Chapter 54: Chapter 54

RYAN POV

I couldn't stop getting mesmerized by Ariel, as we spoke. I was beginning to like this part of her, the flirtatious one.

It was more than the little things that drew me to her. The way she spoke, her lovely smile, the way her eyes sparkled with delight. The way her lips move whenever she speaks always leaves me speechless, and yearning for her to speak. Her voice is gentle, and crisp.

She was the perfect example of a virtuous lady.

I noticed her gaze on me from time to time. When our eyes meet, she always looks away shyly.

"Thinking about me.” Her eyes blinked as I made sure I was close to her.

She jeered back slightly, as my lips twitched into a mischievous smirk.

She rolled her eyes, and said: “Cocky much. Let's finish this food.”

I settled my eyes on her,keeping my hands together. .

"You are probably wondering how I would sneak up on you.” She bit my lips, trying to stop herself from blushing.

"Take your mind off the gutter. What if people are eavesdropping.” She cautioned, taking her last munch of the lasagna.

I let out a sigh before glancing around, as I raised my head to meet her eyes.

"It's fine. So, where should we visit today? Day 3 of being here, and I feel we are not having the fun we deserve.” I complained, giving out a disgruntled groan.

"Well, all your fault, Your Royal Majesty “She did a curt nod at him, as I chuckled.

I held my hands, lifting it to my mouth as I pecked the back of her palms.

"Apologies, milady. Meanwhile, I really want to appreciate you for being part of my life. You are special to me.” I acknowledged, as she smiled.

"Thank you for accepting me into your life.” She appreciated it.

We stood up, locking our hands together, fingers intertwined, feeling the warmth of her hands against mine.

We walked to the head chef, as Ryan left her with some information. It was as if we were the center of attention, as heads turned our way. Some even took pictures. So much of being among College students.

While in the car, Ariel couldn't stop listing out the number of places we could visit, and I was grateful I wasn't driving this time around. I gave her listening ears, complimenting her choice of taste and events or areas in Australia.

We finally got to a park, as we both got out of the car. I collected the keys from the driver, who excused himself, as he wanted to leave early.

Ariel looked at me one more time, before locking her arm with mine, as we walked towards the park.

The park was no doubt the best place ever. Beautiful sightseeing. I loved the cool and calm weather, radiating what I called CALMNESS.

Ariel couldn't stop laughing at some of my pickup lines which I gave as we took a stroll round the park.

"Enough with your cheesy lines. Can we get ice-cream?” She requested, as I nodded.

"Anything for my lady.” I winked, noticing the rosy pink color on her cheeks.

The way her arm was clung to me made me feel warmth and comfort. I would rather not let go, and I thought that was the same for her.

Noticing Ariel's gaze, as she stopped, I frowned slightly. I don't think she really felt comfortable seeing those two.

"We can just leave,” I whispered, as she smiled, turning to look at me, our faces inches apart.

At that moment, I felt my breath seize, as her brown eyes locked with mine.

"It is fine.” I kept staring, as if lost in a trance.

I wanted to tell her Lucille left a letter for her, but felt speechless. Was it me or does she look more radiant since we got to the park.

"Ahem.” Lucille faked a cough, breaking us or perhaps me from the trance. A quick one at that. And quite weird.

"How are you, Ariel?” Lucille stepped forward, stopping right in front of Ariel.

I gave a quick nod to Daniel, who reciprocated.

“I'm fine. Thanks for getting me drunk, yesternight. You gave Ryan a lot of work.”

I bit my lips, surprised at Ariel's words to her.

My brows creased as I wondered what was going on between the two. Don't tell me Ariel is trusting her step-sister again.

"Apologies.” Lucille stopped talking, taking a peek at me.

"Can I borrow your wife?”

All eyes were on me instantly, as I felt lost. I took a look at Ariel, who gave me a look to accept.

"Sure, I will discuss with your husband, while you are gone.” I responded, taking one last time to whisper to Ariel's eat.

