ARIEL POV
Every step we took toward the garden reminded me of many things. It was my final night here. It was time to start thinking of being a married young lady. Furthermore, it was a dream I never expected to come through this year.
The night was quiet except for the croaking of frogs. But still, it was peaceful. The neon lights in the garden were something I always looked forward to when I visited the garden here. It was a beautiful sight.
We finally sat on wooden chairs, as we faced each other, thereby putting a pause to my thoughts.
“Ariel. How do you feel today?” Mum's question was enough to make me imagine how my day went by.
I put on a smile. “I felt good. Even though it was an arranged marriage, It didn't feel forced. I am glad to marry someone like Ryan. I hope our marriage works out.”
I wasn't sure what led to those answers I gave, but it was simply the truth. Getting married is a relief for me, at least for now.
The smile on mum's face brightened. She adjusted herself, as she brought out a small book from the pocket attached to her gown.
Curiosity was no doubt in my mind, as I began to wonder what the book was all about. She opened my right hand, as she placed the book on it.
My gaze flickered from the book to her, as she let out a sigh.
“What is this, ma'am?”
“It is a small diary containing everything that will help you win the heart of Ryan.” I felt my inside, suddenly having a fluttery feeling.
Few tears dropped down my face, as I cleaned them with the back of my left palm. I was left astonished.
Why did she trust me this much?
“You are aware of his marriage rule. Your marriage will only last for a year if he doesn't fall in love with you. If you apply the help with the aid of that book, you can win his heart.” I was speechless, and could not speak.
Her words felt like melodies in my heart. As my gaze swept across her face, all I could see was her determination for her son to find love. But am I worthy of Ryan's affection? Our world is quite opposite.
“Thank you so much, ma. I….” She touched my shoulders, patting me lightly.
“I am confident you are the only one that can help him understand what true love really is.” I breathed in and out gently, allowing myself to understand this very moment.
She stood up as she glanced around, until her gaze settled on me.
“Evelyn was once the woman in his life, but she is late now. And to be honest, I never felt he was actually in love with that lady. It was probably puppy love.” My heart skipped a bit at the little information about Ryan's ex-wife, even though I found it difficult to accept.
Ryan wouldn't have married her if he wasn't in love with her, right?
“We should leave. We would rather not keep you lovebirds waiting.” I stood up as she tugged me forward.
She hugged me as I allowed myself to relax under her embrace. It was a long one.
Her last words to me were: “While you make Ryan fall in love with you. Make sure to also fall in love with him.”
********
The ride back to Ryan's mansion was rather a silent one. Each one to his or her thoughts. As he steered at the wheel, I wasn't sure what was going on in his mind. Was he happy with the marriage? Was he that confident that I would not be able to make him fall in love with me?
I let out a sigh, clamping onto the purse that held those important things: my dad's message, and the diary Mrs. Selina gave me. I could not wait to venture into those details in them.
In no time, the car parked, making me aware of my environment. Ryan opened the door, as I quickly did the same. He took strides inside as I followed him, quite oblivious to the house or rather mansion. I wasn't certain. The light outside was fluorescent, not doing justice to the physical features of the house.
The inside was all lit up, the moment we stepped inside.
“Welcome sir and ma. I'm Greta, the housekeeper Mrs. Selina assigned to keep the house.” Irritation was boldly written on Ryan's face as he stared at the woman who was probably in her early fifties.
He hissed, before darting inside. I saw the dismay written on the woman's face, as I moved closer to her.
“Ma'am Greta, nice to meet you. Don't mind my husband. He is not a fan of housekeepers or housemaids. But I like you already.” She chuckled, as her smile brightened.
“Thank you ma. I understand. I just came in this afternoon.” I nodded in acknowledgement.
“I'm Ariel. I should go in. Pretty tired.” I smiled warmly at her.
I was about walking to the direction Ryan went in, but he was already returning, a bit furious.
“Who locked the other rooms?” He asked sternly,facing Mrs. Greta.
“Mrs. Selina did. She came here this afternoon.” She quickly explained.
Now I understand, Mrs. Selina must have brought her in and also locked all the doors to the other rooms so that we will both sleep in the same room.
“Seriously?" He fumed, brushing his hand through his hair.
“Ryan, it is late already. You must be tired. Let's rest, please.” I pleaded, hoping in my heart he would listen.
“Alright. All this will be sorted tomorrow. Meanwhile, let's go to bed.” He beckoned to me, as I followed suit.
I allowed myself to sit comfortably on the king-sized bed in the bedroom. Ryan went into the bathroom immediately. I looked at my clothes, not sure if I should wear it to sleep, especially since it was light on me. And also contemplating whether to lie down to sleep, or wait for Ryan.
Even though it was our first night as a couple, that doesn't mean we will consummate, right?
I dropped my purse, before taking out my phone. The first message that popped up was a video sent by Eva. I reduced my phone's volume before watching, as it revealed the kiss Ryan and I shared at the Registry today. My face flushed, as I could not help but keep staring at the 25 seconds video repeatedly.
I wasn't certain how many times I watched it, not until I heard Ryan's voice.
“Waiting for me? “He spoke out of the blue, as I put off my phone, placing it on my lap.
He was dressed in blue pyjamas which complemented his eye color. I was dumbstruck for a while, as I stared at him. I watched as he sat beside me, before I darted my eyes downward.
“Did I tell you that you looked astonishing today?” I blushed besides myself, although I was shocked that he was saying that out of the blue. Why now?
“Thank you. “I smiled.
“You're welcome darling.”
Darling? Now something was really wrong. Endearments were not something I ever expected to hear from someone like him, especially when it is coming from him today. Well, maybe. He had this cold personality. His looks speak….
I stared at Ryan, who looked hypnotized as his gaze was on me. He suddenly reached out to touch my face, as I flinched back.
“We are married, right? Aren't we supposed to act like one, especially on our first night?” He gritted, as I felt my heart race.
He leaned closer as I shifted back.
"No, we can't. I'm not ready” He stopped as he looked at me for a while, his face suddenly creasing into a frown.
He stood up and went to his wardrobe. My gaze wandered as I saw him picked some of his clothes and shoes, as he walked out of the bedroom.
I felt my heart sank instantly.