Chapter 57: Chapter 57

ARIEL POV

Sleep deserted me abruptly, leaving behind a groggy and tired self. I pried myself off the bed and sat up. The previous night, suddenly appearing before my very eyes.

I remembered Ryan's fleeting,feather-light touches around my face and neck, his eyes staring into mine, the incredulous look on his face when he had felt the barrier of my innocence.

The way he spoke gently in my ears, to calm myself. It was a night I would never forget. It was blissful, pain first followed by pleasure.

I glanced sideways, as Ryan was not beside me. He was probably bathing. I gently lifted the duvet off my body, as I noticed the blood stain on the bed. I wanted to stand, but I felt weak and hungry.

The kiss, hugs, words of reassurance and the love making sends my body tingling with sensation. It was as if we bonded last night. A night meant to never be forgotten.

The bathroom door opened, as Ryan got out. My gaze lingered to him, as his body was wet, his blonde hair messy. His well-built body, as a towel was draped around his waist.

"Good morning, Mi Amor.”Ryan greeted, grinning.

"Good morning babe.”I turned my face sideways, trying not to meet his gaze.

I was suddenly shy.

He moved closer to me, sitting opposite me, as I felt heat warm up my cheeks. He leaned closer, pecking me on my forehead.

"I hope you slept well. “His fingers brushed mine, as I felt a jolt of sensation.

"Yes, I did. Trust you slept well too.”I swallowed, still unable to meet his eyes.

"Of course. The best night ever. Thank you, Ariel.”

I felt my breath almost hitch. Our gaze met. It startled me because lo and behold -his sexy eyes were back.

I found myself staring at his chest, which was definitely what I wanted to avoid.

"So tell me, what did you love about last night? Do you have any sexual fantasies you would want us to try out? What should I work on? Did I….”

"Ryan….”I called out, stopping him from rambling on.

"What? Tell me, please. As a married couple, we should enjoy making love together. I won't like to be selfish, by only pleasing my sexual desires without fulfilling yours.”He stated, his eyes warm and calm.

I felt my heart skip a bit. I felt light and happy, warmth clouding my body. I was glad he cared about how I felt. I thought he would never ask.

"I love everything about it. The way you spoke gently to my ears. Your feather touches, it was great. The kiss was passionate, and you were slow and steady.”I stated truthfully, as Ryan kept staring at me.

His mouth suddenly brought out a big smile. He was happy.

"Thank you."

I smiled, as I felt the need to ask what he expected of me.

"You know, you have a beautiful body.”My face turned crimson instantly, as I tried not to shift my gaze from him.

He moved closer, and I knew instantly he was up to something. I sneakily lifted my eyes to study his handsome features. Any woman would not be able to resist a man with his dashing looks, especially when he was being so gentle.

"I love how you moan softly.”I couldn't hold it any longer, as I laughed.

"You are slowly getting dirty with your words. Can you skip those parts?”I folded my hands, as he chuckled.

"Okay. But can you try not to be shy? We are a married couple, we should be free with ourselves.”I exhaled at his statement, remembering how I almost ruined the night because I was a little hesitant to flow along.

"I want the bold Ariel who wore lingerie to seduce me that very, very night.”I hit Ryan's shoulder, as he winked at me.

"I promise to make changes. Meanwhile, you should dress up. You will be late for work. And I'm deeply sorry I wasn't up on time to make breakfast.”

"It's fine. I made some sandwiches. You can microwave them.”He intercepted me for a quick peck as he stood.

"Thank you.”He waved it off, as he brought out some of his clothes.

In front of me for the first time, Ryan let down his towel, exposing his naked glory. He changed into his office wear in front of me. All I did was stare, the imagination filling my mind.

I was shocked and speechless. I raised my eyes, as it came in contact with a pair of blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He did it intentionally. All I could wonder was why I couldn't say a word.

As if in a dream, I watched him idly stroke the side of his nose. He blew me a kiss, as he began walking towards the door.

"Bye, my love.”Those were his last set of words, as the door shut behind him.

I felt my body bubbling like a happy child, as my heart felt fluffy, with happiness.

*********

How time flies. I could still remember when I clocked 24. I wrote out the things I wanted in a man I would marry. The things we were to take note of when we finally married.

