RYAN POV

There was something about Ariel's presence that I can't really put my head around. She looked beautiful, no doubt, simple, just the way I liked it.

I looked at the picture of my ex-wife and Ariel, not sure why I was contrasting the two together. It felt so good and bad to be attracted to the opposite sex after so long.

I felt as if I was betraying my first love. Filling my cheeks with air, I exhaled it in a puffing sound. She was the perfect one meant to me, but death took her away. My throat suddenly went dry, as I cleaned the tears which were beginning to brim down my eyes.

I decided to focus on the picture of Ariel. There had to be something captivating about her that kept me drowning in the pool of attraction I was beginning to have for her. Even when I wouldn't say it to her face or anyone's face, I felt she was my gateway to moving on from the late love of my life.

I couldn't forget the glitter of happiness that I felt when our brims brushed against each other. I could not help but reminisce about her soft, plump lips touching mine. Roughly over a week after she decided to be with my family, her image kept lingering in my head.

Whipping my head towards the door because of the knock, I gently placed the pictures in my drawers. I cleared my throat and requested for the person by the door to come in.

Chloe walked in with some files in her hands, as she handed it over to me.

“The business deal with Mr. Hawthorne was successful. This is the contract for you to review.” She stated.

Scanning through the files, I picked my pen to sign, but stopped when a thought came to my mind.

“Yeah, thanks Chloe. Meanwhile, I want to ask you a question and would need your honest response.”

She smiled, nodding for me to go on.

“There is this lady who visited me over a week ago. Do you still remember?”

“Yes. I know her.” She replied, and for a second, I noticed her slight change in her countenance.

“I want your honest view about her.” She looked slightly shocked at my words.

If there was someone I trust in this work space, it would be Chloe. She has been working here for close to five years. Evelyn and her had a close bond.

“I… I” I nodded my head, giving her a go ahead.

“I hope you won't be angry if I mention my standpoint about her.”

“Sure. I trust you. So please go on.” I folded my hands, resting on the table.

“According to my perspective, she is from a middle-class family. And might only want to stick with you because you are rich. Just be careful, sir.”

I stared into space at her words. Can Ariel truly be a gold digger? Mum chose her, and it occurred to me that I hadn't had her investigated. Obviously, I am stupid. Getting married to a stranger?

I groaned inwardly, putting the tip of my last finger in my mouth. Something I commonly do when I am in deep thought.

“Sir. I didn't mean to imply that.” I raised my head, meeting Chloe gaze.

Oh! She was still here.

“Chloe. No worries. Thanks for telling me your thoughts. I won't hold it against you, if it is either true or false.” She nodded, before turning to leave.

At the closing of the door, I picked up my phone to call someone. He picked at the second ring.

“Good day, Mr. Ackers.”

“Good day, Mr. Mains. I need your help with something.”

“Shoot.” He replied.

“I want you to investigate Ariel Peterson. I will send her pictures and some of her details via email.”

I ended the call, as I rested on my seat. I smiled, as a thought crept to my mind. ' A contract'. I will have Ariel sign a contract. Even if she happened to have an ulterior motive, she would be at the receiving end.

I guessed my attraction for her was beginning to blind me. But not anymore. I needed to know who Ariel Peterson really was.

I signed the contract, after going through it. I gently allow my seat to turn around.

ARIEL POV

It has been over a week at the Ackers mansion and I must confess that it had been like the vacation I had been craving for. Mrs. Selina or MUM, as she had requested, I called her, treated me as if I were her daughter.

Kathleen and Eva were still staying around, and Eva did her best in spending most of her time with me. As much as I felt it was off staying at my future in-law's home, I knew in my heart that I had nowhere to go.

I would have hunted for jobs online, but my Résumé and other necessary documents are still at my former home. I can't go on with my search for a job. The phone Ryan gave me had been my companion, and I had used that opportunity to write one of my stories I was previously working on.

Being a story writer has been part of my dreams, and I am so glad about my baby steps. Every time I am on the phone, I often have the constant urge to message Ryan. His handsome face, and the first kiss I had with him, always made me flustered.

It was a Friday and almost everyone was not around. I decided to use that opportunity to tour the manor. The maids around kept busy with their work, as they greeted me. I asked one of the maids where Ryan's room was before he decided to live alone.

I was able to get to the place, curiosity dawning on me. I walked across the corridors which were well tiled, with a beautiful blue and white paint on the wall. Standing in front of Ryan's former room, I felt like I was trespassing.

I held the door knob, but stopped at the whispers I was getting from the other room. I braced myself, stepping closer to the door opposite. That was definitely Ryan's dad's voice.

“Don't you dare tell my wife about this. We were only having fun.”

“Yes, I slept with you and so what? We both enjoyed it, didn't we?"

I felt my heart race at the realization in front of me. My forehead creased into a frown. Ryan's dad was cheating on Mrs. Selina. The beep sound indicated the end of their discussion, as I turned to leave. I walked into my room, closing the door behind me.

Now, I could deduce why Ryan was not in a good pace with his dad. He probably figured it out. And Mrs. Selina is oblivious about this?

I kept pacing to and fro my room. Should I inform mum, that is Mrs. Selina, about this? I puffed out the air I inhaled. Minutes passed, and hours passed with my thoughts, and not finally reaching a conclusion.

It was around evening when I opened my door to see Mrs. Selina with some fruits. I allowed her in, trying to block the constricting thoughts I was having. I was still unable to decide on whether to inform her about Ryan's dad or not. I should mind my business, right? Ruining what they had built for so many years will be cruel on my part. No woman would forget a cheating husband, talkless of not breaking the relationship.

“Hello darling. Let's talk, shall we?” I smiled, as we both sat down on my medium-sized bed.

She picked up an apple and I also did the same. We munched on it for a while, before she spoke.

“Ryan hasn't contacted you after his previous visit here.” I nodded, a biter smile on my lips.

Mrs. Selina patted me, as I looked at her. I could not help but wonder why she decided to choose me for her son. Wasn't she afraid I might be a gold digger or after my own personal interest?

“Ryan will come around. I can tell from his look that he is getting attracted to you.”

My eyes flickered with curiosity, as I raised my brow. Is Ryan attracted to me? I doubt it.

He-he

“Yes, he does.” She reaffirmed, as if sensing my doubt.

“Before your marriage together, I will give you a small diary. It will help you win the heart of Ryan.”

Now, I was having trouble thinking straight. She really does trust me with her son's heart. Whoa! I'm amazed.

“Umm, I feel overwhelmed already. Are you sure about this, ma'am.” I blinked, confusion brimming in me.

“Sure. I trust you, Ariel Peterson. I have to go now. I will have your food sent to you.” She proceeded to leave, but stopped before turning to face me.

“Are you not going to tell me something?" Her gaze fixated on mine, prompting my throat to almost go dry.

Does she know about my discovery about Ryan's father?

"I... I heard.."Words got stuck in my throat, my mind went into a frenzy. I simply looked downward.

"Ryan's dad has always been like that. Womanizing is his hobby."My eyes widened in shock, as my heart skipped a bit.

She looked sad. It was all in her eyes.

She knows. That was weird. But why was she taking it with levity? And if Ryan's dad was such a womanizer, does that mean Ryan likes to sleep around?

"For your information,Ryan isn't like his father. Ryan is probably a virgin."

Another shocker. I pressed my lips together under her scrutinizing gaze.

She walked out, more questions and riddles probing my brain.

Billionaire families are weird.