Chapter 49: Chapter 49

RYAN POV

Words alone explain how I felt when I finally heard her confession. It felt as if a part of me was dead, as I did not feel the same way about her. I only liked her.

I admire her beautiful qualities. She is loving, but I hadn't thought of ever falling in love again. The previous time I did was a disaster. The one I loved died in a fire outbreak. I do not want to go through another heartbreak again.

I'm afraid…

I adjusted myself on the seat, staring at the beautiful brown irises that met with mine. She was expecting my response, but what could I say?

"Ariel….” I felt her facial expression change slightly.

Oh! no! I should have used a pet name instead.

“It's fine if you don't feel the same way about me. I just wanted to let it all out. I just…”

"I like you a lot.” I rasped out, stopping her from saying more words.

She peered at me, as I held on to her right hand.

"Thank you for confessing your feelings for me. It made me feel special. I like you a lot, but I do not love you.”

I noticed her shoulders sagged, as she rested on the chair.

"I understand. Falling in love is a gradual process.” She let out a small smile, but I knew in my heart that she was hurt.

Maybe I should have been more careful even though we were married. I should have tone down the way I complemented her, showed her care and attention, or my cheesy pickup lines. All these things made it obvious I was deeply interested in her.

Yes, I was and still interested in her, but I never, for once, thought I loved her. I like her. There is a difference, right?

"I am sorry. But it is now up to you to make me fall for you.” I grinned, shooting her a wink as she smiled.

I wanted to make her comfortable. I really liked her company. She is a rare gem.

"Yeah. I guess I should have tried harder. I was the one who wanted to make you fall in love, but ended up loving you. Touché.” I simply smiled, holding her hand.

"I wouldn't like this to make anything awkward between us, okay?” She nodded as she continued eating.

I felt a loss of words, especially at her change in demeanor. There was no way Ariel was not affected by my subtle rejection. I really blamed myself for this.

I tried not to converse again, not until we were ready to move to our hotel room. I decided it was best to leave her with her feelings.

"Ryan, I am not feeling too well. Can we leave now?” Her voice broke me away from my thoughts, as I nodded.

After paying for our meal, we both left. The journey back to our hotel rooms was quite a quiet one. My efforts to discuss something else to Ariel proved abortive. Her responses weren't that good.

And when we got to the hotel room, she excused herself to visit the restroom. I stayed by the door side, resting on the wall. I was determined to break her out of her non-jovial self this night.

I hate it when she doesn't talk to me. In no time, she got out from the restroom, as I pulled her by the wrist drawing her closer to me.

"Mi lady, are you mad at me?” My stare cut to hers, as she didn't react for a few seconds.

She gently removed her wrist from my grip as she took a few steps backward. I touched the bridge of my nose, wondering if she wanted to start avoiding me now.

“I'm not mad at you. I'm just disappointed in myself. I shouldn't have confessed to you. You will divorce me after one year, by the way. I just feel I am not the kind of lady you will fall for. I am…” I couldn't stop myself from jeering to her side, as I inched closer to her face before taking her lips, thus stopping her words.

Her words were making me feel uncomfortable, and I felt I should have lied to her this night. She felt shocked, as her body was stiff, with her eyes closed. I tugged her closer, my hands circling her waist, as her hands unconsciously found its way to my hair.

She moaned in my mouth, as I felt turned on instantly. Her hands did magic on my hair, as she brushed it lightly, as I felt sensational.

I broke away from the kiss, as she opened her eyes slowly. My eyes met with her pink lips, which looked quite irresistible, but I knew better not to kiss her again, as I was afraid it might lead to consummating our marriage.

"I will really appreciate if you stop talking about the divorce. How do you expect me to cope if you leave my life.” A light chuckle escaped her lips, as she looked down.

"Look at me, Ariel.” Her gaze met mine, as I let out a sigh.

"You are damn beautiful and attractive. The perfect epitome of a wife material. I really like you. And I'm ready not to fall in love with you, but rather to deeply love you. I hope you understand that your confession today does not change anything, except for my longing to love you instead. Don't make things awkward for us.” I let out as she embraced me, her hands holding firmly to me.

I hissed lightly, trying to block the fact that Ariel's body on mine was making me aroused sexually. I needed more grip on my self-control. I simply hugged her, my chin resting on her head.

"Thank you babe.” I smiled, feeling proud at heart.

We settled on the bed, staring at each other. She looked beautiful.

"I enjoyed today here. We should rest for tomorrow.” She made to stand.

"Mi lady, what transpired between you and your dad?” My question seemed to end her further movements, as she sat down.

"Can we not talk about it?”She asked, turning side way.

"I am your husband, Ariel. We need to know what is going on in our life.”I spoke, as she sighed.

"It just doesn't feel too fine. I feel betrayed. Promise not to betray me.”She held me tightly, as tears streamed down my face.

I felt stupid right now. I shouldn't have raised such a trivial talk now.

"I promise not to betray you. I won't.”I reassured, stroking her long hair slowly.

"My dad was a cheat who married my mum for her money. His other mistress was Samantha, my stepmother. My mum died while giving birth to me, making sure none of her properties touched the hands of either my dad or stepmother. Apparently, she knew about my dad's illicit affairs during her pregnancy. I couldn't wait that night he confessed to hear his remaining words.” She readjusted, resting her head on my shoulder instead.

"So sorry about that. How do you really feel?” I asked, as she gave a small smile.

If there was something I knew about Ariel was her attachment to her dad. It must have been really difficult for her. Not to mention that I did nothing but to make her feel worse by accusing her of having something to do with Damien.

"I feel relieved, saying them out in words to you. I still can't wrap my head around it. And yes, I am still avoiding my dad. I still hold a grudge against him, for not telling me all this while.” She stated, as she sniffed.

I gently cleaned her face with a handkerchief, as I rested my arms round her shoulder.

I felt for her, and it was at that moment I realized she felt volatile when heartbroken.

"It's fine. With time, you will be able to see the bigger picture. I wish I could do something to teach your dad a lesson, but I know you too well to be the gentle and loving Ariel.”She let out a small laugh, hitting me at my waist with her bare hand.

"You want to teach your father-in-law a lesson. I will sue you.”She retorted, as we both had to laugh.

The next few seconds went in a blur, with each one with his or her thoughts. I wanted to just embrace Ariel, just her in my arms. Her confession made me feel worthy of giving love a second chance. I promise to protect her this time with my whole life.

“What are you thinking?”I looked down at her, as I smiled.

"I was thinking about you. Aren't you feeling sleepy already?”I asked, as she hummed.

"Not really. Since you know something about me. I want to know something about you, too.” I chuckled, as she adjusted, her body leaving me.

She sat well on the bed, staring at me.

"What is happening between you and your father?"

I wasn't ready to reveal that part of me. My forehead creased slightly and for the second time today, I felt color drain off my face.

I felt speechless at that point.