Chapter 55: Chapter 55

ARIEL POV

That ended our one-week honeymoon abruptly. Mum wouldn't stop disturbing Ryan to bring me back to the States. Ryan gave in 2 days to the allotted one week we were to spend, as we boarded a flight back.

Ryan was furious, as he could not get footage. Whenever I thought about the fact that someone is after either one of us, it crept the hell out of me.

Even when I insisted we could spend our remaining days, Ryan didn't buy my idea. He was anxious about my safety, most especially.

It makes me happy to know he cared about me. I like how his facial and body expression shows it.

And he did his possible best to lift my mind off the incident. Apparently, there was no trail whosoever to who must have tampered with the brakes. As for the message I received anonymously, it somehow got deleted off my phone within a twinkle of an eye. It almost made it difficult for Ryan to trust me.

I got a million calls from Eva, who was distressed. We were able to keep the incident from the others. Basically, Ryan gave an excuse which got her mum sympathizing with me. She blamed and scolded Ryan.

He had me promise not to tell his mum about what happened as her mum will be overly anxious. I simply had to smile, hoping Mum won't mention it again.

I stared at my laptop, trying to work on my chapter outline for my book:'RYAN AND I' LOVE STORY. But somehow, my thoughts kept getting intercepted.

I stood up to get chocolate biscuits, but halted as the doorbell rang. Who could be that?

Ryan had the keys to the mansion. He is probably playing his hide and seek game with me. A small smile crept to my lips, as I took strides to the door. I opened the door.

My eyes widened, as I came in contact with a young guy in his late teens. He was tall with jet black hair, and a box in his hand.

"Hi ma'am. I am a delivery guy. This is from someone special to you.” He handed the box to me.

I was a bit skeptical about accepting,but I knew no one could gain easy access here except Ryan knows about it. I accepted the box, signed it and said goodbye to the delivery guy.

I was beyond excited to know what was inside the box. I gently locked the door behind, as I found my way to my bedroom.

Placing it on the bed, I opened it with extreme caution. My mouth dropped open in awe.

I picked up the letter embodied in a well-designed envelope, settling it beside the box.

I reached out for the gown in the box, as I pressed it against my body. It looked beautiful. A turquoise blue gown with stripes. It looked elegant and simple. The blue shoe wedge that came with it was a beauty and I loved it.

I smiled, warmth spread across my heart at Ryan's gesture. Maybe he had an event today,' I thought.

I reached for the envelope, as I looked at the content of the letter inside.

It reads:”Mi Amor, trust your day was good. Mine has been beautiful, just as your radiant personality.”I stopped reading as I blushed at that part.

"I guess you must have seen my small package. I hope it fits you. Will you like to be my date tonight for my uncle's wedding anniversary?”I smiled, as I took my phone to send a reply.

"Thanks for the gift. I love you. And yes, I would like to be your date tonight.”I was about to hit the sent button when it occurred to me, the second sentence I used.

Ryan was not yet in love with me. I erased the 'I LOVE YOU' part, as I hit the sent button.

I felt down a bit, knowing I couldn't express my feelings freely, but glancing at the gift, I felt warm with special gratitude to Ryan. I hope my love for him will be reciprocated one day. I long for the day he would finally say:' I LOVE YOU'.

*******

The dress and shoes fitted me so well. I took my time to dress up well, my hair styled, as it fell over my shoulder, just the way Ryan liked it. I had light makeup on, with a lip gloss slightly smeared on my lips.

Ryan opened the car door, the instant I came out of the house. He was waiting outside. I admired his outfit, taking in his Artistic look. He was dressed in a navy-blue shirt and trousers with a waistcoat that held to his body perfectly.

I stepped into the passenger seat, as Ryan stepped in beside me.

"Good evening, Mr. Walter. Trust you are good, sir.”I greeted.

"Yes Ma'am, Ariel, I had a good day. You look beautiful tonight.”I smiled at the compliment.

"Thank you sir.”

