《Blind Billionaire Bride》 Chapter 01 The Inception CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA BRYANT MANSION: IN IAN¡¯S ROOM The door swung open revealing a well built man at the entrance with a deep frown grazing his face. He was left with no choice than to open up the door after knocking several time but got no response. ¡°Young master.¡± Owen called out to Ian Bryant who pretended to be asleep in his bed. ¡°Young master Ian.¡± He repeated but got no response. ¡°Good morning, sir Ian.¡± Owen greeted as he went to the window and pulled up the curtains. ¡°Shut the fuck up Owen! And get the hell out of my room!¡± Ian Bryant threw a pillow at his bodyguard but it didn¡¯t get to the target. The eighteen years boy was so pissed. ¡°Young master-¡± Ian interrupted him. ¡°Can¡¯t you fucking see that I am sleeping?!¡± He threw his rm at Owen but he dodged it. ¡°Please forgive me Sir Ian but the big boss wants to see you.¡± Owen did well at dodging everything the young master threw at him. ¡°You are so annoying! Go and tell that old man that I am sleeping.¡± Ian Bryantmanded his bodyguard asy back down on the bed. ¡°But the big boss knows you should be awake by this time.¡± Owen replied. ¡°Tell just go and him that I am sick and can¡¯te to see him.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°I am sorry young master but I can¡¯t tell him that to the big boss.¡± Owen responded with a straight face. ¡°You are such an idiot Owen! You should do as I say because you are my bodyguard! You fool!¡± Ian Bryant hissed out. ¡°Forgive me sir, I am well aware that I am your personal bodyguard but Mr Bryant pays me.¡± Owen closed the door and walked closer to the bed. Ian sat up on the bed and pointed his finger at his bodyguard. ¡°But you should be most loyal to me. You are so annoying Owen!¡± Hey back down and threw the nket over his face. ¡°Sir -¡± Owen was cut off by the opening of the door as Mr Jack Bryant walked into the room. ¡°What are you still doing in bed by this time?¡± Mr Jack Bryant baritone voice echoed in the room.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Sleeping.¡± Ian mumbled but enough for his dad to hear him. ¡°Get up Ian, today is Lorna¡¯s birthday and she is expecting you to be the first person to give her a present.¡± Mr Jack Bryant reminded him. Ian knew what¡¯s happening today and that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to get up from the bed. ¡°Listen dad, I am not a kid anymore. To be honest, I am sick and tired of giving gifts to Lorna every year for no specific reason.¡± Heined from under the nket. Mr Jack Bryant walked closer to the bed and removed the nket from his son¡¯s body. ¡°Get ready in five minutes.¡± He said in amanding tone. ¡°Five minutes?¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°Yes and look your best. I don¡¯t want Mason to take your ce in Lorna¡¯s heart.¡± Mr Jack Bryant replied with a serious look on his face. ¡°Well I hope he takes my ce in Lorna¡¯s heart.¡± Ian pouted. Mr Jack tucked his hands into his pocket. ¡°Then if Lorna falls in love with Mason instead of you be ready to -¡± ¡°Leave the state and stay with Aunt Elise in Idaho or go into the military or lose your inheritance.¡± Ianpleted his dad¡¯s intended statement. He has heard these same words over and over again. ¡°Exactly. So make your choice this minute.¡± Mr Jack Bryant uttered in a stern tone. Ian got out of the bed and reluctantly walked into the bathroom. He choose to give a gift to Lorna rather than go into the military, lose his inheritance or even leave the state to stay with his aunt in Idaho. ***** IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. IN ROBERT HOME Mr Nathan Robert unlocked the door and entered their small house but he saw no one in the living room as expected. ¡°Honey..¡± He called out to his wife as he motioned towards the kitchen knowing that she might probably be there cooking. Mrs Madison Robert smiled at her husband when he walked into the kitchen. She wiped her hands on a clean and dry napkin before walking up to meet him. ¡°Wee home.¡± She hugged him. ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Nathan ced kisses all over his wife¡¯s face and she giggled happily. ¡°Where is Ria?¡± He asked about his daughter. ¡°She is in her room.¡± Mrs Madison Robert replied. ¡°What is she doing alone?¡± Mr Nathan questioned in a worried tone. Mrs Madison turned away to check on the stew. ¡°Ethan brought his clothes earlier so she is helping him to amend it.¡± She responded. Mr Nathan ced his hands on his waist with a furrowed eyebrows on his face. ¡°Oh honey, I told you not to allow her use the needles or even machine to amend dresses.¡± He reminded her. ¡°Oh! Come on Natty, stop acting like you don¡¯t know Ria. She won¡¯t listen.¡± Mrs Madison looked at her husband. ¡°Yes you are right, I know she can be stubborn but you should at least try to dissuade her from doing some certain things by herself like using the needles. I don¡¯t want her hurting herself with a needle.¡± Mr Nathan pointed out. Mrs Madison shrugged. ¡°Well for me, I don¡¯t want her to stop using the needle or learning to use machine. I love what she is doing and you should be d she want to do something even with her condition.¡± She countered. Mr Nathan drew in a deep breathe. ¡°Okay¡­ okay¡­ please just keep an eye on her.¡± He raised his hands up in surrender. ¡°Yes I will keep an eye on her.¡± Mrs Madison replied. Mr Nathan smile grew broader which caused his wife to raise her eyebrows slightly. ¡°You look happy.¡± Mrs Madison said. Mr Nathan went to his wife. ¡°Of course I am happy because I have you and Ria in my life.¡± He said wrapping his hand around her waist. ¡°But guess what?¡± Mrs Madison smiled. ¡°Just say it Nathan you know I am not good at guessing.¡± She pulled away from him. ¡°Well.. well I am done with the inheritance process so thewyer called me and said I can have ess to my own inheritance from next tomorrow.¡± Mr Nathan said with excitement in his tone. Mrs Madison screamed and hugged Nathan. ¡°Oh my goodness! This is great news!¡± ¡°Yes, once we have that money then Ria can get her eye surgery done. You will get a very bigger space enough to fit in like five to six sewing machines and we will be able to live in a very big house.. our dream house then all our dreams wille true.¡± Mr Nathan stated his ns. Tears clouded Mrs Madison¡¯s eyes as she embraced her husband tightly. ¡°Yes my love! Yes! Yes! My love!¡± She screamed happily. Mr Nathan pulled away from the embrace. ¡°I love you.¡± He said. ¡°I love you too.¡± Mrs Madison leaned up and ced a quick kiss on her husband¡¯s lips. ¡°We should tell Ria about it too.¡± Mr Nathan suggested and his wife nodded in agreement. Chapter 02 Murdered in cold blood IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA ¡°BANG! BANG! BANG!¡± Mr Nathan Robert heard a loud bang on the door and he couldn¡¯t help but frown deeply when he looked at the rm clock next to their bed. The time was 3:45 a. m in the midnight so who could be at the door? ¡°It is way too early for anyone to be here.¡± Mr Nathan grumbled. But maybe it is one of his wife¡¯s customers that is here to collect his or her dress even though it was way too early toe for a dress. He thought. Mr Nathan rubbed his sleepy eyes as he made his way to the door deciding that whoever was out there would receive res and words for knocking at this hour. ¡°Who is out there?!¡± Mr Nathan yelled angrily when the bang came on the door again. ¡°I am so sorry, Mr Nathan but I am here to get my dress from Mrs Robert.¡± A feminine voice said. ¡°Pleasee back to get your dress in the morning.¡± Mr Nathan replied. ¡°Please Mr Robert, I have an interview as early as 7:00 a. m.¡± The feminine voice said again. ¡°Pleasee back by 6 or 6:30 to get your dress because my wife is asleep right now and I don¡¯t want to disturb her.¡± Mr Nathan was about walking back into the room when he heard a masculine voice. ¡°Open this damn door or else I will break it down!¡± That might be her husband and he sure meant business. Mr Nathan thought. And not wanting anyone to bring down the door he replied. ¡°Okay.. okay.. Just a minute let me get my wife to give you the dress.¡± ¡°No¡­ Mr Robert don¡¯t wake her up just open up and let me get my dress and leave.¡± The feminine voice countered. Mr Nathan yawned out loudly. Well most of his wife¡¯s customers alwayse in to get a dress whenever she is not around to attend to them. ¡°Are you sure you can identify your dress?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes Mr Robert.¡± The feminine voice replied. Mr Nathan Robert walked back to the door and immediately he opened it a hard blownded on his right eye. Mr Nathan screamed in pain which awaken his sleeping wife and blind daughter. Madison became frightened when she got to the living room to she see four well built men and ady. They were all dressed in ck outfits and masks on their faces and with guns in their hands. ¡°Who are they Maddie? She only said that she wanted her dress.¡± Mr Nathan winced in pains as he touched his bloodshot and swollen eye. ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± The gang leader snarled at him. ¡°Dad, are you there?¡±Ria asked holding the walls trying to find her way to the sitting room. ¡°Bring the girl here!¡± The leader who was in his thirties gestured to one of his guys to bring Ria closer.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Please what do you want from us?¡± Mr Nathan demanded after realizing that they are dangerous humans with weapons.. ¡°You will find out very soon.¡± The gang leader replied. One of the men dragged Ria to the centre of the room and sat her down forcefully beside her mom and dad. ¡°My child.¡± Madison mumbled as she touched her daughter. ¡°Mom.¡± Ria wrapped her hands around her mom quickly. ¡°Lock the door speedy.¡± The leader instructed and one of the guys named speedy went to lock the door. ¡°Please.. who are you?¡± Mr Nathan asked in fear. ¡°Mr Robert, we are the money make life gang.¡± The leaderughed wickedly. ¡°Money make life gang? Please¡­ I.. don¡¯t know what you want.. from us. But we have no money.¡± Mr Robert stammered. ¡°Well many know us in Idaho as MML.¡± The leader replied and the Robert gasped out in fear. ¡°Do you know us now?¡± They all nodded fearfully and the gangughed out loud. The leader dragged Ria away from her mom and caressed her cheeks while she shivered in fear. ¡°Please.. don¡¯t.. touch her.. she is just a little girl.¡± Madison pleaded. ¡°Your daughter is a beauty, Mr Robert.¡± He tried to kiss Ria on her lips but she avoided him which was surprising to him. ¡°Can your blind daughter see me?¡± He chuckled at his own question. How can a blind girl see him? ¡°She can¡¯t but.. she can only feel.. things around her.¡± Mr Nathan replied shakily. ¡°What¡¯s her name?!¡± The leader demanded. ¡°R.. I.. A. Her name is Ria.¡± Mr Nathan answered. ¡°Hmm¡­ a beauty with a nice name. Ria do you know who the MML are?¡± The leader asked. Ria nodded slowly. ¡°We are really famous boss.. even the blind one know us.¡± Speedy joked and they allughed. The money make life gang are notorious robbers and hired assassins. Every young and old souls in Idaho know the MML but no one has ever seen their faces before and all effort to apprehend them have proved abortive. ¡°Perhaps should we take her with us Kelly?¡± The leader asked the only female among them as he grabbed Ria¡¯s jaw. Kelly rolled her eyes. ¡°She is blind. And she will be of no use to us.¡± She replied out of jealousy. He sat down on the closest couch ¡°She will be Kelly.. because she is giving me a hard on.¡± The leader said pointing to his already protruded member down his pant which caused his team tough again. ¡°Boss, we can take her with us so she can serve you for a very long time.¡± Speedy replied. ¡°No.. no.. please don¡¯t take her away. She is just a little girl. Please just tell me whatever it is you want.¡± Mr Nathan pleaded. Madison crawled to the couch that the leader sat on. ¡°Please don¡¯t take her away from us.. she is our only child.¡± She held on to the leader¡¯s leg. ¡°She is just a little girl.¡± She begged. ¡°Well I like little ones.¡± The leader replied as he kicked Madison hands away and speedy threw a kick in her stomach and she screamed in pain. ¡°Mom!¡± Ria screamed as the leader released her. She tried to find her way to her mom but Kelly dragged her hair and held her down to a spot. ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt my family.. please tell me what you want I am willing to pay you.¡± Mr Nathan begged. ¡°How much do you have with you?¡± The leader asked. ¡°I don¡¯t have enough money but I can spare you¡­ a five hundred dors.¡± Mr Nathan stuttered. The leader chuckled deviously. ¡°You are so poor Robert. A poor man like you can¡¯t pay us.¡± Mr Nathan looked up at the leader. ¡°Please that¡¯s all I made from my driving and minor jobs yesterday.¡± The leader did a tsk tsk sound. ¡°Well I am not here for your money.¡± He collected a brown envelope from one of his guys and threw it to Nathan. ¡°I need you to sign these papers then I and my team will leave in peace.¡± He said in a t tone. Mr Nathan eyes scanned through the papers in the envelope. ¡°It is the paper work to the inheritance yourte father left for you so all you have to do is sign it.¡± The papers contained the transfer of inheritance to someone. Tears clouded his vision. ¡°Did Frederick send you guys.. to get me to sign these papers so he can have all my inheritance?¡± Mr Nathan asked. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business just sign it!¡± The leader snapped. Frederick is Nathan¡¯s step brother. Frederick is an illegitimate child of Mr Frank Robert but he is the new CEO of Limospany. Mr Robert loves his mistress Antonia but ignored his legally married wife Emma because she couldn¡¯t bear him a child after ten years of marriage. Antonia became Mr Robert mistress in the eleventh year of his marriage to Emma then she had a son. Fortunately Emma had her own son two years after Frederick was born. Mr Nathan has never felt like a son to his dad and things got really worse for him after his mom passed away when he was barely sixteen. He was maltreated by Antonia and her son and went through series of hardship in their hands until he left home when he was eighteen. Nathan became a chauffeur and all sorts of jobs at that age just to put himself through college forgetting homepletely but it was so unfortunate that he couldn¡¯t get a better job after he graduated. Nathan had every chance to leave the state but he didn¡¯t want give in to the thought because Idaho was where he was born and where his mom wasid to rest. Nathan met Madison in a local factory where he worked as a truck driver. She was the seamstress in charge of sewing the workers wears. Madison is not so educated because she had dropped out of high school when she couldn¡¯t afford to pay the tuition fees and she had no one to turn to because she was an orphan. When Ria came into the picture, at two results proved that she was blind and a solution was provided. Nathan started working several jobs per day just to feed his family and save up for his daughter¡¯s eye surgery. They were happy with the little they had on the table and one could call them a happy family despite being poor. On sick bed, Mr Frank Robert made his will and gave hispanies to Frederick and he left millions of dors for Nathan but it wasn¡¯tpared to the value of thepanies he willed to his illegitimate child. One day, Nathan Robert received a call about the death of his father and that he has some inheritance. Nathan was not interested in owning any of his father¡¯s properties but his wife convinced him to ept it for their daughter¡¯s sake. Nathan also knows that with his inheritance, Ria could get her eye surgery and he would even have enough to get a big space for wife¡¯s sewing business and also live the good life they have always envisioned. Nathan got awyer and used his saving for the inheritance process. Everything was fine, he had received a call that he could have ess to the money and they were happy their dreams woulde true. But Frederick has hired this gang to make him sign the transfer of inheritance document. Mr Nathan shook his head in disagreement. ¡°No.. no¡­ I can¡¯t sign it.¡± He declined. The gang exchanged nces. ¡°You¡¯ll sign this papers and let me and my gang leave.¡± Fury crashed over him as he looked straight at the leader. ¡°No I won¡¯t sign this papers! I won¡¯t give my inheritance to that bastard!¡± Madison looked up at her husband. ¡°Nathan, please sign it.. just do it and let them go.¡± She pleaded with her husband. Nathan shook his head. ¡°No.. Maddie.. Ria has waited for too long.. Ria needs that money.¡± ¡°Dad just sign it.. sign it.. we will raise another money for my surgery.¡± Ria mumbled. She was scared of what this gang would do to them if her dad doesn¡¯t do what they want. ¡°But Ria, that will take more time to save up for such huge amount of money.¡± Nathan swallowed hard even as he looked at his blind daughter being pinned down. ¡°Do it.¡± Ria sobbed. ¡°No! I won¡¯t sign it! Look you can kill me. I would rather die than give my inheritance to that bastard!¡± Nathan said in a raised tone. The leader pointed the gun at Madison and he pulled the trigger. ¡°Madison!¡± Nathan dropped down to his feet. Ria figured her mom has been shot from her father¡¯s words and the sound of the gun. ¡°No.. no.. mom!¡± She struggled to free herself. ¡°I hate stubborn people! Don¡¯t waste my time!¡± The leader coaxed as Nathan crawled to his wife¡¯s bloody body. She was shot in the chest. ¡°Mom.. mom.. mom..¡± Ria sobbed. ¡°Take the girl to her mother¡¯s body.¡± The leader instructed Kelly who dragged Ria to where her parents sat. Ria traced her hand on the floor until she felt her mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Is she dead? Mom.. please.. talk.. to me.. Dad do something!¡± She cried. ¡°Ria.. my child.. always.. remember¡­ that.. I lo.. love.. you.. and.. hold.. on.. to.. our dreams.. if -¡± Her voice trailed off. ¡°No.. no.. Maddie.. wake up.. I am sorry Maddie!¡± Nathan cried as he embraced his wife¡¯s lifeless body. ¡°Mom!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± The leader snarled. Ria and Nathan became silent suddenly . ¡°I hate sad dramas. Now are you ready to sign it? Robert, I¡¯ll advise you sign it or she will be the next.¡± He pointed the gun at Ria. ¡°Sign it dad and let them go.. I don¡¯t want to lose you too.¡± Ria pleaded. The leader threw the paper and pen to Nathan. Heid his wife on the floor and with his bloody hand he signed the papers in tears. All their dreams crashed in one night. He had spend a lot on the inheritance process which was a huge sum of money his dad had left him. He had nned to pay for Ria¡¯s eye surgery and establish his wife¡¯s sewing business but he won¡¯t be able to do any of that anymore. His whole dreams of buying a better house and making his family happy is gone with just his signature. Why did Frederick have toe after him when he has everything? ¡°Good of you, Robert.¡± The leader collected the paper and grinned wickedly. ¡°But you know we can¡¯t just leave like that anymore. I was willing to help if only you had signed the papers without me wasting my expensive bullet on your wife. But I am really sorry.¡± He pointed the gun at Ria. Nathan raised his hands up. ¡°Please don¡¯t kill my daughter. I beg you. Please leave.. I already signed the papers.¡± He begged. ¡°No if I spare your lives you will tell the cops that Frederick sent us.¡± The leader smirked. ¡°No, I promise I won¡¯t tell it to anyone. I¡¯ll leave town as soon as you leave.. before daybreak. I¡¯ll never mention it to anyone.¡± Mr Nathan rushed out his words. The leaderughed. ¡°So smart of you Robert.. but I don¡¯t believe you. What would you tell the cops about your wife¡¯s body? Frederick already paid for your lives.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t kill my dad.¡± Ria cried. ¡°Oh sorry about that beauty but don¡¯t worry you will be fine without your dad¡­ or maybe you will be with them soon too.¡± The leader gestured to Kelly to take her away. ¡°Let me go.. Dad.¡± Ria struggled blindly as Kelly dragged her away from her parents. ¡°Say yourst prayers, Robert.¡± The leader pointed the gun at him. ¡°No please don¡¯t¡­ kill my dad.¡± Ria pleaded as hot tears burning down her cheeks. Nathan looked at his daughter. He knew this was the end. ¡°I love you, Ria.¡± And then she heard it again just like the first time-the sound of the gun. ¡°Dad! Somebody help!¡± Ria screamed out. Kelly ced her hands on Ria¡¯s mouth. ¡°What do we do with her boss?¡± She asked. Ria struggled to free herself. The leader pointed the gun again at Ria but dropped it when they heard a distance siren. ¡°Damn it! Someone called the cops!¡± She uttered and pushed Ria away. She was about shooting Ria. ¡°Don¡¯t shoot her.¡± The leader stopped her. ¡°Why?¡± Kelly asked with a raised eyebrows. ¡°I want her.¡± He pointed to his erected member. ¡°But you can¡¯t take her here! The cops are around the area!¡± Kelly argued. Speedy hit Ria with the bottom of his gun and she passed out and slipped to the floor. ¡°Why speedy?!¡± The leader looked at him. ¡°We don¡¯t have time to waste.. she is fine!¡± Speedy answered. ¡°Carry her! Come on! Move it! We have to leave!¡± The leader said as Speedy threw Ria on his shoulder and they all rushed out of the house. Chapter 03 Physically violated IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AN UNDERGROUND HOUSE Frederick walked into the dark office with only a dimmp on the table providing brightness around the area. ¡°Lucas, did you manage to get my brother to sign the documents?¡± His voice was loud and it echoed in the room. ¡°Yes, the job was a sess.¡± The gang leader replied with a grin on his face. A smug smile formed on Frederick lips when he saw Nathan¡¯s signature. ¡°He got blood on the papers?¡± He arched his brows. ¡°Yeah, his wife¡¯s blood and he signed it with his bloody hands. Don¡¯t worry, you can make a copy of it.¡± Lucas replied. Frederick nodded in agreement. ¡°Good job Lucas I know you won¡¯t fail me.¡± One of his men in suit dropped a ck box on the table and passed it to Lucas. The box was filled with money. ¡°Remember our deal Frederick.¡± Lucas said as Speedy closed the box after examining it. ¡°Aside this money I have to get 2% of that your brother¡¯s inheritance.¡± Lucas added. ¡°Yes Lucas. I will send my men to you next week as soon as I have my stupid step brother buried beneath the earth.¡± Frederick chuckled. Lucas nodded. ¡°He is dead right? You made sure he breathe hisst right?¡± Frederick demanded. ¡°Yes I killed him and his wife.¡± Lucas demonstrated with his hands how he had fired the gun at the couple. ¡°What about their child?¡± Frederick asked. ¡°I had fun with her in my car before dropping her off a cliff.¡± Lucas answered. Frederick smiled happily as he stood up and shook hands with Lucas. ¡°Thank you for the job well done.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Lucas grinned. ¡°It is nice doing business with you. Call me whenever you need my gang again.¡± Frederick shook his head before walking out of the office with his men. Speedy cleared his throat. ¡°Why did you lie to him?¡± Lucas looked at Speedy. ¡°He might insist on killing the girl himself.¡± He replied. ¡°But boss don¡¯t you n to kill her?¡± Speedy asked again. ¡°I n to kill her but not yet.¡± Lucas answered. ¡°What if he finds out that she is still alive and right here in our den?¡± Speedy grabbed the box on the table. ¡°Frederick is out of the picture now. He will never find out the girl is alive. And I just want to have fun with that little angel.¡± Lucas said rubbing his member that was getting erected. ¡°It has been a while boss.¡± Speedyughed. ¡°Yes¡­ and I don¡¯t know why that little girl turns me on so badly.¡± Lucas chuckled. ¡°It must be because you have been too busy to even look at any woman.¡± Speedy said ¡°Where is she?¡± Lucas demanded. ¡°Kelly locked her up in your room.¡± Speedy answered. ¡°Is she awake?¡± Speedy shook his head positively. ¡°Yes boss.¡± Lucas stood up from the chair. ¡°Speedy, take care of things while I toy with my little Angel.¡± He tapped on the desk before walking out of the office. IN LUCAS ROOM Ria was curled up in a corner of the room with tears dropping down her cheeks as she thought of her parents. Ria had wondered where she was when she regained consciousness. Ria knew this ce wasn¡¯t her home and she thought of what they would do to her. Lucas walked into his room but didn¡¯t see Ria in his bed. ¡°Ria.¡± He called in a childish tone. Fear gripped Ria immediately at the sound of his voice and she didn¡¯t answer. Lucas only heard her soft sobs around his room. Soon he figured where she sat, he went to her and tried to touch her. ¡°My little angel is crying.¡± Lucas pouted. She felt him so close to her. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me you monster!¡± She cried. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude to me!¡± Lucas grabbed her and carried her to the bed. ¡°Let me go! Let me go! You monster!¡± Ria struggled in his hands as Lucas dropped her on his bed before climbing on top of her. Ria tried to fight him off but he was too strong. ¡°Hey bunny just stay m so that you won¡¯t get hurt.¡± Lucas tried to kiss Ria and on an impulse she moved her hand and a pnded across his face. It came as a shock to him. No one has ever dared to hit him. He loosened his hold on her as she crawled blindly around the bed. ¡°You are a monster! You have no shame! You killed my parents you beast!¡± She cried out. Lucas grabbed her again and he made a hit on her face. ¡°I was thinking of going easy on you.¡± He grabbed her hands and ced it over her head. ¡°But you just broke one of my rules! No one dares to touch me! I¡¯ll have you roughly because it has been a while since I have been with a woman.¡± He gritted in anger before kissing her full on her lips. Ria tried to avoid his lips but he grabbed her jaw and gave her a rough kiss. ¡°Please.. don¡¯t do.. this to me.¡± She said when he kissed her neck. ¡°Don¡¯t me me Ria but you affect me in a strong way.¡± Lucas said amidst kisses. He let her go, removed his belt and tied Ria¡¯s hands with it before pulling off his trouser. ¡°Please..¡± Ria knew she was about to be forced into something she never dreamt would ever happen to her. ¡°Please don¡¯t.. don¡¯t do it.. I beg you.¡± She pleaded with more tears dropping down her cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t me me Ria.. me that greedy uncle of yours for hiring me to do this job.¡± Lucas grimaced. Ria gave up as she grew weak and tears burned down her cheeks slowly as pain surge through her body. There was no point in fighting anymore and she silently cursed the day she was born into this wicked world. Lucas killed her parents and now he has forced himself on her. At that point, Ria made a promise that if she ever survive in Lucas hands she would definitely take revenge on Frederick for the death of her parents and for causing her so much pain. Chapter 04 Let us call you mom CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA EIGHT YEARS LATER ¡°Miss Ria! Miss Ria!¡± The children who used to live next door but now lives with her called out her name from the sitting room. ¡°Phoebe, Phoenix, I am in the kitchen!¡± Ria said loud enough for them to hear and in no time they were already beside her. ¡°Hey guys, how are you doing?¡± Ria asked as she cleaned her hand on a napkin to give them a high five. ¡°We are fine!¡± They chorused and Riaughed. ¡°So what are you cooking?¡± The little man named Phoenix asked. ¡°Well I am just trying to prepare lunch.. or have you eaten at Ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s ce?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, ma¡¯am Elise is not at home.¡± Phoebe answered. ¡°Okay now both of you should go inside the room and take a shower and after that you will eat your lunch-¡± ¡°Then we will tell you what happened at school today!¡± Phoenixpleted her intended statement. Well that¡¯s how they do all the time. Phoebe and Phoenix both get the chance to tell Ria whatever happened at school or in their various sses each day. ¡°Okay miss Ria!