RYAN POV

The elevator dings open as I move out with my secretary trailing behind me.

My phone stuck to my right ear as I was finalizing the deal with one of our biggest clients.

"We will meet next week Mr. Hawkthore. I will ask my secretary to book the appointment, "I finalized, as I hung up the call.

I kept walking towards my office.

"Zara, kindly get the work done and bring them to my office as soon as possible. As well as the appointment with Mr. Hawkthore, "I stopped walking and instructed her before opening my office door.

She nodded and walked to her cubicle in the opposite direction.

I heaved a sigh of relief as I entered my office, my head throbbing, and I felt a slight headache. I am damn tired already.

Running over the company has been one of my top priorities. I had to make sure everything was in place, especially as the CEO of this company, which focuses mostly on land buying and selling, as well as construction projects.

Pulling my suit off my body, I allowed it to settle on the back of my seat, as I slumped into my office chair, twirling the chair around.

As I looked into the files in front of me, I suddenly felt a flash of guilt, apart from the workload on me. A flash of the lady I ran into by accident blurred my imagination, piquing my curiosity,whether she was fine.

I took my phone to call my driver, who I asked to give me an update about her welfare. The door to my office opened, as I raised my head, anger fueling inside of me, at the sight of the person I saw.

He strolled closer, as he settled down in one of the chairs in front of me, a smirk on his face.

"I never knew my best friend was a sissy. It has been over two years bro, have some fun, "He chuckled, as I tried to keep my calm, breathing out gently.

If he wasn't my best friend, I doubt if I would not have beaten him up by now.

"And I can't believe my best friend will betray me. Especially with spiking up my drink and trying to hook me up with those sluts, "My blues eyes met his dark brown eyes, as he simply snorted, annoying me more.

He readjusted himself, as he rested his hands on my table.

"You are blaming me now bro. I was only looking out for you."He peered at me

"Look out for yourself. I am old enough to live my life. I do not want to have anything to do with any other woman. Next time you try that shit, like yesterday night, I can't promise not to cut our friendship ties, Nick." I gave him a stern look, as his face contorted into a frown.

That was more like it. He should feel guilty for what he did. I shouldn't have trusted him in the first place,especially if I knew he had his plans off his sleeve. But instead I went to a bar with him.

The thought of it only makes me feel furious.

"Seriously? It has been over two years since she died. Are you still clinging to her?"I gritted my teeth at his words.

"You need to move on Ryan. Get laid, or better still, get married to someone else. To be honest, I never really liked your dead wife before. Maybe the universe is telling you to move on. You are almost 30 for fuck sake."

His words were like knives pushed into my body. I rolled my hands into fists, as I stared angrily at him.

"Nick, get out, "He wore a shocked expression, as he looked at me.

"Are you kidding me?"

"No. I am not. Don't make things messier for us. Until you are willing to acknowledge your mistakes, don't ever try talking to me again, "I stated firmly, as he sighed.

He stood up, as he turned to leave.

"And the next time you pull that kind of stunt like yesternight, or you try to say shitty words about her, even though she is dead, I will never forgive you again."

He muttered under his breath some words, as he left my office. I called my secretary immediately, giving her a clear warning never to allow Nick to enter my office again, not until I said so.

I creased my forehead as I felt my head banging. 'Anger is not good,' I said inwardly.

I rested on my seat, and I felt guilty for the words I said to Nick. He had been my childhood best friend and was probably looking out for me. But still, he shouldn't have involved himself in such a funny act.

Just because of the spiked drink, I ran into a young lady with my car. I hope mother doesn't find out or I might have some queries regarding my late night yesterday especially after lying that I was at home yesterday night. I even sent my driver home early yesterday, all thanks to Nick's hanging out plan.

The ringing tone of my phone brought me out of my reverie, as it displayed my driver's contact on the phone. I breathe out, hoping I would be hearing some good news this time around.

"Hello. Any update about the lady?"I questioned.

"Fine sir. She has woken up and is feeling better, "I felt relieved by his words.

I doubt if I will be able to see the lady again. She looked beautiful, yet weary yesterday. I was drunk and got her into this mess in the first place.

"But sir....." My brows creased, at the sound of my driver. It seemed he was hiding something else at the sound of his hesitation.

"Speak up, Mr. Walter."

"Mrs. Ackers visited."

"What the...."I missed it, wondering how my mum got to know about the incident.

"How did she know?"

