Chapter 50: Chapter 50

ARIEL POV

Yesterday's episode kept running through my head like a marathon. It felt good and bad that I confessed my feelings to Ryan.

To be honest, I felt down a bit, he hadn't fallen in love with me. It was enough to dampen my zeal and my goal to help him see reasons why he can love me. But, he was gentle and loving. His words were like a calming soothe to my racing heart, his care, and attention like I owned the world.

But I was still angry at him. He refused to tell me about him and his dad. I could smell a conflict between them, but he wouldn't budge.

I sighed, as I noticed he was awake, his eyes slightly open.

"Milady, good morning.”His voice was low, and calm.

I ignored him, as I stood up, walking towards the mirror at the other end of the room. Our hotel room was quite spacious, making me wonder how much Ryan must have paid for our one week here.

"Hey, are you ignoring me now?”He sighed, as he yawned.

"You can order for your meal. I need to go for a walk.” I deadpanned

I noticed his facial expression suddenly surprised, as his mouth was slightly open. I sauntered to the door, as I gently opened and closed it.

I stopped for a while, as I found myself grinning. It was a good thing I left the room on time, or I wouldn't have been able to stop myself from laughing. He looked.....

***********

I locked arm with Ryan as we stepped into one of the most popular restaurants in Melbourne. The lighting was perfect, making everywhere glow with different colors. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

It was nighttime, as Ryan wanted to meet with some clients. We reached for the table at the rear end as I excused myself to visit the restroom.

After asking for direction from one of the staff, I began walking, trying to hold on to my gown, which was quite long. Ryan insisted I put it on, as it looked elegant on me. What could I possibly say?

I halted on my track, as my gaze met with the least set of people I expected to see. My fingers lingered away from my waist, as I unconsciously clamped it together.

"If it isn't the beautiful maiden?”Daniel, Lucille's husband, stated, his eyes roving from my head to toe.

I wish I could look into the future, and avoid this scenario, but it seems impossible.

"Good evening.”I finally spoke, as my eyes lingered slightly on Lucille and Daniel.

Her face had a little makeup, the blue gown she wore hugging her body perfectly. She looked different. A small smile danced round my lips, as I was glad Daniel kept to his promise of not maltreating her.

“What are you here for, step-sister? Hanging around to flirt with my husband.”My small smile suddenly went down, replaced with a frown.

What the hell is she saying?

Daniel glanced at Lucille, his eyes suddenly turning cold.

"Seriously Lucille? In what way is she flirting? You should be careful with your words.”His gaze met mine, as I quickly looked away.

"If not for her, do you think I would have to stop maltreating you? I'm leaving.”My eyes met with them, as Daniel worked on his jaws, and then walked away.

"Ariel. I…" I held my hand up to stop Lucille from speaking further.

"You can save it. I am pressed. I need to leave.”I didn't waste time, as I sauntered away.

I performed a breathing exercise, once I was done with my business in the restaurant. I stared at the mirror, the scene earlier, repeating itself in front of me.

A part of me felt happy Lucille was no longer maltreated, even though it felt weird that Daniel could succumb, just by a voice recording I took of him.

The other part of me simply wanted to distance myself from her, as I can't seem to forget the past. I didn't feel bitter or angry, which was enough proof that I had forgiven her.

I whispered to myself the common words I used to hear myself up. 'Be calm and keep going'.

My phone rang, indicating a message, as I checked it out.

My heart warmed when I realized it was from Ryan.

'I hope you are fine. I will be having a business meeting with some clients. You can sit at the other table and order. Apologies, milady'

I smiled, as I decided to check on him. As if knowing I was present, his stare cut to mine, as he smiled.

He was with some other men who were all in suits, and that also included Daniel, who was sitting beside Ryan.

His eyes followed Ryan as he stared at me.

I gently left the restaurant, wishing to explore the garden. I texted Ryan immediately, to inform him as I set out.

I breathe in the fresh air, as I felt calm. The garden looked beautiful even at night. From the light pole at each corner providing illumination, it looked more radiant than ever.

The trees, flowers looked greenish ever. The restaurant owner did a good job having a garden at the back of the restaurant. I loved it.

"You really haven't changed, have you?”

