit still, I placed my hand on Ryan's elbow. His gaze flickered to mine, and he slid his arm back, entwining our fingers. He brought the back of my hand to his chest, just over his heart. It felt like a silent assurance that it will be well.

My stomach or perhaps my heart did a somersault. I tried to ignore that feeling but mostly succeeded.

"It will be fine. Just be calm no matter what. Trust that whatever the conversation with your dad will be, it won't be more than you can handle.”I nodded, smiling at his words.

"I will be fine. Thanks, babe.”I looked up at him and smiled.

He flashed me a brilliant smile, making every nerve of my body tingle. His aristocratic face suddenly turned boyish and mischievous with a perfect smile, revealing his perfect set of teeth.

"We are there now, Miss Ariel.”I cleared my throat, breaking out of the thoughts that were beginning to come to my head.

He gave me a quick peck, making me blush, as he released his hand from mine.

"All the best, Mi Amor. I will be back here in the next hour. Just wait and call me when you are done.”

I waved him goodbye, as I watched his car leave. I felt my heart free like a dove. My conversation with Ryan lightened my mood. My gaze shifted to a man in the opposite direction in a casual outfit and sunglasses.

He looked familiar. His eyes met mine, as he looked away. That was when it hit me that it was one of Damien's bodyguards meant to protect me, ever since the second attempted murder by my mother. I shook my head, trying not to dwell on negative thoughts.

I was directed to the VIP section in the upper part of the restaurant as I went through the elevator. I felt happy as I saw my dad sitting gently on the chair. He looked more healthy.

I stopped to admire the little resemblance we shared. His lips and eyebrows were as thin as mine. I probably took the eyes and nose from my mum. Not bad.

"Ariel. So glad you could make it.”He stood up, as we hugged.

"Why will I reject your call? I miss you already.”He let out a sigh, making my heart skip a bit.

My brows creased, as I helped him sit on his chair.

I looked into his eyes, and said:”Dad. I hope there is nothing wrong.”

He held one of my hands, before bringing out a small picture from his pocket, and handed it over to me.

"That is your mum.”He spoke, and there was no doubt I needed no psychic to tell me that. We looked almost the same.

The almost slender body, the long hairs, brown eyes, and pointed nose. She looked like a goddess.

"Wow. She looked beautiful.”I found it difficult to accept this was the first time I was seeing my mum.

I guess Samantha did a good job in keeping them away.

"Yes, she was, but I never valued her.”I shifted my attention to my dad, as he spoke.

"I… I married her for her money, not because I loved her. She never minded, but kept loving me, not until I started thinking of her downfall. I wanted to be the dominant husband while she begged under me.”My heart skipped, as I withdrew my hand from him.

"Every day kept reminding me of how stupid I was to lose such a special pearl, and settle for less. I cheated on her even though I knew her one rule. She will never forgive a cheating husband.”

At that moment, I felt I shared some thoughts with my dead mum. I will never forgive Ryan if he cheats on me with another woman.

We haven't even consummated our marriage.

But that was not the matter on the ground now.

I was angry, appalled and disgusted by my dad's confession.

"You did all this to a woman who loved you. Did you kill her?”The words rolled out of my mouth before I could stop.

“No I didn't, but I never gave her peace of mind. She was pregnant with you when she knew about my illicit affairs. She promised to divorce me once she gave birth to you, but I had other plans. I intended to kidnap her after she gave birth to you. I wanted all her properties.”My mouth dropped open, as I felt my body tremble.

"You are not fit to be called a father. You are a bad person."I barked at him, as he tried to reach my hand, but I flinched back.

"Please, let me just explain everything in my mind. I feel guilty, and my mind is not at rest. I might die anytime soon."Tears brimmed from his eyes as he spoke.

But I didn't care. He deserved everything that was happening to him.

"What pushed you to all this? You...." I choked on my words, as I sniffed.

There was a loud thunder sound, as wind blew indicating it would rain soon.

"It was my fault. I thought Samantha was the perfect woman. I wasn't satisfied. I looked outside and got swayed. When your mother died, I felt entitled to her properties without feeling remorse for her dying while giving birth to you."

Tears stung my eyes, making me feel empty inside. I was just lost and it was a lot to take in.

I stared at him and the thought of inflicting some sort of pain, either by biting him or kicking him came to mind, but I decided against it when I remembered what Ryan mentioned earlier.

I needed to be calm.

"And when I couldn't get the properties as most were given to charity and the only one is to be given to you when you clocked 25, I felt angrier."

"That's good for you. You got what you deserved. I'm leaving,"I thundered as I stood up.

"Please don't. Ariel,please forgive me." I hissed at his set of words. If only he knew how hurt I was at that moment.

I ran out of the restaurant as I got into the elevator. Tears blinded my eyes as I struggled to put a call through to Ryan, but my fingers felt numb.

I simply inserted the phone back into my pocket.

It had started raining when I walked out of the restaurant. The security tried to stop me, but I was adamant. I just began running, the tears and rain blocking my eyes from seeing well.

Constant horns were heard but I decided to ignore it. All I focused on was that I was hurt at that moment. The words of my dad replaying in my head.

My heart raced, as a light blinded me. At that moment, I just stopped and waited for the car to hit me.

I wanted to be knocked out of reality. At least,to stop this nightmare.