"I don't know,boss. But I think she has some people following you recently. She even brought some provisions for the hospitalized young lady. She left recently."

"Thank you for the information. Just make sure she is okay. What is her name?"I asked, tapping my table, due to tension building in me.

"Ariel Peterson."

"Got it. Keep updating me. Thank you, Mr. Walter."

I hung up, as I felt more fatigue.. it was as if the whole world was resting on my shoulder.

There was a knock on the door, as I straightened up a bit.

"Come in, "The door opened, and my eyes widened.

"Good day son."

"Mum, "My voice almost trailed off as I stood up to welcome her.

We hugged each other as she sat on the chair opposite me. Feeling more nervous than ever, as it was rare for her to visit the company except for very important reasons. She stared at me, a brilliant smile plastered on her lips.

"Sit. You do not have to offer me anything. I only came to give you a proposal. One, you haven't acknowledged for a while now, "My heart thumped for a while, as I smiled softly, before sitting.

"I'm all ears mum."

"For a start, I think you should be kneeling on the ground, especially for the stunt you pulled off yesterday, "I lowered my eyes, feeling guilty beneath my mother's scrutiny.

"Well. I'm sorry I lied yesterday, as well as hitting that lady with my car. It was a mistake. It won't happen again, "I looked at her with puppy eyes, as she chuckled softly.

"That isn't what you should be bothered about for now. I have taken care of it. Have you seen the newspaper headline recently?"My face dreaded with sadness at her last statement.

I knew what the news was all about. The rumor that I was gay, was laughable. I am not gay, but only a man who can't seem to forget his late wife.

I felt a warm hand, gently caressing the back of my palm, jolting me out of my reverie. I let out my breath, trying to get the rumor out of my memory. To me, the words of others shouldn't get to me. I am a wall.

"I'm so sorry son."

I shook my head, putting a smile on my lips. To reassure my mum that I was fine.

"It is fine. I guess the shareholders of this company also want me to get married. Some planned on pulling out their shares if I don't get married soon, "My mum nodded, as she cleared her throat

"I want you to get married soon, please."

I looked at her with amazement. This will be the first time she will bring up the topic

"But mum, I still love Evelyn."I shook my head, refusing instantly, but her next line of action shocked me to the bone.

She knelt down, as I quickly rose to make her stand up.

"Mum, please. Stop this. I am begging you, "I tried to make her stand, as she stood her ground.

"I want you to get married, Ryan. I promise you won't regret this."

I straightened up, frustration building in as I glanced around the room, refusing to make eye contact with her. My heart pounded, as I hummed quietly to myself. Trying to reduce the nervousness and anxieties clouding me.

I sat down as I looked at my mum who was still on her knees.

"I will get married in the next few months. Please, get up mum, "I pleaded, as I felt a fluttering nervous stomach feeling.

She stood up, as she sat. She reached to touch my hands, but I flinched backward. Just because I accepted doesn't mean I was happy with her for forcing me. The thought of marriage alone was enough to paralyze me.

"You seemed upset. I was only looking out for you, which is why I will make things easy for you. You are free to state your conditions regarding the marriage as well."

"I want you to get married to the lady you ran into yesterday."

I peeked at her, as I tapped my fingers on my table. It seemed my mum had this all planned out. I will go with the flow. I love her, and I will obey her.

"I have some conditions."She nodded, as she paid more attention.

"Firstly, I want to meet the woman you want me to marry, after she is released from the hospital. Number 2 is that we will get married only for a year." I started, as my mum's countenance changed slightly.

I rested my hands on the table, then continued:" If I do not develop any feelings for her at the end of the one-year stated, we will part ways. And lastly, I don't want this marriage to be public."

"I agree. However, if you fall in love with her within that one year, after five more years, you are free to leave and enjoy the simple lifestyle you always wanted. Your younger brother will handle the company."

I felt happy at her last set of words, even with the clause there. I knew in my heart that it was only my late wife that I would love all the days of my life.

"And the lady in question, did she agree to marry me?"I asked

"Yes, she did. The question is ' DO YOU AGREE?"

"I agree."I finally voiced out.

The next stage was to finally meet the lady that caught my mother's eye.

ARIEL POV

I watched as the doctor examined me. She took my pulses and also checked my breathing. I could not help but pray silently that I would finally get discharged.

It had been two days since I had been in the hospital, and the thought of leaving soon always crept to my mind. I tried not to think of my response to Mrs. Selina proposal, which I gladly said yes to.

