Chapter 74: Chapter 74

RYAN POV

It was always relieving to know the kind of wife I had. Patient, loving, and kind. She was the perfect wife material. And even when things weren't really balanced between us, it didn't stop the respect she gives to me.

Ariel and I had been invited to a family dinner by mother, and it was enough to remind me that I hadn't made the necessary steps in apologizing to Ariel.

After discovering it might be someone who was close to me that caused my misfortune right from the beginning, I tried my best not to think of anyone in my family. To me, it was a waste of time.

Nick had further assured me not to attempt to overthink it, but simply wait for Mr. Martin to investigate thoroughly. It requires patience, and I hope I can be that patient.

The car door opened, breaking my thoughts, and I glanced at the intruder.

My mouth dropped slightly open, as Ariel stepped into the car, that familiar scent of hers wafting through my nose. My heart stuttered, as I kept staring at the beauty in front of me, the car light illuminating and doing little justice to her look.

"Can we move now? We would rather not keep your family waiting.”She reminded me, as I swallowed.

She was right.

"Of course. You look beautiful, Milady.”I voiced out, our eyes locked for a few seconds.

She turned abruptly, her eyes looking outside. I felt my throat suddenly dry, at her ignoring me.

I knew she was mad at me. After all, I had been the bad egg for some time now. I really gave her accolades for still being caring despite my cold act.

She was always there to cook my daily meals, even when I told her not to. She hesitated that it was her duty as my wife, and it was my choice to either dispose of the food or eat it.

In the end, with a heavy guilty conscience, I always eat the food.

"I apologize for my past mistakes. I avoided you, without any proper explanation. I haven't been a good husband and I know you are mad, Ariel. It is just that I had my reasons for this.”I stated, breathing out gently.

She turned to face me, as my heart skipped a bit. Tears were threatening to fall off her eyes.

"For what reasons? Tell me. I thought we were husband and wife, weren't we? We should communicate, not neglect each other. We are one, Ryan.”

She sighed, her hands tapping her laps gently, an act she indulged in to stop her nervous self from exploding.

"I am guilty. I didn't intend to hurt you, especially knowing fully well you love me, but I realized how stupid my decision was.”

Her eyes glinted with optimism, as she yearned to hear more.

"I thought creating distance will help me sort out myself. I tried to annul my marriage with Evelyn, but she refused. I really wanted to be with you always, but tend to feel guilty being around you when I know Evelyn was still there. I felt I was hurting you, by being close to you, whereas Evelyn was still in the picture. I'm sorry, Mi Amor.”

As light as a balloon, my chest felt less heavy, as I said those words to Ariel. Her stare cut to mine, as we kept staring at each other, until she made that move. She leaned closer, her lips slowly brushing mine.

I almost felt breathless, as I took her lips into mine, a sensation jolting through my body. It had been a while we had kissed, and it felt like forever.

I slowly released her lips, as our foreheads rested on each other, both of us breathing.

"I understand babe. Promise never to create a barrier between us regardless of what.”I smiled, giving her a swift peck.

"I promise. Thank you so much for being the best in my life.”I said truthfully, as her face reddened.

"We should leave.”I nodded, as I did justice to taking us to our location.

We listed a lot on what we have missed together as a couple. It was fun and beautiful, and I love every part of it.

Before getting to my family house, I revealed everything about Evelyn, the investigation I carried on her. She assured me that she would always support me no matter my decision.

*****

I had thought mum would scold me the moment we entered the living room, but she looked rather excited to see Ariel. I was glad too, my hands holding firmly to her, as if she would leave me at any time.

I was happy tonight, and Ariel wasn't an exemption, her smile radiating as she spoke to everyone except my dad, who had a cold look on.

I did little to nothing in paying attention to him. Just seeing him was enough to raise my thoughts, but then I reminded myself that he was the least of my problems now.

We ate, each one bringing something to talk about.

"Ariel, you really love Ryan to still have your ring on every day. At least every time we meet, it is always on your finger.”Eva voiced out, as I felt warm in heart.

Ariel's eyes lingered to mine as I winked at her. She blushed, gently dropping her cutleries, as she cleared her throat.

