RYAN POV
There is something beautiful about keeping one's life simple. The life of having your basic needs: food, shelter and clothing, and being satisfied.
A life you won't have to worry who was doing better than you. Or the thought of improving yourself to please the crowd, instead of yourself. That life, you won't have to worry about perfecting your life, in other to avoid scandals. The life of YOU VERSUS YOU.
That was the life I craved for, but it seems I should brace myself for the opposite. It wasn't up to a step I took out of the company when I was crowded by a bunch of reporters.
They kept bringing up questions about my secret marriage, making me wonder who was behind leaking it. They expected a wedding, a glamorous one, instead of the quiet one I had.
Furthermore, they questioned me on why I hid my wife, and if truly the lady in the viral kiss video was the woman in my life. I was frustrated and furious, but I managed to keep my anger under the lid. I wasn't going to let them get to me.
I answered a few of their questions as I began to walk towards my car, along with Nick and some of my guards preventing the reporters from bumping into me.
“Since it is a secret marriage with someone of a lower class, does that mean you have finally decided to move on after the death of your ex-wife?”
That was it. I felt the anger I was trying to keep under the lid coming out. My hands formed into fists, as I turned abruptly, anger boldly written on my face.
“Can you repeat that again?” The female reporter flinched back, as the microphone fell from her hand, our gaze meeting each other.
“Ryan, let's go.” Nick whispered, as I held up my hand. Definitely not on this one.
I turned to face Nick and said: “Find out about the media she is reporting from. You know what to do.” I stepped into my car, not paying attention to any one of the press.
Nick jumped in from the other side, before he ordered Mr. Walter to drive. I finally let out my breath in relief. At this point, I do not care about any scandal that will be coming up. Can't they mind their business?
“With the look on your face, you might want to take a chill pill.” Nick remarked as I sent him a glare.
He laughed, patting my shoulder.
“I learned something. Do you want me to share?” I simply darted my eyes, looking at the city scenery.
“Silence is golden. To some is a cowardice move, but nothing is as brave as being in charge of your emotion, no matter how deeply hurt you are, especially at people's words.”
I sneered, in reply to his motivation quote. Was that supposed to make me feel better? Well, I do not feel good.
“So I should let those nasty reporters to just spew nonsense? Imagine that young lady bringing up the past.” Nick sighed, as he shook his head.
“Seriously? You need to work on your anger, bro. Meanwhile, I am not through with the quote.” He raised his finger at me, prompting me to keep quiet.
I really needed to calm down. I can't even describe how I felt.
“If it means to walk away, please do. Don't even stop to argue. The more you argue, or want to give a response, the more you are tempted to react.” I rubbed my forehead, getting the points Nick was passing.
The truth is that I should have gotten used to how the media and reporters get, especially when they hit on information. I'm pretty sure they must have had high expectations, especially since I am married.
“I get it now. I will try to be modest next time. Thanks, bro.” I gave him an appreciative smile, as he gave me a thumbs up.
“And this does not only go to being in public alone. Just because you got into a Marriage of Convenience, does not mean Ariel will be at the receiving end. Ariel is a rare gem. Treat her well.” I could not prevent myself from laughing, as Nick simply fumed.
“You seem to know Ariel better. Why don't you marry her?” I questioned, as he punched me slightly on my shoulder.
“She is yours, bro.” He breathes out.
“And as a matter of fact, I already have someone I am interested in.” He wore a mischievous smirk, looking confident as ever.
“MMM. I do not believe you. You that can't resist anything in skirts.” He frowned, as I finished talking.
“I've changed.” He insisted, as I simply laughed it off.
Nick and change? Impossible.
Noticing my look, he finally voiced out something that made me shut up for a while.
“Count my words. In the next 365 days, you will know who I am truly in love with. I would have gotten engaged to her.” He stated firmly, before focusing back on his phone.
Now, that was Nick. I was the one left with thoughts. I wondered what was going on in his head. And most importantly, if I would still keep Ariel at arm's length. With frustration building in, I simply let out a sigh.
ARIEL POV
I let out a yawn, feeling bored after cooking. Everywhere in this house was silent, leaving me alone to battle with my thoughts.
It would have been better if Mrs. Greta was around, at least, it would kill the boredom. Now, more than ever, was when I began to wish that I was still at Ryan's family house.
It was the second day of our marriage, and it already seems distant. I really hope he accepts the food Nick collected from me. I was quite surprised he came around. He thought Ryan would at least stay since it was the second day of our marriage. That only left a sinking feeling at the pit of my stomach.
“I am so lonely.” I groaned, swaying my head right and left in annoyance.
I stopped as a thought crept to my mind. I decided to tour the house. At that thought, I decided to visit the room opposite the bedroom I slept last night. The door opened instantly, revealing a beautiful room. It has a sky and deep blue imprint of sea waves painted on the walls. The bed wasn't as big as the one I slept in, but it was comfy, as I found myself seated on it.
I realized it must be Ryan's personal room, as that familiar scent of him wafted through my nose. I sniffed in, trying to imprint the smell in my memory. My eyes lingered as it settled on a shelf containing some books. Curiosity got the best of me, as I shifted to the other side of the bed.
I began opening one of the books, as I realized it contained love poems. My heart skipped a bit at each word I read. It made my heart to accelerate.
I found myself hugging the book in fantasy of true love.
'Love is a treasure that we all seek.
But being with the one you love is the greatest place to be.
How happy I am to know you are my beloved
My one and only, my image, my pearl, and breath
Words alone can't describe how I feel about you
******
I stopped reading, feeling giddy at the ones I have read. I realized it was all written by Ryan, but to whom?
I simply let out a sigh, a little saddened it wasn't for me. What was I even expecting? I facepalmed as I stood up, wanting to return the book.
Something slipped off the book, as I furrowed my brows. I bent to pick it, as my eyes met with the words at the back. 'MY ONE AND ONLY'.
Putting up the courage in me, I turned the picture to face me as the only person that I thought of came to face me.