Chapter 80: Chapter 80

RYAN POV

Fear, happiness and the sense of probably figuring where Ariel was,gingered me as I found my way down to our bedroom.

My ears ignored Eva's voice as she took slow strides behind me.

"We can read it on my phone.”My hand halted for a while, resting on the door handle.

I opened it anyway, letting it open as I found my way to Ariel's laptop. I stared at it for a while, as I put it on.

"Seriously brother. I'm still at the 65th chapter already. It wouldn't take me an hour to read through to her last chapter.”She whined, as she settled on the chair in front of Ariel's laptop.

Ariel left all her gadgets including her laptop.

I ignored Eva, hoping the laptop could boot on time. I was getting out of patience. And come to think of it, I should be angry at Eva. She should have followed up on Ariel, but she slacked and was at the previous chapters.

"And why were you still in the previous chapter?”I asked, as she tapped on the keyboard.

"Work. If I had followed up, I would have stopped my sister-in-law from taking this step. I'm distressed about you, brother.”She turned abruptly, her eyes on mine, as I rolled my eyes.

"Just go to her files.”

"Oh right!”She continued pressing as I ran my hand through my hair, hoping to ease the tension building in me.

"You know, The last chapter I read, she mentioned how you were such a good kisser. I'm glad I started reading the book a few weeks ago. It helped me to see more of your good qualities, Ariel highlighted. Sister-in-law really loved you.”

My hands formed into fists, as I tried to stop the emotions that flowed through me. I blushed, my stomach slowly churning with emotions I could not decipher.

"Scroll to the last chapter.”I instructed, as she scrolled through and clicked on it.

My heart pounded the moment the last chapter was opened, as I stared at the screen in front of me.

I leaned closer, taking in every word of the chapter as if I were trying to imprint it in my mind. It was heartbreaking to read.

I sighed as I simply sat on the bed, my mind troubled. Guilt eats me up, my throat slowly getting dry.

"Don't beat yourself too much, brother. She will be back.”She advised, her words felt like a future impossible tense.

"I fucked up, Eva. I should have paid more attention to my wife, but I shared it with Evelyn. Every time she raised it up, I ignored her. I simply cut off or change the conversation. I don't blame her.i blame myself”

I closed my eyes, trying not to ugly cry. Ever since Ariel left, I have been quite emotional. I was no longer the cold, deviant CEO who hardly smiled. She had really changed me......

"You have realized your mistake now. You do not have to beat yourself. Remember the last line of the chapter.”I raised my head, my memory returning to Ariel's written words.

They were straight and direct. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if they should breed hope in me.

"I am not far away. I will definitely be back. True love will conquer at last.”I mused, as I sniffed in.

"Brother, don't worry too much, ?" Concern laced Eva's words, as I simply nodded.

Her words were soothing enough, and slowly I was calm, but still needed time alone.

It was an abrupt end. Ariel promised to continue the novel, but didn't indicate when. If there was going to be a sequel, would I be part of it? I undoubtedly will because I will find Ariel at all cost, confess my love for her and make her come to my life again.

My resolution became stronger, and I was no longer downcasted, at least for now.....

#TWO WEEKS LATER

I hit the table slightly, my thoughts running wide, as I stared at the email I received from one of our partnering companies.

They reminded me of their get-together and it was compulsory I come with a date.

I simply groaned, as I turned off my phone. I checked my wristwatch as it gave a clue for me to leave my office.

I would be meeting Mr. Martin for the briefing on the investigation he carried out since the night of my wedding with Evelyn, over 3 years now.

I was more than eager to get to the private restaurant we were to meet. Even though I asked him to send the details to my email, he refused as he claimed it would be best if we met.

I got there in no time as I got to the private part if the restaurant. Dressed in a black overalls, speaks more of his personality. We shook hands, exchanging pleasantries just like old times.

"Before providing details about the investigation, how is your marriage going?”The words rolled out of my mouth, before I could stop it.