"The marriage ring symbolizes our union. I'm always happy to wear it. And Ryan had been doing a good job in wearing it too.''Ariel simply stated, as Eva gave her a thumbs up.

"It's so beautiful to see you two happy.” Dad suddenly spoke out of the blues, making everyone's gaze at the table turn to him.

"Thank you father.”Ariel responded, and I really did my best not to roll my eyes.

If only Ariel knew his words were sarcasm. He wasn't happy with the both of us, at least me.

"Ariel, you really love my son, and I am so proud of you. Meanwhile, I hope he isn't hiding anything from you.”He spoke further, anger slowly burning in me.

My hands formed into fists, as I glared at him.

"Nope. I trust my husband.”Ariel replied, as she slowly touched my thigh.

I felt calm at her lingering touch, as well as the jolt in my body. It felt like seduction.

I quickly held her hand, lifting it off my thigh.

"This is a happy moment, Bryan. We should continue eating.”Mum said, as everywhere seemed quite tense.

"Of course, fine by me. But I have a question for Ryan. How long do you intend to be with Evelyn and Ariel? Are you playing games with her?”

It was my turn to be speechless, as I dropped the grip on my fork, my appetite drowning instantly.

My eyes lingered to my mum, who doesn't look happy, her face wearing a frown.

"I thought you were no longer with Evelyn,Ryan. Are you still seeing her?”Mum questioned, her eyes throwing daggers at me.

"Mother, it is Ryan and I who decided that he should keep seeing Evelyn, until she could recover fully from her amnesia. Ryan never hides anything from me. In fact, we had both met Evelyn on different occasions. Ryan is always there for me. This is temporary, and we will really appreciate it if others don't meddle in our marriage life.”

The silence reached the four corners of the room, as Ariel spoke. I was stunned, as her hand slowly creased mine softly.

"It's fine. I thought you were oblivious to it. My apologies.”Ariel gave a small smile at mum.

I glared at dad, who had a mischievous smirk on his lips. It is only a matter of fact before I deal with him in my own way. I was determined to do that.

Ariel and I left immediately, as we both lost our appetite. The car ride was silent as she had her head rested on the window, her eyes closed.

There was no doubt I was beyond happy she came through for me today. She defended me when I felt lost for words. She was truly a rare gem.

I kept glancing at her, my thoughts clouding with appreciation and gratitude that I had such a wife. But just then, it stabbed me that despite being unfair to her, she loved me.

She woke up as soon as my car stopped. Not waiting for me, she left as I sat thinking of that night, as it replayed in my head. It was a beautiful night, but I really hope she wasn't offended.

Ariel doesn't like it when third parties linger on our personal life. According to her, issues should be settled amicably between couples without any other person interfering. To her communication was one important key in a marriage.

She must have been stunned that my family knew about Evelyn, or maybe she wasn't. I couldn't tell.

My legs found my way to our bedroom, as I saw Ariel sitting down as she stared at a small calendar in her hand.

I sat beside her, as I brought her closer to me. She smiled at me,.

"Thank you so much Mi lady. I owe you a lot."I intercepted her for a quick kiss.

"It's nothing. We are a couple, remember? It seemed your family accepted Evelyn so much."She stated, as I hummed.

"Not really. My dad and mum were against our marriage at first, but they later accepted. It's a long story. Meanwhile, what are you staring at?"I asked, as she looked at the calendar.

"Nothing much. I need a favor from you Ryan."

I nodded, urging her to go ahead.

"I want you to be available tomorrow evening."I chuckled at her request.

"Why though?"I raised my brows at her.

"It's a surprise."I smiled widely, as I leaned closer.

"You know, I missed you so much."I let out sexily, as Ariel smiled.

"Hey, no touching till tomorrow. I'm a little bit tired tonight."I nodded, embracing her, as she reciprocated.

"I promise to be home early tomorrow evening."I spoke,reassuring her.

We spend the night, whispering words into each other's ears, and enveloping ourselves in a warm embrace.

It was a beautiful night. One I hope will continue to last longer