¡± They both rushed out of the kitchen. Telling Ria what happened in school is one of the best moments to her. Phoenix would argue for his turn anytime Phoebe wasn¡¯t ready to stop talking and sometimes he ends up crying and Ria has to pet him with a chance to write in the measurement book. Phoebe and Phoenix are both siblings. FLASHBACK Phoebe is ten years old while Phoenix is seven years old. They used to live next to Ria¡¯s house with their dad, Mr Lawson until he left them alone in their home. Their mom left three years ago after Mr Lawson lost his job and couldn¡¯t fend for the family anymore. Well they actually moved to Chicago a year ago because Mr Lawson thought he was going to secure a better job in the state. The bills of putting his children through school and also paying house bill and others was too much for him being that the minor barman job wasn¡¯t paying well so he felt the only way to escaped his responsibility was running away. Mr Lawson left his kids alone in the house under the pretense of going to work. Phoebe came to Ria the next day and cried that Phoenix passed out. Ria asked about the whereabout of her dad just to let him know his child was unconscious but Phoebe said he hasn¡¯t returned home since yesterday and that was so unusual of him. Phoebe led Ria to their apartment right where Phoenix was and truly he was unconscious, his pulse was weak and Ria feared that he was going to die. Then without wasting time Ria instructed the little girl to call Ma¡¯am Elise who stays three blocks away to inform her about it. And ma¡¯am Elise ordered Ria to call 911 and she did as instructed with the help of Phoebe who wouldn¡¯t stop crying. Ma¡¯am Elise arrived almost immediately after the ambnce came in and Phoenix was taken to the nearest hospital. Mrs Elise and Ria managed to calm Phoebe by assuring her that Phoenix would be fine. ¡°No, he won¡¯t be miss Ria.¡± Phoebe whispered and Ria knew there was more to her words. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ria asked. Phoebe spoke up again. ¡°We haven¡¯t eaten for days now because our dad didn¡¯t have the money to buy us food.¡± ¡°Phoebe if this is about food, I will buy enough for you and your brother. Your brother will be fine.¡± Ria said. ¡°No, this is not just about the food.¡± Phoebe cried. Ria exchanged nces with ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Then Phoebe, tell me what is wrong?¡± ¡°Dad found out Phoenix was ill but he left us.¡± Phoebe sniffed. ¡°What illness?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Phoenix was diagnosed of Appendix and dad doesn¡¯t have the money to get his surgery done.¡± Phoebe exined. Ria¡¯s jaw dropped immediately. ¡°Do you know where your dad might be?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°He is gone.. he is noting back again.¡± Phoebe mumbled. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ria questioned. Phoebe sniffed again. ¡°I saw the note he left under the TV. He left because we are nothing but a burden to him.¡± She sobbed loudly. ¡°Phoebe, perhaps do you know his workce?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°I went there already.. but a man said he stopped working there about two weeks ago after he got fired for engaging in a fist fight with a customer. And he also got into trouble with the cops so he is probably hiding now.¡± Phoebe answered. Ria and Ma¡¯am Elise were speechless not knowing what to do about the situation. So Ma¡¯am Elise pulled the little girl in for a hug. Phoebe said was true, the doctor confirmed it that Phoenix had appendix and he needed to undergo appendectomy to remove the Vermiform Appendix immediately or he might die. Phoebe had pleaded with the doctor to save her brother that she was going to repay him after she had saved enough little did she know that hospitals don¡¯t work that way. Ria knew there was only one way to save Phoenix¡¯s life which was using a part of the money she was saving up for her eye surgery to pay up the medical bills. It wasn¡¯t an easy decision to make, she went through a lot to save up that little amount of money but if she decided to keep saving it for her eye surgery then Phoenix would die. Settling the bills would save Phoenix¡¯s life so after much thinking Ria paid for it. Ria Robert is blind but she can still do some many things with her condition but being dead means it is the end of existence. She doesn¡¯t want that for the little boy that is so full of joy. Ria would always think of what she went through in Lucas¡¯s den and how someone had also showed up to save her. Phoenix surgery was sessful and in few weeks he was back to being the exuberant child that he is. Ria never regretted giving up her money to save his life. But what would be of them now that Phoenix was fine? Ma¡¯am Elise suggested that they take them to the children center but both siblings refused saying that they would rather starve to death than go to the children center. Ria didn¡¯t want them to wonder about the street or get separated at the children centre so she made another decision to raise them like her own children since she doesn¡¯t see herself trusting any man or have anything to do with one of them not after what Lucas did to her. Ria and Ma¡¯am Elise decided to be their guardians and ever since then they have been staying with Ria. And the children are happy that Ria had offered to take them in. They both promised to repay her someday but that isn¡¯t necessary because she would keep praying for their dad to get a better job and think of his children. And with the help of ma¡¯am Elise, they have been able to get a court note to raise the children. FLASH FORWARD What Phoebe and Phoenix went through three months ago was too much for their mental health especially the part of abandonment by both parents. ¡°Miss Ria, are we ready for lunch?¡± Phoenix asked. Ria giggled. ¡°Sure we are ready for lunch. Sit down and let me serve you.¡± ¡°Let me help you.¡± Phoebe said. Ria sensed Phoebe¡¯s presence by her side as she looked for a spoon and the little girl handed her one. You might be wondering how blind people go about living their lives like other normal people do. How they can walk without tripping on the ground and without crashing themselves into something that can injure them. You think of how they read, will there be someone who will read them something interesting or stories or the newspaper? You also ask yourself how can they know people? Since there are a lot of bad people out there anything can happen to a blind person such as being robbed. Many times Ria have always wished that she could see maybe just once. Her eyeballs are always opened but she couldn¡¯t see anything. Ria only relied on her sense of touch. She was born blind and she has learned what normal people usually did using her other senses especially the sense of touch. Usually disabled people would be discriminated from the rest of the society simply because they did thing much slower and people presumed that blind people could not do things that normal people could do as well. Ria could possibly prove that all these are not true. Ria Robert started using the needle to mend clothes at the age of seven and she could use the sewing machine in her blind state at the age of twelve. Disable people could not do anything you say? But Ria could pick up a pencil and draw out any design of clothes you can think of ording to description. There are other ways for a blind person to function like normal people, one of it is that the other senses would be more sensitive, like the sense of hearing and sense of touch. ¡°Miss Ria on our way back from school Phoebe said she wants to tell you something when we get home.¡± Phoenix said.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°What is it Phoebe?¡± Ria asked as they all settled to eat their food. ¡°Nothing Miss Ria.¡± Phoebe replied in a low tone as she shot her brother a re. ¡°You are such a loose mouth, Phoenix.¡± Ria heard Phoebe whispered to Phoenix. ¡°Phoebe, it is fine if you don¡¯t want to talk about it now. We can have a discussionter on.¡± Ria managed a small smile on her face. ¡°Of course she wants to talk about it but she doesn¡¯t know how to present it to you.¡± Phoenix answered. ¡°Okay.. don¡¯t worry Phoebe tell me whatever it is you want to say when you are ready. And-¡± Ria paused. ¡°Phoenix, you will read one of your books to me.¡± Shepleted. ¡°Okay¡­ but are you not sewing a dress today?¡± Phoenix asked. ¡°I will do it tomorrow.¡± Ria answered. ¡°But why not today?¡± Phoenix grumbled. ¡°I can¡¯t do anything today because I am expecting Ma¡¯am Elise to bring in the materials.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Phoenix got back to eating his food. Phoenix loves the sewing business and one of his favorite aspects of sewing is writing down measurement while Phoebe¡¯s job is to take measurement ording to Ria¡¯s instructions and at times to confirm the numbers on the tape rule whenever ma¡¯am Elise is not around and she was the one doing the measuring. Phoebe and Phoenix have known about these things even before their dad left. They always work together with Ria whenever their dad wasn¡¯t around to watch them at night and during weekends. They all work together on weekends after Ria must have made sure that they are done with school school works. That excitement of calling out measurement whenever Ria is about to cut a dress makes the children do their school works without being told to do so. At ten now, Phoebe can mend dresses of her age and Ria feels indeed blessed to have them around her because the children have been really helpful to her. They all ate in silence for few minutes until Phoebe dropped her spoon and cleared her throat. ¡°Miss Ria.¡± She called. ¡°Yes Phoebe.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Well¡­ actually Phoenix and I have been thinking of everything you have done for us. I mean, you have been really good to us and you have done too much for us even what our parents couldn¡¯t do for us. Miss Ria, you enrolled us in a good school, you feed us three times a day and you even give us whatever we need. So we realize that you are just like a mother to us.. and that¡¯s why-¡± Phoebe shared a look with her brother who winked a sign to signify that she should continue her words. ¡°Phoebe-¡± Phoebe interrupted Ria. ¡°Phoenix and I have decided that we stop calling you miss Ria.¡± Ria arched her eyebrows. ¡°So what do you n to call me?¡± She asked. ¡°We want to call you-¡± Phoebe paused and urged her brother to say the word. ¡°Mom.¡± Phoenixpleted. ¡°Mom?¡± Ria repeated. ¡°Yes.¡± They both chorused. ¡°We want to call you mom since you have decided to raise us as your own children. It¡¯s so kind of you to ept us into your life.¡± Phoebe added. Ria was silent as the children waited for her to say something. ¡°Perhaps you don¡¯t like it?¡± Phoenix asked in a low tone. Ria waved her hand in the air. ¡°No.. no.. that¡¯s not-¡± She blinked back tears that threatened to spill any moment from now. She has never thought of having any kid to call her mom but now her adopted children wants to call her mom. Phoenix exchanged nces with his sister when he noticed the sting of tears in his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to cry. We only need someone we can look up to as our mother and you fit in that picture.¡± Phoebe said as they moved closer to her side. Ria sniffed. ¡°No, I am not crying. I am just a bit emotional at the moment.¡± She stered a small smile on her face. ¡°This is the best thing that Phoenix and I feel we can do now to repay you for helping us.¡± Phoebe wiped the tears that strayed down Ria¡¯s cheeks with her fingertips. ¡°Yes. We love you so much too.¡± Phoenix said. ¡°Even if we can¡¯t repay you back with a huge sum of money now, we can do well at taking care of you and I am sure someday my brother and I will have lots of money.¡± Phoebe said again. Ria raised her hand up until she touched Phoenix face and she managed to pull the both of them in for a hug. ¡°Listen, you don¡¯t have to repay me. Phoenix and Phoebe, you both are one of the best things that has ever happened to me in life. And I love you so much.¡± The children hugged her tightly. ¡°We love you too.¡± Phoebe whispered. ¡°Mom, we already informed our friends at school that you are our mother.¡± Phoenix said after Ria released them. ¡°You did that?¡± Ria smiled. ¡°Yes. They are always questioning us about our mom so when we didn¡¯t know what else to say. So we told them you are our mom.¡± Phoebe said happily ¡°And they didn¡¯t mock us for having a blind mom.¡± Phoenix spoke up too. ¡°Well actually a boy mocked me but others in ss defended me. They said that my blind mom was able to put my brother and I in a private school and not a public school. I think that¡¯s enough to prove that you are the best mom in the world!¡± Phoebe giggled. ¡°Yeah Phoebe actually kicked the boy¡¯s butt when he tried to mock her.¡± Phoenixughed. ¡°Hey Phoebe, you shouldn¡¯t go about kicking anybody at school. I don¡¯t want you to get into trouble with anyone.¡± Ria cautioned her. ¡°Well I am ready to get into trouble with someone who thinks ill of you.¡± Phoebe pouted. ¡°Same with me too¡­ I will cut their heads with my homemade sword.¡± Phoenix demonstrated his animated fighting skills which Ria sensed that he would do. ¡°Oh my little man! You must be getting better at your fighting skills.¡± Ria giggled as Phoenix snuggled closer to her again. ¡°Yes! I am doing great! I am going to protect you too¡± Phoenix coaxed. Ria pinched his cheeks. ¡°Thank you for offering to protect me and I am d that I have been able to help you.¡± ¡°Thank you for taking care of us too.¡± Phoenix kissed her cheeks. ¡°Since you have haven¡¯t been out for days now so I suggest we all take a walk.¡± Phoenix suggested. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s a great idea!¡± Phoenix jumped in excitement. ¡°Sure we will do just that when the sun goes down.¡± Ria replied. ¡°An evening walk around the park.¡± Phoebe gave her brother a high five. ¡°Yes. Go back and eat up so we can wash the dishes before heading out.¡± Ria instructed them. ¡°Okay.¡± The said in unison. They all ate their meals. Phoebe and Ria washed the dishes while Phoenix was busy arranging the workshop area. Then they both settled to finish up their school works while Ria did a few counting of steps in her head. When the sun was down, they head out of the house for an evening walk after everything nned was done. Chapter 05 A thief at the park CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA LINT CORPORATION Mr Jack Bryant, the founder of Lint Corporation is one of the richest men in the United States of America. Actually on Forbes list, he ranked first as the richest man in Chicago. His corporation is rated top one in America. Lint corporation dabbled in everything, hotels, restaurants, spas, technologies and textiles. It is a multi billionaire industry. His wife, Mrs Pe Bryant is a famous Jeweler in Chicago. She is the owner of Pe Jewelries, the biggest essories store in the state. His first child is Josie and she is in charge of the hotels. The second child named Lauren is in charge of the restaurants and spas. The third child is piper and she is in charge of the textiles industry. The fourth child and only son is Ian Bryant. A tall handsome man. A perfectbination of good looks and wealth. His brown hair is gelled up to fit his perfectly sculpted face. Wrestlers shoulders were part of his muscr physique and a well chiseled chest. His eyebrows are thin and narrow, piercing ck eyes and well defined cheekbones. He has a charisma that would entice any woman. He has a domineering attitude and the aura of authority hovered around him. He is twenty six years old. Ian Bryant has everything, striking good looks, intelligence, riches and women pooling at his feet. He is a billionaire. He is the one overseeing all the corporation activities as the chief executive officer. The voIp phone on the desk binged and Ian picked it. ¡°Hello sir, the files you requested from the technological branch just entered into my system.¡± Grace, the secretary said over the phone. ¡°Transfer it to my system now.¡± Ian Bryant instructed. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Grace replied. ¡°Grace, please call me Ramsey. I need to talk to him.¡± Ian added. Grace hummed a positive response before the line went off. Seconds clicked by and his system beeped signifying files transferred from his secretary¡¯s system. A soft knock sounded on the door at the same time. ¡°Come in, Ramsey.¡± Ian said loud enough for anyone outside the door to hear him. A handsome looking man walked in with thepany¡¯s tablet and some paper works in his hands. Ramsey is the CEO¡¯s personal assistant. ¡°Sir, here are the paper works you requested.¡± Ian tapped on the desk and his personal dropped the files on it. Being a chief executive officer is stressful and tiring. Ian barely has time for himself or even some breathing space because he is always buried in files, paper works, contracts and deals from several branches of the corporation. And he can¡¯t leave any work undone or else it would affect the smooth running of the corporation.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Ramsey, do I have any meeting today?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes sir.¡± Ramsey replied as his eyes flickered at the tablet to check his boss schedule. ¡°Who am I supposed to meet after handling these paperwork?¡± Ian questioned without looking up from the system. ¡°Sir, you have a meeting with Miss Lorna Simmons.¡± Ramsey answered. Ian couldn¡¯t help but roll my eyes. ¡°Please call her and let her know that I am too busy to meet up with her today.¡± He rubbed his temples gently. ¡°y sir¡­ but Miss Lorna might decide toe here herself.¡± Ramsey said. ¡°Well if Lornaes around just tell her that I am in a meeting with the board of directors.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Okay sir but-¡± Ian nced up at his personal assistant. ¡°What is it again Ramsey?¡± He demanded. Ramsey never gets tired of using the word but especially when it concerns Miss Lorna Simmons. ¡°Well Sir, you know how funny Miss Lorna can be.. I mean she might decide to barge into the meeting just to see you.¡± Ramsey stuttered. Yeah he is right! Lorna can actually do that to confirm if Ian is really in a meeting. ¡°She is such a pain in the neck.¡± Ian muttered as he ced his palms in his face. ¡°Do I have any other meetings again?¡± He doesn¡¯t have the strength to deal with Lorna today. ¡°No sir.¡± Ramsey answered. ¡°Are there other files remaining after these ones?¡± Ian asked. ¡°No sir.¡± Ramsey replied. ¡°Okay.. okay then I will leave the office soon. I need to clear my head.¡± Ian loosened his tie. ¡°Should I get the car ready?¡± Ramsey asked. ¡°No, I will just take a taxi and probably stop by at a park to rx myself. I don¡¯t need apany.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Sir, is there anything else that you need?¡± Ramsey¡¯s gaze met his boss. ¡°Hmm yeah¡­ get me my dark ss and a nose mask just to hide my identity.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Okay sir. I¡¯ll be right back with the items.¡± Ramsey bowed slightly before he walked out of the office ****** AT THE PARK Ria, Phoebe and Phoenix walked down the street, singing a rhyme as they headed straight to a mini park not far to their home. Phoebe held Ria¡¯s right hand with her purse in her other hand just in case they needed to buy something at the park while Phoenix held Ria¡¯s left hand. ¡°Mom, there are not much people at the park today.¡± Phoenix said after her eyes surveyed the area. ¡°Well could it be because today is Friday and not Saturday?¡± Phoenix asked. ¡°I am not sure. If you don¡¯t like it here then we can go to a restaurant if you want, Phoenix.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Yeah I love that! So we can buy ice cream!¡± Phoenix jumped by her side. ¡°That¡¯s a waste of money since we ate before leaving home.¡± Phoebe scolded her brother with a re. ¡°No Phoebe, we don¡¯t have to buy some thing all that expensive. I mean an ice cream will do.¡± Ria said to her. ¡°Look mom! There is an ice cream stand over there!¡± Phoenix screamed in excitement when he saw a man parking his van close to the roadside. ¡°Where?¡± Ria asked as if she could see. ¡°There! Right there.. oh I think he is trying to pack the van under the tree!¡± Phoenix answered. ¡°Okay. Phoebe pick some notes from the purse and get two ice cream.¡± Ria instructed. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°I will stay with mom while you get the ice cream.¡± Phoenix said to his sister. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Phoebe gave Ria the purse before racing off to get ice cream. ¡°Mom, there is a bench over there we should go and sit on it.¡± Phoenix said ¡°Will it be easy for Phoebe to find us?¡± Ria questioned. ¡°Yes mom. It is closer to the ice cream spot.¡± Phoenix responded. And he led Ria to towards the bench as they count steps together but all a sudden a man bumped into her and then the purse slipped off from her hand. ¡°Hey! Can¡¯t you see?!¡± Phoenix snapped. ¡°My purse.. did it fall to the ground?¡± Ria trembled. Phoenix checked the floor but it wasn¡¯t there and his eyes trailed on the man who had bumped into Ria. He smirked at the little boy and ced a finger on his lips to silent him. ¡°He just snatched your purse!¡± Ria heard Phoenix¡¯s cry while she lost her bnce when he stumbled in an attempt to get the purse from the man. ¡°Are you okay Phoenix?¡± Ria crouched down trying to find him then she touched a part of his body, his leg precisely and he cried. The man ran off too quickly. ¡°Sorry.. Sorry Phoenix.¡± Ria whispered shakily. ¡°I am fine mom.. but that man just snatched your purse.¡± Phoenix said. Phoebe heard her brother¡¯s voice from where she stood to get ice cream. ¡°Look that guy running ahead is a thief! He has snatched my mom¡¯s purse!¡± She screamed but it was as if no one cared about going after the thief since there were just few people at the park. ¡°Thieves at the park again? I should close up before theye rob my earnings.¡± The ice cream man panicked. ¡°Are you okay mom?¡± Phoenix asked. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am fine..¡± Ria¡¯s voice trembling. Phoebe rushed back to Ria and her brother. ¡°I will go after him.¡± She said. ¡°No.. no.. it is dangerous to go after a thief just let him go. We should take care of your brother. Is he badly hurt?¡± Ria managed to say. ¡°Somebody help! He just snatched my mom¡¯s purse!¡± Phoebe screamed again. ¡°But the money in the purse is enough to feed in the next two days.¡± Phoenix grumbled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.. I still have enough money at home.¡± Ria answered. ¡°It is all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have suggested getting ice cream.¡± Phoenix med himself in a sad tone. ¡°No it is not your fault. No one should be med for what happened today okay?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Okay.¡± They shook their heads. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you just rest a bit before we head back home.¡± Phoebe suggested. ¡°Is Phoenix leg fine? Does he have a bruise on it?¡± Ria asked. ¡°He is fine.¡± Phoebe answered before she helped Ria settle down in a bench. ¡°Are sure your brother didn¡¯t get hurt from that fall?¡± Ria asked again. ¡°It is just a scratch.¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°We should go home and clean it up. It can¡¯t be infected.¡± Ria stood up from the bench. About three minutester, Ria heard a masculine voice.¡±Hello.¡± Immediately Ria¡¯s body trembled when she heard the voice. ¡°Mom he brought back your purse!¡± The children eximed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know someone paid attention to me.¡± Phoebe added. Ria tried to control her body. Actually what Lucas did to her has imbibed a fear for men in her. If shees in close contact with them, extreme anxiety and tremors set in within her. Ria never want to get close to anyone of them again. ¡°I hope everyone is okay? I am sorry about what the thief did to you. I heard her scream while I was on phone so I went after him. Here is your purse.¡± Ian rushed out his words even as he tried to breathe out heavily at the same time. Ria didn¡¯t reach out to take her purse back. ¡°Thank you.¡± Phoebe room the purse from him. ¡°Thank you for getting back our mom¡¯s purse!¡± Phoenix thanked him. ¡°You are wee.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Thank.. you.¡± Ria whispered in low tone. It was polite enough to say thank you for retrieving her purse. ¡°I am d that.. I helped.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Let us go home so you can clean up your wound, Phoenix.¡± Ria said. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Phoebe helped her brother up before moving to Ria¡¯s side to hold her hand. ¡°Bye bye, mister.¡± Phoenix waved at him. ¡°Bye.¡± Ian replied before they walked away from the him. ¡°Are you okay, mommy?¡± Phoenix asked her. ¡°Yes.. yes I.. am.. fine.. I am fine.¡± Ria stammered. ¡°But¡­ your palms are sweaty and you are trembling. Is this because of the thief?¡± Phoebe demanded. ¡°Am I? I was just shocked.. that someone snatched my purse.¡± Ria said shakily. It was true. She couldn¡¯t control the feeling of fear and she was breathing faster than the normal rate. ¡°That man is a bad guy!¡± Phoenix hissed out. ¡°We can hold on a bit if you need to rx your mind.¡± Phoebe said. ¡°No let us just go home. We should leave before something else happens to us.¡± Ria response was sharp and immediate. She didn¡¯t want to stay around because she was feeling like the man was still right behind her. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Phoebe muttered. Chapter 06 The blind lady CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IAN BRYANT MANSION ¡°Wee home, sir Ian.¡± A young girl dressed in a maid outfit greeted Ian with a smile on her face. Ian arched his eyebrows when he saw her. ¡°Who are you?¡± He asked. He has never seen her face in the house. Even if there are lots of workers working in his mansion, Ian Bryant can tell if there is a new face and although he is also not the one hiring them. ¡°I am Ruth.¡± The young girl replied. ¡°Ruth?¡± Ian repeated as he walked further into the living room. ¡°Yes sir.¡± Ruth smiled. ¡°Where is Mr Griffin?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Mr Griffin is in the Kitchen.¡± Ruth answered. ¡°Please tell him I want to have a word with him.¡± Ian ordered. Ruth rushed off to the kitchen. Ian unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat on the couch. ¡°CEO Ian, wee back home.¡± The fifty eight years old chef greeted him cheerfully. ¡°How are you doing, Mr Griffin?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I am fine. And it is good to have you back home.¡± Mr Griffin smiled. ¡°When did Ruth start working here?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°Last week sir. I should have called to inform you that Mrs Pe sent in another worker but I didn¡¯t because I figured out you would be too busy to pick up calls.¡± Mr Griffin exined.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Ian rubbed his forehead continuously. Mrs Pe Bryant would never stop treating her son like a high school kid that needed babysitters. She always hire new worker just for Ian to have people around him. And having too many workers in this home is one of the reason why he doesn¡¯t likeing home. Ian Bryant would rather stay at one of his hotels. Initially Ian had nned to stay in a small apartment but his mom insisted that he lives in this mansion to fit his reputation. Mrs Pe bought the mansion for her son on his eighteenth birthday. And her main reason for persuading Ian to move in was so that she can alwayse around to stay with him and she feels morefortable with more workers around and not just her alone. ¡°How many workers in total?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Eighteen workers sir.¡± Mr Griffin replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian Bryant stood up from the couch. ¡°Sir, what would you like to eat?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°I am full. I dropped by at Lauren¡¯s ce to say hi so she gave me pasta. I just need a ss of water and painkiller.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Okay sir. I¡¯ll get it.¡± Mr Griffin raced off. Ian walked up the steps leading to the first floor. He switched on the room lights and crashed on the king sized bed. A knock sounded on the door about two minutester. ¡°Come in.¡± Ian said. Mr Griffin walked in with a tray filled with ss of water and painkiller. ¡°CEO Ian, here is the water and painkiller you requested.¡± He sets it on the bed. ¡°Thank you Mr Griffin. But I¡¯ll appreciate it if you stop calling me CEO just call me Ian and drop the formality.¡± Ian mumbled. Mr Griffin only smiled. Ian had told him that several times but the man ever listens and doesn¡¯t want to sound disrespectful. ¡°By the way, Miss Josie dropped by to check on you on her way back from the office.¡± Mr Griffin informed him. ¡°Really?¡± Ian arched his brows. ¡°Yes sir, she even tried calling but your phone was switched off.¡± Mr Griffin added. Ian plucked out two pills and swallowed it before gulping down the whole ss of water. ¡°I visited the park just to clear my head. I had to switch off my phone just so I could be at peace.