A lot of What's and Why had been on my mind lately especially at my rushed decision. What was I thinking about to the extent of agreeing to a marriage proposal,especially to someone I had never seen in my life. I had always wanted to marry the one I love, not a marriage of inconvenience.

I groaned inwardly at my thought.

But I still couldn't help but nudge a grudge at my family,the thought of revenge slowly creeping into my mind. I doubt if I will let them go scot free, especially my stepmom. Every time I thought about it, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. It was the greatest betrayal I had ever received in my life. It was like a slap to my face.

“Miss Ariel, you will be discharged today,” My face tilted to face the doctor, as a smile crept to my lips.

If I wasn't on the hospital bed,I would probably be doing a happy dance now. She adjusted her stethoscope as she looked at me.

“Your bills have been paid. Please do well to take care. Avoid any stressful job for now, and also take a lot of rest.”

“Thank you ma. I will do everything you ask me to do, as long as I can get out of here today. I need fresh air,” I groaned, as she chuckled.

“Alright. Take care. Bye for now,” She exited the room as I leaped up with joy.

I walked to and fro before settling on the bed. My smile widened, as I felt happy and grateful to Mrs. Selina for taking good care of me and even paying off my hospital bills. It really touched my heart.

I glanced towards the right side, as I saw the file she left while she visited last night. It contained some information about her son, which no doubt confirmed that she really meant business when she said she wanted me to get married to her son.

I peeked at the file, as I scanned through his profile.

“Ryan Ackers, CEO of AK Corporation.” I read out as my eyes suddenly got glued to the picture attached to the file.

There was no doubt that he looked dazzling, especially in those black suits on him.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, as the person I assumed to be the driver walked in.I had often seen him with Mrs. Selina.

“Hi Miss Ariel, young master requested I bring you to his office today,” My eyes widened, trying to take in his words.

It felt as if cold air passed through me. Today?' I asked myself, as I had forgotten all about it. I was asked by Mrs. Selina to meet him after getting discharged.

“Um, okay. I will be out in the next five minutes,” I said to the man, as he nodded and left.

I picked up some of my belongings as I arranged them properly in a bag. There were few, as I quickly left for outside. Each step I took reminded me how I was free from the pungent smell of the hospital.

I said a silent prayer, as I passed through the lobby before I was directed to a car by the driver. I got inside the Black Mercedes-Benz as I inhaled the beautiful scent that accompanied it, as if it was brand new. Furthermore, I placed my stuff beside me, battling with different thoughts, as soon as the car started moving.

It felt as if my life had suddenly changed overnight. More like a Cinderella story. But all I could pray for is a happily ever after. I tried to block the possibilities of rejection from the person I would be meeting: Ryan Ackers, one of the top Billionaires in the USA CORPORATION COMPANIES LIST.

Marriage will be lovely,' I thought. It doesn't matter whether he likes me or not. I just wanted to live another life, opposite what I wanted for myself. From a simple and reserved lifestyle, to a rich and classy lifestyle.

The car stopped at the front of an immense building as I stepped out. I was putting on a floral design pink gown that reached my knee and a pink and black sandal, which was quite decent. All this, gotten by Mrs. Selina. My heart suddenly leaped with gratitude for all she had done for me.

I was awed at the exteriors of the skyscraper, but the moment I stepped in only left me speechless. The interior look took my breath away.

I glanced around at the busy lobby, quite amazed at how everywhere was. The way the sun shone through the glass walls gave the whole place some sort of light and elegance.

I was soon led by the driver to what I assumed to be a private elevator, as I noticed that we passed by the crowded ones. We both stepped in, as the elevator closed.

“What's your name, sir?” I asked as he smiled at me.

“Walter,” I nodded and returned his smile, finally glad I knew someone close enough to the Ackers family.

The elevator dings open, as I move out. Mr. Walter waved at me after pointing to the office in front of me to be that of Ryan. My heart leaped, as the elevator closed, as I turned to face the door. I moved gently towards the office, breathing in and out and finally developed the courage to knock on the door.

“Come in,”

I stepped in, closing the door gently behind, as the office looked more beautiful, with gold and black imprints as interiors.

My eyes came in contact, landing on the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I had ever seen.

“Hello, Ariel.” His voice came out slow and calm.

I froze in place as I met his gaze. He even looked better in person than in the pictures I saw earlier.

He looked breathtaking dressed in a black suit. His blonde hair combed smoothly in place, as his long dark lashes framed his eyes. He looked like a wonderful Adonis drawn out from the pages of one of the Historical Romance books I read.