Ryan asked Mr. Walter to drive, as the car began moving.

I glanced at Ryan, who rolled his eyes at me. He quickly intercepted me with a quick peck on my lips, winking at me.

I chuckled as I hit Ryan slightly on his chest.

He moved closer to me, as he placed his shoulder round my neck. I sneakily lifted my eyes to study his handsome features. He was the perfect loving man.

"Have I ever told you something?”He whispered, his soft voice sending instant goosebumps down my body.

"What?”My voice came out slow, and quiet.

“I have to admit that your face always looks fresh and elegant. Even in Canberra, a city teeming with beautiful women, there are hardly any women who look naturally beautiful like you did.”I burst into laughter at Ryan's words.

I hit his chest, as he kept his normal look on.

“Stop being cheesy, babe.”

He shook his head, as his fingers pushed away the strands of hair on my face.

"I am telling the truth.”I felt my heart skip a bit.

His smile grew wider, as I tried to stifle my laughter.

"You are the most handsome man I have ever seen.”I confessed, as I nestled closer to him, our heart synching in beats.

Ryan's uncle's house was no doubt full of so many people. businessmen and women, most importantly Ryan's family. I literally got swooned away by Eva, as we talked over a glass of wine.

"I've missed you.”She almost screamed.

"I've missed you too.”I replied.

We talked for a long time. I must confess it was enough to keep my mind away from my dazzling husband who kept moving from place to place, greeting almost everyone at the party alongside mum.

"Aww, I feel like getting married soon.”She swooned, as I laughed softly.

I inched closer to her.

"So, do you have a boyfriend?”I asked, as her face reddened.

"Yes. He came to the party. We are still keeping it a secret, though.”She whispered back, as I nodded, taking a sip of wine.

"Wow. Who is the fortunate guy?”I winked severally as she chuckled.

"Ahem… His name is Damien. The gentleman we met at your step-sister's wedding.”My face turned grim, my heart skipped a bit.

I was speechless, as I kept staring.

"You have known right. I have got to jet.”She hurriedly left, not waiting for my response.

I felt somehow heavy, and decided I needed a distraction.

I looked around as I noticed the staircase in the house, leading to the balcony.

I glanced around as I noticed Ryan still speaking with some of his business clients. So much for leaving me. He won't go Scot free.

I quickly sent him a message, informing him about leaving for the balcony upstairs. I do not want him to get worried.

I began taking my walk up the stairs, trying not to focus on Eva's confession.

I halted the moment I reached the door that led to the balcony. A man's figure resting on the rim of the rail. I decided to leave, but wasn't fast enough, as the familiar voice spoke.

“You are here.”His eyes met mine as I nodded.

"Yes. What are you doing here?”I asked, still maintaining the distance between us.

He faced me fully, as he breathed out.

"My friend is your husband's cousin. I got invited.”I hummed quietly.

I wanted to ask questions, most especially why he was in a relationship with Eva. It doesn't feel right.

"Seems your honeymoon didn't end well. You should be more careful, Ariel.”He mumbled, as I managed to pick up the words.

My brows furrowed, as I wondered if he was the one who tampered with the break.

"You. Were you the one behind what happened in Australia?"I asked, as he raised his hands in the air.

"I swear I didn't.."He paused, as I gazed intently at him in the eyes, searching for the truth.

I exhaled, folding my arms.

"Are you still stalking me? Do you know who was behind it?"I rasped out as he chuckled lightly.

"I wasn't stalking you. They are still after your life. As for the person behind it, I have no idea."He confessed, as my chest only felt tighter.

He took a few steps forward.

"I no longer hold any grudge against your husband. I am beginning to like his sister, weird enough.Be careful Ariel."He began walking away, as I stood fixated at that same position, my legs stuck to the ground.

"Ariel."He called out, as I turned abruptly.

"An enemy from the past is coming. Your bond with Ryan should not be one sided or you will be at the receiving end."

My heart felt heavy, and I was sure dismay was painted all over my features.

Who is the enemy from the past?