¡± Ian sat at the edge of the bed. Mr Griffin picked up the suit jacket from the bed and dropped itundry basket in the closet. The old man is Ian¡¯s only friend. Mr Griffin has known Ian since he was a little boy. To Ian, this man was also like a father to him. Mr Griffin understands Ian better than his parents. Mr Griffin has been there to always put a smile on Ian¡¯s face and always ready to listen to whatever he has to say. Right now, Ian has no otherpanion than Mr Griffin but he used to have a close friend. His name was Bert and he was Ian¡¯s childhood friend. Bert and Ian both grew up together but they were from different backgrounds. Ian Bryant is from a rich home while Bert was from a poor home but they were best friends irrespective of the differences. During Christmas, Ian met Bert when he was ten years old. Bert came to the park with his mom and dad while Ian went with Lorna¡¯s parents because his parents were too busy. At the yground Mason had kicked Ian¡¯s butt because he stepped on his expensive boot. It was unintentional but Mason was jealous and retaliated because Ian had Lorna¡¯s attention. Bert saw what happened so he punched Mason on Ian¡¯s behalf for being a bully. Mason and Ian were never on good terms because Mason felt that Ian was a threat to him and also his rival in everything. Bert fought with Mason until Lorna went in search of her parents and that fight had made them enemies.. They were never friends anyways. The fight caused a riff between both parents. Mason told his parents a different story but Lorna defended Ian since she was a witness. When Ian was little he used to be a very shy and timid child. He always finds it hard to talk among his friends and some of his ssmates took advantage of him. They called him a dummy and sometimes a bird brain which means stupid but that changed when he met Bert. Ian never saw Bert since the fight at the park until he was twelve. Bert won a schrship to study in a rich kids school that was meant to fund his education till higher level. Ian was so happy to see him but then Bert didn¡¯t recognize him. Ian had to exin things to him before he could remember and they became friends. Bert was a genius and he did better than everyone in ss. He became the best student in high school taking away Mason¡¯s fame as the school most intelligent boy. At sixteen, Bert started sleeping at Ian¡¯s home sometimes so they could study together because Ian wasn¡¯t all that good in arithmetic. His personality and bullying from ssmates really affected his grades. But in a nutshell, Ian studying with Bert made him the second best student and even his parents were surprised he could get to such position. Mr and Mrs Bryant decided to reward Bert for helping their son by paying him for tutoring Ian but he refused. Ian convinced Bert to take it as if he was tutoring another person and that he could use the money to buy stuffs for his mom and siblings but he didn¡¯t ept it.. Bert worked during weekends to get money after his dad died when he was fifteen then Ian would always give him some of his allowance to buy food for his family on his way home. And sometimes Ian always help him at work to deliver papers and mails. Riding on a scooter with Bert was fun and Ian had enjoyed every bit of it! Unfortunately Bert died in a hit and ident at twenty. His death was painful that Ian had cried for weeks finding it hard to believe that he was ready dead. But Ian made a promise at his funeral that he was going to take care of his mom and two siblings-Caleb and Cassidy. Ian fulfilled that promise. Presently Bert¡¯s siblings are in college and he is the one sponsoring their education and expenses. Also Ian always send allowances to Bert¡¯s mom and he has given them a good life that Bert had envisioned for them. It was the least Ian could do to repay Bert for being a good friend to him. ¡°How was your visit to the park?¡± Mr Griffin asked as he picked up the tray. ¡°Well I was able to clear my head at the park. At least for a moment, I was at peace.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Okay then.. now you just need to take a shower and have a good rest.¡± Mr Griffin made an attempt to head for the door but Ian stopped him. ¡°Wait.. Mr Griffin!¡± He stopped and turned to look at Ian. ¡°I just want to ask you a question.¡± Mr Griffin shook his head urging him to go ahead. ¡°What is it?¡± Ian sped his hand together. ¡°Is it possible for a blind woman to bear children?¡± He asked concerning what he saw at the park today. ¡°Why did you ask?¡± Mr Griffin screwed up his face in confusion. His expression was as if the CEO has just grown two heads because he didn¡¯t expect such question. ¡°At the park today, a thief snatched ady¡¯s purse and a little child raised an rm but I was the only one who was quick to help her. I chased after the thief and managed to get the purse. I returned it to thedy only to find out that she is blind and she has two children!¡± Ian exined. Mr Griffin heaved a sigh. The CEO is fine. He reassured himself. ¡°Sir, you see being blind doesn¡¯t mean one can¡¯t give birth. It is the sight that is affected not the reproductive organs.¡± Ian chuckled. Why didn¡¯t he think of that in his head?! He mused. ¡°I am a fool to not know a blinddy can give birth. I felt pity for her and I was tempted to offer them a ride but she was quick to dismiss me¡­ like my presence irritated her.¡± He huffed. ¡°Disabled people are always sensitive and very cautious of strangers. But did she thank you for retrieving her purse?¡± Mr Griffin questioned. ¡°Yes, she thanked me.¡± Ian muttered. ¡°Okay. Please take a hot bathe and get some rest now. I need to tend to some things in the kitchen.¡± Mr Griffin sounded resigned. ¡°Good night, Mr Griffin.¡± Ian waved. ¡°Sleep well.¡± Mr Griffin managed a small smile on his face before exiting the room. Ian stepped into the shower thinking he was going to forget the blinddy but her face kept reying in his head. Chapter 07 The Bryant Family CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA TWO MONTHS LATER RIA ROBERT HOME ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, can you please check out this drawing if the style came out correctly the way Mrs Belinda had exined it.¡± Ria requested as she sat blindly behind the desk designed for drawing purpose. ¡°Oh sure! Let me take a look.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise came closer to Ria and collected the drawing pad from her to check the drawing. ¡°Wow Miss Ria! You got the dress so perfectly! You are so talented! Well I was expecting this much from you. I am sure Mrs Belinda would be so happy to see her dress.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled. ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am Elise. I just hope she likes the dress.¡± Ria toyed with the pencil in her hand. ¡°So what¡¯s next now?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked as she dropped the notepad at the spot where she had taken it. ¡°We should get the materials for the dress and some other things that we don¡¯t have anymore.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay.. okay.. that¡¯s not a problem. I¡¯ll contact the man at the store and send a list to him.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ria nodded her head in agreement. ¡°Are you sure I got the drawing perfectly?¡± She ced her palms on the drawing pad and traced the lines she was seeing in her head. ¡°Actually the drawing came out the same way Mrs Belinda showed it to me on phone. I am serious when I said that you are so talented.¡± Ma¡¯am Eliseplimented even as she nced down at the drawing again. ¡°Alright. This is good to go.¡± Ria heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Oh! That reminds me I bumped into Mrs Helen at the store this morning!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise snapped her fingers. ¡°Did she like the dress we delivered to her yesterday?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°Yes.. yes she liked it and she even said one of her friends liked it too. I remember her saying that her friend would like to have the same dress. Isn¡¯t that amazing Miss Ria?!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed in excitement. ¡°Of course it is amazing. I am d she liked it and I just hope that shees around with her friend.¡± Ria smiled. ¡°And also Sophie called me this morning and she promised to transfer the money for the dress she orderedst week.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. ¡°Yeah. I think Phoebe already packaged it this-¡± Ria was interrupted by the beeping sound from the home phone. ¡°I will take that.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise moved to the home phone while Ria paid attention to the drawing pad again. ¡°Hello. Yes.. yes.. this is Miss Ria Robert¡¯s home.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise confirmed before she screamed out. ¡°What?! Okay! I¡¯ll be right there!¡± Ria became frightened when she sensed danger in the rest of the conversation. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise what is going on? Who called?¡± She stood up abruptly from the stool and tried to be careful so she won¡¯t knock it off at the same time. Ma¡¯am Elise moved back to the desk. ¡°Actually Phoebe¡¯s teacher just called.¡± She replied shakily. ¡°Is everything okay with my girl?¡± Ria asked as her heartbeat elerated. Ma¡¯am Elise was quiet trying to find the right words to break whatever the news was to Ria. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise are you there?¡± She sped her almost sweaty hands together. ¡°OH yes.. yes.. yes.. it is just that Phoebe is at the hospital.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise informed her. ¡°What?!¡± The pencil in her hand dropped. ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Panic filled her almost immediately. ¡°I don¡¯t know.. the teacher just said she fainted after lunch.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed out her words. ¡°Oh my God.. Phoebe.. we should go to the hospital right away to check on her.¡± Ria tried to move away from the spot but she heard a thud. She just knocked off the stool. ¡°Miss Ria, you have to calm down and-¡± ¡°I can¡¯t calm down!¡± Ria yelled in an unusual tone. Ma¡¯am Elise was shocked by the sudden outburst but she still move closer to help Ria away from the desk. Ria tried to rx. ¡°I am sorry. Please let us just go to the hospital.¡± She didn¡¯t mean to yell at ma¡¯am Elise that way. ¡°Yes.. you are right.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Please help me with my purse.¡± Ria requested. ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed off to look for the purse and she found it on the couch. ¡°This is it, miss Ria.¡± ¡°Thank you. But what about my walking stick?!¡± ¡°It is right here on the sewing machine.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise grabbed it and gave it to Ria. ¡°Phoenix must have dropped it there.¡± Ria breathed out heavily as they exited the house to head to the hospital. AINSLEY HOSPITAL IN A PRIVATE WARD Lauren Bryant ced her hands on her waist as her eyes watched her mother who was sitting on the bed with a roll of tissue in her hands. ¡°Mom, will you stop crying and tell me what happened between you and dad again?¡± She said. ¡°Mom, you have to tell us what¡¯s wrong? What did dad do to you?¡± Josie demanded but Mrs Pe didn¡¯t give any response ¡°Mom, you know how busy I am¡­ I can¡¯t keep sitting here with you when I have loads of files to tend to and sign at the office.¡± Piper said in a harsh tone almost grumbling at the same time. ¡°You can leave if you want to¡­ it is not like you care¡­ none of you care about me anyways except for my son. You are just anxious to know what happened so you can support your dad again.¡± Mrs Pe replied finally after a minutes of silence. ¡°Mom, you know we love you so just tell us what transpired between you and your husband.¡± Lauren spoke up again. ¡°I am not going to say anything until my son arrives. You can all leave if you want!¡± Mrs Pe shot her daughters a re. Lauren and Josie sighed while Piper rolled her eyes. Some minutes clicked by and then Ian rushed into the room. ¡°Mom!¡± He stopped to catch his breathe after he was sure that his mom was good. Ian had drove all the way from his office after Josie called and said their mother copsed at home ¡°Oh mom!¡± He walked ahead to the bed and hugged her. ¡°My baby.¡± Mrs Pe began to cry over again. ¡°Oh mom please don¡¯t cry.. just tell me what happened? Why did you copse? What did dad do to you this time?¡± Ian questioned frantically. Piper cleared her throat when she saw tears in her mother¡¯s eyes. ¡°She¡¯s so dramatic.¡± She muttered. ¡°Show some sympathy, Piper.¡± Ian gritted signifying that she should y along with their mother¡¯s drama. ¡°What sympathy? It is not as if she lost her husband.¡± Piper snorted. ¡°Whatever. But youdies just keep taking sides in critical issues. I am sure it is all dad¡¯s fault again.¡± Ian pulled away from the embrace. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them son. None of them care about me but they only care about their dad.¡± Mrs Pe sniffed. ¡°We care about you mom.¡± Josie said. ¡°It is okay mom so please just tell me what¡¯s wrong. Listen mom, if it is about dad having another mistress we can sort that out like we always do okay?¡± Lauren added. Mrs Pe nodded. ¡°Well I wish it was just about him having another mistress this time but it is way bigger than what you think.¡± ¡°Like what mom? Just go straight to the point.¡± Piper grumbled. ¡°Like I said earlier, you can leave if you can¡¯t calm down and listen to me.¡± Mrs Pe directed that to Piper before facing her son. ¡°Tell me mom.¡± Ian gave her hand a small squeeze. ¡°Your dad¡¯s new mistress is carrying his child.¡± Mrs Pe Bryant blurted out ¡°What?!¡± They all eximed with a shocking look on their faces. ¡°Are you serious mom?¡± Ian asked Thedies exchanged nces when their mom began to cry again. ¡°Yes.. yes and I am sure of it my son.¡± Mrs Pe sobbed ¡°Who is she?¡± Piper asked with a raised eyebrow. Their mom might be too dramatic but they all choose to believe her knowing that their dad was never a saint when ites to women. ¡°Now you want to know? Why don¡¯t you just go and ask that your father who is never satisfied with one woman or even two!¡± Mrs Pe fired back at her daughter. Chapter 08 Not my child CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AINSLEY HOSPITAL IN A PRIVATE WARD Thedies exchanged nces when their mom began to cry again. ¡°Yes.. yes and I am sure of it my son.¡± Mrs Pe sobbed ¡°Who is she?¡± Piper asked with a raised eyebrow. Their mom might be too dramatic but they all choose to believe her knowing that their dad was never a saint when ites to women. ¡°Now you want to know? Why don¡¯t you just go and ask that your father who is never satisfied with one woman or even two!¡± Mrs Pe fired back at her daughter. Piper shrugged. ¡°Well that¡¯s because -¡± Ian cuts Piper off. ¡°Will you just stay quiet, Piper! You don¡¯t need to talk back at mom.¡± He snarled. His sisters weren¡¯t so surprised but Piper felt offended by his words. ¡°Show some respect Ian. Piper is your elder sister.¡± Lauren said. ¡°Then tell her to behave like one.¡± Ian retorted. ¡°Please stop this noise.. we are in the hospital. You can take on the fight when we leave here.¡± Josie cautioned them while Piper shot Ian a re. ¡°Mom.. tell us about it. I mean.. the whole story.¡± Ian said as he wiped her tears with the crumbled tissue in her free hand. ¡°For some months now, your dad has beening homete and drunk and sometimes he doesn¡¯t evene home. I worry about him each passing day and every time I call his line always switched off. But somehow I got to know he was seeing another woman.¡± Mrs Pe stopped. ¡°Mom, do you know who she is?¡± Josie asked. ¡°Yes, I know her too well! Your father has no taste. I can¡¯t believe he is having an affair with a club dancer!¡± Piperughed but kept quiet almost immediately after receiving chorused res from her siblings. ¡°I confronted your father about it but he denied it. I needed an evident to prove to him that he was having an affair so I hired someone to get me pictures of him and thatdy. He didn¡¯t deny it when I showed him those pictures. He begged me and promised not to go back to her.. the same promises he use to make when I catch him cheating on me.¡± Mrs Pe exined.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°So did he stopped seeing her after that time?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°Jack told me that he stopped seeing her and I believed him because he changed. I mean.. he was home for quite sometime and didn¡¯t even visit his friends at the golf house. But thatdy called me yesterday and said she was carrying his child. And she threatened to go to the media houses to tell them that she is carrying Jack Bryant¡¯s child. She wanted me to transfer money so she won¡¯t tell anyone about it. So I called Jack and asked him but he said she is not carrying his child. And in the end I passed out after too much yelling during our argument.¡± Ian heaved a sigh. ¡°Okay so thedy wants money but you are not ready to give anything.¡± Ian said to his mom. ¡°Not even a penny. She should have backed off when I asked her to leave my husband!¡± Mrs Pe gritted. ¡°Josie, please call daddy. And ask what happened exactly because I am sure that he would be more honest with you.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Okay.¡± Josie brought out her phone to dial her dad¡¯s number and he picked on the first ring. ¡°Hello dad.¡± ¡°How are you, Josie?¡± Mr Jack said over the phone that was now on speaker. ¡°I am good. Mom is at the hospital.¡± Josie replied. ¡°Yeah I know.¡± He dragged thest word. ¡°So why are you not here?¡± Josie asked. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to see me. Your mom made that clear to me that she would rip off my head if I ever show my face to her again.¡± Mr Jack responded. ¡°What did you do to her because she is refusing to say a word to us.¡± Josie lied just to get him to spill the truth. ¡°Look Josie, I was having an affair with a club dancer months back. I broke up with her after your mom found out about it and I swear I haven¡¯t seen her since the past two months.. But I was shocked when Lexi called and said she is pregnant. She asked me for money for upkeep but I refused to give her anything because I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with her anymore.¡± Mr Jack exined his side of the story. ¡± Lexi? Is that her name?¡± Josie furrowed her eyebrows ¡°Yes, Lexi is a stripper and she is famous in Niamh club.¡± Mr Jack answered. ¡°Niamh club and a stripper. Okay.¡± Josie gestured to Lauren to take note. ¡°So what happened after you refused to give her money?¡± Mr Jack cleared his throat. ¡°Lexi threatened to tell Pe. I had no choice but to send her some money because I didn¡¯t want your mom to know about it. You know how she is.. I don¡¯t want her to roast me alive.¡± Piper stiffed back a giggle which earned her another re from her mom. ¡°But if I had known Lexi would end up telling Pe then I won¡¯t have given her a penny! That sly just wants my money!¡± Mr Jack coaxed. ¡°Is that child yours?¡± Josie asked. ¡°No! That child is not mine! I don¡¯t even know if she is truly pregnant! But if she is pregnant then I am sure I am not the father! That sly called your mom and told her about the baby just because I didn¡¯t agree to give all she is asking. So your mom and I argued over the phone until I didn¡¯t hear her talking anymore. But I only heard one of the maids calling out her name.¡± He sighed. ¡°You should have rushed to the house.¡± Josie said. ¡°Your mom said I shouldn¡¯te home to see her. She doesn¡¯t want to see me. She even threatened to file for a divorce!¡± The children looked straight at their mom. ¡°You should have exined things to her the first time Lexi told you she was pregnant. You shouldn¡¯t have even given her a penny.¡± ¡°I was scared Josie. I was afraid of what your mommy would do to me. But believe me, I love my wife so much more than all these women I have been seeing my whole life. Plead on my behalf and I promise to make it up to your mom. I don¡¯t want her to file for a divorce.¡± Mr Jack admitted. ¡°But dad you were sure that the child is not yours so I feel you should have told mom. She would understand and try to sort things out. Now Lexi is ready to tell the media houses that she is carrying a child that is not even yours.¡± Josie said in a calm tone. ¡°What should I do now, Josie? I am tired! I don¡¯t know what to do! Plead with your mom to settle things before it gets to the media houses and please let her know that I will be faithful as an old dog if all these ends.¡± Josie looked at her mom. ¡°I will talk to mom but just promise me that you won¡¯t get drunk.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t drank alcohol for weeks now. I promise that I won¡¯t get drunk, Josie.¡± Mr Jack promised. ¡°Bye dad. Take care.¡± Josie hung up the call. ¡°Well I am sure you all heard what he said over the phone.¡± They all nodded in agreement. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Lauren asked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ian and I will sort things out with her.¡± Mrs Pe replied. ¡°What do I need to do then?¡± Josie questioned. ¡°Can you visit the club to confront Lexi and confirm if she is truly pregnant?¡± Ian said. ¡°I should be able to do it.¡± Josie answered. ¡°Good.. Lauren can go with you too. All you have to do is tell her we want to run a paternity test on her pregnancy.¡± Ian briefed them about the n on how to get the truth. ¡°Good one, kiddo.¡± Piper teased. ¡°At least I¡¯ve gat the brain.¡± Ian smirked. ¡°Good brain indeed.¡± Piper pped her hands. ¡°You two can¡¯t do without arguing. This is why I don¡¯t like being in the same room with you.¡± Lauren pointed at her siblings. ¡°At least let us have a moment of peace whenever we are together.¡± Josie added. ¡°What do we do if Lexi refuses to do a test?!¡± Piper blurted out. ¡°I will do some background check on her. Lexi must have a lot of secrets as a club dancer.¡± Lauren answered. ¡°I am sure she is seeing a lot of men. But what if that child belongs to your father?¡± Mrs Pe asked in a low tone. ¡°No way!¡± Her children screamed in unison. ¡°Mom, it is obvious that child can¡¯t be for dad.¡± Josie spoke up. ¡°And why on earth is she just saying she is pregnant after two months of break up?¡± Lauren reasoned. ¡°Lexi might im to be scared of telling him because he might not want the baby.¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°It is clear she is just trying to extort from us.¡± Piper said with a shrug. ¡°Then we will sue her if we find out she isn¡¯t pregnant after collecting money from dad.¡± Ian snapped. ¡°We can also threaten her with awsuit just to find the truth.¡± Josie added. ¡°Yes, you are right. But we still have to be careful. I don¡¯t want any one of you getting into trouble because of a mess your dad has created.¡± Mrs Pe had a sincere look on her face. ¡°So let us just work ording to n.¡± Ian kissed his mother¡¯s hand. Josie phone rang again. ¡°Nanny Sophia is calling me.¡± She waved her phone in the air for them to see it. ¡°Ronnie is already causing trouble again.¡± Piperughed. ¡°Maybe.¡± Josie stood up from the couch. ¡°I have to go ahead mom.¡± She walked closer to the bed and kissed her mom ¡°I will stay with her today.¡± Lauren said. ¡°I aming with you. I have to finish up some paper works at the office.¡± Piper stood up to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll be here tomorrow morning.¡± Josie embraced her sister. ¡°Drop her off Piper since Lauren isn¡¯t going home now.¡± Mrs Pe said to Josie knowing that she didn¡¯t bring her car. ¡°Sure.¡± Piper agreed. ¡°Bring me a clothe to change in.¡± Lauren added quickly. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Take care. Bye mom!¡± Josie and Piper walked out of the room. ¡°What about you son? Are you leaving?¡± Mrs Pe asked Ian. ¡°I will be leaving soon too because I have a lot to tend to at work.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Okay. But you should stay with me for a while.¡± Mrs Pe embraced her son. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll stay for some extra minutes.¡± Ian replied. Chapter 09 Shrimps allergies CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AINSLEY HOSPITAL AT THE RECEPTION Ma¡¯am Elise led Ria to the reception desk. ¡°Good day nurse.¡± She greeted the petite nurse on sses who stood at the desk. The nurse looked up at them. ¡°Good afternoon, please how may I help you?¡± She asked. ¡°We are the family of a little girl that was rushed in here not too long ago.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Please what¡¯s her name?¡± The nurse requested. ¡°Phoebe Lawson.¡± Ria answered. The nurse nced away from them and searched the system. ¡°Yes she is currently in ward two hundred and six.¡± ¡°Can you give us the directions to get to the ward? I am not so familiar with this ce.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. The nurse gave the directions to the ward and they walked away. ¡°I am scared. What if it is something serious?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry miss Ria, Phoebe will be alright.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise assured Ria as she led her towards the ward. ¡°Well I hope so.¡± Ria¡¯s voice quivered. Ma¡¯am Elise and Ria walked into the room where a female doctor was attending to Phoebe who had purplish bruises all over her body from too much itching. ¡°Mom. Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Phoebe said in a low tone. The female doctor whose tag read. ¡°Dr Gin.¡± nced up at them. ¡°Phoebe. Are you alright?¡± Ria called shakily when she heard her voice. ¡°Who are you please?¡± Doctor Gillian asked. ¡°Doctor Gin, they are Phoebe¡¯s guardians.¡± Miss Eve, Phoebe¡¯s home room teacher answered. ¡°Okay please move closer. I am Doctor Gin.¡± The female doctor introduced herself briefly. ¡°Is she okay?¡± Ria asked ma¡¯am Elise because she couldn¡¯t see if Phoebe was fine. ¡°Phoebe only reacted to what she ate at school during lunch hour.¡± Miss Eve spoke up. ¡°Yes, it is an allergic reaction.¡± Doctor Gin said. ¡°What.. what did she eat?¡± Ria stuttered. Ma¡¯am Elise led Ria to the bed where she could sit in order to feel Phoebe. ¡°Shrimps. She reacted to the shrimps they served with lunch at school.¡± Doctor Gin answered. ¡°Mom.¡± Phoebe reached out to hold Ria¡¯s free hand. Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Shrimps? Phoebe did you know about your allergy to shrimps?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No mom. I haven¡¯t eaten shrimps before to know if I am allergic to it.¡± Phoebe responded. ¡°So what do we do doctor? Is she going to be alright?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry she will be fine with the treatment she is receiving and enough rest will do.¡± Doctor Gillian looked up at the drip on the iron stand. ¡°Just make sure that she doesn¡¯t eat shrimps anymore.¡± She added. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I will make sure of that. She won¡¯t eat shrimps anymore.¡± Ria rushed out her words. ¡°Good.. I¡¯ll go ahead now. A nurse named Hazel wille around to check on her from time to time.¡± Doctor Gillian sounded resigned. ¡°Thank you, Doctor Gin.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise thanked the doctor before she exited the room. ¡°I am sorry for causing you so much trouble. I am pleading on the school¡¯s behalf too.¡± Miss Eve apologized. ¡°No, it is alright. I am d she was rushed to the hospital on time before matter got worst.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Thank you, miss Eve.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°The head nurse at the school clinic referred us to this hospital. And please you don¡¯t have to thank me, I am only doing my duty.¡± Miss Eve stood up from the chair she sat on and walked closer to Phoebe. ¡°Stay strong okay?¡± Phoebe nodded. ¡°Thank you, miss Eve.¡± The home room teacher turned to face ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°I have go ahead now and give a report at school. And you don¡¯t have to worry about the medical bills the school will take care of everything.¡± Miss Eve said. A smile broke out on ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s face. ¡°I am grateful.¡± At least they wouldn¡¯t have to spend a penny from the little they have at hand. ¡°Yeah. Goodbye miss Ria. Phoebe, take care.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise apanied Miss Eve to the door. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ria asked in a concerned tone. ¡°Yes mom, I am fine. You don¡¯t have to worry too much about me.