“Ahem,” he faked a cough, jolting me out of my reverie.

“You should really stop staring and take your seat,” he offered, as my face flushed.

I need to work on my subtle ogling. I was not good at it. I gently found my seat in one of the chairs in front of him, as I looked sideways.

“Ariel. Why do you want to marry me?” His question came out of the blues, shocking me.

I looked up at him, as his eyes bore into mine, and for some seconds, I confessed inwardly that I was beginning to get attracted to this man.

Noticing my lack of response, he further urged:”Are you after my money?”

My face turned grim. Just great! Just when I thought he wasn't like those typical cold Billionaires I always read about, he proved me wrong. His question was like a dagger.

“Definitely not. I am not a lover of money. I only want to get married.” He chuckled at my statement, creeping me out the most.

“You can't fool me, Ariel, even if you had managed to make my mum fall for you. Listen.” He folded his hands, resting on the table, as he moved closer to me.

“I will pay you any amount. Just mention it, and it will be yours. Tell my mum you are no longer interested. You can possibly leave this country or start a new life somewhere,” He proposed, as I felt my hand itching to hit him in his face.

It was his sheer audacity for me. Does he think every girl can be bought with money?

“I think you got the wrong idea, Mr. Ryan Ackers. I accepted the marriage proposal, not because of any material benefits. I only wanted to get married. But if you do not accept this, I will gladly inform Mrs. Selina about it.”

I brought out my phone, pretending to put a call through, but his next action caught me off, as he took away the phone.

“You are not calling anyone. I just need to ask you more questions.”

He looked intently at me, making me feel a little flustered. I really wanted to leave here soon. At least for now. His gaze were not helping, I thought.

The knock on the door made him look up, as he requested for the person outside to enter.

A short petite lady with short blonde hair entered, as she looked shocked slightly as she glared briefly at me, before turning to I'm not sure we had met.

"Sir, your meeting with Mrs Samantha Delerosa is in five minutes, as she is available now. She is the owner of Sam and Lucille Corporation,"The lady states, as I felt my body tensed.

"I will be there,"Ryan stood up, as he looked at me one more time, handing back my phone to me.

"I will be right back, Ariel Peterson,"He mumbled, as they left, leaving me with my thoughts.

I bit down on the inside of my cheek, trying to calm the nerves twisting inside of me.

'They can't possibly be the one,'I thought.

My heart had started to warble inside my chest. My breaths suddenly quickened. My nerves kicked up into high gear again.

"It can't be possible. She can't be here," I mused

I shook my head, closing my eyes, as I kept quiet for a short moment, during which a deluge of apprehension fought for dominance in my forebrain.

The shadows of that night clouded my mind again.

RYAN POV

I shook hands with Mrs. Samantha as we finalized our partnership. Her company will be providing us with construction materials, and so far so good, they have been the best for the past 30 years of existence. She happened to be the new CEO of the company, and seeing our partnership worked out would make things easy for our company.

“It was so nice doing business with you. We promise not to disappoint you,” She smiled warmly at me.

“Thank you for the partnership. I would like you to meet the other stakeholders, as they are yearning to meet you. And since you are one of us now, we will have our quarterly meeting today,” She nodded, as we walked side by side.

We proceeded to leave the meeting room to another meant for the company's quarterly meeting.

I walked into the meeting room as Mrs. Samantha entered after me. We greeted each other warmly, as I sat at the end of the table.

The meeting started with the progress of the company so far, and I was glad things were turning out really well. We only have one, or two lapses, to work on. It was a good way to start the new year.

Putting on a smile, I said: “I really appreciate everyone for their efforts so far. As we continue to work, may we continue to put in our earnest efforts in it. Mrs. Samantha, you are also welcome.”

We were about to call it a day, when I began hearing murmurings.

“Ahem. There is still something the board of stakeholders wants to talk to you about,” Mr. Ronald, one of our executive stakeholders, spoke.

I nodded, as I relaxed on the chair.

“Well, it is about the scandal recently,” My forehead creased into a frown, as it became obvious what it was all about.

It was about the gay propangada flying around recently.

I scanned the whole room, the scrutinizing look of every one of them towards me. It was as if they planned it together.

“The truth is, we stakeholders are in support that you should marry soon.” Mrs. Harrison, another esteemed stakeholder, spoke.

I simply nodded, acknowledging it all. I guess they want an answer.

