After dinner, Ryan walked her back to his room. He was about to leave to his study when she stopped him.
"Uhm.... Do I... really have to keep sleeping in your room?" she asked, and he just stared at her.
After a couple of seconds, his voice came "Why? It's not like it's the first, second or third time you're sleeping with me. So what are you shy of?" Her eyes lowered, looking everywhere but him. Sleeping in his room makes her feel like his girlfriend. "And besides, just like you said... we're getting married soon, so better get used to this" Her jaws had long dropped as she stared at him with disbelief. He grinned and walked out of the room.
When he went to his study and settled on his seat, he became lost again in his own daze, wondering.
But wait. Why is he even wondering. She's just a normal human who changed his life, his terrible life. She just eased his pain with her mere presence. Though not everyone can do that. And that name, anyone could give it a pet, right. It's not a sacred name which only he has to bear. But what if....
* Knock* *knock* *knock*
Leonel interrupted his thoughts, opening the door he walked in. "Young master! You're back!" He exclaimed with a grin.
Ryan looked at him "Why the smiles?" he asked.
"I'm just excited"
"How did the exhibition go?"
Leonel took in air...."Perfect" he breathed. "Han gallery made it this year as top gallery with bestselling artworks in the whole of South Korea!"
"Wow, nice job! I'm impressed!" Ryan clapped his hands 'We should celebrate"
"Yes. I decided to hold a party at Han HQ. This friday night" Leonel grinned and Ryan's smile disappeared that instant.
"Party?"
"Yes, young master"
"Han HQ? Friday night?" he asked again.
"Of course"
Ryan cursed "What nonsense! You know I don't do parties. The last time I did that, I know where that got me. A bedroom" he said through clenched teeth, remembering when they last went to the club.
"This party would be held in 'your company' , not a club"
"I don't care. Count. Me. Out" he enunciated each word.
"Fine, we'll party without you"
"I give you my blessings" he said indifferently.
"This is no joke, young master" Leonel was fuming. How can he not attend a party to celebrate his company's success?
"I'm being serious. No parties....for me. Anything else?"
"Yes" with a frown, he dropped a pile of files on his desk. "You would have to review this files. All of them and sign. No more date days or date nights" .
Ryan raised a brow, and stared at him for little while "I'm sleepy" he voiced and stood up from his seat, walking away immediately.
"Hey, you haven't checked them yet" Leonel yelled at the retreating Ryan.
"Aria's waiting for me" his hands were already reaching the knob...
"Yah!!" Leonel yelled on his lungs and Ryan shot him a glare, his eyes lowered immediately. Ryan walked out the door, slamming it and Leonel flinched, cursing underneath. This young master...
*....*.....*...*.....*
Ari laid on the bed, deep in thoughts. She couldn't sleep, even when the lights were turned off and only the lamp was on. It was obvious that even after the long evening, she wasn't yet over Rosalie's words that roamed her head, which was more hurtful now. She was so lost that she never knew when Ryan walked in. And he even when laid on the bed. The one that hurts most was their family without her in it. Clearly, she has no family. Except maybe Jia's. But that's not the kind she wanted. She wanted a family like every other's. Why is life so unfair? The only family she had was taken aware from her, and now she's left with none. Even if she's always trying to forget and be happy, it still hurts. So very much.
Ryan wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her close, turning her face him. She closed her eyes in the process.
"Open your eyes, Aria" Ryan said softly and slowly, her eyes fluttered open. She gazed into his.
"What were you thinking of?" he asked
"Nothing" she answered. Her tear glands were already betraying her, but she made a gallant attempt to hide the tears misting her eyes.
"Nothing?"
"Yes" she said and failed in her attempt as the a lone tear escaped her eyes.
"And you're crying? Again" Ryan said and gritted his teeth.
"Am I? She wiped her cheek "Something must have gotten into my eyes. I'm fine" she tried to hide her emotions.
"You're not fine, Aria." he said "you're really crying, again. And it's breaking me"
"Really, I'm fine"
Ryan exhaled and pulled her closer, placing her head on his chest "Fine. Cry all you want. I won't stop you this time." he said and there came a downpour of her tears. Her cries filled his ears, making his heart ache. But he wanted to ease her pain, even if it's just a little. She cried so much with trembling lips. It hurts. It really hurts.
Her cries finally stopped after much comfort, only her sniffles could be heard. Her blurry eyes cleared and she wiped her face.
"Are you done?" his deep voice came and she nodded. "How you feel?"
"B-better" she answered. Ryan's hand went to her chin and he lifted her face so she could look at him. "Next time, I don't want you want you crying about this again. Alright?"
"Alright" she replied, while gazing into his eyes. His gaze dissipated the pain and filled her with nervousness. But why is she still staring? Look away! Look away, Ari! Look away! All to no avail. His eyes again.... She was slowly drowning in the dark pools of his eyes, drowning to its depth. It wasn't like he was gazing at her, it was like he was gazing directly at her soul. Arianna bit her lips. Her nervousness reaching the peak.
"What's that thing you so much want?"