Chapter 79: Chapter 79

RYAN POV

I yawned for the umpteenth time, resting my head against my palms, as I tried to rob off the fogginess that filled me.

I haven't been able to have a proper sleep since Ariel left. It was frustrating to know that her presence served as an easy way of dealing with my insomnia.

The light, soft fragrance that comes from her body often drew me to sleep land in no time. But now, I end up staying almost through the night, tossing and turning.

I missed her.

I shook my head, typing the remaining set of instructions to my new Secretary,Josh,who replaced Chloe. He had been good so far. Punctual and up to the task. He was a good replacement.

I hit the send button as I rested my head on the chair.

I ruminate over the investigator's information, feeling every part of me in turmoil.

Was it possible Evelyn knew about this all this while? What if she doesn't actually have amnesia?

I swallowed once, trying not to overthink or make a conclusion. I had the necessary health documents and she had amnesia. Time will definitely reveal it all. For now, I just needed to fold my arms, patiently awaiting more investigations.

And if I do, I will really not temper justice with mercy. Whoever was involved in making me lose interest in LOVE will bear the consequences.

I stood up from my chair, glancing around my study room. I couldn't go to work today, as I was fragile. My mind was filled with sadness, and it felt as if my heart was heavy, making my chest heavy.

My gaze lingered on the small envelope containing a letter from Ariel. I saw it while cleaning the bedroom, yet I didn't have the courage to open it. My hands shook when I attempted to. It was weird, but staring at the Blue imprint of my name on the envelope increased the zeal in me to finally unlock what was in the envelope.

I performed the breathing exercise, taking grip on the envelope, as I gently tore off the top of it. I was relieved my nervousness left me, but still, I was curious about what Ariel wrote.

It's time to read it,' I encouraged myself as I opened the paper, revealing a letter.

Dear Ryan,

Every day reminded me of how much I loved you. I tried to see beyond your flaws, even as an imperfect human being. But I can't any longer.

My peace of mind is being rubbed off every time I realize you still find it difficult to choose between me and the other woman.

Maybe I am selfish, but I need a break. I love you, Ryan. I really do. I hope you eventually pick one of us- the one that will make you happy, love you for who you are, and most importantly, the one you truly love.

Your Amor

My chest tightened as I read through the letter. It was as if my heart were broken into a million pieces. I slumped on my chair and for minutes I thought I was slowly losing consciousness.

" I love you Ariel”,I wish she was here so that I can scream it out better for her to hear. But she was gone. I really went too far.

I stepped too much on her patience and love she showed me. Every so often, I think she won't ever leave me, but she has. At that moment, I remembered some of her words.

"It's alright to cry. It's alright to let tears drop from your eyes.”It was a reminder when Nick counseled me some weeks ago.

But at that moment, I let it out. Tears slowly streamed down my face.

'It hurts. Love hurts.'

I cried. I cried myself to sleep.

........

I got out into the living room only to realize I had visitors. Nick, Eva, and Kathleen were all seated, all engrossed in a conversation.

I cleared my throat, expressing my arrival, as they all turned to look at me.

“You are awake.”Nick stood, as he took steps closer to me.

I simply nodded, trying to think of a better way to sneak back in.

"Brother, can we get this clear? Where is my sister-in-law? Her lines are off and mum is worried.”I stopped abruptly at Eva's words, my heart beating in rhythm.

It wasn't even up to a week, and they will figure it all out. I tried to block off the number of slaps I might likely receive from my mum.

I glanced at Nick, who darted his eyes away. It was clear he had cooked up an excuse and they weren't buying it.

"Ariel left.”I broke up, raising my hands and then hitting it against my thighs out of exasperation.

My eyes met theirs as they looked awestruck. I feel my head almost wanting to throb out of its place right now.

"Wait, what? How? Did you two fight?”Kathleen finally spoke, as I groaned slightly.

These were some questions I have been wanting to avoid. I hate questions.

' Were you not treating her right? Did you beat her? You never loved her, right?

I held my head, trying to stop the many questions running through my head. I felt a hand on me as I went completely stiff.

I think I am going crazy. It suddenly felt suffocating.

"Calm down. Just breathe in and out gently.”Eva's soothing words calmed my nerves, making me wonder what happened a few seconds earlier.

Did I scream at them when those questions rushed into my mind?

They made me settle down, as Kathleen handed me a glass of water. I finished it up in no time, as I felt a sting in my chest. It tightened for a while, my lips twitched.

"Ryan, you haven't been sleeping.”Kathleen stared at me intently.

She must have observed this from the eyeballs under my eyes.

“And you Nick, what the hell were you thinking of keeping this a secret from us?''Kathleen busted out of anger.

I scanned her fingers and realized Nick hadn't made a move to place a ring in my sister's hand.

"I told him not to, Kathleen. And it wasn't his fault. In fact, he recently knew about it.”I quickly spoke as Kathleen, took one last glance at him before looking at me, worry embedded in her face.

"It's fine. What happened? I'm scared. You are scaring us.”Eva held my palms, her warm palm pressed against my cold self.

"She is probably tired of me. She left on the day of our one year anniversary.” I let out a humorless laughter, adjusting myself.

"This is definitely about Evelyn…" My brows raised a bit at Kathleen's words.

Even though it was obvious from her letter that she left because I was finding it difficult to choose between the two, I never thought it was that obvious.

"Yes, I can still remember the day we were with my sister-in-law. She wasn't happy. We tried comforting her that it was her you loved, but we never knew she would just leave with no trail behind.”Eva commented.

"According to my findings, someone seemed to have helped Ariel with leaving. She wasn't kidnapped and, most importantly, she is still in this country.”Nick, who hadn't spoken, finally said something.

My inside fluttered at the thought that Ariel was still around somewhere in the US.

"Make sure you find her as soon as possible.”I stated, as Nick nodded.

"Well, at least we know our sister in law is safe. The problem now is how to prevent mum from finding out. She would have followed us here if not for the fact that she received an urgent call from work. She even planned on visiting you at work.If mum knows about this, she won't be happy with you, Ryan.”

I sighed, reflecting on Kathleen's words. Mum loved Ariel like her daughter. She had made me promise to treat her well.

I promised her that, yet I have broken the promise. She would be furious. And her slaps? Gosh, I do not want to think about it.

"Eva, you are closer to mum. What do you think one can tell her?" I voiced out, as my stare cut to hers.

Her eyes widened a bit as she adjusted, her middle finger on her lips- an act she often does when thinking.

"Sister in-law is on vacation and will be back soon. I can't believe I would be lying.”She facepalmed, as she let out a groan.

“It's fine. Ariel is truly on vacation. Hopefully, Nick will find her out in time before mum finds it fishy. Meanwhile, I think Ryan should travel too. At least that would make it look believable.”Kathleen suggested, as I waved it off.

Knowing Ariel was not out of the country was enough to strengthen me and give me hope. I would rather not be farther away from her.

"I think I might know where Ariel is."

I almost jumped at Eva as she looked at me.

"She wrote about her personal love story with Ryan. She must have dropped a hint."

It was as if cold air passed through me. It was at that moment reality dawned on me. The story she always mentioned.

This was the last clue, and I really hoped it was going to reveal where Ariel was.

I find living frustrating without her......