“Thank you for your concern. I will get married soon. I already have a fiancée.” I announced, as they began staring at each other.

I lied, and I felt slightly guilty too. But there is a high possibility of getting a fiancee today.

They must probably be wondering if I was joking, but I wasn't. I will be getting engaged to Ariel Peterson then,' I concluded in my mind.

“We are so sorry. We didn't know,” Mrs. Harrison looked slightly guilty, as she spoke.

“No problem. If that is all, let's call it a day.”

I waited, as they all left, except Mrs. Samantha who stopped by the door. I stood up, meeting her gaze.

“Happy marriage life in advance, Mr. Ryan.” I smiled warmly at her words.

“I would have given you my daughter. She is just twenty-four. But since you are getting married soon, I guess that will pass.”

“Thank you ma. I am sure your daughter will find a more suitable man than me,”

She smiled, as we both walked out. Shaking our hands once again, we departed in opposite directions. At that moment, different thoughts about Ariel Peterson began clouding my mind.

I smiled, remembering how simple and beautiful she was. She reminded me of the love of my life, Evelyn Grande. I let out a sigh, trying to dissolve the sad notion as I continued walking.

My mind went back to Ariel, as the picture of her face clouded my imagination. She has a beautiful gene, with long flowing blonde hair with bright brown eyes, and pink lips that remind you of delicate flower petals. Not to talk of her light skin body, which complemented her slender self. She was a beauty to behold.

Ever since Evelyn had died, I never felt attracted to any lady as I had towards Ariel. I had never even held a second glance, talkless of thinking about the opposite sex. But Ariel seemed to be an exception.

'Maybe because she shared some attributes as that of Evelyn,' my subconscious came in, as I snickered at my thought.

She looked beautiful, no doubt, but I wasn't going to make her know that. And I am definitely not going to fall for her. She will grow confused with my personality with time.

I shook my head. I can't believe I was describing her in my head.

On the good side, she even looked decent and also like someone that could be tamed easily. We are just getting married, but my heart belonged to my beloved.

I gently touched my pocket, certain the small box I brought along with me this morning was still with me. Time to meet Ariel Peterson," I whispered.

I walked into my office, as she turned to look at me. She turned back to the book she was reading, drawing out my amazed look.

“Aren't you afraid that I will be angry for invading my space?”

She simply sighs, not sparing me a glance. I decided to sit beside her, as she peeked at me.

“If reading those novels on your desk is a sin, then I will likely die as a sinner,” I chuckled at her joke. It felt as if we had known each other for quite a long time. She is good with communicating,' I confessed inwardly.

I picked up one of the books I got, as I stared at it. She had her head buried in one of the books by Ellen Cover.

“I apologize for touching your stuff without your permission. I am just a freak for Romance, especially those written by Ellen Cover. Her novels are dope.” She stated, as her brown eyes met mine. I shook my head.

I guess we have something in common then. I love reading, especially novels.It was one of those ways to create a peaceful atmosphere for myself.

“Not a problem. But you seemed quite confident about the previous issue we were battling with,”

She raised her head, glancing at me.

“I have amnesia. What is it about Mr. Ryan?” She tilted her head, her eyes gazing at mine.

I could feel sarcasm in her voice. I smirked, as I leaned closer. Two can play a game,' I thought.

My eyes cut to hers and I found her watching me with a peculiar kind of focus, at least for some seconds, before turning her eyes away from mine.

“Interesting Ariel. But can you repeat that to my very face?”I whispered, as she was still, a smile crawled to her lips? Her bright round eyes twinkled above her sun kissed cheeks. It was difficult to put into words the charm and allure written over her face.

I shook my head, trying to break the trance I was slowly falling into.

She gently peeked at me and said: “Please remind me, Mr. Ryan,”

“Let me remind you then,”I drawled out, letting out a puff of air. It was time I changed my mood.

“Mother said you agreed to marry me,” I stared at her deeply in the eyes, as I took in her beautiful features.

“Yes, I did,” Her sultry voice replied.

“Good. We will get married, but only for a year,” Her face wore a confused look as she blinked.

Taking her wrist, I allowed my thumb to gently sweep up and down.

“Make me fall in love with you within a year, and we will live forever,” I let the words in my heart out

“What if I fail?” Her gaze met mine.

“Then we will end the marriage and part ways. Worse still, you will lose everything you have,”I replied icily, as her wrist slipped off. She looked at me with disdain.

“Do you agree, Ariel Peterson?”