Chapter 78: Chapter 78

RYAN POV

I downed another glass of whiskey, heat crawling to my chest as it tightened. It burned my throat, bringing tears that stung my eyeballs.

I felt miserable, useless, and stupid. I allowed my confused self to get the best of me. I knew in my heart that I had pulled the last straw. Now, Ariel has left me.

She forgave me at different times, but I kept losing it. I was limping between two opinions. I was basically sitting on the fence. I wanted her and Evelyn, which was idiotic of me.

I am stupid.

My phone rang as I checked, realizing it was a message from Ma'am Claudia. I sighed reading the message as Evelyn seemed to be throwing a tantrum.

I felt chills down and instead of feeling angry at Evelyn, I blamed myself. I wish Ariel could have been more patient. Realizing I finally love her only made my heart hurt the more.

I tried to stand, as I felt weak and drunk. My eyes blurry for a few seconds. I closed it, prying off the fogginess that eluded me.

I should get to Evelyn's place. Maybe being drunk will help me to put her in the right place with my words. She had to understand I can no longer be there for her.

I needed to find Ariel.....

.......

It was quite a struggle as I drove the car. I had to use my instinct in defining the road. I was glad there wasn't traffic as I rode off. My eyes went blurry sometimes, but often ended up normal at some point.

It was weird, but my thoughts seemed clouded with memories of Ariel.

I breathe out, as I parked my car, my legs, and feet suddenly weary. I was getting weaker and sleepy, too.

My attempt to get out was cut short as my phone rang, stopping my movement. I groaned as I picked it, placing it to my ear, the moment I saw Nick's name boldly written on the screen. At that moment, I really wished it was Ariel that called.

Anyways, she can't run away from me. I will find a way to get her and make her mine.

"Ryan, are you there?”

I shook my head, as Nick's voice rang through my ear.

"Yes Nick. She left.”My voice trembled, as I almost felt it breaking off.

"Ariel?”He asked to confirm.

“Yes. She packed a few of her belongings along. She attached a note to our wardrobe. She left me, Nick.”I spoke, biting on my lips.

It felt as if a sharp pain went through me. I gripped on my phone, trying not to ugly cry.

"Are you drunk, Ryan? Wait, where are you?”Nick's questions led to a sad smile on my lips.

He really knew me well. I hicupped, as I placed my left hand on my mouth.

"I…. I am at Evelyn's.”I said, sighing for the umpteenth time.

"What the hell! Be careful or better still leave. I'm on my way. Just stay in your car.”With that, he hung the call.

I stepped out, feeling instant goosebumps as the air passed through me. Every step I took was out of impulse, as I was unstable. I kept tossing to and sideways.Taking steps in, the sitting room was quiet, as I walked into Evelyn's room. It was opened.

"You came. I missed you.”I turned abruptly, as my gaze met with Evelyn, who had a devious smile.

She looked different with a mini gown that barely reached her knees. I stumbled back, as she sashayed closer.

My eyes were slowly closing as I tried opening them.

I felt Evelyn's inched closer to me, as I pushed her.

“Stop. What, what are you doing?”I touched my head, feeling I would pass out.

I wasn't the best when it came to drinking alcoholic drinks or wines. I had a low tolerance, and now I regret it.

"What do you think? We should consummate. That's what a married couple do.”She stood up as I made for the door.

She blocked me, as she pushed me. My frail self hit the floor, as I made to stand, but failed.

I cursed, gritting my teeth.

Everything seemed like a set-up. Or was Ariel behind Evelyn trying to seduce. No matter what, I won't give in.

'Ariel will be the only woman I will lie down with all my life, even if deaths do us apart' I chanted in my head.

Evelyn stood in front of me, as she removed her gown, exposing her skin, with just a bra and pants strapped to her body.

"It is a good thing you are drunk. Let me guess: Ariel left you already.”She laughed, as I hissed, removing my eyes from her body.

I was determined to hit her if she came closer, and I meant it. If that was the last option to stop her from attempting to lie down with me.

Yet, I blamed myself for drinking too much to the extent of feeling frail.

