A lot was going on my mind the moment he stepped out. I simply sat on the chair, my whole mind going to and fro. Everything seemed so sudden. The engagement, the kiss….

I felt my face flushed at the thought of the kiss. It felt good. I shook my head, discarding the thought. I still found Ryan unreadable, and he was constantly changing like a chameleon. From being sweet to cold. If not that we had only met for today, I would have considered him to be having alter personalities, but I reserved my thought until further notice.

My eyes wandered to the shopping bags in front of me, as I decided to open it. My mouth slightly open at the sight of what I saw. I kept checking without picking anything in particular. A small makeup kit, comb, pair of shoe, clothes, just to mention a few. It was no doubt everything I would be needing for that evening.

The first thing I craved for was food, as I gently opened the last bag containing a plastic container which has in it Bacon and eggs. I scoffed at the choice of food, as I termed it as breakfast food. Within a short time, I ate.

I took a bath and decided to dress up. It was 5 pm already, and I wouldn't like to keep grumpy Ryan waiting.

I picked one of the bags, as I pulled out the clothes. It was a simple peach silk dress. It had long sleeves and was a knee-length dress, with a bit of glitter around the waist.

Furthermore, it fitted me perfectly. Most importantly, it was simple, and I liked it. It wasn't flashy, and looked decent enough. I brought out the pair of black open toed wedge shoe. I put it on, and it was my perfect size. Likewise, I packed my hair into a bun, as I applied a simple makeup on my face.

I breathe in a sigh of relief as I looked at myself in the mirror. 'Ryan will definitely fall for me' I giggled at my thought, as I continued with my reading. It was almost time.

My new phone flashed, indicating a message as I checked it. It was from Ryan. I unlocked the phone as I read out his message. “Kindly meet me outside the building.”

I picked up my handbag stucking the phone inside. It was a few minutes passed 6 pm. I walked out of the office hastingly, before stumbling on the secretary. She looked icily at me, as we both entered the elevator. I simply breathe in and out, hoping I get out of here soon.

“You seemed to piqued up my boss interest. But mind you that you are nothing but a pawn, that will be used and discarded." She gave out a chuckle after her words, staring at me.

My hands formed into a fist, as we began our staring competition. A wicked grin crept to my lips, as I raised my left hand, hoping to show off the ring in my hand.

“Oh! Really? Then explain the ring in my finger.” I mocked, showing it to her face.

She looked shocked, and so far so good, I loved the look on her face. It was priceless under the elevator light.

“We will be getting married soon. I will remember to invite you. Meanwhile, you should get a grip on your feelings toward my Ryan boo.” The elevator dings open, as I walked out victoriously, leaving her behind.

It felt so good to put her in her place. It was her sheer audacity for me. I walked out, the cold air hitting my body slightly. The long sleeved dress did help in reducing the coldness.

I stopped, as my eyes met with that of Ryan posture. My eyes scanned him under the dark night, thanks to the streetlight. He was putting on a checkered blue shirt and jeans, with a pair of blue shoes. His look complimented his blue eyes.

“You would rather not keep me waiting, right?” Ryan's voice broke me out of my trance. We were a few feet away as I reflexively moved closer to me. He opened the car door for me, as I sat.

He was in the car in no time, as he put on the light in his car. He reached closer to me, as I felt my breath hitch. I closed my eyes, thinking he wanted to kiss me, but only felt his hand on my hair. He loosened the rubber band, as my hair fell freely.

I peeked at him, my gaze shifting downward. I really needed a grip on my thought.

“You look more beautiful when your hair falls.” He complimented, making me blush.

“Thank you. I appreciate what you brought for me today.”

He smiled, starting the car, without a response. The car was silent- a comfortable silence with each of us lost in thoughts, that I thought.

I didn't like the silence a bit. I began counting numbers to calm myself. That was the fastest way to get rid of my anxiousness.

“You are feeling nervous. My family do not bite.” He reassured, his face fixed on the road.

“Yeah. I am a nervous freak.” That earned a chuckle from him, which sounded like short music to my ears.

“What if your family ask about us. Shouldn't we rehearse or something.”

His eyes darted towards my side, before looking at the road again.

“Don't worry too much about the questions. I will answer the one pertaining to both of us. You should answer the one pertaining to you.” He simply stated.

I heaved a sigh, before staring outside through the car window. In no time, we got to his family house.

“Look who we have here.My dearest son and beautiful daughter-in-law.”

No doubt the voice of Mrs. Selina. She hugged us, before proceeding to the dining.

I met with each one of the family, their nature quite welcoming. Ryan is the eldest followed by a younger brother, Aidan who is three years older than me. Her sister, Kathleen who is a year older than me and the last daughter of the Ackers, Eva whom was two years younger than I was.

I greeted Ryan father, who stared at me for a while, before giving me a smile and a curt nod. Ryan is a splitting image of his father, Sir Bryan. They looked alike, except for the age difference and the little gray hair on his father's head.

The dining table was already filled with sumptuous meal, as we began eating in no time.

“You finally brought home a fiancée.” Ryan's dad asked, as Ryan simply nodded.

I could not help but feel the indifference between them. I simply ignored, my eyes meeting with that of Kathleen, who wore a frown looking at me.' She doesn't seem to like me,' I thought, before taking in a bite of the streaked meat.

“Wow. I never knew my elder brother had a taste when it comes to beautiful lady and the ring- It looks beautiful.Who possessed my brother.” We all burst into laughter at Eva's comment.

Ryan looked up, with a smile on his lips.

“I guess I have been taking my lessons seriously then. You deserve a raise.” Ryan said.

Eva giggled, winking at me.

“You should stop spoiling Eva. She is 23 and can work.” Mrs Selina commented, making Eva whine.

“Mum, seriously? Ryan, please don't mind her. I'm your baby sister and I deserve it.” Eva counter her mom words, making everyone look at Ryan for his next course of action.

He took a napkin, gently cleaning his lips.

“I know what to do. Mother and daughter deserve a raise from me then.”

Everyone was elated at Ryan's words. There was no doubt he loved Eva and his mum so much. We continued discussing through the night. It was heartwarming and there were no personal questions, which surprised me.

I still needed to thank Mrs. Selina for saving my life and counting me worthy to be his son better half. I hope to work my way into the heart of Ryan. A Herculean task ahead me.

I stared at the ring for a while. It doesn't look flashy, but one look at it, was enough to drown one into how beautiful it looked. It was a dainty, natural white marquise diamond center stone with tiny cut diamond accents with a yellow gold band. It looked beautiful.

It was almost 10 pm when Ryan decided to say goodbye.

“Will it be okay if your fiancée stay with us here?” Ryan's mother requested.

Ryan looked at me, our eyes gazing at each other intently. It was as if he was asking for my approval on it.

“Ahem. I want to fall in love too.” Eva's whining tone broke us out of our staring competition.

I turned to face them, my face turning red instantly.

"I will stay here if it is okay with my boo.''I stated, referring to Ryan as my boo. I really needed to work on my pet name.

"You need to work on your pet name. I will help you out on that."Eva commented, earning a small slap on her head from Aidan.

I nodded, as I felt glued to my position.

"She can stay here then. But we still need to say our goodbyes."He said,out of the blues, startling me and making me turn red when I thought of what he meant by goodbyes.

Was he going to kiss me?

He turned me to face him, as he leaned closer, engulfing me in his embrace.

"Goodnight Ariel."His gentle voice suddenly made my body tingle.

Everyone was watching and that made me flustered.

I went to bed that very night with Ryan's moment with me clouding my mind. I think I am beginning to like him.

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.