It was as if Ryan were a blessing in that aspect. Perfect gentleman. He was the perfect example of the kind of husband I wanted, up to 80%. I was pleased with his words that morning, and couldn't stop thinking about it.

It really warmed my heart. It makes me wonder if truly this was his first time having sex. As far as I knew, the night he was to get laid, was when he had a disagreement with his ex-wife, thus preventing them from consummating their marriage.

All that doesn't matter, but the fact remains that he adored and cared about my feelings.

The doorbell rang, interrupting my pool of thought. I couldn't help but pray it was Ryan, as I had a smile on my lips like a happy bubbling child.

I turned on the knob of the door, without checking who it was from the camera. My happiness suddenly turned sour, as I came face to face with the person I never wanted to see. My father!

"Why are you here? Please, just leave.”I felt myself mumble, as the series of emotions I had managed to bury suddenly sprang up.

I wanted to close the door, but I suddenly felt weak.

"I'm sorry, Ariel. Please hear me out.”He folded his palms as he pleaded.

I was short of words, as I glanced at him. He was no longer on a wheelchair. Good for him.

"Milady, please let him.”My gaze flickered, as it settled on Ryan, who was walking towards us.

My eyes widened in shock, as I was furious, Ryan was behind this.

He reached to embrace me, as I jeered backward.

His face wore a sad one, as he creased his forehead.

"Please. At least for my sake.”I found myself lost in his eyes, as I couldn't resist any longer.

Before I could get lost in a trance, I quickly left to sit on a sofa.

I tried to breathe gently to calm myself. I shouldn't be angry. He is my father, after all. We all make mistakes. I should forgive him too.

I felt a comforting sense in me, as I thought over the voice in my head.

"Ariel. I'm truly sorry. Every time I look at you, my conscience keeps stabbing me. That moved me to confess to you. Please forgive me.”

I stared at him, taking in the noticeable change in him. He looked more agile and better. My gaze moved to Ryan, who had this puppy eyes on. He really was something.

Yet I needed to voice out what hurt me.

"I was furious you waited for over 25 years of my life before spilling the truth. Why? You knew about Samantha's plan to make me sign my properties into her hands, yet you didn't say anything.''I was hurt remembering that very night.

I was drugged, and almost died if not for the accident that happened.

"Ariel, I really wanted to, but I didn't want to lose you. It was selfish on my part to do that. Please forgive me.”He paused, as I felt light, realizing he was sorry about that.

"I didn't know about Lucille and Samantha's plan, not until that very night. I was still on a wheelchair, and the two guards kept their eyes on me. I was trapped. Please forgive me, my daughter.”

Tears streamed down my face as I stood up, walking towards my dad. I hugged him, as I let it out.

"I forgive you, dad. I love you.”He whimpered, as we hugged for a long time.

At that moment, I remembered a few lyrics of a particular song.

'WHEN I FORGIVE, MY HEART IS LIGHT. SO I FORGIVE AND LET IT GO. JUST LET IT GO'.

I have let go of my resentment towards my dad. My heart is light and happiness clouded my heart.

********

At night, Ryan couldn't stop complimenting me on how he loved the way I handled the scene that happened earlier that day. I told him it wasn't easy. At some point, I found myself blaming my dad for being the cause of my mum's death. With time, resentment built in.

It was really something I never wanted to think too much about. Dad left later on after having lunch with us. He promised to keep in touch with me. He wouldn't give up in trying to make me yearn to get the properties from Samantha. I wasn't going to give in to that.

I am happy and satisfied now.

I felt Ryan's arm tighten around me, and his breath blew in my ears, making me feel sensational. His hand lingered to my face, as I brushed it off.

"Not tonight babe."He chuckled.

"Alright. I have been longing to ask a question."He spoke, as I adjusted,meeting his eyes.

"Shoot, my darling."

"What could make you never to forgive me, or let go?"He asked.

I fiddled with my fingers for a while, summoning the courage to speak up.

"If you ever cheat on me, I won't be able to let go of that. You might as well kiss our marriage goodbye "His mouth dropped open, as he pulled me closer.

"I would never cheat on you,my love. I promise."

I felt a surge of excitement shoot through me and then a sense of comfort, just when I needed it most. Like this is where I wanted to be.....in Ryan's comforting, protective, and passionate embrace.

That very night, I slept in Ryan's embrace, his last set of words echoing in my head.