¡± Phoebe muttered. Ria reached out her hand and stroke Phoebe¡¯s face gently before nting a kiss on her small free hand. ¡°I was so worried about you. But I am d you are doing fine.¡± ¡°How are you feeling now, Phoebe?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked too. ¡°I am good, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Phoebe answered. ¡°You should get some rest now.¡± Ria muttered.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Ma¡¯am Elise phone pinged. ¡°Oh Miss Ria! It is the store owner.¡± ¡°Maybe the materials we ordered a couple of days ago are ready.¡± Ria gave Phoebe¡¯s hand a small squeeze. Ma¡¯am Elise picked up the call and clicked on speaker. ¡°Hello Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± The store owner¡¯s voice was loud. ¡°Yes, Mrs Rose.¡± ¡°I just called to inform you that the materials you needed are ready at the store.¡± Mrs Rose informed her. ¡°When should Ie for it?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°At your own convenient time. Just let me know when you areing around to get them.¡± Mrs Rose responded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll get back to you soon.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pressed the red button and disconnected the call. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you should go and get the material before they sell it out to someone at a higher price.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yeah you are right. But will you be fine alone?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Yes. Don¡¯t worry about us.¡± Ria replied. ¡°What if you need anything?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise reasoned. If Ria or Phoebe needs to pee who would help each other out? ¡°I will get that myself. Go ahead and get the materials.¡± Ria answered. Ma¡¯am Elise was reluctant to leave Ria alone with Phoebe. Ria wasn¡¯t familiar with hospital directions so how is she going to get whatever she needs? What if she bumps into someone who is not nice? What if she bumps into someone who can¡¯t tell she is blind until he or she sees a walk stick with her? Since she hasn¡¯t gotten over what that monster did to her so what if Ria bumps into the kind she feared the most that can make her lose her senses and start trembling like she used to? She pondered. And her train of thoughts was interrupted by the little girl. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, go and get the materials mom needs to sew amazing dresses so we can make a lot of money.¡± Phoebe said to Elise. ¡°Alright¡­ I will leave then.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise agreed. ¡°Bye, Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria and Phoebe chorused. ¡°Take care.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise hesitated a bit again before walking out of the room still trying to believe they would be fine alone. ¡°Mom.¡± Phoebe held Ria¡¯s right hand as she stared at Ria. Sting of tears formed at the corner of her eyes wishing Ria could see. ¡°You don¡¯t like what you see when you look at me right?¡± Ria said to her when she sensed Phoebe¡¯s change in bodynguage and tone. ¡°I like what I see in you mom. I mean -¡± Phoebe¡¯s voice trailed off with the tears threatening to spill. ¡°I like you¡­ a lot.¡± Phoebe sniffed. ¡°Why?¡± Ria smiled. ¡°The fact that you are strong, hardworking, caring and selfless. And I was just wishing you had your sight then you would have be a well known seamstress now.¡± Phoebe was talking from the fact that some people in the neighborhood don¡¯t want give their dresses to a blinddy. Actually no one believes that a blinddy could do so much for herself. If only Ria had her sight then she would have gone far by now with her skills but no one wants to help. Some don¡¯t want to get close to a blinddy because they think she can¡¯t be of any use to them. ¡°Don¡¯t get too emotional Phoebe. I really don¡¯t mind the fact that I am blind now¡­ as long as I am happy, everyone is doing fine and I can be able to achieve my dreams. I am not going to give up on that.¡± Ria won¡¯t give in to discouragement because fulfilling her dreams was her mother¡¯s dying wish. ¡°I just need to work on myself, Phoebe. I know that I can do better. I am sure that I will do better than this my dear.¡± Phoebe wiped the tear that strayed down her cheek. ¡°Yes I know. I believe in you.¡± ¡°Should I tell you about our new project?¡± Ria reached out on an impulse to touch her cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± ¡°Yes. I am not crying anymore.¡± Phoebe sniffed. ¡°Good. Mrs Elise and I nned to get someone to design a new website so people can reach out to us from that site to get dresses. Ma¡¯am Elise said that¡¯s what people do these days to advertise their products.¡± Ria exined. ¡°Yes. And I believe it going to work out.¡± Phoebe shook her head. ¡°Yes it will work out and ma¡¯am Elise will be in charge of the site.¡± Ria added quickly. She sounded so optimistic about the ns. ¡°Phoenix and I will help with cutting and sewing of dresses. We are doing a better job at learning about it.¡± Phoebe responded. ¡°We can do this my girl!¡± Ria giggled as she brought Phoebe¡¯s small hand to her mouth and kissed it. ¡°I love you mom.¡± Phoebe held on to her hands tightly. ¡°I love you too.¡± Ria replied in a low tone. IN A PRIVATE WARD AN HOUR LATER ¡°Yeah I am doing fine now.¡± Mrs Pe said to Mrs Belle Simmons on phone. ¡°Oh, thank goodness, Pe. I was so worried about you.¡± Mrs Belle said calmly. ¡°Thanks for your concern, Belle.¡± Mrs Pe replied. ¡°I wille over to see you tomorrow.¡± Mrs Belle promised ¡°Okay Belle.¡± Mrs Pe hummed a response. ¡°Take care.¡± Ans the call ended. ¡°Hey mom. I think it is time for me to get back to work. Ramsey just sent me a text that there is an emergency.¡± Ian stood up to leave. ¡°Oh yes you should go ahead, my son.¡± Mrs Pe agreed. ¡°Take care mom. I¡¯ll give you a call at night. Bye Lauren.¡± He said his goodbyes. ¡°Bye Ian.¡± Lauren replied without looking up from her phone. Ian exited the room Chapter 10 The meet again CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AINSLEY HOSPITAL IN WARD 206 Phoebe coughed as she was about to fall asleep again. ¡°Are you okay Phoebe?¡± Ria asked. Phoebe cleared her itchy throat. ¡°Yes mom.¡± But she coughed. ¡°Hold on, let me get water.¡± Ria stood up from the bed. ¡°There is no water in the room.¡± Phoebe mumbled. Ria stood on a spot as she tried to figure a way to get water for Phoebe. There was only one way to get water for her which is going back to the reception and ask the nurse at the desk for help. ¡°I will be right back.¡± Ria said. ¡°But how will you get water?¡± Phoebe asked sleepily. ¡°I will retrace my steps back to the reception and ask the nurse for help.¡± Ria replied. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry I will be fine mom.¡± Phoebe coughed again. ¡°You should drink water. I counted my steps on our way here so I can go back to the reception by myself. I will be back soon.. just rx.¡± Ria held the rails of the bed and she managed to find her way to the door. Ria was able to remember the steps she had counted on her way to the room with Mrs Elise guiding her. She held on to the walking stick tightly and also using the wall as support to count her steps properly. One, two, three, four.. and she counted seventy steps to make it to a corner down the long hallway. Mrs Elise has mentioned the long hallway earlier. Ria smiled at herself that she was getting close to the reception. Where is everyone? Ria wondered as she didn¡¯t sense anyone passing by so she could ask for help. Some secondster, a nurse stepping out of a ward sighted her. ¡°Are okay miss?¡± Ria heard a soft voice whispered in front of her. It was a female voice so she rxed. ¡°What do you need miss?¡± The nurse asked carefully studying Ria. ¡°Can you help me with something?¡± Ria requested. ¡°What is it?¡± The nurse asked. ¡°My daughter is in ward two hundred and six and she needs water.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Oh! Please sit here while I get a bottle of water for you.¡± The nurse enthused. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Ria said to the nurse that led her to the bench nearby. ¡°I will be right back.¡± And with that the nurse rushed off while Ria waited patiently for her return. ********** Immediately Ian stepped out of the ward his phone pinged. He rolled his eyes when he saw the caller¡¯s ID. ¡°Fish Face.¡± Lorna is the fish face! Ian declined the call and resumed walking. Some seconds clicked by and it beeped again but he decided to ignore it. Ian passed by series of wards in a long hallway leading to the reception but soon stopped on track when he saw the figure sitting on the bench. His heart beat elerated after he realized who the feminine figure was. Over two months has passed and Ian has tried to tell himself to forget about her but it was easier said than done. He hasn¡¯t been able to concentrate on work. He hasn¡¯t been interested in any y. He has had a big trouble having a good sleep. Even when he was so swamped with work that he could hardly think straight, the blinddy had still popped into his thought over and over again. She was apact little thing only about 5feet4 inches with tight rear and t stomach. Her legs were long despite her height. She has breasts that were just big enough to make a man look twice. To be honest, Ian can¡¯t believe he had stared at them so many times that day. Ian liked the way, her long brown hair swept over one shoulder. It was carefree and cute. Silver patch was over each eye with longshes. Her nose was an artwork framed with an incredible cheek bone structure. Her heart shaped lips with a dimple just over the side of her mouth made her look adorable and her skin was nothing less than luminous. Everything about her had left Ian mesmerized the moment he had looked at her that day. Ian had searched and visited the park thinking he would see her but it had seemed like he would never see her again which made anything he tasted not feel too good. Ian had been out of the country and the trip he initially intended tost three weeks had stretched to six weeks. And even though the blinddy had still been on his mind Ian hade to a conclusion that too much time had passed and he would never see her again. He had thought that the single day he had met her was destined to be the only day he would just have to savor her existence. But then here she was sitting down with her walk stick in her hands reminding Ian of just how beautiful she was. Fate has managed to bring him to see her again. And Ian was quick to figure that it might be fate telling him something. It was still hard to believe. Being that awestruck by any woman was an experience Ian never had before and he also found himself wanting to care for her. Ian jerked back to life then he saw her talking to a nurse. He moved closer enough to hear what they were saying. ¡°Miss, here is the water you requested.¡± The nurse handed her a bottle of water. ¡°Thank you, miss-¡± Ria waited for the nurse to fill in her name. ¡°Emily.¡± The nurse smiled. ¡°I am Ria.¡± She said. ¡°Ria? Her name is Ria!¡± Ian mumbled to himself as he watched her smile at the nurse. ¡°Nice to meet you, miss Ria.¡± The nurse giggled. ¡°Same here nurse Emily.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Do you need me to escort you back to your ward? I can help you.¡± Nurse Emily offered. ¡°No.. no I am fine. I can find my way back. Thank you. You have done enough for me.¡± Ria stood up bncing her walk stick. Ian eyes did a slow crawl on her. She was dressed in a fitting pants and top. ¡°She is beautiful.¡± He mumbled. Nurse Emily said her goodbyes before walking away. How did she intend to find her way? What is she doing at the hospital? Is she sick? Series of questions flooded his mind until he heard a giggling sounds that snapped him out of my thought. Two children in hospital uniforms ran beside him down the hallway. He heard a sharp thud too. ¡°Damn it!¡± He uttered a profanity. The children had bumped into Ria causing the bottle of water to fall off from her hand. Ian moved closer while Ria bent down trying to find the bottle of water. ¡°Where did it go?¡± Ria said. Ian rushed towards her and picked up the bottle which was not too far from her. ¡°Sorry miss.¡± He cleared his throat. ¡°Here is your bottle of water.¡± Ria stood up, straightened her back and a frown formed on her face and she tended up too. She stepped back trying to make sense of Ian¡¯s words. ¡°Two kids bumped into you and the bottle of water dropped.¡± Ian tried to exin. Well she should know that by now. He paused only to notice the liquid on her forehead. Are those sweats? Why is she sweating all of a sudden? Ian took a step forward to have a closer look and yes-She was sweating! ¡°Are you okay?¡± He demanded in a concerned tone. Ria didn¡¯t reply but she held on to her stick tightly like in a defensive stance! Ian was quick to remember Mr Griffin¡¯s words about disabled people. ¡°She is blind so she might be thinking I want to harm her. Maybe I should do a proper introduction.¡± He thought within. ¡°Hi.. I am Ian.¡± He introduced himself. Ria¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°And I just helped you pick up your bottle of water that fell on the floor after some kids bumped into your way.¡± Ian took her other hand and put the bottle in it. Ria tried to pull back from him as if he had burned her with fire. The bottle of water dropped to the ground. And then Ian realize she was trembling and her eyes were filled with just one word-fear! He screwed up his face when the realization hit him. Ria was a happy person when she was talking to Emily but she was so different now. There was the look of fear now! It can¡¯t be what he is thinking. Could it be the fear of being touched by a male? Ian can¡¯t believe it!This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°What has my kind done to her?!¡± He bantered within. He hated it to see her this way. He yearned to know more but he stepped away from her and far enough to make her feel rxed. ¡°I am sorry for touching you that way. Believe me, I really mean no harm to you.¡± Ian picked the bottle of water and stretched it out so the edge was reaching her hand. Ria took the bottle of water and she held it to her chest. ¡°Miss Ria! Mommy!¡± Ian turned towards the direction of where the voices came from. Phoenix came running with his arms wide to hug his mom and in no time he was between them hugging Ria so tightly. Ma¡¯am Elise was surprised to see a man with Ria so she walked faster to reach their side. The first thing she did was hold Ria¡¯s walk stick and gently pulled her away from Ian. Her eyes watched Ian trying to figure out his identity and why he was with her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sounded worried. ¡°Yes. But why are you here Phoenix?¡± Ria asked. ¡°His teacher called me and said he won¡¯t stop crying because of his sister. So I had to go and pick him up at school.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Is that true Phoenix?¡± Ria asked shakily. Ian¡¯s presence was still making her feel ufortable. Ian contemted if he should leave or stay back? If he leaves then he may never get to see her again. ¡°Yes mom.. I was worried about Phoebe.¡± Phoenix pouted. ¡°A mother of two? Is she married?! What a silly question to ask. She has two kids and I am still asking myself if she is married.¡± Ian pondered. ¡°Huh?! It is you again!¡± Ian looked down at Phoenix who pointed his finger at him. ¡°Yes! It is you! I recognize you! From the park!¡± Phoenix jumped in excitement. ¡°Do you know him?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Yes.. yes.. ma¡¯am Elise he is the man that got my mom¡¯s purse back the day we went to the park!¡± Obviously this boy never forgets a face. ¡°Oh really?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise shot him a surprised look. ¡°Yes.. let us take him to the ward so Phoebe can also tell if he is the one.¡± Phoenix said excitedly. ¡°Sir, are you the one that retrieved her purse snatched by a thief at the park?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise managed a smile on her face. Ian scratched the back of the neck. ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Oh! That¡¯s amazing! Good to see you! I am Elise.¡± She stretched out her hands towards him. ¡°I am Ian.¡± He shook hands with her. ¡°I will just go back to the ward.. to give Phoebe water. She really needs it badly.¡± Ria said finally. ¡°Yes mom! I want to see Phoebe!¡± Phoenix held her free hand. ¡°Let us go.¡± Ria and Phoenix walked away. ¡°Mom.. how many steps do we count from here to the ward?¡± Phoenix asked. ¡°Seventy steps I think.. Phoenix.¡± Ria exined the directions to him. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sure of the number of steps?¡± He asked again. ¡°I lost count.¡± Ian heard her say to the little boy. Phoenix counted the steps while guiding Ria. Ian watched them as they walked away until Ma¡¯am Elise clearing her throat disrupted the moment. ¡°Thank you for helping Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°No please don¡¯t thank me. I am d that I was able to help.¡± Ian replied. ¡°I should thank you. And I have always wanted to meet you in person because the children didn¡¯t stop talking about you when they came back from the park. You are like a hero to them.¡± Ma¡¯am Eliseughed. Ian thought of asking this woman a few things about Ria but he discarded the thought. ¡°I am d to meet you too.¡± He gave her a small smile. Ian¡¯s phone beeped Lorna was calling again but he wasn¡¯t ready to talk to her not now that he has found what he has been looking for months. ¡°Take this Mr Ian.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave him a card. ¡°It is Miss Ria¡¯s business card. So just in case you need a seamstress to make a dress for your mom, sisters and maybe a wife we make the perfect dresses. So please call these numbers or follow this address to find us.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smile was so bright as if she just hit a jackpot. Mere looking at Ian, she knew he was an epitome of wealth. She already sized him up, the suit, gold wrist watch and designer shoes. He is rich. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll definitely give you a call.¡± Ian grinned. ¡°Bye Mr Ian.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise raced off leaving Ian behind to stare at the card in his hands. Luck is really on his side today! He met Ria again and just when he was thinking of how to see her again someone has given him her business card with a contact information and address! ¡°I will surely make out time out of my busy schedules to see her!¡± Ian looked around and when he saw no one he screamed. ¡°Yes!¡± He jumped with more happiness welling up inside of him. Ian studied the card as he walked on. ¡°Ria Robert Couture.¡± It was boldly written on the card. As if he wasn¡¯t listening when Ma¡¯am Elise had mentioned her profession, his eyes widened in shock. ¡°Couture? This is about clothing. Oh my goodness! She is a seamstress?! A blinddy is a seamstress?!¡± Ian cocked his eyebrows and moved his head from side to side. He is finding it hard to believe that someone like her can be a seamstress. Chapter 11 The fear of men CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AINSLEY HOSPITAL IN WARD 206 Ria reminisced over the earlier incident with the man who had retrieved her purse at the pack. She had really tried to concentrate on counting her steps back to the ward with the bottle in her hand but then someone had bumped in her way and she lost concentration with the bottle falling off her grip. It didn¡¯t take long for her to hear giggling in the hallway then she realized children were around. She had searched for the bottle of water but couldn¡¯t find it and at that point she almost regretted not letting Emily take her back to the ward. All her mind was on Phoebe who needed water and she was still searching when she heard masculine voice but as usual she could see nothing. Ria was blind so she couldn¡¯t see whoever it was! Ria remembered how she had tensed up immediately, how her heart beats rapidly and the palms of her hands bing sweaty when her whole system processed there was a man right in front of her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± The raspy voice had said and her body trembled when he took her hands to drop the bottle. At that moment, Ria thought of hitting him with the stick for holding her but he was wise enough to step away from her. She doesn¡¯t know what he saw but she concluded that it must have been the way she held the stick in a defensive stance ready to fight him if he did anything stupid. ¡°All they know is harassing women and never minding our feelings.¡± Ria mumbled to herself. Ria doesn¡¯t think he was different. To her all men are the same. They are monstrous in nature! Men are cruel! They don¡¯t deserve to live! But Ria once knew a good man, the only one good man in the world who was different from every other men ¨C Her father. He is the only she regards as a good man. ¡°Why is he here at the hospital?¡± Ria wondered if Ian was stalking her when Phoenix said he was the same guy that retrieved her purse at the park. In the end she had to leave when she felt ufortable around the so called Ian. ¡°Phoebe!¡± Phoenix screamed when they entered the ward. He went to his sister and left Ria to find her way to the bed. ¡°Why are you here? You should be at school.¡± Phoebe questioned with a raised eyebrow. ¡°His teacher called Ma¡¯am Elise and said that he won¡¯t stop crying because of you.¡± Ria responded to her question. ¡°You are such a crybaby.¡± Phoebe muttered. ¡°Come on Phoebe, don¡¯t be mad at him. Phoenix is only worried about you.¡± Ria stood on that spot the little boy had left her. ¡°I know but he should have stayed at school and wait till I return home.¡± Phoebe countered. ¡°Are you mad at me? I couldn¡¯t concentrate on what my teacher was teaching me because I was worried about you.¡± Phoenix said in a sober tone and a pout on his lips. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to miss a day at school. It costs a lot of money to attend a private school.¡± Phoebe said to her brother. ¡°Let it go, Phoebe. I got water for you. I am sorry it took me forever to bring it to you.¡± Ria raised it up in the air. ¡°It¡¯s okay mom.¡± Phoebe gestured to her brother to help Ria out. He went back to her and led her to the bed. ¡°Phoenix.¡± Ria called him. ¡°Yes mom.¡± He replied in a low tone. ¡°He is probably getting ready to cry.¡± Phoebe took the water from Ria. ¡°Stop that Phoebe. Don¡¯t try to tease your brother. I am sure he won¡¯t do it again.¡± Ria silenced her. ¡°Come to me Phoenix. Don¡¯t pay attention to her.¡± Ria spread out her arms. Phoenix helped his sister open the bottle of water before he embraced Ria. ¡°Look mom, she is sticking out her tongue at me.¡± Phoenix reported. ¡°Phoebe-¡± ¡°Okay fine.. I am sorry. I won¡¯t tease him anymore.¡± Phoebe apologized followed by a giggling sound from her. The door opened. ¡°Hello Phoebe.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise walked in. ¡°Hi, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Phoebe answered before gulping down the liquid down her throat. ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°I am good.¡± Phoebe answered. ¡°Look, I stopped by at the restaurant and bought you hamburger.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise raised the paper bag up. A smile broke out on her face. ¡°Wow! Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± ¡°Can she eat it now?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Yes.. yes I meet Doctor Gillian at the reception and she said Phoebe can eat now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. She gave one hamburger to Phoebe and another to Phoenix. ¡°Here you go little man.¡± She smiled. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria let go of him to get the hamburger. ¡°You are wee. Do you care for doughnut, miss Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise offered. ¡°No, I am okay. So did you get the materials?¡± Ria demanded. Ma¡¯am Elise heaved a sigh. ¡°I barely even made it to the store when I got a call from his teacher. I was worried that he would cry himself out so I had to go to school to get him. But you don¡¯t have to worry too much about it, I already called Mrs Rose.¡± ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She already packed the ones we need after I sent the new list to her. I¡¯ll get everything tomorrow.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°The nurse assigned to care for Phoebe has been given the instruction to discharge her by night.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise informed her. ¡°Oh! Nurse Hazel. She was here to check on Phoebe. That¡¯s good.¡± Ria sighed. Some minutes passed by in silence before ma¡¯am Elise spoke up. ¡°And¡­ about that guy earlier¡­¡± She paused to study Ria¡¯s expression. Her forehead creased. ¡°What¡¯s about him?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Well I mean Mr Ian.. he seems like a good guy.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stuttered. ¡°I don¡¯t need to know.¡± Ria spat. To her, there are no good guys in the world. ¡°Yeah I understand you, miss Ria. I know there is no good man in your world but I am just saying Mr Ian is a good guy in my world. And you also need to see how he was staring at you.. like he was in love.¡± Mrs Eliseughed. ¡°Love?¡± Ria snorted. ¡°Yes.. his eyes were on you when you walked away with Phoebe. I had to clear my throat to get his full attention.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, let us not talk about that right here. The kids are listening.¡± Ria said. Ma¡¯am Elise looked at the children who were busy enjoying the burger. ¡°Oh! Okay. But I gave him your business card.¡± ¡°You did what?!¡± Ria arched her eyebrows. ¡°I gave him a card.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said with a shrug. ¡°Why?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°What else? To make a dress.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°I don¡¯t major in male wears.¡± Ria gritted. ¡°Yes I know that but Mr Ian must have a sister, a mom or wife. No, Mr Ian is not married since he doesn¡¯t have a wedding ring on.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed out. ¡°Whatever. But you shouldn¡¯t have given him my business card. I don¡¯t give it to any man because I don¡¯t need one close to me.¡± Ria said in a harsh tone. ¡°Miss Ria, don¡¯t bring that into your business. I understand where you are driving at but at the same time I suggest you don¡¯t think like that. Who knows Mr Ian might be of help to us. He looks though so he might introduce us to rich people too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise countered.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ria stood up from the bed. ¡°Help? What help?! I don¡¯t care if he has all the money in the world. I don¡¯t need his help! I don¡¯t want any help from his kind! So you don¡¯t try to convince me to think he is a good man or that he might be of help to me in anyway.¡± She yelled. The children were surprised by the sudden outburst and Ma¡¯am Elise knew Ria was going to get worked up about it. She shouldn¡¯t have told her about Ian but she was only trying to tell her what I saw about him. No doubt, ma¡¯am Elise knew Mr Ian is interested in Ria. There was love in his eyes as he looked at Ria but she doesn¡¯t know if the man knows that too. From the way he looked at her when she was going back into the ward, it was so clear he felt something for her and it was like Ria was going to make him an happy man. Ma¡¯am Elise knew that for sure from her experiences with men. Ria is having issues trusting me. And from what Ria told ma¡¯am Elise about her past, it is enough for her to distrust men but not to the extent of hating all of them. On several asions, Ma¡¯am Elise has tried to tell her that all men are not the same but Ria gets mad each time she defends men. Love doesn¡¯t exist for Ria. It is the least of her concern and she has made up her mind never to be with any man because of what she went through in the hands of Lucas. Ma¡¯am Elise met Ria two years ago. That day she wanted to take a bus down to the store to buy some materials. Ma¡¯am Elise figured Ria was blind when she saw the walk stick and without wasting time she helped her into the bus. Ma¡¯am Elise had wondered how a blinddy could find her way to the bus station. Ma¡¯am Elise was interested in the blinddy who seemed to know her way. They did little introduction and Ria shared her business card and she was more shocked to find out her profession. Ma¡¯am Elise had to believe Ria after hearing the words of her mouth. Ria is a special human and not an ordinary blinddy. A woman full of dreams and determination to fulfill them. The conversation they had made ma¡¯am Elise realize how optimistic and ambitious a blinddy could be. And on that faithful day, ma¡¯am Elise had decided tomit suicide by jumping off a bridge after her husband left her to be with her best friend. FLASHBACK Elise woke up one morning to the sound of the doorbell hoping to find her husband who hasn¡¯t been home for days but she found a divorce paper from the court with a note attached to it. The note attached to the papers was written by her husband. Her very own husband said he fell in love with her best friend who was now carrying his child. He said he wasn¡¯t ready to spend his whole life with a barren woman. Elise has been married to her husband for more than ten years but she couldn¡¯t bear him a child. He left Elise to be with her friend who would give him a child. Elise cried for days and when she couldn¡¯t take the pain anymore she decided tomit suicide by jumping off a bridge. But she changed her mind after meeting a blind woman full of dreams. Elise got into thinking as she looked at Ria. ¡°Someone who is blind didn¡¯t give up on herself then what¡¯s wrong with me?