ARIEL POV
I should have been more careful. That was what I kept chanting inwardly, as I stared at him, words stuck in my throat. He doesn't look good about it.
"I just felt like writing about it. If you don't like it, I will stop.”I darted my eyes sideways as I spoke.
I could feel his gaze fixed intently on me. I knew I had crossed the line at that instant. I should have been more careful with the laptop.
"You just thought? Seriously Ariel? I'm pretty sure you portrayed me as the villain in your novel, right?”That seemed to get me a bit tense.
What does he even mean? I forcefully raised my eyes, trying to read his expression.
"Oh, let me guess. Ryan is an asshole. He has anger issues. He is a confused fellow.....”
That was it. I needed to stop it.
"That is definitely your insecurities talking, Ryan. You need to calm down, “His eyebrows arched, as he let out a forceful sigh.
"We are imperfect, yes, but that doesn't mean I will paint my husband black. I'm a writer, but the way I see you is different from what you think. I see you as a work in progress. Writing about our life is in my point of view. Even if I would mention some traits, my readers will definitely understand.”I paused, as he sat on the bed, resting his head on his palm.
"Since you are not happy about writing about my personal life, which might involve you, I will stop the story.”
"No, don't.”He moved closer to me, as I turned my face to the other side.
I was slightly hurt, no doubt. He should work on his anger. It is getting out of hand.
"I'm sorry I reacted that way. I just thought…. You know what? I apologize. Please don't be mad at me.”He rested his head on my shoulder, as his breath fanned my neck.
I raised his head, as I stared at him.
"I apologize for writing about my personal life and yours without your permission.”He smiled, as he ruffled my hair.
"Thank you. Inform me once you have started posting or published.”I nodded, as I smiled at him.
"Sure. Though I intend to use a secret or rather anonymous account to post the story as well as changing names. No one can easily figure out it was about me, or partly about you.”I boasted, as Ryan nodded, giving me a thumbs up.
The morning went on, as we both finished eating. It was time for him to leave for the office. I wish he could stay a little longer.
"Any progress on your job hunt?”I was startled by his question.
"Well, I have halted it for a while. I want to use this whole year for writing.”He nodded, cleaning his lips.
"Good. Inform me how it goes by. And if you have any other books you would like to publish into hard copies, I have a perfect plug.”I feel a gush of happiness.
"Thank you very much, Ryan. I appreciate it.”He smiled, as I stood up, to give him a hug.
"You always smell nice.”He complimented, as I withdrew from the hug.
I smiled, and said: “You always look good.”I reciprocated, as he chuckled.
And that was the truth. He was good-looking.
"Thank you. Meanwhile, I would like to invite you for a date this evening. I will be meeting an old friend from Australia today.”
"Sure. Australia is my favorite place, by the way. Can't wait to get prepared.”I answered, imagining what the date would be like already.
Very conversational.
Ryan stood up, as he pecked my lips.
"Will be here by 6pm. Meanwhile, do you have any tips on how to not get angry?" I couldn't help but laugh.
"Anger is something that comes unexpectedly. But controlling one's anger is a skill few have. The breathing exercise has seemed to help. A little stroll or exercise away from people that trigger your anger can help. And always remember not to justify your anger, just let it go.”He blew out a breath, as he embraced me.
"Thank you darling. You are a lifesaver.”
I felt my heart race, my chest doing that shitty feeling as if it felt too tight or too full. I was happy, and looking forward to helping Ryan.
It was at that moment I closed my eyes to savor the hug we were having when I heard those words.
'Enjoy it while it lasts.'
*******
ARIEL POV
I always knew I was beautiful, but that still doesn't mean I never had my insecurities, especially after my marriage with Ryan.
I sulked in my breath, as I stood in front of him beside his car. The way his eyes stared at me kept my heart beating.
He flashed me a brilliant smile, holding my hand as he helped me into the car. He moved to the other side, as he entered. He started the car, as I felt a little comfortable.
"You always look beautiful.”He complimented me, as I smiled.
"Thank you. You look handsome, too. I like your suit.” He chuckled, before a perfect smile curled on his lips.
His attention was on the road, that gave me the opportunity to ogle at him to some extent. His side view was good to look at. He looked breathtaking in his black silk Armani suit. His blonde hair combed smoothly in place.
At that moment, I could not help but imagine myself brushing his hair, as we kissed.
"Thinking about me?”He looked at me, winking, as my face turned crimson.
"Ahem.”I cleared my throat, a bit embarrassed. I wondered how he knew I was thinking about him.
"Don't be shy. There is this look on your face when you are thinking something dirty about me.” My eyes widened, as I darted my eyes to the window.
He started laughing, prompting me to look at him.
"Just kidding. You are free to stare at me. You are the only one allowed to.”I felt my body warm, a glint of happiness on my face.
"Ryan. It is okay.”I let out a soft groan, as he snickered.
He parked the car, as he was out. I didn't wait for him, as I jumped out, holding my gown.
He stopped beside me, holding his hand out for me. I placed my palm on his, and it was slightly cold, as I felt sparks down my body.
His eyes met with mine, as we wore a smile. Locking the car with the control on his key, we made our way to the exclusive part of the restaurant.
Eyes stared at the both of us, but Ryan's firm hand on mine was more than enough to calm me. I felt confident as we entered the room.
"Wow. You came.”A voice erupted, as I took in his physical features. Black hair, light skinned with brown eyes. Almost the same height as Ryan.
He pulled Ryan into a friendly hug, as his attention shifted to mine a few seconds later.
"Ryan's wife. Ariel right?”I nodded, as he smiled.
"So nice to meet you. Ryan told me a lot about you. Oh, most especially your cooking.”My gaze shifted to Ryan, as I felt a wave of pride in me.
I was happy.
"Seriously? You won't even offer us a seat.”That was Ryan, the joy killer.
He ushered us in as we sat opposite each other. Ryan and I are beside each other.
"I'm Reginald, by the way. You can call me Reggie.” He introduced himself.
I could feel Ryan getting uninterested at how much he was speaking. But I seemed to like his personality already.
"Thank you and nice to meet you, Reginald.”He waved it off, smiling.
He clapped, and in no time the table was filled with a few dishes, most of which are Ryan's favorite.
"So, how is your company, Reginald?”Ryan asked, picking a small chunk of meat to eat.
"Going smoothly. Glad you both made it. Meanwhile, I must commend you Ariel for bringing your husband here tonight.”He rambled on, as I grinned.
Ryan sighed, as his plan to divert Reginald attention didn't work.
"Ryan here is an extrovert. Seeing him here surprises me. Throughout our high school and College, I almost got tired of his reserved self. We fought quite a lot.”I glanced slightly at Ryan, who had a cup of wine to his lips, his facial expression quite complicated and unreadable.
"Wow. And here you are together tonight.”He chimed in, as he gulped down a glass of whiskey.
Wow. I was awed.
He let out a breath, as he continued:” I have a question, though.”My eyes widened a bit, as I wasn't sure where he was heading to.
Ryan was rather quiet.
"Sure, please go on.”
"What do you like about him?" He asked, as I almost choked.
I felt my heart skipped a bit