"Be careful.” My voice low, only for her to hear.

She gave me one final look, with a small smile on her lips.

It is all up to her now. I finally let go of her.

ARIEL POV

The past few days with Lucille made me put myself in her shoes. She was robbed of love and affection by the woman who claimed to be her mother.

During our childhood, she was regarded as the black sheep and always at the receiving end. Samantha never forsake any opportunity to hit her.

She always had to depend on me to plead on her behalf, as I was regarded as the one closest to my stepmother's heart. All this broke her, and turned our supposed sibling love to hate and jealousy from her end. She believed I took her green light, letting insecurities set into her.

Lucille got both of us a cup of vanilla ice cream. I gave her a small smile, glad she was aware of what I liked. At some point, I didn't even know if I should still be close to her or keep my distance. Everything seems blurry.

"Thank you, Ariel. I really hope we can go back to being sisters. I really regret all my actions. And you have proved to be the best.” She rambled on all of a sudden.

We were sitting under the shade of a big tree.

I was lost in thought for a while, but didn't know how best to respond. I forgive easily but find it difficult to erase some memories off.

What if Lucille was pretending? Samantha could want to use her to get closer to me.

“It's fine. I just think we should take things slowly. You still need time to get rid of the hatred you had for me since childhood, and I still find it difficult to erase the memories of what happened in the past. Let's take time to heal.” I held her hands, as our fingers intertwined.

She smiled warmly at me, nodding slowly.

"I sometimes wish I could go back in time to change some things. I would love ….”

"If we keep thinking about the past, we will be stuck.” I interrupted her from speaking further.

"Leaving the past where it is, focusing on the present, is the best antidote to heal. Lucille, forgive yourself too.” She sighed, as she took a spoonful of her ice-cream.

She glanced, before staring at the sky.

"You are right, Ariel. Somehow, I am grateful we met here in Melbourne. It opened my eyes to plenty of things.” She paused, taking more of her ice-cream.

“My confession to Daniel yesterday led him to ask for my forgiveness. He promised to finally grow in love with me.” Her smile grew wider, as I felt my heart race.

I was happy for her, and really hoped Daniel would stick to his promise.

"That's good to know. All the best.” She beamed with joy, looking at me.

"Thank you. Meanwhile, I can see how love struck you two are. The glow is there. Don't give up on him.” I bit my lip, trying not to blush this time.

The thought of Ryan always makes my skin light up like a circuit board. The thought of him warmed my heart, even though I knew he was afraid to fall in love again.

"I won't.”

Silence broke in for a few seconds, both of us gobbling down the almost melted ice-cream, our tongue doing most of the justice to it.

"Just before I forget, did Ryan give you a letter?” I squinted, trying to remember.

"No.” I shook my head, as her brows raised slightly.

"He should. Read it when you are free.” I nodded, my mind hovering on what the letter was probably about.

My imagination got the best of me, as I wondered if Lucille wrote her secrets.

I shook my head, fighting off the negative energy on my head.

My phone beeped, breaking my thought, as I stared at my screen, only to see the most bizarre thing ever.

My jaw dropped and I was sure dismay was painted all over my features.

"I have to call Ryan."I mumbled, as my fingers clicked on his contact.

Lucille stared at me as she dropped her cup of ice-cream,drawing close to me.

"What is going on?"

I didn't answer, as I pressed my lips together, standing abruptly, my eyes scanning the park, with a partial glance at my screen.

"Hello, milady "His voice broke.

"Where are you?''I asked immediately, my voice suddenly reducing into brokenness. I was losing my voice almost instantly.

"Few meters from my car. Daniel and I are going somewhere. Was just about to call...."

"Don't go with your car."I felt silence at his end.

Lucille simply kept staring, lost already, as her facial expression spoke volume.

"Your car has been tampered with."I finally broke my discovery.

"WHAT!"Ryan almost screamed.

I felt a shudder pass through me.