The door flung open as Nick stepped in. With my blurry view, I watched as Evelyn scurried to cover herself with a wrapper. I closed my eyes, my head banging, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

"Aren't you ashamed? Trying to force him to have sex with you. You are shameless.”Nick stated, as Evelyn grumbled.

They threw words at each other, and slowly my body gave in to the dark, my eyelids closed, as I fell unconscious, the sound of the voice like an echo until it finally faded away….

****

I cradle closer to the pillow, as I shut my eyes. I let out a breath, as I tried opening them, a pang of pain hitting through my forehead, prompting me to ease.

I turned abruptly, rubbing off the fogginess of the remaining sleep in my eyes, as I opened my eyes wide. I leaned, resting on the bed, as I became familiar with my environment.

It was the bedroom, Ariel's and I, the thought suddenly bringing back memories which I thought I hid, disturbing thoughts plaguing my mind.

Everything rushed in, frail reminders filling in of Evelyn's attempt to seduce me.

I was grateful that Nick came to my rescue because it wasn't easy being drunk and having self-control.

This is a little reminder not to get drunk again. It didn't do well in numbing the pain of Ariel's absence, but rather it aggravated it. It was a temporary relief that brought back a double dose of pain. Finally, I was back to square one. The reality - Ariel was no longer with me. She left.

The door opened as I squinted my eyes, my gaze landing on Nick, who had a tray in his hands.

“You are awake.”He dropped the tray beside me, as he sat down.

He handed me a glass of water, as I readjusted myself, holding the glass, as the excruciating pain hit again. I hissed.

"I guess this would teach you never to get drunk again.”He reprimanded as I didn't give a response.

I didn't need anyone to remind me of that mistake of mine.

I downed the cup of water as I placed the glass back on the tray.

"Here, try these sandwiches and tea. Afterward, you can take a pain reliever.”I nodded slowly, as I took a bite.

It felt heavy in my mouth, as I forced it in. I was sure that Nick would have noticed the look of distate on my face.

I attempted the second and third bite, and decided to put a stop.

"I give up. This food tastes odd.”I stepped out of my bed, as I felt a sharp pain.

Nick collected the tray off my hand, as I sat back.

"Eat more. It is just a sandwich and tea. You can't take any drugs without eating properly.”Nick complained, as I waved my hand off.

"I can't eat more unless you want me to vomit. I think you need to work better on your cooking skills. There is a special way Ariel prepares my sandwiches.”I voiced out, troubled about how long I could keep up with not eating Ariel's meal.

He sighed, and I really hope he wasn't tired of me already.

“It's fine. Drink tea and take the pain reliever.”I glanced at him, as he spoke, a reminder went across my mind.

I took the tea and drank. It tasted unusually sweet, so I didn't eat much. I swallowed two of the pain relievers, letting out a breath of relief afterward.

"Thank you, Nick. I really don't know how else to be grateful to you. You are a great friend in times of distress.”I stated, as he smacked my mouth.

My brows raised at him hitting me.

"That is for getting drunk and making me clean up your mess. Evelyn seemed quite determined to have sex with you.”He voiced out, raising his hands.

I suddenly had a sour feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"I will find something to do about it. I needed to figure out something. Thank

you for helping me out. I really appreciated.``I smiled at him, as he gave a thumbs up.

"And Ariel?"

My heart thumped at the thought of that name.

It resonates deep inside me, a little smile suddenly crept to my lips.

"I already hired investigators to trace her. She was quite wise. She left all her gadgets and even her necklaces and ring which had trackers in them. She really wanted to leave me. I fucked up."I hit the bed, my fingers warring into my hair.

"It will be fine. I know Ariel will be back. She probably left because of Evelyn."

And just like that it hit me. I received an email from Mr Martin but never checked it because of my mood yesterday.

"I will be back"

Nick carried the tray, leaving me alone in my trail of thoughts.

As I clicked on my email, my heart hammered as the message stared back at me.

"The fire outbreak was set up. Evelyn never died. More discoveries to come."

My hands shook, as my eyes widened with shock.

I had just one question in mind:

"Who was behind the set up?"