I spun around, a little startled as I held on to my chest. I steadied myself as my gaze settled on Lucille standing a few meters away from me.

Her mouth moves for a moment, but she says nothing. Eventually, she steps forward, so forward until she is a few inches away from me.

What is she doing here? I should be cautious,' I told my inner self.

"What do you mean?”I asked, regaining my voice, as I slowly let down my hand to my sides.

"You have always loved nature since we were young. You still do. You often mention how it helped you. It was theraupatiic to you. But to me, it was a waste of time.”

My eyes widened a bit, a bit surprised she still remembered about me.

She glanced slightly at me, before walking across the garden as she settled on a wooden chair with two chairs and a table.

I blinked, trying to call myself back to earth as I took steps and sat on the chair facing her.

There was a small lamp on the table, and everywhere seemed quiet except for the croaking sounds of frogs and…

"Thank you, Ariel.” Her words felt sudden as my stare cut to hers.

"Why are you thanking me?”I retorted.

I didn't really like where this was going.

"For everything. I hated you, but you never did.”

"And who told you I never hated you. You and your mother.”I raised my voice a bit, my arms round my chest.

"You can't lie to me. You never hated me. You were only disappointed.”And somehow, her words hit me well. She knew me well.

She was right. I never hated them. In fact, I had forgiven them. But why was she saying all this?

"Even when my mum and I threw you out and wanted you dead, you never tried to revenge. Why? “

Her question was enough to bring back memories. I closed my eyes gently and opened it, trying to erase my upcoming thoughts.

"What would be my gain if I revenged. I will only feel embittered and unhappy. Everyone will reap what they sow.”I stated confidently as her countenance changed briefly.

"Seemed you decided to be the bigger person. Just be careful, not everyone is happy about you and Ryan. Don't be too comfortable.”

Was she here to caution me or….

"Thank you for helping my husband to stop his illicit affairs as well as maltreating me better. I'm grateful.”

She looked away as she spoke.

"It's nothing.”I was beginning to get bored.

I didn't want to leave, but I guess I have to.

"I always get jealous of you since childhood. You were and still are beautiful. I always felt I was nothing but a shadow, compared to you. You swept people but young and old off their feet. Qualities I never possess, In short, I am not beautiful.” I couldn't kept my emotion at check any longer as her words shocked me a bit.

I wore a shocked look, hearing the emphasis laid on the last set of words Lucille said.

"Hey, who says you are not beautiful?” I asked.

"Everyone… It is just that they do not say it out loud. I am invisible next to you. My husband wouldn't even look at me. Dull, average, and in the middle. I am tired of being strong,” Lucille broke out, letting out all of her worries, at least, most of them.

She was still carrying around insecurities since childhood. And the weird part is that she is struggling with those insecurities, because of me.

I felt relieved she finally spoke. I couldn't help but long to comfort her. Gently resting my hand on her shoulder, I said:

"Let me first say that you are the most original girl I have ever met in my life. You are sassy, smart, and caring,"

She let out a smile, as she wiped her face with her palm, her makeup slightly wet.

"Deep down, everyone wants to be unique and appreciated, but remember that no one is perfect. After all, everyone has insecurities," I stated

"How do you act so perfect and strong,"she asked

"It is normal to feel that way. Remember that our creator loves varieties. Each one of us is unique, one way or the other. God does not compare you with others, so why should you? Strengths, weaknesses, or backgrounds should not disturb us.

We should see ourselves as God does, by doing so, we will have a strong mind neither thinking too much of ourselves," I enunciated each word, as she scoffed.

"Thanks for your lecture, but it doesn't help."I sighed, as I glanced at my watch.

I have to leave.

"I have to leave now. Ryan should be through by now."I stood up as Lucille did the same.

"This conversation does not mean I am friendly with you. I am still angry you took most of my childhood moments."Lucille lamented, as I scoffed.

"Your choice then. Keep wallowing in it. Goodnight Lucille."Without waiting for her reply, I began walking, not looking back.

Her words streamed down to my mind as it felt heavy and light.

What does she mean by her words: "Not everyone is happy about you and Ryan?."

Somehow Damien's words came to mind as I tried the knot together.

I felt my heart skip a bit, as I kept imagining the worst that could happen.