"Fine, Mr Ryan. My wife and I are no longer separated.”I smiled at his words, my heart tingling at the thought of Ariel.

"Here are the details of the investigation I carried out, but do promise me Mr. Ryan that you will be patient and won't act hastily.”My brows creased as my gaze met with his eyes.

I suddenly felt my body trembling not because I was clueless but majorly caught by the fear that whatever it was could really make me do the wrong thing, especially if truly someone close to me was behind the scenes.

My lips twitched, as I breathed out gently, Ariel's words slowly coming into action in my mind.' Be slow to speak, quick to listen, slow to anger.'

And just like that, I was composed again.

"Please go on, Mr. Martin. I promise to thread carefully.”I braced forward as he handed the files to me.

I opened them, and my stomach suddenly churned at the set of words that I came across.

"The person behind this all is your Father, Mr. Bryan Ackers.”My eyes lingered from the file to Mr. Martin, his lips moving, and my heart beating.

I decided to listen to him, hoping it would ease the pain I was slowly feeling.

"Please go on.”I encouraged, as sudden coldness suddenly flooded me. I clamped my hands together instantly.

I should have known he would be the one behind it. Someone should keep chanting Ariel's words as a mantra in my mind. My promise to Mr. Martin might slip.

“Apparently he had been dating Miss Evelyn for over 4 years now. They were in a secret relationship. That part was really difficult to dig out.”

My mind flashed back to that time, as it was around that period, I was still convincing Evelyn to make our relationship work into a marriage. But she never agreed. We dated for a long time. I was In love with her and waited for her. I was stupid.

I slammed on the table, every part of me built with frustration.

"Please be calm, Mr. Ryan.”Mr Martin counseled, as I only felt anger welling up inside me.

"Please tell me more.”I gave a smile, adjusting myself as I looked into his eyes.

I wasn't going to break down. Not now, not ever.

"The night of your secret wedding with Miss Evelyn, the house caught fire soon after you left the house. It was that night, Miss Evelyn was snuggled out of the house. Thus, making you believe she really died in a light accident.”

My throat burned with the truth revealing, and I wasn't certain how long I would be able to hold up. And that was when it hit me. The autopsy was carried out on her burnt remains.

As if noticing my change in demeanor, he spoke further.

"The body remains were fake, and the autopsy was fake too. I should have figured it out, but everything was quite discreet. I didn't dig in too much then. After all, the autopsy was carried out in the hospital Mr. Bryan was heading. The doctor behind it was bribed by your father to alter the report.”

As if that weren't enough, his words hit me more, and I thought I would break down.

Everything was my father. I should really ask for mum's forgiveness as I felt she might have been behind it. She was against my marriage with Evelyn. She never liked her.

"Not bad. Thank you so much, Mr. Martin. I have to leave now. Send the remaining report to my office. I have to go now.”

Without waiting for him to speak, I took long strides out of the restaurant burning with anger, the mantra in my mind suddenly having a low effect on me.

I ignited my car, my hands fixed firmly on the steering wheel. I almost thought I would lose control.

My mind kept glaring to pay a visit to my dad, but I knew in my heart I might end up committing murder so I decided to go to Evelyn's.

There wasn't much to tell, as I knew for a certainty Evelyn was only pretending to have amnesia. She had been pretending all this while. She never loved me. I was only a tool for their game.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry but today will be the end of it. I'm definitely getting to the root of this.

The apartment was opened by the time I got in. I gave myself some accolade for not having been on top of my voice since I stepped in.

Everywhere was silent, not until I got into the sitting room, closer to Evelyn's bedroom.Facing the door in front of me, I paused not until I heard a strange voice or perhaps, moans. I couldn't wait any longer as I pushed the door wide open.

My breath hitched at the sight in front of me. My eyes widened in shock, at what I saw,my throat suddenly dry.

I watched as dad thrust into Evelyn, their naked bodies colliding and covered with sweat.

It was the most disgusting thing I ever saw...