¡± Ria sensed Elise wasn¡¯t happy as theymunicated and then she pestered her to say everything. Elise told Ria her story in tears and sheforted her with soothing words. Ria cheered Elise to never to give up on herself just because her husband was gone. Her soothing words hit Elise so instead of saying goodbye to the blinddy when she got to her destination, Ria pleaded with Elise to follow her to the store and she agreed because she wanted to get to know more about the blinddy and her business. Elise and Ria became good friends that day. Some weekster, Elise noticed that Ria was afraid to be around men. Elise cried her eyes out when Ria shared her story. Indeed, Ria is strong to have survived that incident. She is a broken woman who needed someone to care for her. Those horrible experiences with Lucas made her distrust menpletely and the hatred towards men is beyond human imagination. FLASH FORWARD Ria never want to have anything to do with any man that¡¯s why she was quick took in Phoebe and Phoenix in. She is determined to take care of them like they are her own children. It wasn¡¯t easy getting permission from the court because they are supposed to stay at the children center. Ma¡¯am Elise sighed as she went closer to Ria. ¡°I am sorry, miss Ria. I didn¡¯t mean to get you upset.¡± She wiped a tear that already strayed down Ria¡¯s cheek. Phoebe and Phoenix exchanged confused nces. They don¡¯t understand why Ria is so mad at the mention of the man who is a hero to them. ¡°I am so sorry. Miss Ria, I didn¡¯t mean to make you cry.. please don¡¯t t cry. I am just trying to help our business.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise apologized. ¡°It is okay. And I am also sorry for yelling at you. I was just-¡± Ria stopped and sniffed. ¡°I know¡­ I know Miss Ria that you have been able to survive without any man help. And I am sorry for mentioning that guy¡¯s name.¡± Ria shook her head slowly before ma¡¯am Elise embraced her. The kids just kept looking at the women as they wondered why Ria acted that way but they would never understand. Chapter 12 A classless bastard CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA LINT CORPORATION Ian sat at the desk, handling the hundreds of paper files that running the corporation required and his thoughts was also on Ria. It has been two days since he met her at the hospital. Ian had traced the address on the business card and he found Ria¡¯s workce and house. Ian had watched Ma¡¯am Elise talking to some women at the entrance but he couldn¡¯t walk up to her since he wasn¡¯t ready to make a dress. He needed to have a purpose before going to see Ria again. Ian dropped the ball point pen on the desk and sped his hands together. ¡°I can see her under the pretense of getting a dress for my sister but it won¡¯t be possible without me bringing my so called sister.¡± He mumbled to himself. Ever since Ian found Ria¡¯s house he has been trying to figure out a way to see her but he hasn¡¯t been able toe up with the best idea yet. ¡°Maybe I should just watch from afar like thest time.¡± Ian said as he picked up the ball point pen again. Ian became so eager to finish up his work so he could go to Ria¡¯s ce with the hope that luck would shine on him likest time. He furrowed his eyebrows as he signed a paper. ¡°But what¡¯s this feeling? Why is my heart beating so fast? Why am I so eager to see this blinddy?¡± Ian pondered. A ping on his phone stunned him out of thought. Ian looked down and saw Ramsey on the screen. He heaved a sigh and picked up the phone. ¡°Hello Ramsey.¡± ¡°Sir, you have toe out.. miss Lorna is out here making a fuss.¡± Ramsey rushed out his words. Ian heard noises on over the phone. He recognized the voice to be Lorna¡¯s. She was screaming at someone. He stood up from the swivel chair and rushed out of the office to his secretary¡¯s space then he saw Lorna raised her hand to p Grace. She didn¡¯t make an attempt to hit Lorna back and everyone watched without try to stop Lorna because they were all scared of her. ¡°Lorna!¡± Ian snarled but Lorna raised her hand to hit Grace again. In a swift movement, he was beside her, holding her hands in the air before she could hit Grace again. ¡°Let go of me, Ian!¡± Lorna gritted. ¡°Really?¡± Ian frowned deeply. Lorna looked at Ian straight in the eyes. ¡°Your secretary needs to learn some manners!¡± She snarled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you start by learning some manners too!¡± Ian grimaced in anger. Lorna¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She jerked free from Ian¡¯s hold on her and she stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Oh! You think I am going to support you and probably fire Grace without listening to both sides.¡± Ian voice was unusually low as he tried so hard not to let anyone else hear it aside Lorna.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Ian-¡± He interrupted her. ¡°Everyone get back to work!¡± He yelled. His workers scurried back to their spaces leaving just Ian, Ramsey, Lorna and Grace behind. ¡°Go inside my office, Lorna.¡± He ordered. Lorna frowned at him. She hated being told what to do. ¡°You can leave if you don¡¯t want get your butt in there and wait for me to talk things out.¡± He grimaced trying to control his fury. Lorna red at Grace who was still crying before she reluctantly walked into his office. ¡°Ramsey, what happened out here?¡± He demanded after taking in a deep breathe. ¡°I can¡¯t tell what really happened. I heard the workers talking about miss Lorna¡¯s presence. I rushed upstairs only to see her screaming at Grace.¡± Ramsey exined. Ian led Grace to her chair and dragged another one alongside for him to sit in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say to you for what Lorna did. But I am sorry about it.¡± Ian held her small shaky hands inrge ones. Grace is one of the best worker in the corporation and the best secretary Ian has ever had since he became the chief executive officer. She is so good at whatever she does and never jokes with her job. Ian can¡¯t bear the thought of losing a professional like her. ¡°Please tell me what happened?¡± He reached for a tissue on the desk and gave it to her. Grace sniffed. ¡°Just calm down. I am ready to listen whenever you are ready.¡± Ian said in a calm tone. Grace damped the tissue over her face. ¡°When miss Lorna came in, I told her that you were too busy to see anyone and that you ordered me not to let anyone into your office even if it was Mr Bryant himself. Miss Lorna refused and said she was excluded from your orders. I tried to block her pathway from going further and exined that I wasn¡¯t ready to lose my job by disobeying your instructions but she got mad and started hitting me.¡± She recounted the incident. Ian ran his hand into his hair. He had instructed Grace not to allow anyone in even if it was his own father. Ian only said that because he knew his father was never going to show up at the office unannounced and his mother was also not feeling well so she won¡¯te around. His elder sisters are all busy at the branches assigned to them. Ian looked at her cheeks, it was all red and he clenched fists. Grace stood up and bowed her head. ¡°I am sorry, sir. I should have stopped her from causing any trouble.¡± She apologized. Ian stood up. ¡°No.. no.. please sit down. It is not your fault.¡± He looked at his personal assistant . ¡°I am sorry, Sir Ian. I really tried to stop miss Lorna but she threatened to tell Mrs Bryant to fire anyone whoes close to her that¡¯s why we couldn¡¯t do anything.¡± Ramsey said in an apologetic tone. Everyone is always terrified by Lorna¡¯s presence in thepany. ¡°It is okay Ramsey but you should have called the security men. They would have kicked her out of here regardless of who she is.¡± Ian spat. ¡°I called you instead because I know she would listen to you.¡± Ramsey said in a low tone. Ian looked back at his Secretary. ¡°Grace, I am so sorry. I don¡¯t know why she would go to that extent of hitting you. Please, I promise you that whatever happened today won¡¯t repeat itself again. I will talk to Lorna and make sure she doesn¡¯te here unannounced and cause trouble.¡± Grace shook her head. ¡°Okay sir.¡± ¡°Ramsey, please drive her home.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Yes sir.¡± Ramsey nodded. ¡°Grace, you can take the day off to take good care of yourself. Get back to work when you are well enough.¡± Grace stood up from the chair abruptly. ¡°No.. no.. Sir Ian, I am fine. I don¡¯t need a break from work.¡± She stammered. ¡°Look Grace, I am not firing you from work. I just want you to rest okay?¡± Grace searched his face to be sure if Ian wasn¡¯t firing her. ¡°I am serious.¡± Ian said. Grace looked at Ramsey who gave her a wink. ¡°Okay sir.¡± She agreed. Ian reached for some notes in his pocket and dropped it in her hands. ¡°This isn¡¯t enough for what Lorna did to you but you use this to check into the hospital to see if there are damages done to your face. You can send me the expenses when it is done.¡± Grace forced a small smile on her face. ¡°Thank you, sir Ian.¡± She said shakily. ¡°Drive her home.¡± Ian said to his personal assistant before walking back to his office. Lorna stopped pacing when she heard the door click. ¡°Are you done consoling that bitch you call a secretary?¡± She folded her arms over her chest. ¡°Her name is Grace and she is not a bitch. What is your problem Lorna?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°My problem?! Of course, I do have one and you are my problem! Ian Bryant, you are my problem!¡± Lorna screamed out. ¡°I am not your problem, Lorna! If you don¡¯t know what your problem is then I will tell you.. right now which is that you don¡¯t follow simple orders! I gave the order that my secretary shouldn¡¯t allow anyone into my office until I am done with the tasks at hand. My own father is not left out so who are you to juste into mypany and cause a scene and even go as far as beating up my secretary! You are fucking out of your mind! If you are not yelling at someone in my office today then you are beating up another! You think you cane in here and do whatever pleases you!¡± He pointed at her. ¡°Are you siding your secretary, Ian?¡± Lorna asked as he walked to his desk. ¡°Yes. Yes Lorna, I am taking sides because you are at fault here.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Oh now I see¡­ so what I have been hearing around here is true.¡± Lorna pped her hands. ¡°What¡¯s true? What have you been hearing?¡± Ian let in a handful of breath to fill his lungs. ¡°That you have been fucking your secretary!¡± Lorna blurted out. ¡°What?!¡± Ian gasped with his jaw dropping wide. Where on earth did she get that nonsense from? He mused. ¡°Oh! So you have been sleeping with her right? Tell me the truth, Ian!¡± Lorna mmed her hand on the desk. The usations and her actions triggered his anger even more ¡°So what?! Whoever I decide to fuck with is none of your business!¡± Ian mmed his hand on the desk too. Lorna stared at him in shock. She didn¡¯t expect such a response from him. ¡°You have no good taste for women. Ian Bryant, you are a ssless bastard! And that is why Mason Miller is better off than you!¡± She seethed her teeth in anger. She said those words knowing that Ian hated beingpared to others especially Mason Miller! She just wanted to hurt him the same way he did by taking sides with his secretary. Ian clenched his fists on the desk. ¡°Mason is no where better than I am!¡± Mission aplished. Lorna leaned back and straighten up from the desk. ¡°Yes he is better off than you. Ian Bryant is just a ssless bastard!¡± She grabbed her handbag and stomped out of his office. Ian turned away. He felt like hitting something so hard but he controlled his fury. ¡°So rude! How on earth am I supposed to get married to someone like her!¡± He loosened his tie. ¡°Never!¡± He grimaced. Ian¡¯s gaze flickered on the files, he felt like throwing them all out of annoyance but then his eyes caught a name-Ria. He had scribbled her name down on a paper file. She popped up in his mind then he found himself rxing at the image of her beautiful angelic face. He tried to put an end to the image on his mind¡¯s eye but it didn¡¯t leave and he doesn¡¯t think it would leave anytime soon. Chapter 13 The spoilt heiress CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IN SIMMONS MANSION Lorna Simmons. She is twenty four years old and the only child of her parents. Her father, Mr Camden Simmons is the chief executive officer of Simmons Entertainment. Her mother, Mrs Belle Simmons is a superstar, a well known veteran actress in the country but she already quit acting. Lorna is a famous actress. She started her acting career as a child actor at the age of five. She has been in love with Ian Bryant since forever but he doesn¡¯t love her and she is aware of it. Ian once told her on her eighteen birthday that they are being forced into an arranged rtionship and she shouldn¡¯t get her hopes high. Ian made it clear that he wasn¡¯t going to like her in anyway even if their parents force them into marriage. Lorna never believed what he said that day because Ian was fond of saying silly things just to hurt her. She thinks that they are not being forced into an arranged marriage because she loves him so much and she is also willing to get married to him. ¡°If Ian thinks he can talk silly things then I am not different. It feels so good to call him a ssless bastard and that Mason is better off that him because I know he doesn¡¯t like beingpared to Mason.¡± Lorna tapped on the wheels of her car as she drove into the parking lot. Speaking of Mason Miller, he is madly in love with Lorna and he has confessed his feeling to her at every chance he gets but she has refused to acknowledge him because of her feeling for Ian. Lorna¡¯s love for Ian still doesn¡¯t stop Mason from caring and loving her. He is always ready to do anything for her and none of his workers has ever tried to disrespect her or even stop her from seeing him. At times, Mason would leave whatever he was doing and attend to her if shees visiting at his office. ¡°What is it, Lorna? Why are you looking gloomy?¡± Mr Camden asked as his daughter stepped into the house with a depressing look on her face. ¡°It is Ian. I am so sick and tired of him!¡± Lorna hissed out. ¡°What¡¯s up with Ian, baby?¡± Mrs Belle walked into the living room with a book in her hand. ¡°Ian is a liar and a cheat! I just confirmed it from Ian that he is sleeping with his secretary!¡± Lorna blurted out. ¡°What?!¡± Mrs Belle Simmons raised her eyebrows as she settled beside her husband on the couch. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Ian is a good guy so howe he is a cheat and a liar?¡± Mr Camden Simmons dropped the newspaper on his thighs to focus on his daughter. Lorna walked closer to her parents and flopped her bag on the couch. ¡°Remember I told you about the spy I nted at his office.¡± She directed it at her mother. Mrs Belle shook her head in agreement. ¡°Yes I remember.¡± She confirmed. ¡°Well the person texted me to informed me that Ian is truly having an affair with his secretary.¡± Lorna added. Mr Camden furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s going on between the both of you? How can you nt a spy in someone¡¯spany just to watch him? Did you even get pictures to confirm that he is having an affair with his secretary?¡± He questioned frantically. ¡°I don¡¯t need to see pictures anymore. I went to his office to see if it was true and the stupid secretary actually stopped me from seeing my man. You need to see the way she acted like she was his girlfriend. It was so clear that Ian is sleeping with her just by everything she said to me. I was shocked when Ian came back to his office and took sides with his secretary. So I shoved it right in his face that he is sleeping with his secretary and he didn¡¯t deny it. Ian admitted it and said whoever he decides to fuck with is none of my business! I can¡¯t believe Ian could stoop so low to sleeping with a mere secretary at hispany!¡± Lorna fumed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. If he admitted it to you that he is having an affair with secretary then I am so disappointed in Ian. Camden, that boy doesn¡¯t deserve to be my son inw. I want Mason Miller. He is loyal to Lorna and it is obvious that he loves her but Ian Bryant is a cheat. Look, he doesn¡¯t even want to go ahead with the engagement to my daughter and it seems like he is just wasting our time.¡± Mrs Belle said with a serious face. ¡°Well even if I get married to Ian, no doubt he would definitely end up cheating on me with a prostitute or a stripper just like how his dad did to his mom.¡± Lorna pointed out. ¡°Like father like son.¡± Mrs Belle added. Lorna exchanged nces with her mother. ¡°Say something dad¡±.¡± She grumbled. ¡°I will talk to Jack about it.¡± Mr Camden said. ¡°Is that all you have to say dad?¡± Lorna demanded. Mr Camden cleared his throat. ¡°What do you want me to say? Should I call the cops on him? Should I go straight to hispany and scold him?¡± Lorna shrugged. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything. I just want you to do something about Grace. Deal with her for fucking with Ian.¡± ¡°Can you stop using that word fuck? It doesn¡¯t sound good to my ears.¡± Mr Camden cautioned her. ¡°Do something dad!¡± Lorna stomped her feet but got no response. ¡°Well about getting back at Grace or whatever you call her name I can help you out. I¡¯ll deal with her.¡± Mrs Belle said. Mr Camden cleared his throat again. ¡°I¡¯ll find out the truth. But don¡¯t you even think of meeting up with Mason because you are getting married to Ian Bryant.¡± He picked up the newspaper and walked into his room. ¡°Dad!¡± Lorna cried out. Mrs Belle went to her daughter. ¡°What do you want? Tell me, I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± She tried to cheer her daughter up. ¡°I want her out of thatpany and away from Ian forever. Deal with her like you did to his ex girlfriend.¡± Lorna answered. ¡°Okay. Go into your room and take a good rest.¡± Mrs Belle pet her daughter. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Lorna reluctantly walked to her room. She was not satisfied with her parents response to the fact that Ian was seeing someone else. ¡°If Ian is doing whatever pleases him with women then I can do the same.¡± Lorna concluded. After many hours of thinking on how to get back at Ian Bryant and she made a decision. She took a quick shower. In a fast pace, she changed into a bum short and an off shouldered top. Lorna grabbed a mini bag, dropped her cellphone and some money in it and walked out of her room. ¡°where are you going?¡± Mrs Belle asked. ¡°To Mason Miller¡¯s house. If Ian thinks he can fuck around with low life women then I can do the same.¡± ¡°Lorna! Get back here Lorna!¡± Mrs Belle Simmons called out but Lorna was already out of the house. ******* MASON MILLER APARTMENT Lorna pressed the doorbell and the door opened few secondster after Mason checked on the inte to see who was at the door. He was extremely happy to see Lorna because she rarelyes around to visit him at home. Lorna smacked her lips on Mason¡¯s lip immediately he popped his head out. He gasped in shock and she pressed in further into the apartment while closing the door behind. Mason¡¯s arm tightened around her when he got a hold of the situation. His left hand circled around her waist while his right hand slip up the back of the nape of her neck and his fingers tangled in her hair. His mouth opened and met her back with their lips moving gently but it soon turned fierce. Lorna¡¯s tongue swept across his lower lips and demanded more entrance into his mouth. Mason gave it to her and he felt his tongue sh against hers. ¡°Oh my God.. you taste so good.¡± Lorna said amidst kisses. Desire washed over her as he bit down on her swollen lips. She also pulled his lower lip into her mouth and his hold on her grew tighter. Lorna could feel his hard shaft now pressing against her belly so she broke off the kiss and pulled his top over his head. ¡°Why are you doing this, Lorna?¡± Mason asked when she was about kissing him again. ¡°I am only doing this because I want you. Mason, I want you badly.¡± Lorna kissed him aggressively. ¡°You want me? Really Lorna?¡± Mason carried her up and her legs wrapped around his waist. ¡°Is that what you want?¡± He kissed the sensitive spot on her neck.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yes.. yes.. fuck.. yes I want you so badly.¡± Lorna moaned. Mason led them to the couch and heid her back while he overshadowed her. ¡°I want you.¡± He grabbed her hands and pinned it over her head. Mason brought his face closer. ¡°We both want each other.¡± Lorna giggled as she sucked on his lips while he rocked her making her feel his shaft at her centre. Moisture gathered in her thighs and she groaned in pleasure. ¡°You are.. so hard. Mason, I love this! Geez-¡± She moaned when he pressed kisses to her neck again. ¡°You.. make me hard, Lorna. You make me want to do crazy things to your body.¡± Mason raised his head and stared straight into her eyes. ¡°And I like that, Mason. Fuck me. You can have all of me now.¡± She leaned her head up and kissed him but he parted sooner than enough. ¡°Listen Lorna, I love you so much and I will love to have sex with you too but I don¡¯t think this is a good idea.¡± Mason mumbled. ¡°But why? Mason, you love me so you don¡¯t have to hold back. Please I need you.¡± Her voice pleaded with him. ¡°I need you too but let¡¯s not do this. Don¡¯t let us get involved in sexual activities that will make you have regrets tomorrow. We both deserve better.¡± Mason let go of her hands Lorna ced her hands on his chest and pushed him off her. ¡°Why are you saying all this shit when you want me so badly?¡± Mason stood up from the couch and went to pick up his top and he wore it back. ¡°It is obvious you don¡¯t want this with me. And you are not ready to be with me, Lorna. Am I just an option to you?¡± Mason asked in a low tone. ¡°What?¡± Lorna didn¡¯t miss the hurtful expression on his face. Mason sighed and went back to where she sat on the couch. ¡°You heard me. Listen Lorna, I am not ready to fuck ady who is interested in someone else. I won¡¯t get you in my bed Lorna because Ian is refusing to give you what you want and desire.¡± He leaned in and cupped her face in hisrge hands. ¡°Mason-¡± He interrupted her. ¡°You know I love you and I have never hid that fact from you that¡¯s why I won¡¯t do anything to hurt your feelings. So it would be better if we love each other equally and stop the unrequited love. When that is done then we can have sex like true lovers. But it doesn¡¯t make sense if I love you and you don¡¯t feel the same way and then we have sex with no love, no promises and nomitments. It just doesn¡¯t make sense to me. And for me, I don¡¯t want to get engaged with you when you are still thinking of Ian in your head.¡± Lorna removed his hands away from her face gently. ¡°So what are saying?¡± She asked. ¡°Fall in love with me. Lorna, I am telling you now to discard every feelings you have for Ian and love me the right way.¡± Mason stated with a serious face. Lorna chuckled. ¡°What the hell was I thinking?! I shouldn¡¯t havee to see you if I had known you would reject me like this!¡± She stood up from the couch. ¡°Lorna, it is fair enough and I don¡¯t want you to think I am rejecting you.¡± Mason said calmly. ¡°Okay¡­ I understand.¡± She motioned towards the door. ¡°Lorna, will you think about it?¡± Mason asked. Lorna turned to face him. ¡°I will give it a try.¡± She faked a smile. Mason went to her. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll await your response.¡± He leaned in and kissed her forehead. ¡°Good night.¡± Lorna said to him and she walked out of his house. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I just did all of that! It was a bad idea to havee here.¡± Lorna hit the wheels when she slide into her car and drove out of the garage. Chapter 14 The arranged marriage CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IAN BRYANT MANSION Mr Griffin rushed into the kitchen after a maid informed him that Ian instructed her to leave the chores. ¡°What¡¯s going on, sir Ian?¡± Ian heard Mr Griffin¡¯s voice behind him in the kitchen. ¡°Nothing.¡± He mumbled and concentrated on the dishes he was washing in the sink. ¡°Really? But you only offer to wash the dishes whenever you are worried or in a bad mood.¡± Mr Griffin said. Ian rinsed the tes and removed the red rubber gloves from his hands. Mr Griffin was right. Ian only does the washing of tes anytime he is worried or bothered about something. ¡°Sir Ian, please tell me whatever is wrong.¡± Mr Griffin requested. ¡°Can you stop addressing me formally? It is pissing me off, Mr Griffin.¡± Ian fumed. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop addressing you formally if you can also call me by my first name.¡± Mr Griffin replied. Ian shook his head in disagreement. ¡°No, I can¡¯t do it.¡± Mr Griffin shed him a small smile. ¡°We should talk.¡± He said. They settled on the stools close to the kitchen ind. ¡°Do I look all that worried? I mean.. is it so obvious?¡± Ian muttered. ¡°Yes. It is always obvious that something is bothering you whenever you do the dishes. Look you haven¡¯t been home for two days and then you show up and start washing dishes without even changing your office outfit.¡± Mr Griffin did the tsk tsk sound. ¡°Well you are right. I am so mad and worried at the same time.¡± Ian admitted. ¡°Tell me everything, I am here to listen to you.¡± Mr Griffin said calmly. Ian heaved a sigh. ¡°Lorna came to the office today and she beat up Grace.¡± ¡°What?! Do you mean that she pulled out Grace¡¯s hair?¡± Mr Griffin asked with a wide eye. ¡°No not like that. She hit Grace on her face.¡± Ian demonstrated it. ¡°Oh! Wow! Miss Lorna is a violent woman. She never thinks twice before hitting anyone. She doesn¡¯t care about her reputation as a star.¡± Mr Griffin pointed out with a frown on his face. ¡°Exactly my point! Lorna always seems to forget that she is a big star. Do you want to know the worse part of it all?¡± Mr Griffin shook his head. ¡°She used me of having an affair with Grace.¡± Ian gritted. ¡°Why would she think like that?! Where did she get such rumor?!¡± Mr Griffin demanded. ¡°I don¡¯t know but I have a feeling she paid someone to spy on me. I am sure that person must have fed her with lies.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Why would she do that? I mean.. why would she pay someone to spy on you?¡± Mr Griffin shook his head in pity. ¡°I don¡¯t know but I admitted to the false usation and false rumor she heard.¡± Ian replied. Mr Griffin stood up to get a bottle of water from the fridge. ¡°Why? Take drink up.¡± He offered it to him Ian took the bottle and gulped down half of the content. ¡°It was intentional. Lorna won¡¯t feel too important and if she believes she can just do anything around me.¡± Mr Griffin sighed. ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She called me a ssless bastard and said Mason is better off than me. I know she only said that to make me jealous but I can never get jealous if Lorna loves Mason. I would even appreciate it if that happened. I don¡¯t want this stupid arranged marriage.¡± He seethed his teeth. ¡°What are you going to do now? I am afraid of what her parents would do if they find out that you admitted to having an affair with a secretary.