ARIEL POV
It had been close to a week after the incident that led me to being unconscious, and for some weird reason, I felt totally off with thoughts.
I tried calling the number, but it went into voicemail. Now, I can't reach my dad. I just hope he is fine.
The clicking sound jolted me out of my reverie, as I turned abruptly.
“Ariel, I hope you do not mind going in person to meet Ryan,”Mum said.
I haven't stepped foot in his company ever since the last time. Every morning, I make his breakfast and send it via the driver.
“Sure. I was thinking of going there today too.” I said half truthfully because it had been close to a week since I've seen him. Not only that, but I missed his cold face for some odd reasons.
“Good. Take care.” She left, as I arranged my small basket with Ryan's homemade food.
I hopped into the car as Mr. Walter drove. I felt nervous, and for this reason, I began to wonder if he liked my meal. Even though I was yet to figure out his favorite dish, I would still be more than happy to make meals for him. It was the little way I could say thank you to Mrs. Selina for taking me in as a daughter, and for Ryan for accepting me to be his future wife.
My phone beeped, as I picked it up.
“If you still want to see your father, meet me in the Finance department of your fiance company as soon as you can.”
Different thoughts clouded my innermost mind at the message. None-other than my stepmom. It only made me wonder if Ryan hadn't cut off dealings with my stepmom.
The car came to a stop, ending my thoughts for a while. I stepped outside, but was stunned by the sight of Ryan and someone else.
They were out of the company as their eyes landed toward my side. I sulked in my breath, wondering if I should greet them casually, most, especially Ryan.
I walked closer, as I reached towards Ryan, whose eyes bore into mine. I raised myself a bit, landing a peck on his cheek. He was frozen for a bit, but was quick to engulf me into a hug.
He is weird, I thought, allowing his scent to elude my nostrils. He smelled good as always.
We parted from the hug, and I could see the other person's face filled with a smile.
“Isn't this my friend, bride to be?” He placed his hand forward for a handshake as I shook it.
“Yes, she is.” Ryan simply answered.
“Ariel, I've heard countless beautiful things about you.” I chuckled, meeting his gaze for a while.
“Thank you.”
“Quit the complement. It is rare to see a gem as yours. You even cook for him. I tasted one of your dishes and I loved it.”
My heart skipped a bit at the compliment. I wish Ryan was the one giving such a compliment, but sadly, he doesn't talk-much.
“And I really think my friend here should appreciate you better. Shouldn't he?” He nudged Ryan's arm, who put a smile on his lips.
He cleared his throat, before meeting my gaze.
“Thank you for the meal, babe. I love it.” He confessed, and for a second, I felt his words echoing in my head.
The name and the fact that he loved my cooking made me glad. It was one of my first steps to winning his heart.
After all, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
“Thank you.” I simply said, suddenly becoming warm all of a sudden.
“Erm. Nick and I are branching somewhere close. I will meet you at the office.”
I waved Nick goodbye, liking his personality instantly. Since they are probably best friends, I was certain he was in the clique of helping Ryan see me in a better state. More like, someone, he could fall in love with.
I adjusted my gown, putting on my eyeglasses, as I stepped in. Mr. Walter collected the basket containing Ryan's breakfast, after I told him I wanted to visit the Finance department.
It was still around 9am that morning and there was no doubt everyone was doing their work. The lobby was less noisy, with most people sitting close to their computers.
“Hi Young Madam.” I stopped for a while, before meeting a pair of black eyes.
“Hi. Can you direct me to the Finance department."? She stood up, wanting to show me personally.
“Um. Can you please direct me from here?” I requested, as she told me my way around.
It was not far from where I stood.
Each step I took reminded me that almost everyone knew me as Ryan bride to be. Greetings with the title of Young Madam floated in the air, and I must confess my head might hurt soon due to the constant nodding in response to some greetings.
I stepped into the elevator, before walking out. Immediately I stepped out, I saw no other person but my stepmom. She was dressed in a jade blue floral gown, with gold jewelry.
She is rich now, huh? All thanks to my mum's properties. It was only for a short time,' I mused to myself.
“Ariel, dear, I missed you.” She made to hug me, but I stepped back, stopping her.
There were two ladies around, who were obviously staring at us.
My mum noticed my countenance, as she moved back a bit. Glad she still understood my language.
She beckoned me to follow her to one of the offices. The office was made of glass, making me wonder if it were her office here. I thought Ryan had canceled dealings with her.
“Wondering how I sneaked into the Finance department.” My eyes raised a bit, her question startling me a bit.
“Whatever. Where is my dad?” I glared at her.
She chuckled, walking towards the table. I stood still, my arms on my bosom.
“Patience child. No evil will come to your dad as long as you follow my orders.” She stated, her eyes scrutinizing me for some reactions.
“And what do you mean by following your orders?”
She picked her bag, walking towards me.
“It was because of you, Ryan called off the agreement between my company and his company.”
I scoffed. Seriously? Her company. Has she no shame? Such sheer audacity.
I closed my eyes, trying to quench the burning fire of anger and hatred in me. She really stopped so low.
“Tell me when that is done.” She walked out with a victorious smirk, as I only looked at her fading silhouette.
I spend not less than a minute at the office, before leaving. My mind was filled with the thought of how to make Ryan grant me that one wish.
“I learned she is the one that Mr. Ryan wants to marry.”
“Oh really? But I doubt if Mr. Ryan likes her. I meant that, it was only Miss Evelyn that caught the eyes of the boss that time.”
The two ladies a few meters away from the elevator gossiped, but it was no e of my concern for now.
After all, they were partly true, it was just a marriage of convenience. I shook my head, trying to dissuade the thoughts of Ryan.
I passed through another route, to Ryan's office, as I met him already sitting on his office chair.
“Please sit.” He beckoned, as I sauntered forward, taking my seat in front of him.
My eyes failed me, as I looked at the table. Silence enveloped in the air, for a while.
I raised my head, noticing Ryan's gaze on me. I felt timid under his scrutinizing gaze. It was as if he were reading me.
Wait. Was there a change in my countenance?
“You look moody. Did someone upset you?” I swallowed, his words registering onto my brain. He cared, well, at least a bit.
“I met my step mum. She blamed me for preventing a partnership between your company and hers.” I stated.
Ryan picked up a pen, scribbling down something.
“You seem more worried than just that. Did she threaten you?” I felt my legs turn to jelly. I began counting numbers in my mind to ease the tension building up.
“Yes. She has custody of my dad.” I finally looked at him, and I was sure sadness was written on my face.
I was not happy, knowing that my dad might be in some sort of danger.
He waved his hand.
“You do not have to worry. We will partner with the company.” I felt my heart giddy, a smile cresting to my lips instantly.
“Thank you so much.” He smiled in return.
“Meanwhile, you are not allowed to see your stepmom, unless you inform me first.” He warned as I assured to inform him first, anytime there was a cause for my stepmom request.
He opened one of the files as he brought out a big envelope, handing it over to me.
I collected it, wondering what was inside.
"What is this for?"I asked.
He leaned closer, his elbows on the table, as his hands braced his chin.
"That is our marriage invitation. We will be getting married at the Registry by next month end."
I felt my breath caught in my throat. Ryan was joking right?
I looked at him, and at that moment, I noticed the sense of truth in him. We are really getting married.