Chapter 46: Chapter 46

ARIEL POV

Everything before my eyes felt like flashes of scenes. The last time I got hit on the night of my escapade,rushed into my imaginary lane, as I felt glued to the position I was, just near the roadside.

I closed my eyes, nervousness hitting every nerve of my body, the rain doing no justice in keeping me less wet. I felt a grip on my arm, as my body collided with something hard.

It felt so fast, as I felt a covering on my head, my head resting on something, perhaps a body. Was it Ryan? The horns from cars subsided. I embraced the body tightly, but stopped when that scent hitted me. It wasn't a familiar scent.

I opened my eyes, as I stepped back instantly, worries clouding my face. What the hell?

"Damien. What are you doing here?” I rubbed off the fogginess in my eyes away as I stared at him. I can't believe I hugged him.

He moved closer, his umbrella big enough, providing a covering for the both of as it drrizzled. I felt like I was making the biggest mistake.

“It is busy out here. What if you were hitted by a car?. You made me so worried. And where the hell is your husband?” It wasn't as if what he was saying wasn't right, but he shouldn't be this worried, Ryan should.

"Thanks for your concern, but I have to leave.” His hand stopped my forward movement, prompting me to stop on my track.

"Let me take you home. It is really dangerous out here. You are the wife of a Billionaire. What if someone recognizes you and kidnaps you. I wouldn't allow that.” I stared deeply in his eyes, as he looked stressed and with the way he was, he wouldn't accept a no.

I simply sighed, as he let me to his car. I was slightly wet, as my hair felt drenched and sticky. I hate this. Being long did nothing but worsen it.

The moment I entered Damien's car led to different thoughts colliding within me. What was I thinking? I wanted to get hit by a car? I was stupid. What if Damien didn't come to my rescue, it would have been a nightmare.

Damien handed me a towel, as he ordered the driver to drive to the street Ryan and I lived. I was pretty sure he knew my every movement and whereabouts. It makes me feel guilty.

That he cared this much.

I cleaned my face and hair with the towel, trying not to sit comfortably on the chair, as the clothes were wet. So much for a night.

I reached for my phone as I tried calling Ryan thrice, but it went into voicemail. I decided to send Ryan a message.

"I will be home soon. I will explain everything to you when you are back.” I hit the send button, as I held on to the phone, with a heavy heart.

At that instance, it felt like what happened in the restaurant left, but it was still there. I felt my heart heavy, with light pain in my chest.

"Ariel, are you okay?” Damien asked, as I simply nodded, facing the other side of the window.

“You can tell me if your husband isn't treating you right? “I felt stunned for a while at his words, as I shifted slightly to face him.

"Damien, I sincerely appreciate your help so far, but Ryan is doing well for me. The reason for my behavior earlier was due to someone related to me, not him.” I stated, making sure he understood where I was coming from.

It was tiring knowing I was already developing feelings for Ryan, but Damien having feelings for me was something I felt guilty about. We should just be friends.

"I understand now. I truly miss you. Meanwhile, you can always reach out to me if you need my help.” He held out his card to me, as I simply stared at me.

I would rather not lead him on. I am married and really liked Ryan already.

But does Ryan like you?' My subconscious hinted, as I shook my head instantly.

He will come around soon. It is difficult to get over a first love.

"Aren't you going to accept my card?” He asked, as I shook my head.

His facial expression changed instantly, dismay written on his face.

He sighed.” What can I do to make you accept this?”

My stare cut to his as I figured it was best I broke it down to him.

"Damien, I appreciate your concerns, but I already have a husband I truly love.”I felt my heart skipped a bit at the use of my words, as he just stared at me, this time, trying to keep his composure.

"I will appreciate it if you don't watch my every move, especially with the bodyguards. Damien, it is the best thing for you not to meddle with my life. It is my husband's responsibility.”The words rolled out from my mouth before I could stop it, but it was still what I considered as bitter truth.

"No problem, Ariel. I accept your terms. I won't watch over your life again, no bodyguards, and I will try as much as possible to steer away from your path. I promise.”He placed the card in my hand as he turned to face the window.

I took the card with my hands almost trembling. I felt terrible for breaking it to him that way, but I felt it was for the best. The earlier I reject him, the earlier for him to move on.

The car drive was silent all through. The car stopped right in front of the mansion, as I took a final glance at Damien.

"Thank you, Damien. I really appreciate it.”I opened the door, but his voice stopped my legs from making impact with the ground.

"Take care Ariel. Your enemies are drawing closer. If you truly love Ryan, he too should love you. The test of your love is coming like a thief at night. Good night.”

My stomach churned at the information he released, as I nodded, before stepping out of the car, walking slowly into the house.

His car never left, not until a few minutes later when I had finished bathing. I watched from the window as I felt a bitter feeling in the pit of my stomach. Damien knew many things.

I gently took his card, keeping it attached to a part of my diary. I felt my heart throbbing, as I slumped on the bed. I felt tired and weary, heartbroken and guilty. The truth hurts.

I turned off the light, as I cried myself to bed that very night.

Tomorrow is another day. My whole body felt weak and tired.

*****

From a light tap to a frequent one, I awoke with a dull pain shooting through my head.

My eyes felt blurry for some seconds, as I rubbed my face to stop the fogginess, the light from the room illuminating. My eyes landed on Ryan's face, as he looked..... Angry.

"Ryan…. You have arrived…" I tried to remain calm as I voiced out.

It was still night time.

Without responding, he pointed his phone to my face, as my eyes widened in shock at the picture I saw.

Even Tho it was nighttime, the light illuminated so well, showing Damien and me in a hugging position. My eyes were closed as I hugged him tightly.

"I can explain. Ryan, please listen.”I couldn't help but stand, as Ryan started pacing to and fro.

"Explain what? That you still met with your ex? Or you love him?”His facial expression was an angry one as he stated sternly.

"He was never my ex, and I never loved him. Something terrible happened tonight, if only you could just listen.”I pleaded, hoping he would just calm down.

He let out a chuckle, as I swallowed. His gaze cut to mine, and that was the instance I knew he wasn't ready to listen.

"What else could happen if not that you both went on a date and probably made out in secret. What else could likely happen?”He thundered as I felt a sharp pain through my head.

That was it. We will discuss this when he is calm. I needed rest from the heartbreak I had today. I do not have enough strength.

I grabbed a pillow, as I turned to face him.

"I think it would be better if we discuss this tomorrow. Goodnight Ryan.”I made to leave, but he held my hand, stopping my forward movement.

He jeered me backward, making me take a few steps backward.

"You shouldn't leave. I don't believe you, Ariel. I guess this marriage will end soon after all.”I felt my heart break into a thousand pieces.

He took one more glance at me before leaving the bedroom.

I slumped to the bed with tears brimming my face.

I laid my head on the pillow, as I sobbed, my body trembling slightly. I realized there was nothing I could do at that moment.

I could only wait till tomorrow. My eyes felt tired as I began to gave way to sleep, Ryan's last set of words echoing in my head 'I guess this marriage will end soon after all'

My heart felt heavy, even as I slept that night.

This is my worst nightmare.