¡± Mr Griffin said. ¡°I am going to do nothing. I am not going to say anything to anyone if I get a call. Lorna can do whatever she wants but as long as she doesn¡¯t beat up my workers ore to see me unannounced then I am okay. In the end, I won¡¯t get married to her.¡± Ian sounded so determined. ¡°That settles it. I also don¡¯t want you to get married to someone your parents picked for you. You have a right to make a decision that concerns your life. So let¡¯s get passed this situation.¡± Mr Griffin shed him a reassuring smile.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ian shook his head in agreement. ¡°You are right.¡± He heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯ll get you something to eat.¡± Mr Griffin motioned to the microwave to warm food. They discussed randomly about work at the corporation and some minutester, Ian settled to eat. ¡°Do you remember that blinddy I met at the park two months ago?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Oh! The one that keepsing to your mind.¡± Mr Griffin said. ¡°Yes, I found her.¡± Ian looked up with a bright smile on his face. ¡°Where did you find her?¡± Mr Griffin sat on the stool with keen interest in her eyes. ¡°I saw her at the hospital two days ago. She is so beautiful like I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes off her and then I had to approach her. But I am a bit worried about that woman.¡± Ian scrunched up his face. ¡°I can read it all of your face that you are happy to see her again but why are you worried?¡± Mr Griffin questioned. ¡°I am worried because she trembled when I touched her. She became sweaty all of a sudden and the way she held her walk stick in a defensive stance was if she would hit me if I tried anything stupid like harassing her.¡± Ian exined to Mr Griffin how he met Ria again at the hospital. ¡°So what do you think about her? I mean what did you find?¡± Ian wiped his mouth with a napkin. ¡°She was scared of me. I didn¡¯t miss that look. The fear of being touched by a man was so obvious in her expression.¡± ¡°But she has two children.¡± Mr Griffin muttered. ¡°Yes. Although I haven¡¯t seen any man around her except a woman named Elise and the kids.¡± Ian replied. ¡°It might be that the father of her children treated her badly or maybe a man had once taken advantage of her condition.¡± Mr Griffin reasoned. Ian raised his eyebrows. ¡°Are you saying that Ria¡¯s husband or someone might have physically vited her and left her with the kids?¡± He thought. ¡°Maybe it is any of these cases. I am just saying but we can¡¯t be so sure of anything yet.¡± Mr Griffin replied with a shrug. ¡°I should make researches on her type of fear. It might possibly be a phobia.¡± Ian searched his pocket for his cellphone but he couldn¡¯t find it. ¡°But why are you so interested in this blinddy?¡± Mr Griffin cleared the tes on the ind and took them into the sink. ¡°Mr Griffin, to be honest I don¡¯t know. I just find myself thinking about her. It seems like it is now impossible to get her out of my mind after seeing her again. And the fact that I have a little information about her, all I want to do is get closer to her and share all those pains I saw in her silver eyes. I just can¡¯t tell why I am feeling this way.¡± Ian ced his palms over his face. ¡°What if she is married? Or a divorced woman? And remember she has two kids.¡± Mr Griffin said. ¡°Mr Griffin, I know but I can¡¯t just help it. It is as if this blinddy has cast a spell on my well being.¡± Ian confessed. Mr Griffin¡¯s eyes watched the young man. ¡°I understand you. But Sir Ian, I want you to think about it deeply.¡± He cleaned the ind with a clean napkin. ¡°I am not sure I have to think anymore. Mr Griffin, can you help with something?¡± Ian requested. Mr Griffin raised an eyebrow but shook his head. ¡°Anything you want, sir Ian.¡± He shed the young man a bright and encouraging smile. ************** IN SIMMONS MANSION Lorna walked into the mansion with a deep frown on her face. ¡°It is clear that Mason didn¡¯t give you what you want baby.¡± She heard her mom¡¯s voice when she started up the stairs. ¡°Because he is an asshole.¡± Lorna hissed. ¡°I have known Mason to always be an obedient boy. So I was sure he won¡¯t give you what you desired with just a phone call.¡± Mrs Belle said. Lorna stopped and walked to where her mother sat reading a book. She realized that her mom must have intimidated Mason. ¡°What did you tell him?¡± She demanded. ¡°Oh! Mason didn¡¯t tell you?¡± Mrs Belle dropped the book and removed her sses. ¡°What did you tell Mason?¡± Lorna repeated. ¡°I just called him up and gave him a piece of advise.¡± Mrs Belle winked. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you could that!¡± Lorna snapped. ¡°Well I did it. Anyways, I told him that you won¡¯t enjoy whatever he gives to you because Ian¡¯s name is boldly written on your mind. I am sure that you won¡¯t call Mason¡¯s name during the bang but Ian¡¯s name so I did the poor boy a great favor.¡± Mrs Belle stood up from the couch. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would ever do this. Well.. maybe your point is partly true! I would have wished it was Ian hitting me right into my core with his hard cock! But you just made my thinking worse mom!¡± Lorna frown deepened. ¡°I did you no wrong baby. Ian should be med.¡± Mrs Belleughed. ¡°Well you worsen it.¡± Lorna fumed. ¡°You should thank me for helping you score a goal in Mason¡¯s life. I am actually d the poor boy listened to me.¡± Mrs Belle pouted. ¡°Yes I should thank you!¡± Lorna pped her hands. ¡°And now he wants me to fall in love with him! Hurray! Mom won! Are you happy now?!¡± She hissed and walked off to her bedroom. Lorna was so pissed because Mason didn¡¯t satisfy her sexual needs and he left her with a burning desire. She mmed the bedroom door, threw her bag on the bed and fell back on it. ¡°I am still in the mood! Gosh! Mason is so fucked!¡± Lorna grumbled as she stood up from the bed again. Her gaze flickered on her slender fingers and she smiled. ¡°This pretty fingers can be of help to my body today.¡± She dipped a finger into her mouth and licked it seductively. ¡°And the toys.¡± Lorna rushed to the door and locked it. She went in a search of the new bullet vibrator and a manual dildo stimtor of 175mm that she just ordered two weeks ago. She found the items in the bed side drawer. ¡°Oh! I should try these out today.¡± She tore off the nylons on the sex toys. Her hand flickered over the tip of the ck color dildo before she dropped her tongue on it. ¡°Hmm.. sweet.¡± Shemented. Lorna stripped out of her clothing and she sat on the bed with her head resting on the headboard. She closed her eyes when her fingers touched her core through thece panties. ¡°So wet.. stupid Mason is gonna miss this pretty pink core of mine.¡± Lorna removed her panties to feel her wetness. Her hands traveled over her core using the wetness to coat every fold. ¡°Feels good..¡± She was feeling the pleasure that built up within her. She pushed a finger into her core and another finger rubbed her clit gently. ¡°Oh.. fuck..¡± Two more finger and the third into her centre and she began to feel the pleasure intensifying. ¡°The toys.¡± She coated her saliva on the dildo before pushing it into her core. ¡°Oh my goodness.¡± Lorna moaned lowly as she fucked herself with the dildo and vibrator to her clitoris. Shey back deeper on the bed and her head sank into the pillow as tension welled up in her. She was enjoying the feeling of pleasuring herself. ¡°This.. is.. crazy¡­¡± Lorna groaned as the dildo and vibrator fucked her to the edge until she hit climax. Chapter 15 The plans CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA NEXT MORNING: IN RIA¡¯S APARTMENT Ian pointed his finger at a building. ¡°That¡¯s her house.¡± He said. Mr Griffin looked sideways. ¡°Which one of them?¡± His eyes tried to follow the direction of Ian¡¯s fingers. ¡°The brown one.¡± Ian specified. ¡°Oh okay! Over there.¡± Mr Griffin shook his head in acknowledgment. ¡°Yes, Mr Griffin. All you need to do is just go in there and work ording to our ns.¡± Ian said. Mr Griffin nodded. ¡°I think we are still missing something.¡± Ian arched his eyebrows. ¡°What are we missing?¡± He asked. ¡°What about her fear towards men?¡± Mr Griffin stated. Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s why I am doing this with you. And moreover you are an old man and you have a cool face so Ria won¡¯t mind you.¡± Mr Griffin screwed up his face. ¡°Cool face? How on earth can she see that when she is blind?¡± He demanded. ¡°Ria will sense it. She is a special human.¡± Ian answered. ¡°But-¡± Ian cuts him off. ¡°Mr Griffin no more but please just do this for me.¡± His voice pleaded with the old man. ¡°Okay. Okay. But I won¡¯t go back in there again if she hits me with a walking stick. Is that clear?¡± ¡°Noted. Just be careful.¡± Ian saluted. ¡°Good.¡± Mr Griffin opened the car door. ¡°Wait.. wait.. Mr Griffin the bug!¡± Ian took it out from his suit pocket. Mr Griffin collected it from him and fixed it in his pocket. The bug device is meant for him to listen to whatever they discuss inside. And the n will only work out if Ria will befortable with Mr Griffin¡¯s presence. ¡°Good luck, Mr Griffin.¡± Ian waved as the old man made his way towards Ria¡¯s entrance. Ian wind up the ss and heaved a loud sigh. ¡°I hope this works out.¡± He position his own device properly in his ears. Mr Griffin rxed before pressing the door bell and few secondster Ian could see ma¡¯am Elise smiling at him. ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise greeted with a bright smile on her face. ¡°Good¡­ morning.¡± Mr Griffin stuttered. ¡°How may I help you, sir?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise requested. Mr Griffin cleared his throat. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I am in the right ce.¡± He brought out the business card Ian had given to him at home. ¡°Perhaps, is this Ria Robert workce?¡± He asked. ¡°Oh yes! You are in the right ce sir! Thank you foring!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed with the smile still stered to her lips. Well Mr Griffin knew the building was Ria¡¯s home but he was just working ording to Ian¡¯s crazy n of getting to know the blinddy. And the old man has no clear understanding of why Ian Bryant was still insisting on knowing Ria Robert. ¡°Good.. I am Mr Brown.¡± Mr Griffin introduced briefly. The old man had to lie because he doesn¡¯t want to get his name dragged along this whole situation in case it doesn¡¯t work out. ¡°I am Elise.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Actually a friend of mine gave me this card when I told him I needed a seamstress to make a dress for my daughter. So-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise interrupted him. ¡°Yes! Yes! This is the best ce for you! Ria Robert is the best seamstress to make a perfect dress for your daughter. Pleasee in sir. You are wee to our workce.¡± She ushered him into the house. Ian watched closely from his car and he heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°This has to work out.¡± His fingers tapped on the wheels. The house was well arranged. The big room that would have served as sitting room was now a workce with two couches for the visitors, three sewing machines, arge table and several other things. ¡°Miss Ria, we have a new customer waiting here.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise called out. ¡°Okay, I will be there soon.¡± Ria replied from somewhere around the house. ¡°Don¡¯t stay too long.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°I just need to get a cup of coffee.¡± Ria replied again. ¡°Okay. Peasee and have your seat, Mr Brown.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise directed him to a couch. ¡°Please don¡¯t mind the fact that everywhere is a bit messy we are very busy with lots of dresses.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise apologized. ¡°No problem.¡± Mr Brown faked a smile. The area wasn¡¯t all that messy but just pieces of clothes around the sewing area. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, we are done with our home works.¡± Phoebe and Phoebe said in unison as they walked into the sitting room. ¡°Phoenix. Phoebe. Wow! You finished up so fast. Are you sure you did the home works well?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Mr Griffin eyes was fixated on her. He liked the fact that she has a very good weing spirit which could pass for a good customer service. If you don¡¯t want to get a dress from the blinddy, ma¡¯am Elise cheerful personality would make you have a change of mind. ¡°Yes, I had to finish up so I can help mom.¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°Same here.¡± Phoenix added. And Mr Griffin got the picture. Phoebe and Phoenix must be Ria¡¯s children that Ian spoke about. Why on earth is he lurking around a mother of two? Mr Griffin pondered. ¡°Let me help you with that mom.¡± Phoebe stood up from the couch and rushed off to meet Ria. Mr Griffin turned towards the direction of where the little girl went and his jaw dropped slightly when he saw the blinddy approaching-Ria! She was walking perfectly with a tray in her hands that one could hardly believe that she was blind. ¡°Now I see the reason why Ian doesn¡¯t want to back off. Ria is a beautiful woman!¡± Mr Griffin bantered within. ¡°Careful mom.¡± Phoebe said when she got to where Ria stood. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I am fine, Phoebe.¡± Ria said. ¡°Let me help you.¡± Phoebe collected the tray from Ria and dropped it on the small coffee table close to the couches.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Phoenix, are you done with your assignment?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°Yes mom. I finished on time so I could help with work.¡± Phoenix answered. ¡°And did you do it well?¡± Ria asked again. ¡°Absolutely. Phoebe helped me out with it.¡± Phoenix shook his head with a cute smile that revealed a missing front teeth. All of a sudden he looked at Mr Griffin. ¡°Why is he looking at me? Is he trying to send me a warning signal?¡± Mr Griffin wondered as he watched the little boy look back at Ria and then towards him again. ¡°Please have some coffee.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed to the coffee on the table. ¡°Thank you, I am fine.¡± Mr Griffin replied with his eyes on the blinddy. Ria stiffened immediately she heard a man¡¯s voice. ¡°Well maybe some introductory will do the magic. I am mr Brown. No.. it can¡¯t work that way!¡± Mr Griffin bantered internally. ¡°Miss Ria, Mr Brown is here to make a dress for -¡± Ria interrupted her. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.. didn¡¯t you tell Mr Brown.. that we don¡¯t major in male dresses?¡± She stuttered with a deep frown on her face. Ria managed to find her way to one of the machines. ¡°He is here to-¡± She cuts ma¡¯am Elise off when she was about to talk again. ¡°Mr Brown, I am sorry we don¡¯t make male dresses here so please leave.¡± Ria grounded out without bothering to know the reason why he was at her workce. Ria just hated the presence of a man near here and even in her house and she wanted him to leave as soon as possible. Mr Griffin noticed that Ria was clenching her fist. ¡°She want me out without giving me a chance to exin what type of dress I want to make. No doubt, this blinddy is afraid of men. I didn¡¯t even go close to her but just my voice made her worked up and tensed.¡± He mused. Ma¡¯am Elise stood up and went to Ria. She held her fists with the hope that Mr Griffin doesn¡¯t get to see them but it was already toote. Mr Griffin studied the expression on Ria¡¯s face and he found it. Ian Bryant was right. Ria must have developed a phobia for men. ¡°Rx Miss Ria. Mr Brown is here to get a dress for his daughter.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a low tone. Ria calmed a bit and coincidentally she stared towards his direction as if she could see him. ¡°Good morning, Miss Ria. I really mean no harm. I am just here to get a dress for my daughter. A friend shared your business card with me so I decided to check into this ce.¡± Mr Griffin exined in a calm tone. Ma¡¯am Elise gave her hands a small squeeze trying to help her calm her trembling body. ¡°Ok. Okay.¡± She breathed out heavily. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Ria muttered ¡°No, it is fine.¡± Mr Griffin heaved a sigh of relief. This n has to work out for Ian¡¯s sake. And a smile broke out on ma¡¯am Elise face again. ¡°What¡¯s the asion sir?¡± She asked. ¡°Birthday. She clocks eighteen soon.¡± Mr Griffin replied. Ma¡¯am Elise passed a notepad to Phoebe to jolt down what he just said. ¡°So what sort of dress do you want for her? Is it a short dress or long one?¡± She asked again. Mr Griffin cleared his throat. ¡°The truth is I am not so familiar withdies wear. But can I get a catalogue or something to let me make a better choice?¡± He requested. ¡°Yes, we have some.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise went in search of it. Ria was silent with her face in her palms. Seconds clicked by and ma¡¯am Elise came back with two small catalogues. ¡°These are some of the collections of Ria Robert dresses.¡± She handed him the catalogues. ¡°Wow!¡± Mr Griffin muttered under his breath as he flipped through pages in the catalogue. He was amazed to see pretty dresses even if he has no idea aboutdy¡¯s wears. ¡°I like this one. This would really suit my daughter.¡± He pointed at a long blue gown. Ma¡¯am Elise checked out the design he picked. ¡°Oh miss Ria, he picked the first dress you made for Mrs Eliza.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ria managed to say. ¡°Is blue your daughter¡¯s favorite color?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned. ¡°Yes, blue is her favorite color.¡± Mr Griffin feigned a smile on his face. ¡°Good. Mr Brown, since we have all the details now all you have to do is bring your daughter over so we can get her measurement.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise closed the catalogue. ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. How much do I pay for the dress?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°We will talk about that when you bring her around because your daughter might not like the one you picked. So there is a big chance for her to make her choice. You know how teens are when ites to stuffs like this.. they can be very picky.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled. ¡°Oh yeah you are right. So is that all?¡± Mr Griffin questioned. ¡°Yes for now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise answered. ¡°Okay.¡± Mr Griffin stood up from the couch to leave. ¡°I will walk you to the door.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise offered. ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Griffin grinned widely. ¡°Bye, Mr Brown.¡± The children waved and Mr Griffin did the same. Ma¡¯am Elise apanied him to the door and they both stepped out of the house. ¡°I am sorry about how Miss Ria acted towards you earlier.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in an apologetic tone. ¡°Is she okay?¡± Mr Griffin asked hoping that this woman would say some important things that concerns Ria. ¡°Oh yes! She is absolutely fine. It is just that -¡± Ma¡¯am Elise paused. ¡°Never mind.¡± she continued. ¡°She was about to say something but she just held back her words.¡± Mr Griffin said within. ¡°Goodbye, Mr Brown.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise hurried back into the house while he walked back to the car. ¡°You heard everything?¡± Mr Griffin asked Ian when he got back into the car. ¡°Yes Mr Griffin.¡± Ian nodded. ¡°Elise didn¡¯t disclose anything about Ria but she was about to anyways. And as for me I think Ria has a psychological problem and I suggest therapy for her.¡± Mr Griffin mumbled. ¡°What do I do?¡± Ian said. ¡°About?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°Ria. There is absolutely no way for me if she is having such problem. I wish I knew what made her that way. I am craving desperately for more information about her.¡± Ian stopped and continued after a moment of silence. ¡°Well what did you noticed in there?¡± He demanded. ¡°Her home is good and every one of them have their roles in the business.¡± Mr Griffin answered. ¡°The kids are home too right?¡± Ian asked again. ¡°Yes.. but I don¡¯t think those children belong to Ria.¡± Mr Griffin scrunched up his face. ¡°Why?¡± Ian asked. ¡°She looks too young to have such kids of that ages.¡± Mr Griffin replied with a shrug. ¡°I think Ria and I should be about the same age. At the same time, it is quite possible, remember Lauren had her first child when she was eighteen. So maybe Ria had hers when she was younger too. Look Mr Griffin, I know Ria needs help and I am ready to help her.¡± Ian said seriously. ¡°And you think she will ept your help?¡± Mr Griffin nced at the entrance of the house. ¡°I will make her ept my help by all means.¡± He sounded determined. ¡°Oh! Ian Bryant gets what Ian wants.¡± Mr Griffin nodded. ¡°Exactly!¡± Ian snapped his fingers. ¡°Sir Ian, at this point I think you should be concerned about getting an eighteen years old girl who would be my daughter because I promised to bring her over tomorrow to do her measurement.¡± Mr Griffin cleared his throat afterwards. ¡°Mr Griffin, find that yourself.¡± Ian started the car. ¡°What?! How do you expect me to do that?¡± Mr Griffin questioned frantically. Ian looked at the old man. ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll find someone since this is all my n.¡± The car roared into life and he drove off. ¡°Good.¡± Mr Griffin muttered. Chapter 16 A dress from a seamstress CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IAN BRYANT MANSION Ruth rushed to the door when she heard the bell jangling. She met bright Cassidy at the entrance. ¡°Hi.¡± Cassidy raised her eyebrows because she was meeting the maid for the first time. ¡°Good morning.¡± Ruth smiled. ¡°Cassidy! Ruth, let her in.¡± She heard Mr Griffin¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Good morning, Mr Griffin.¡± Cassidy greeted as she stepped into the house. ¡°How are you, Cassidy?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°I am good.¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°How is school?¡± Mr Griffin smiled. ¡°I am fine, mr Griffin. So where is Mr Ian?¡± Her eyes scanned therge beautiful area. ¡°He is in his room.¡± Mr Griffin answered. ¡°Okay. So she is a new worker here right?¡± Cassidy pointed at Ruth who was already walking off to the kitchen. Cassidy rolled her eyes knowing that it was Mrs Pe¡¯s work to bring in new maid. ¡°Mr Ian called me upst night that he needs my help with something.¡± Mr Griffin arched his eyebrow. ¡°He should be here soon.¡± He cleared his throat. Soon Ian bounced down the steps leading to the sitting room. ¡°Hi Cassidy.¡± Cassidy moved over to the couch to sit on it. ¡°Hello Mr Ian.¡± She waved. ¡°Thanks foring.¡± Ian sighed. Cassidy shook her head. ¡°What do you care for, Cassidy?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am fine.¡± She answered. Ian looked at Mr Griffin. ¡°Please get her favorite juice. Lemon Juice.¡± He smirked before turning to look at Cassidy. ¡°No -¡± ¡°You have to take something. So lemon juice is it?¡± Ian cuts off her intended statement. ¡°Alright.¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Mr Griffin walked away while Ian settled down on the couch facing Cassidy directly. ¡°How is Caleb doing?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°He is fine. Actually he and mom sent their greetings.¡± Cassidy responded. Mr Griffin came back with a tray filled with a full ss of lemon juice and crackers and he gave it to Cassidy. ¡°Mr Griffin, you have to join us.¡± Ian said when the old man was about leaving again. ¡°Me?¡± Mr Griffin raised an eyebrow and pointed a finger at himself. Ian shook his head positively. ¡°Yes, this is about Ria.¡± Mr Griffin gasped out in realization. ¡°Oh! Okay. Miss Ria.¡± He figured why Ian had called Cassidy over. He settled down beside Cassidy and waited for Ian to start the conversation. ¡°You and Caleb¡¯s birthday is next week right?¡± Ian asked after clearing his throat. Cassidy nodded slowly. ¡°Yes, it is next week Saturday.¡± Ian and Mr Griffin exchanged nces. ¡°Yeah I was right. So I have been.. thinking of getting a dress for you so you can wear it on that day.¡± He stammered. Cassidy looked at the men with a confused look on her face. ¡°Actually Mr Ian¡­ you don¡¯t have to get me a new dress. You have been good to us and you have also done a lot for us. So I don¡¯t think it is necessary to get me a dress.¡± She declined. Ian leaned forward and sped his hands together. This has to work out. ¡°Cassidy, I want to get that dress for you as a present. And I will also do the same for Caleb too.¡± Ian thought of who would be Mr Brown¡¯s daughter overnight. And then the twins birthday had popped up in his mind. Ian concluded that instead of getting a dress for Cassidy at the boutique or a fashion house Ria would make the dress. He was so happy when that idea urred to him. It was the perfect option to get close to Ria. ¡°I still don¡¯t think it is necessary because I have no ns of throwing a big party.¡± Cassidy replied. Ian signaled to the old man to say something that would convince the young girl to ept his offer. Mr Griffin cleared his throat. ¡°Cassidy, you don¡¯t have to reject his offer of getting you a present. I mean.. it.. it.. it is your 18th birthday so you have to look beautiful on that day.¡± He stuttered not knowing what to say. ¡°There is no need for a dress since we won¡¯t be throwing any party at home.¡± Cassidy repeated. ¡°Listen, I want to throw a party for you guys. You can invite your friends to celebrate with you. I already arranged some money to buy lots of things to have the party.¡± Ian rushed out his words. Cassidy studied his expression. ¡°Really? But isn¡¯t that too much?¡± She grumbled. ¡°It is just a token, Cassidy.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Look Cassidy, we have seen a talented seamstress to make a perfect dress for you.¡± Mr Griffin chuckled in an unusual tone. A smile broke out on her face. ¡°Alright. But I am only epting it because it is my birthday soon.¡± ¡°Thank you, Cassidy. I am always d to help you.¡± Ian leaned back again with a small smile on his face. The first stage was getting Cassidy to ept his offer to buy her a dress and it has worked out. Cassidy smiled faded. ¡°Mr Ian, you said that you needed my help with something.¡± She reminded him. ¡°Yes, I really need you. And the help is to go to the seamstress workshop and take your measurement.¡± Ian responded. Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°That¡¯s not me helping you with anything. It is like you are helping me instead.¡± Ian looked at Mr Griffin who signaled to him to go on with the ns. ¡°It is a great help to me.¡± Ian said. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy answered in a low tone. Something is quite not right. Ian looked so disturbed and unsettled. What are these men hiding from her? She wondered. ¡°So now Mr Griffin will drive you down to the seamstress house to get your measurement for the dress.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Mr Ian, I think we should tell her who the seamstress is and what she looks like.¡± Mr Griffin suggested. ¡°Yeah. Cassidy, the seamstress name is Ria and she is blind. So you have to be careful of whatever you say when you get there and make sure you get along with her.¡± Cassidy was confused. ¡°Is that even possible? How can she sew if she is blind?¡± She questioned frantically. ¡°Cassidy, yu will see for yourself when you get there.¡± Ian heaved a sigh. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy mumbled. ¡°Mr Griffin, pleasee with me so I can give you some money to give to the seamstress.¡± Ian stood up from the couch and Mr Griffin did the same to follow him to his bedroom. This has to work out. Ian said to himself several times even as he waved goodbye to Mr Griffin and Cassidy. IN RIA ROBERT¡¯S APARTMENT ¡°Mom, when will ma¡¯am Elise be back from the store? She has been gone for too long.¡± Phoenix nced up at the wall clock. Ria stopped the machine wheels to answer the little boy. ¡°Rx Phoenix, she will be back soon.¡± She replied. ¡°But they have been gone since the past two hours.¡± Phoenix grumbled. ¡°Phoenix, it is not easy to select a material at the store. The issue is that if you don¡¯t see it at one store then you go to the next and sometimes you have to go into five to six stores before getting the type of material you desire.¡± Ria exined. ¡°Is it that hard?