While seated in his study after breakfast, Ryan read through files. Today was another day which his Ari would be away from him. And he didn't want to think about it so he decided to occupy his mind. He wished she wouldn't leave but she has to. He was so diligent with the papers in his hands that he didn't know when she walked in.
"Ryan" her voice rang in his ears and so lifted his eyes. She came closer and stood by the desk. "I'm leaving" she said.
A lump got formed in his throat, and his lower lip caught between his teeth. He stood, gulping hardly. "You're leaving?" his voice could barely heard.
"Yes" she answered. He bit his lips hard, fighting the urge to stop her from leaving. She has to. He can't keep her stuck here. Without another word, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. She held him too, burying her face in his chest.
"Don't stay long. You'll kill me" he said, voice low as whispers. She pulled away and looked at his face.
"Can I?" she wondered. How can a mere person like her kill someone like him?
"You can. If I don't have you by my side" he told her, and again, she blushed. Her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. She hugged him tightly again like she would never let go. His fingers moved through her hair, and he kissed her forehead softly.
She pulled from his arms "Bye, boyfriend" she tiptoed and kissed the side of his lips and then she ran away before he would pull her back. A long sigh left his lips and he fell back on the chair. He'll get used to this. Just a matter if time. He'll get through this. With a hand patting his chest, he encouraged himself. While staring at the ceiling, her smiles danced in his head. Immediately, he stood up and walked to the window. He saw she was about to enter the car but then she stopped. She turned and looked up towards his window. His heart thumped when their eyes met. She smiled and waved at him. He did the same, with a pang in his chest. She got into the car and it drove away. He sighed again, before returning to his desk. Occupying his mind with the files.
Arianna's first and second day was normal. She was grateful no one knew her as Ryan's mistress or else it would draw too many attention. As if she isn't facing one already. Everywhere she went, all eyes were on her. Maybe because of her looks or maybe they were all staring at the man that kept following her with a straight face. Always dressed in black and never smiling. She didn't think too much of it and just let him follow her. After all her classes for the day, she immediately went home by four.
Ryan was so happy it caused Zariel to face palm. Sometimes she wonder if he was still the young master she knew or his doppelganger.
"Ms. Jung, please, my Ari is hungry" he spoke and she nodded. Standing up, she left to do as told.
"How was school today?" he asked.
"It was good. I haven't made any friends yet, so it's a bit boring" she said. "Everyone keeps staring at me. It makes me uncomfortable"
"That's because you're too pretty. Who wouldn't stare at a beauty like you?" he flashed a smile, but she only pursed her lips. And then as if something struck him.... "Wait... does that include guys? Guys stare at you too?" he questioned and she nodded. His teeth clenched. But then he forced a smile.
"Come shower and eat okay?" he pulled her towards the room. And after a refreshing bath,, they ate together. And then spent the rest of the evening playing video games and all. But then the night came. And all feeling of happiness she slept with disappeared.
*...*.....*.....*
She was walking with Ryan, strolling through the city. They were happy together but all of a sudden, everywhere went grey.
"Ryan...." they both heard a feminine voice. He looked around trying to find who had the voice that seemed familiar. And then he saw her. Her hair long to her waistline. Her beauty intense and bewitching. Her eyes were bright, her lips plump and red. Arianna could bet she was more beautiful than her. She looked at Ryan.....he was staring at the woman in the same way stares at her. Her heart knocked in fear. Her chest rose up and down. Their hands which was once joined separated.
"Ryan" she called him, but he didn't move his eyes from the woman in front. He walked ahead, slowly. "Ryan" she called him again, but her calls fell on deaf ears. He walked towards the woman, staring straight in her eyes while she smiled at him.
"You..." she heard him speak.
"Yes. I am here" she said. Even her voice was so ethereal. Soft and enchanting. "I have come for you"
"Where have you been?" he asked "I've been waiting for you"
"You shouldn't worry about that. All that matters is that I'm here. To end your pain" she said, and Arianna's eyes brewed tears. Her heart felt heavy, her lips trembled. She saw the woman move closer to Ryan and hugged him. He did the same, totally forgetting she was there.
"R-ryan..." she choked out. He didn't even spare her a glance. He took the woman with him, walking away hand in hand. "Ryan. Ryan!" he looked back at her. Tears rolled out of her eyes, as she expected him to come back. But he just turned and left. He found his bride, and now he tossed her away. Pain struck her heart, she felt numb and so she dropped to the ground. She cried, wailed, called out his name severally but he was long gone. He left her. He promised he wouldn't but he did. Her heart tore into pieces. She felt her world shatter. She felt alone. She felt useless. How could he just leave her like that? They were happy. Why did he leave? WHY?
Hot tears streamed down her face, nonstop. Every breath she took burned her lungs, but she felt short of air. "Please... don't leave me" she choked out. "Please... Please"
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTY ONE