¡± Phoenix asked. He wondered at the same time how Ria has been able to buy materials all by herself. ¡°How did you-¡±Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°I have people at each stores that I always call to help me. It is a long story so I¡¯ll tell youter. Don¡¯t worry you will go with ma¡¯am Elise next time so you can find out a lot of things about the stores.¡± Ria managed a smile on her face. The doorbell rang. ¡°Maybe they are back. I¡¯ll get the door.¡± He stormed his feet. ¡°Careful Phoenix.¡± Ria cautioned as he raced to the door and unlocked it. ¡°Mom! It is Mr Brown!¡± Phoenix coaxed. ¡°Mr Brown?¡± Ria repeated as she tried to process the face of the owner of that name. ¡°Oh Yes! The man that came in yesterday to get a dress for him daughter.¡± She mumbled. ¡°Mom, should I let him in?¡± Phoenix voice was loud. ¡°Let him in Phoenix.¡± Ria instructed. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Secondster, Ria heard footsteps in the room. It has two different sounds and she was able to process two presence excluding Phoenix. ¡°Good afternoon, miss Ria.¡± Mr Griffin greeted. ¡°Good afternoon, Mr Brown.¡± Ria stood up from the machine and subconsciously she rubbed her palms together to stay calm. Cassidy was surprised by the name used to address the old man. Her eyes watched the blinddy behind the sewing wheels and she couldn¡¯t help but gasp out in shock. What on earth is going on here?! She mused. ¡°I am here with my daughter.¡± Mr Griffin added. Cassidy didn¡¯t argue about his words in her mind because Mr Griffin is like a father figure to her. ¡°Okay. Please take a seat.¡± Ria replied. Mr Griffin looked around the area and he figured that the woman who had attended to him wasn¡¯t around. ¡°I can stay outside if you aren¡¯tfortable with my presence here.¡± He looked straight at her. ¡°No.. no you can stay.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Hi, I am Cassidy.¡± She said after Mr Griffin instructed her to do so with an eye contact. ¡°Call me Ria.¡± She responded. ¡°What a nice name. It is so nice to see you.. my dad already told me about you.¡± Cassidy stammered. Ria forced a smile on her face. ¡°Phoenix, please get the style books.¡± She instructed. ¡°Which one?¡± Phoenix asked. ¡°Volume three. The dress Mr Brown picked is in that volume.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay mom.¡± The little boy went in search of the book. Chapter 17 She is an inspiration CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Phoenix checked the small book shelf and brought out volume three style book which had the collections of Ria¡¯s work. He gave it to Cassidy who was busy staring at Ria. ¡°Here Ma¡¯am.¡± Phoenix said. ¡°Thank you.¡± Mr Griffin took the book from him instead. He opened the book and showed Cassidy the dress he had picked the other day. ¡°Wow.¡± Cassidy mumbled as she exchanged nces with Mr Griffin. ¡°Miss Ria, these designs are pretty.¡± Sheplimented. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Do you like this one?¡± Mr Griffin pointed to a short dress. ¡°No, it is too short. I don¡¯t want my legs to be exposed. But I really like the one you already picked for me.¡± Cassidy replied. ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Mr Griffin asked again. ¡°Yes.. dad.¡± Cassidy forced a smile on her face. ¡°Okay miss Ria, we¡¯ll go for the same dress.¡± Mr Griffin said. Without being told what to do Phoenix went in search of the measurement book and grabbed a high stool for Ria to sit on. He led Ria from the sewing wheels to where he ced the stool. Cassidy watched Ria with admiration as she gave out instructions to the little boy even as she took the measurements. Phoenix did a great job at calling out the numbers on the tape rule and he jolted down the measurements. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Cassidy mumbled when Ria dropped her hands and ced the tap rule on her neck. ¡°All done.¡± Ria said to Cassidy who went to sit beside her so called dad. ¡°How much is the payment?¡± Mr Griffin asked. ¡°Three hundred dors.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Three hundred dors?¡± Cassidy repeated. She was surprised that the bill was too small for such an elegant dress. One would pay more at the mall or boutique for such an outfit. Ria¡¯s price list are affordable and elegant. ¡°But don¡¯t you think-¡± Mr Griffin nudged Cassidy¡¯s side to silent her. ¡°I have the cash with me.¡± Mr Griffin said as he brought out five hundred dors and handed it to the little boy. Initially Ian Bryant had given him three thousand dors for the dress. Phoenix looked at the old man then back at the girl beside him. ¡°One.. two.. three.. four..¡± He arched his brows when he realized it was more than the price Ria mentioned. ¡°Mr Brown, this is a five hundred dors.¡± Phoenix said. Phoenix gave the money to his mom. She counted the five notes in her hand. ¡°Five hundred? Your fee is just three hundred dors.¡± Ria added. ¡°Yes I know. The three hundred dors is for the dress and two hundred is for the little man here.¡± Mr Griffin paused hoping to hear a word from Ria but then he continued when she didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°I like the fact that he is willing to help and hardworking. He is smart too.¡± Mr Griffin added with a grin on his face. He was trying so hard to get on the blinddy¡¯s good side for the sake of Ian Bryant. He can¡¯t afford to mess up this n. Phoenix walked away from the area. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± Ria said. ¡°You are wee.¡± Mr Griffin replied. ¡°Phoenix say thank you to Mr Brown he gave you some money.¡± Ria said. The little boy was busy searching for the phone book to take down their numbers. ¡°Thank you, Mr Brown.¡± Phoenix smiled when he came back to the area. He gave the book to the old man. ¡°Please put down your numbers.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Mr Griffin collected the book from him. ¡°When will you be needing the dress?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Next week Saturday.¡± Cassidy replied. Ria shook her head. ¡°Just put down your numbers so we can call you up whenever the dress is ready. You will get it before the due date.¡± They pen down their numbers in the book. ¡°Here you go little man.¡± Mr Griffin returned the book to Phoenix. ¡°I guess we are done.¡± Cassidy mumbled. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave now.¡± Mr Griffin and Cassidy stood up to leave. ¡°Please wait!¡± Then Phoenix rushed off again to arge box close to the table and took out two hand towels. It was designed with Ria¡¯s logo imprinted on it for every customer. ¡°Thanks for your patronage.¡± Phoenix grinned sheepishly. ¡°Oh thank you.¡± Mr Griffin chuckled softly as they started towards the door. ¡°Please kindly tell your friends and family about us.¡± Phoenix apanied them. ¡°Sure.¡± Cassidy replied before she and Mr Griffin stepped out of the house. Phoenix closed the door and raced to where Ria sat. She counted two notes and gave it to the little boy. ¡°Put this in your safe box.¡± ¡°No.¡± He declined. ¡°I want you to have it.¡± Ria said. Phoenix began to pick up some pieces of clothes on the floor around the sewing area and he dropped them in a polytene bag. ¡°No mom, put it in thepany safe so we can get another set of towels.¡± He replied. ¡°I gave ma¡¯am Elise money to buy some towels already so we can take it to the printing press tomorrow. Just keep the money in your safe.¡± Ria said. ¡°Okay.¡± Phoenix epted the money reluctantly. ¡°I should finish up this dress.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Let me help you.¡± Phoenix led Ria to the sewing machine and helped her settle down before he rushed to the room to drop the money in the safe under the bed. ****** IN IAN BRYANT MANSION Ian was busy signing off some contracts in the study room. His cellphone pinged. He thought it was a call from Mr Griffin about the visit to Ria¡¯s ce but it was Josie. Ian picked up the call. ¡°Hello Josie.¡± He said. ¡°Hello Ian.¡± Josie sounded excited over the phone. ¡°You seem to be in a good mood, what¡¯s the news?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I called to inform you that Lauren and I spoke to Lexi at the clubst night.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°So what did she say?¡± He questioned. ¡°Well she was scared after we did the calctions. Lexi had no choice than to confess everything to us.¡± Josie answered. ¡°So what is it? Is she pregnant? Is dad the father of her child as she imed?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Lexi is not pregnant.¡± Josie responded. ¡°Thank goodness. Case solved.¡± Ian seethe his teeth even as he heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°No. The case is not solved yet because she has to pay for what she did. This is pure ckmail! What if her evil ns had gotten dad into trouble then our faces would have been on the news boards by now. Piper is suggesting that we threaten her with awsuit just to be sure she won¡¯te after dad again.¡± Josie sounded pissed now. ¡°Okay, I understand what you are trying to say. But instead of a getting awsuit or threatening her, why don¡¯t we just get a promissory note from ourwyer and have her to sign it. That¡¯s enough assurance to prove that she won¡¯t do anything stupid again.¡± Ian suggested. ¡°Yeah. Ian, that¡¯s a very good idea. I didn¡¯t even think about it.¡± Josie sighed out loudly. ¡°Okay. I will talk to thewyer.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll tell the rest about it.¡± Josie disconnected the call before Ian could say goodbye. A knock sounded on the door few minutester. ¡°Come in.¡± Mr Griffin walked in with Cassidy behind him. Immediately Ian stood up from the desk and walked his way around it to settle on the couch. ¡°So how was your visit to Ria¡¯s ce?¡± He asked anxiously. Mr Griffin cleared his throat. ¡°Well it was good and we worked ording to the n.¡± He answered. Ian sped his palms together. ¡°Did Ria-¡± he paused and looked at Cassidy. ¡°Are you okay, Cassidy?¡± He asked after noticing her face was wet. It looked like she has been crying! The youngdy¡¯s head was down with her eyes glued to herps. ¡°She has been crying since we left Ria¡¯s ce.¡± Mr Griffin replied. ¡°Cassidy, why are you crying?¡± Ian¡¯s voice was low. Cassidy sniffed as she nodded slowly. ¡°She.. she-¡± Her voice trailed off. Ian stood up and went to sit beside her while Mr Griffin moved to another couch. ¡°Is it about what you saw? Is it about Ria?¡± Cassidy swallowed hard. ¡°Yes.. it is such a pity. I feel bad for her condition. She is so good and talented. It was really hard to believe that she could do such a thing despite her disability. And if only miss Ria could see then she would have done better than the way she is now. Look, the little boy even gave us a branded towel.¡± She brought out the towel from her handbag. ¡°I know she is good.¡± Isn mumbled as he looked at the logo on the towel. ¡°She needs help.¡± Cassidy cried out. Ian reached out to hold her hands. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± He mumbled. Cassidy looked up at him. ¡°Isn¡¯t there something you can do to help her? I am sure she can see again with the help of an eye surgery.¡± She rushed out her words. ¡°Yeah I know an eye surgery can probably heal her but I don¡¯t know about her health problems. I am still working on how to get to know her better. Look Cassidy, I really want to help Ria but it seems impossible because of her view about men.¡± Ian said in a calm tone. ¡°Yes, I noticed that she doesn¡¯t feel toofortable with a man in the same space. She looked so nervous and scared when Mr Griffin said his first word.¡± Cassidy exined with a raised eyebrow as she recalled the look on the blinddy¡¯s face when they had walked into her house. Ian nodded. ¡°Yes, you are right.¡± Cassidy sniffed. ¡°But why? Why is she like that?¡± She asked. ¡°Cassidy, I don¡¯t know. I have no idea of what she has been through in the past.¡± Ian replied. He wants to get to know everything about the blinddy. ¡°How did you find out about her?¡± Cassidy let go of Ian¡¯s hands to wipe her face with the towel. ¡°At a park.¡± Ian recounted how he had met the blinddy with two children. ¡°I like her. And I really want to get close to miss Ria because I see her as someone who is determined to achieve her dreams. She is more like an inspiration to me.¡± Cassidy sniffled. Mr Griffin and Ian exchanged nces. This must be the perfect time to bring in Cassidy into the n. ¡°Cassidy, can you help me find out more about Ria?¡± Ian requested. Cassidy stared intensely at him. ¡°Listen Cassidy, I don¡¯t want you to think I am trying to use you in any way but it is just that I want to help Ria. Lately, I have been doing some researches about eye defects and remedies just to know about her conditions. I have enough ideas but I-¡± ¡°What should I find out from her?¡± Cassidy interrupted him. She is in! He thought. ¡°I need you to find out about her health problems and probably.. why she is ufortable with men around her.¡± Ian answered. ¡°But isn¡¯t that too personal?¡± Cassidy furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Not really. But you also want to get closer to Ria right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°Then you have to know some certain things to get close to her.¡± Ian stated. Cassidy shook her head in agreement. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian exchanged a quick nce with Mr Griffin while Cassidy closed her eyes. ¡°Will you help me?¡± Cassidy reopened her eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± She agreed. ¡°Thank you, Cassidy. So when will your dress be ready?¡± Ian stood up from the couch with a bright smile on his face. Cassidy agreement to help find information about Ria has just given him a glint of hope that his ns would work out. ¡°Miss Ria didn¡¯t give us a specific day but she promise to give call us before Saturday.¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°Oh well, I am also d to inform you that Ria didn¡¯t charge half of the money you gave me.¡± Mr Griffin said. ¡°Really?¡± Ian forehead creased. Mr Griffin brought out the money from his wallet. ¡°She charged just three hundred dors and then I gave the little boy two hundred dors.¡± He exined. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just give everything to her? She must be in need of money.¡± Cassidy rubbed her palms together. ¡°Mr Ian, she won¡¯t have epted it if Mr Griffin had offered that much to her.¡± Mr Griffin grinned at her. ¡°I even had to tell her that the two hundred dors was topliment her boy for his hard work. He is smart though.¡± He gave the money to Ian.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Alright. You can have it.¡± Ian collected the money and gave it to Cassidy but she refused it. ¡°No.. no I still have the money you sentst week. I should head back home now.¡± Cassidy stood up. Ian moved closer and grabbed her wrist. ¡°You should have it.¡± He ced the money in her palm. ¡°Don¡¯t ever refuse anythinging from me.¡± He ordered. Cassidy shook her head in response. ¡°Mr Griffin, please tell Ben to drive her home.¡± He instructed. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Mr Griffin replied. ¡°Cassidy, please extend my greetings to mom and Caleb.¡± Ian ced a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Thank you, Ian.¡± She smiled. ¡°Take good care of yourself. I¡¯ll text youter.¡± Ian apanied her to the door. Cassidy waved him goodbye before walking away with Mr Griffin. Chapter 18 Keeping her company CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA THREE DAYS LATER: IN RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ria stopped the machine as soon as she heard the doorbell. Slowly she stood up from the stool and walked to the door. No one was home to help her get the door but she knew the number of steps in her head. Phoebe and Phoenix are in school while Ma¡¯am Elise went to the salon to style her hair because her cousin is getting married tomorrow. ¡°Who is that?¡± Ria asked loudly. ¡°Hello Miss Ria, it is me. Cassidy, Mr Brown¡¯s daughter.¡± ¡°Oh! Cassidy! Okay!¡± Ria unlocked the door and twisted the knob. ¡°Good morning, miss Ria.¡± All of a sudden Ria felt solid arms around her. Cassidy just hugged her. Ria was surprised by the gesture. ¡°Good morning, Cassidy.¡± Ria forced a smile on her face when the youngdy retreated. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± She opened the door wide for Cassidy to step in. ¡°You are here for your dress right?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, I am not here for the dress.¡± Cassidy answered. Ria screwed up her face at the response. If Mr Brown¡¯s daughter is not here for her dress then why is she here? Ria pondered. ¡°Miss Ria, you don¡¯t have to panic. No, I mean it is fine if the dress is not ready.¡± Cassidy rushed out her words. ¡°Your dress is ready.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Oh really?!¡± Cassidy asked in a surprised tone. ¡°Yes. Actually we nned to call in the evening so you wille and get the dress tomorrow. But it is a good thing that you are here.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Yeah.¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± Ria gestured as she pointed at the couches. She tried so hard not to miss her step count even as she conversed with the youngdy. ¡°Thank you, Miss Ria.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get your dress.¡± Ria found her way to therge table filled with dresses and she tried to identify Cassidy¡¯s dress from the package that has been registered in her head. Ria picked one and traced the writing on it. ¡°This dress is not hers.¡± She mumbled. ¡°Should Ie and help?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°No it is fine. I can find it.¡± Ria picked two other packages which didn¡¯t read her name with the tape on it. Ma¡¯am Elise had wrote down Cassidy¡¯s name on her clothe before heading out but Ria just can¡¯t figure out where she had ced it among the other dresses. But luckily for Ria, she picked two more packages before she found Cassidy¡¯s dress. A smile formed on her lips after she felt the letters on the tape. Ria made an attempt to meet Cassidy but she met her halfway. ¡°You found it!¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°Yes, here you go.¡± Cassidy collected the dress. ¡°You can try it on and check yourself in the mirror over there.¡± She pointed towards the direction of the mirror.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°I would really love to try it.¡± Cassidy was so excited as she unwrapped the package but she hasn¡¯t forgotten her purpose for being at Ria¡¯s house. ¡°Are you the only one home?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria replied. ¡°What about your little boy?¡± Cassidy¡¯s eyes scanned the area. ¡°He has gone to school. No one is home with me at the moment.¡± Ria answered. ¡°So are you always home alone most time?¡± She questioned again even as she took out the dress. ¡°No, ma¡¯am Elise is always here with me.¡± Suddenly Ria heard Cassidy scream and she became scared thinking something bad had happened to her or she didn¡¯t like the dress. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ria asked fearfully. ¡°Yes! I am just happy about the dress. Let me try it on!¡± Cassidy slipped out of her clothing to try the dress. ¡°Wow! It is amazing! This is so elegant and gorgeous! And it really looks good on me!¡± Ria heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Okay.¡± She calmed. Thank God, it is apliment and nothing bad. Ria had thought Cassidy didn¡¯t like the dress. Cassidy noticed Ria trying to take in a deep breathe. ¡°I am sorry if I scared a bit. I am just excited.¡± She apologized. ¡°No.. no.. it is okay. So do you like the dress?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Yes! But like is really an understatement. I love it!¡± She enthused. ¡°I am happy that you love it.¡± Ria tried to smile to encourage her customer. ¡°But honestly Miss Ria this dress is worth more than three hundred dors.¡± Cassidymented. ¡°If you say so.¡± Ria turned and managed to find her way back to the machine and she settled on the stool. ¡°Well Miss Ria why do you charge lowly?¡± Cassidy demanded. ¡°It is not low. For my type of business three hundred dors is a lot of money.¡± Ria answered. ¡°So what about a twenty thousand dors?¡± Cassidy giggled. ¡°That¡¯s a whole lot of money!¡± They both giggled. ¡°Well not all our prices are low. We make expensive dresses depending on the type of materials they want for the dress and sometimes they bring in whatever clothe they want to use for the dress too.¡± Ria exined. ¡°You are right. And also does your price have anything to do with people around?¡± Cassidy pulled off the dress. ¡°Kind of. If we decide to charge higher most people won¡¯t get a dress from us.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Well maybe that¡¯s because you don¡¯t reside in the rich area. Your clothing business would do so well if you are in an area for the rich.¡± Cassidy packed the dress roughly back in it ce. ¡°Exactly.. the people in this area are not that wealthy. You know, everyone is just trying to survive. But we have been making more money from online orders.¡± Ria agreed to her point. ¡°You sell your clothes online?¡± Cassidy looked straight at the blinddy. ¡°Yes, we just started though. It was ma¡¯am Elise idea to start selling the dresses online so she is in charge of that.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Wow! That¡¯s amazing! It is a great idea!¡± Cassidy smiled. ¡°You can say that again. Did you fold the dress back in properly?¡± Ria demanded. Cassidyughed when she looked at the package. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it well. How do I fold the dress back in it ce properly?¡± ¡°Bring it.¡± Cassidy went to meet her and she gave her the dress and the nylon to Ria. ¡°This is how to do it.¡± Ria showed Cassidy how to fold a gown neatly and she ced it in the package. ¡°It is so ea-¡± ¡°You know.. I really like you, miss Ria.¡± Cassidy¡¯s words interrupted her. ¡°You do?¡± ¡°Yes, a whole lot although I barely even know you. I just like the fact that you are talented and hardworking despite your condition.¡± Cassidy confessed. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll just get a bag to put this in for you.¡± Ria stood up from the stool. She counted her steps again as she walked to therge box and took out a customized paper bag, her brand logo was imprinted on it. ¡°Here you go.¡± She dropped the dress in it and gave it to Cassidy. ¡°Thank you.¡± Cassidy admired her. ¡°You are wee. And happy birthday in advance.¡± Ria managed a small smile on her expression. ¡°Thank you once again.¡± Cassidy smiled. Ria expected Cassidy to leave after that but she didn¡¯t make the attempt. ¡°Perhaps Miss Ria, can.. I stay till ma¡¯am Elise returns?¡± She asked in a low tone. Ria thought Cassidy wanted to stay because she was home alone and might be scared of leaving her behind. ¡°You don¡¯t have-¡± ¡°I can help with some things too.. like getting pieces of clothe together, fixing buttons, whipping dresses and all of that.¡± Cassidy rushed her words. ¡°You can do all that?¡± Ria asked as she rubbed her palms together. ¡°Yes, I can do a lot of things only if you let me.¡± Cassidy replied. ¡°But won¡¯t your dad be worried about you?¡± Ria questioned. ¡°I am free and I don¡¯t have sses today. I¡¯ll text my dad to let him know that I am staying extra time with you.¡± ¡°Okay, you can stay.¡± Ria agreed. ¡°Thank you, miss Ria!¡± Cassidy said happily. ¡°You are wee. Please make yourselffortable.¡± Ria¡¯s hands dropped to her side. ¡°So what do I do now? Actually I can use the machine.¡± Cassidy led Ria to the sewing machine she used to sit on. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, I can use it so well.¡± Ria ced her hand on the machine. ¡°Okay, let us start by fixing a thread in the machine over there.¡± She pointed to the machine next to hers. ¡°Where is the thread?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°It is in a bowl next to the table.¡± Ria answered. Cassidy rushed to the table to get the thread. ¡°Got it!¡± She was silent for a while but Ria felt her presence close by. ¡°I fixed a ck thread in it!¡± She pped. ¡°Can you help me amend an olddy¡¯s dress?¡± Ria requested. ¡°Sure. Where is it?¡± ¡°On the smallest couch.¡± Ria pointed to the area. Cassidy rushed to the couch again. ¡°Which of the dresses should I pick?¡± Ria tried to remember the color of the olddy¡¯s dress. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise packed three dresses together. Yes! She said it is a pink dress!¡± She remembered. ¡°Yes, I have seen it!¡± Cassidy dragged a stool close to the machine and she examined the dress. ¡°The olddyined about-¡± Cassidy cuts in sharply. ¡°I just have to stitch up the torn side, fix the worn out zip and there are set of lines down here. I think the dress is a bit too long for the olddy right?¡± Ria nodded her head. ¡°Yes, the olddy actuallyined that the dress is long and oversized. Ma¡¯am Elise must have traced the down part for adjustment purpose.¡± Cassidy shook her head in understanding. ¡°So I have to follow the line, trim the down part and adjust it. Do you have the olddy measurement?¡± Ria tapped her finger on the machine gently. ¡°Yes. Phoenix wrote down her measurement. It should be in the book.¡± ¡°So where can I find the measurement book?¡± ¡°On thatrge table where you picked the thread.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy went in search of he book. ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± She asked some secondster. ¡°Mrs Beatrice.¡± Ria heard the flipping of pages. ¡°Okay, it is right here. I will start by adjusting the first dress since it is more easier for me.¡± About a minuteter, Ria heard the sound of the machine wheels. ¡°She can actually use the machine.¡± She said within. ¡°Cassidy.¡± Ria called and she stopped the machine. ¡°Where did you learn to use the machine?¡± Ria asked. ¡°My aunt taught me. She stays in Denver and she is also a seamstress like you. I lived with her for a year so I had no choice but to learn the trade.¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°So you learnt sewing in a year.¡± Ria said. ¡°Not really. I have known some aspect of sewing since I was a kid. I used to travel to her ce during the holidays. Let us just say that I loved sewing even as a child.¡± Cassidy wheeled the machine slowly to hear a response from Ria. ¡°Okay.¡± Theypsed into silence only for the machine wheels sound to grow louder but it stopped again soon. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Ria pointed a finger at herself. ¡°Yes. How long have you been a seamstress if I may ask? No, please just tell me about yourself.¡± Cassidy hoped that the blinddy would fill her in about things that concerns her life so she would tell everything to Ian Bryant. ¡°Cassidy, if I tell you about myself then I don¡¯t think we can work today.¡± Ria giggled. ¡°Of course we can work and talk. I mean, you talk and I listen and ask questions if necessary.¡± Cassidy said. ¡°Okay. Well.. I didn¡¯t just wake up one morning and decide to be a seamstress. Sewing was the only thing I was used to when I was a kid because my mon was a seamstress. And it was like the only option for me plus my mom inspired me.¡± Ria exined. ¡°Oh! She taught everything!¡± Cassidymented. ¡°Yes she did.. and I just had to learn because I wanted to be useful to myself. My mom would always say being disabled is not an excuse for me to be failure. It only means that you can¡¯t say because you are disabled then you won¡¯t make something good in life or thrive to achieve your set dreams. I worked on myself and learned a lot of things with the help of my parents.¡± Ria swallowed the lump that was starting to form in her throat. Recalling how good they were to her always and the way they had tried so hard to put a smile on her face. It was all gone now, she was left with memories and each time she remember how they had died it saddens her whole system. ¡°Were you born blind or you lost your sight in car ident?¡± Cassidy asked as she noticed the blinddy gripping the edge of the machine. ¡°I was born blind.¡± Ria replied. ¡°And have you thought of undergoing an eye surgery?¡± Cassidy asked again. Will Ria ever forget that night? The pleadings, the screams, her parentsst words to her and the sounds of the gunshots that has traumatized her for years. Maybe it was a bad idea to let Cassidy stay to help her. Ria thought. ¡°Yes.. it is what I have always wanted for myself. But I don¡¯t have enough money for the surgery yet.¡± Ria answered in a low tone. She waited for Cassidy to talk but she heard nothing. Silence, she liked it that way. But Cassidy broke the silence too soon. ¡°What.. what if someone offers to pay your medical bills? Will you ept such person¡¯s offer?¡± This conversation won¡¯t end. ¡°Yes I will ept the offer as long as that help is not from a-¡± Ria paused and she swallowed hard ¡°.. a man.¡± Shepleted. Ria won¡¯t ept any help from a man. She believed that no man would ever help a woman without asking for something else in return. Just like how Lucas had spared her life but he used her thinking he was doing her a great favor of living. Ria sped the edge of the machine again to stop the screams and horrible voice of Lucas that tried to form in her head. Calm! Calm! Calm! She chanted in her head. Ria was trying so hard not to let those horrible days take the best part of her but no it won¡¯t stop. She heard the voice. She keeps hearing it every time she is close to a man. Ria shook her head from side to side. It was as if she was battling with a demon inside her head. ¡°Are you okay? Miss Ria?¡± She felt Cassidy¡¯s hand on her shoulder. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am fine.¡± Ria was so close to having a panic attack. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Cassidy asked as she withdrew from her. ¡°Yes Cassidy.¡± She feigned a smile. Cassidy went back to sit down. ¡°So why won¡¯t you ept any help from a man?¡± Ria¡¯s fake smile grew broader. ¡°Nothing serious. It is just something rting to my past.¡± She managed to say and hoped that Cassidy won¡¯t ask anymore questions. Chapter 19 A New Idea CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IN RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ria¡¯s fake smile grew broader. ¡°Nothing serious. It is just something rting to my past.¡± She managed to say and hoped that Cassidy won¡¯t ask anymore questions. Cassidy wheeled the sewing machine focusing on amending the dress for some minutes. ¡°Well Miss Ria everyone has a story to tell.. about their past.¡± She said. ¡°You have a past too?¡± Ria asked. She didn¡¯t realize how foolish that question was until she said it. Immediately Ria also thought that the question would stop Cassidy from asking her questions for now. Who likes to discuss about their past with people? ¡°I have a past too but it is nothing big. I¡¯ll tell you about it. It is just that I broke up with my first boyfriend two weeks ago after I found out he cheated on me with my best friend.¡± Cassidy replied in a sad tone.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I should be med for what he did actually.¡± She added quickly. ¡°Why?¡± Ria asked. Cassidy heaved a sigh. ¡°Jake wanted sex but I wasn¡¯t ready for it. Well you know how guys are if don¡¯t give them what they want then they get it elsewhere just to make you feel guilty or bad.¡± She pouted. ¡°You still don¡¯t have to me yourself. It is not your fault that Jake cheated on you with your best friend.¡± Ria¡¯s voice was so calm. ¡°I expected Jake to understand my decision. Even before we started dating, I told him I wasn¡¯t ready to have sex until my wedding night and he agreed. Jake said he respected me for that decision. But a monthter, he started asking me for sex anytime I go visiting at his ce. He asked me to prove to him that I truly love him by having sex with him but I couldn¡¯t do it. I don¡¯t have to give myself to him and go against my will just to prove that love him. So I am sure Jake intentionally slept with Betty just to hurt me.¡± Cassidy narrated. Ria didn¡¯t miss the sadness in her tone at the loss of two loved ones. ¡°Let us say that Jake might have thought you woulde begging him when you find he was having an affair with your best friend.¡± Cassidy snorted. ¡°Yes, you are right but he is a fool to think that way. I didn¡¯t beg him. Although it was painful but I didn¡¯t even shed a tear because of him. Someone like him doesn¡¯t deserve a drop of my tear.¡± She seethe her teeth in anger. ¡°And Jake doesn¡¯t deserve a girl like you. No rtionship between two people can survive if it is based on material benefits. We should not give things to people with the expectation of getting something in return. Love in a rtionship goes a long way than having just sex.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yes my mom said the same thing and that¡¯s why I decided to announce the breakup so he won¡¯t feel important. Jake was so shocked when I ended the rtionship, he didn¡¯t expect that I would do such a thing because he knew that I loved him so much.¡± Cassidy giggled as she remembered the look on her ex boyfriend¡¯s face when she had announced the break up even after they had gone on a fun filled date. ¡°So what about your best friend?¡± Ria asked. ¡°She stopped talking to me like I care. Our friendship is over.¡± Cassidy snorted. There was a time in Ria¡¯s life when she had made such a decision. Ria promised herself that she would keep her innocence until her wedding night. Madison was still a virgin when she met Nathan and he had cherished and respected her for being undefiled at such age. Well Ria had thought it was going to be easy for her to also maintain such stance since she was blind. She had dreamt of finding true love someday just like her parents. Ria had no where to go or any boy to meet but she never thought of a criminaling to take her away and defiling her. It has never urred to her that such could happen in one night. Lucas took her innocence and dignity! And now that childhood decision was of no use anymore. ¡°Men are evil.¡± Ria mumbled to herself but Cassidy heard it clearly. ¡°I wish them the best in life. I just want to focus on the betterment of my life.¡± Cassidy said. ¡°Will I ever feel loved? Will I ever fall in love like any human? No! No man will ever fall for a woman who has been physically vited by criminals! Men are cruel and evil! They deserve no happiness! They should all rot in hell where they truly deserve as a devil¡¯s incarnate!¡± Ria bantered within. ¡°Miss Ria, are you having issues trusting men?¡± Cassidy¡¯s question stunned Ria out of her thoughts. Ria didn¡¯t respond. She has no n to reveal her past to a total stranger she just met few days ago. And Ria had no n to tell anyone about it. ¡°Miss Ria-¡± The door bell rang cutting off Cassidy¡¯s sentence. Ria sighed in relief. Saved by the bell! ¡°I will get the door.¡± Cassidy stood up and went to the door. Ria heard ma¡¯am Elise exchanging greetings with Cassidy. ¡°Oh it is good to see you.¡± Her voice was closer now. ¡°Wee back, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria greeted. Ma¡¯am Elise went to meet Ria. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes, I am fine.¡± Ria replied. ¡°I can see you have apany.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise looked back at Cassidy. ¡°Yes. Cassidy is here.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°I had to beg the stylist not to take too long because I was worried since you are home alone.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise dropped the paper bags on the floor. ¡°You should have taken your time.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yes I know but I wasn¡¯t at peace knowing that you are home alone.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sighed. ¡°Cassidy offered to stay with me anyways.¡± Ria felt the fabrics on the sewing machine. ¡°Yes I didn¡¯t want to leave because she was alone.¡± Cassidy responded. ¡°Oh! You are so considerate! Thank you, Cassidy.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°Stop making it sound like I am a kid who needs a nanny.¡± Ria muttered. Ma¡¯am Eliseughed. ¡°Come on Miss Ria, I am just worried about you.¡± ¡°So how -¡± Ria was interrupted by a beeping sound. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s my phone. I¡¯ll get it.¡± Cassidy rushed to where she dropped her bag on the couch and she took out her cellphone. It was Ian Bryant. ¡°Hello. Yes, I have the dress. Yes, I will be home soon.¡± She said quickly. ¡°Your dad?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked when Cassidy turned to look at them. ¡°Yes. Miss Ria, I am sorry I have to leave now.¡± Cassidy apologized. ¡°It is alright.¡± Ria replied. ¡°And I am sorry I won¡¯t be able to finish up what I started.¡± She apologized again. ¡°I understand. You can go ahead. Thank you for offering to help me.¡± Ria shed her a small smile. ¡°Alright.¡± Cassidy went ahead to embrace Ria. ¡°Bye, Miss Ria.¡± Even Ma¡¯am Elise was taken aback by the gesture. ¡°Yeah bye.¡± Cassidy was acting like she has known Ria for a very long time. ¡°I will apany you to the door.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise offered and Cassidy followed her. And soon the door clicked. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I am almost done with your dress.¡± Ria said when she came back. ¡°Was Cassidy adjusting the olddy¡¯s dress?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Yes, she can use the machine. Cassidy knows a lot about sewing too.¡± Ria responded as she tried to focus on the dress on the machine. She had lost track of where she stopped because of the conversation with Cassidy. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, you can see what she has been doing.¡± Ria shook her head. Ma¡¯am Elise took the dress and looked at the part she had adjusted. ¡°She is good.¡± Sheplimented. ¡°Actually she is extremely a goodpany. Cassidy is calm and knowledgeable and it was nice to have her around.¡± Ria admitted. Ma¡¯am Elise studied Ria¡¯s expression, she looked somewhat happy. ¡°Miss Ria, it is good to hear thating from you. Oh! That reminds me Sophia transferred the money for her dress.¡± Ria nodded in acknowledgement. ¡°Please call the delivery girl.¡± She instructed. Ma¡¯am Elise packed the paper bags filled with groceries. ¡°I already called her at the salon. She is busy making other deliveries but she should be here anytime soon.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ria muttered. ********* LINT CORPORATION Ian Bryant didn¡¯t let Cassidy settled down before he bombarded her with questions. ¡°How is Ria doing? Is she fine? So how was it? I mean did the n go well?¡± Cassidy rolled her eyes as she settled on the couch. ¡°Rx Mr Ian, one question at a time.¡± Ian tried to rx. ¡°Alright. So did you find out anything?¡± He demanded. ¡°Yes, I found some things about her.¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°Tell me about it.¡± Ian said. ¡°I am sure now that Miss Ria is having issues trusting men because it is something about her past.¡± Cassidy stated clearly. ¡°Her past?¡± Ian repeated. ¡°Yes but she doesn¡¯t want to share it with anyone. I understand that she didn¡¯t tell me because we are still strangers.¡± ¡°Are you saying Ria had issue with men in the past which led to her distrusting my kind?¡± Ian questioned with a scrunched up face. ¡°I think so.¡± Cassidy shook her head. ¡°Did you ask her about her sight?¡± ¡°She was born blind. And I asked if she has ever thought of getting a surgery.¡± Cassidy replied. Ian stood up from the couch and he walked to the small fridge. ¡°What did she say?¡± He asked. ¡°Miss Ria said yes but she doesn¡¯t have the money.¡± Ian Bryant came back with a cold bottle of water. ¡°Cassidy, my main n is to help Ria see again. I can foot the medical bill.¡± Cassidy collected the bottle of water from him. ¡°Miss Ria won¡¯t ept your offer. She told me that herself that she isn¡¯t going to ept a help from a man.¡± ¡°She said that?¡± Ian arched his eyebrows. ¡°Yes. I think it is rted to what happened in the past.¡± Cassidy opened the cap of the bottle of water. Everything is still not clear to Ian Bryant. He hasn¡¯t gotten enough information to convince him that he knows a bit about the blinddy. ¡°Cassidy, you still have to help me get more information about Ria.¡± Cassidy gulped down half of the liquid that cooled her body. ¡°Listen Mr Ian, I suggest you get close to her yourself. There is no need to y hide and seek in this game.¡± She blurted out. ¡°How can I do that? You just said Ria doesn¡¯t trust men. She won¡¯t even ept me to help her.¡± Ian said. ¡°Yes, this is a great chance for you. Mr Ian, I feel you should be straightforward with her. It is not cool pretending to someone like her, I mean like me going to her house to get more information about her. I want to be with her freely and learn to sew.¡± Cassidy admitted. ¡°You want to learn how to sew?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes, I know about it though and I even helped her out today.¡± Cassidy replied. Ian sat back on the couch. ¡°Cassidy, I understand your point. I also want to be close to Ria but she won¡¯t allow me. I am a man.¡± Cassidy looked straight at him. ¡°You can make it work. Miss Ria might have closed heart to love but I have a strong believe that you can win her heart with your kindness and good nature. And it is so obvious that you feel something for her already.¡± She winked. Ian smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t know.. but I think so. I can¡¯t really exin it but she just bothers me.¡± He admitted. ¡°Miss Ria looks broken and she just needs someone like you in her life. Mr Ian, you have a good nature. You are nice, cool and always ready to help anyone. And I am sure you can make Miss Ria trust men again.¡± Cassidy counted her fingers as she stated his good qualities. ¡°You think so?¡± Ian sounded so unsure. ¡°Yes.¡± Cassidy nodded. Ian rubbed his palms together. ¡°Oh Cassidy, I wish it was that easy.¡± He let out a shaky breathe. ¡°It is easy.¡± Cassidy replied. ¡°How?¡± ¡°I think I have an idea or a n to help you win Miss Ria and make her trust you.¡± Cassidy said with a bright smile on her face Chapter 20 Her angelic friend CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA TWO DAYS LATER AT LINT CORPORATION Ian stopped pacing the small area around the couches. ¡°Cassidy, do you really think this idea is going to work?¡± He looked straight at Cassidy who sat on the small couch with her eyes glued to her phone. ¡°We just have to give it a try.¡± Cassidy replied with a shrug. ¡°Well, what if she refuses toe around?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Then let us hope she shows up and everything works ording to n.¡± Cassidy looked up at him with a small smile on her face. Ian walked back to therge desk. ¡°That¡¯s not the answer to my question. But it is alright.¡± He looked away from Cassidy and nced down at Ria¡¯s card on the desk. ¡°Go on and give her a call.¡± Cassidy urged him. Ian picked up the card as he sat down on the swivel chair. ¡°Do you know which of these numbers belongs to ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°The first belongs to Miss Ria herself. The second is the home line and then the third number is for ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ian dropped the card on the table again. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just go straight and tell me that the third one is for her?¡± Cassidy rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, I was just thinking you might need to call Miss Ria someday.¡± She shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s enough. This is going to be hard but I hope it works.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°Okay, I just hope she agrees to meet up with you.¡± Cassidy nced back at her phone to continue the game she was ying. ¡°Yeah, I hope she agrees.¡± Ian dialed ma¡¯am Elise number and she picked up on the second ring. ¡°Hello.¡± He said. ¡°Good afternoon.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice boomed over the phone. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise¡­¡± His voice trailed off. ¡°Yes. Yes. Ma¡¯am Elise is on the line.¡± She paused and continued. ¡°Who is on the line?¡± ¡°Ian.¡± He looked up at Cassidy. ¡°Ian?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise repeated in a low tone. She tried to remember where she heard that namest. ¡°We met at Ainsley-¡± Ian prompted her. ¡°Oh! Ainsley Hospital!¡± Ma¡¯am Elisepleted. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± He mumbled. ¡°And you are the man that retrieved miss Ria¡¯s purse from that thief!¡± She blurted out. ¡°Exactly.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe and get a dress done for your wife? After all I gave you the business card for that reason and I was expecting you to give us a call.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Oh really? I am sorry for not calling ever since you gave me the card. And Mrs Elise-¡± She interrupted him sharply. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I.. I don¡¯t have a wife.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Oh.. you.. don¡¯t have a.. wife.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stuttered. ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded. Cassidy moved from the couch to listen in on the conversation. ¡°But¡­ Mr Ian.. you should have aunts, sisters and female friends.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So why haven¡¯t you patronized us. Mr Ian, get a dress at our ce and a trial will convince you.¡± Now the conversation is heading to another direction entirely, he didn¡¯t call to have someone persuade him to get a dress. Ian Bryant cleared his throat. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I gave the card to a friend who wanted to make a dress for his daughter.¡± He took the cellphone away from her ear to whisper to Cassidy. ¡°What was that name Mr Griffin told them?¡± ¡°Mr brown.¡± Cassidy whispered. ¡°Oh yes! Ma¡¯am Elise his name is Mr Brown.¡± He informed her. ¡°Oh! Oh my God! You directed Mr Brown to our workce! I didn¡¯t know because he didn¡¯t give me a precise name!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sounded excited over the phone. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Thank you, Mr Ian. We already gave Cassidy her dress the day before yesterday and she liked it!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. ¡°Yeah I saw the dress too. It was stunning.¡± Ian furrowed his eyebrows when Cassidy shook her head. ¡°Wait are supposed to say that¡­ No! It might blow the secret!¡± Cassidy mouthed. ¡°Mr Ian, thank you once again.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled. ¡°Go straight to the point now.¡± Cassidy mouthed again. Ian turned on the speaker of his cellphone. ¡°You are wee. So ma¡¯am Elise I was thinking of setting up a meeting for just me and you. I mean we really need to discuss some things about -¡± Ma¡¯am Elise cuts in. ¡°Do you want to get a dress?¡± She asked. Ian looked up at Cassidy who was now very close to his face. ¡°This is not going to work.¡± He wrote down in a clean sheet. Cassidy nodded. ¡°It is going to work. Get a dress!¡± She said lowly. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am Elise, I want to get a dress for¨C¡± ¡°Niece.¡± Cassidy whispered. ¡°My niece¡­ yes my niece she is just nine years old.¡± Ian rushed out his words. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s great! We make dresses for kids too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed. ¡°Go straight to the point now.¡± Cassidy jolt down on the sheet. ¡°And the meeting is not only about making a dress for my niece. We can talk about some other things too.. like business.¡± Ian read out what Cassidy had written down on the sheet. ¡°Business? Okay! I love that Mr Ian!¡± ¡°Yeah. So when should we meet up?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I am less busy now. We don¡¯t have much work at hand.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Can we meet now?¡± Ian requested. ¡°Sure. It is fine by me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise agreed. ¡°I work at Lint Corporation.¡± ¡°Lint corporation has many branches which of the branches should I visit?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned. ¡°The main office. Someone will be waiting outside to bring you to my office.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Okay, I will be there soon.¡± ¡°I will be expecting you.¡± Ian replied and she disconnected the call. ¡°The ns will work.¡± Ian sighed out loud when he dropped the phone on the desk. ¡°Yes, I just have to call Lauren and inform her I want to get a dress for Mia.¡± Ian leaned back in the chair and rubbed his temples. ¡°Please do so while I talk to Mr Griffin. I missed his calls earlier on.¡± Cassidy yawned. ¡°Okay. Please call me Ramsey.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Sure.¡± Cassidy exited the room. ***************N?velDrama.Org (C) content. IN RIA ROBERT APARTMENT ¡°Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise called on her way out of the kitchen. No response. ¡°Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise called again. Sometimes hearing ma¡¯am Elise call out her name and how she talks makes Ria extremely happy. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria answered from the couch she sat on trying to do her eye exercises. Eye exercises is mainly meant for blind people to recognize things normal human could see. Ria learnt to recognize things when her parents enrolled her into a school for the blind. The teachers spent their time teaching the disabled how to do things on their own, how to read and write without anyone¡¯s help. And Mr Nathan Robert had even gotten a private teacher to help his daughter identify things like visual images and some other things she needed to know easily. But Ria was a bit slow in learning how to do things on her own but with time she had managed to catch up. Then Madison Robert had thought her daughter how to identify fabrics. Clothes materials by it textures, quality, designs and most especially how to use the sewing machine. The eye exercises and lessons has helped Ria learned to do things herself. She knows every part of the apartment, she can cook and find things easily as long as no one moved it from it initial ce. When Andrea died, Ria had to start going to stores herself. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t easy the year Andrea died. It was a very tough year for her because Ria had to learn to do the things Andrea would do for her, like going to the grocery store and others. Most times she receives help from people as long as it wasn¡¯t from a man. But one thing Ria couldn¡¯t do was use the cellphone to rte with people online and advertise her business. It was Andrea¡¯s job to look after Ria and the business but after she died no one was there to help anymore. But all the same thanks to Andrea who helped Ria counts steps along the way, around the house, every angles and from their home to every regr ces they always visit. Ria has taken notes of every steps in her head and a diary. And then after Andrea¡¯s demise, Ria had to leave alone and survive. Surviving. Actually, it is what Ria has been doing right since when she was born. It was a good thing she met ma¡¯am Elise. She became Ria¡¯s second Andrea, her eyes and her angel. Things got back to normal the moment Elise stepped into Ria¡¯s life. She is a blessing. She has helped the business with her goodmunication skill that has brought more people to them. Ma¡¯am Elise works as a babysitter and care workers at times aside Ria¡¯s sewing business. To be honest, Ria truly doesn¡¯t know what would have be of her if Elise wasn¡¯t in her life now. Anyways, Ria is always thinking that she wouldn¡¯t have survived or maybe she would have had things in a harder way and who knows probably she would have given up on life. But all Ria could see in her life is that God has been so good to her. He always has this way of bringing good people into her life the moment she needs one but at the same time it is just so sad that they always end up leaving her behind-Death. So cruel! Taking away good people and leaving the bad ones to live on the earth. And at some point, Ria started thinking if she was a bad luck. Perhaps a jinx. And over the years, Ria Robert has been trying to fight off this voice that keeps whispering into her mind that she is a bad luck. ¡°You are not a bad luck.¡± Another voice would say and Ria imed it in her head and mind. ¡°I am not a bad luck.¡± And not only that, Ria had evenpose, a rhyme from her mother¡¯s words which she had taught Phoebe and Phoenix. ¡°I am a blessed child. I am destined to be great. I am not giving up on my dreams.¡± Andstly which she didn¡¯t add to the rhyme she taught the kids. ¡°I will never give in to the thought of suicide.¡± Suicide? Yes, Ria has tried tomit suicide once when Andrea was alive after they moved to Chicago. Ria started feeling like she was a burden to Andrea because she worked two jobs at a time to fend for them. That day, Andre came in from work before Ria could stab herself. She talked some sense into Ria¡¯s head and she never thought that her death would cause Andrea more trouble. Andrea was her angelic friend. An Angel in human form. At this point, Ria keeps praying nothing bad happens to ma¡¯am Elise, Phoenix and Phoebe. ¡°Miss Ria, I am heading out.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said ¡°Huh?¡± Ria itched the bridge of her nose. ¡°I want to go out now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise repeated. ¡°Yes I heard you but you said that no outing this morning.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Yes. I-¡± Ria interrupted her. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, are you seeing someone?¡± She teased her. Ma¡¯am Elise bursted intoughter. ¡°Miss Ria, well I wish I am seeing someone. Anyways, I am not seeing anyone at the moment.¡± ¡°Okay, so where are you going?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Mr Ian just called. He wants to see me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. ¡°Who is Mr Ian?¡± Ria questioned. ¡°Mr Ian? You don¡¯t remember?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise arched her eyebrows. ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± ¡°Mr Ian is the man that got your purse back from a thief and the guy we saw at the hospital.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise reminded her. Ria furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. ¡°Okay. But why does he want to see you?¡± She demanded. ¡°He wants to make a dress for his nine years old niece. And I think he doesn¡¯t want toe here with her because of..¡± Ma¡¯am Elise paused to study Ria¡¯s expression. ¡°Me right?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a low tone. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°Can I go to see him?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned her as she packed few things into her handbag. ¡°Sure.¡± She forced a smiled on her face. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise walked closer to Miss Ria. ¡°Bye.¡± Ria waved. ¡°Take care.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave her hands a small squeeze before she exited the room. Chapter 21 CEO of Lint Corporation CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION Ma¡¯am Elise alighted from the taxi and looked up at massive outer part of Lint Corporation. Two armed men dressed in uniforms stood at the huge ss door leading into Lint Corporation. ¡°Wow! Such an enormous building. ¡°The employees in here must be so lucky to work here. And where is the person sent to bring to bring me to Mr Ian?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mumbled to herself as she waited for some seconds as she nce down at her phone to put a call through to the man who requested for her presence. A handsome looking man emerged from the entrance and looked around. Ma¡¯am Elise noticed him. ¡°Is he looking for me?¡± She pondered until their eyes met. ¡°I guess so.¡± She met him halfway. ¡°Are.. are you the one mr Ian sent to bring me to his office?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Yes. And you must be ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ramsey shed her a friendly smile. ¡°Oh yes! I am Ma¡¯am Elise and you are -¡± She waited for him to fill in his name. ¡°Ramsey.¡± He replied. ¡°It is nice to meet you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°Same here. Please this way.¡± Ramsey smiled brightly. The armed men opened the ss door and they walked into LINT Corporation. ¡°Wow!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gasped out in amazement. She has never been here and seeing a building as big and beautiful as Lint Corp amazed her. ¡°So damn massive! No wonder it is the best in the country.¡± She said within. Some workers greeted Ramsey on the way until they got to an office where a young woman sat at a huge desk. Ramsey winked at Grace before he stopped to open another door. ¡°Go in ma¡¯am.¡± Ramsey gestured to her. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise nodded and stepped into therge office. In the office, Ian sat at the desk and then Cassidy was on a big couch. ¡°Why is she here?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mused. ¡°Wee. Please take a seat, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ian gestured to her to sit on the couch.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Ma¡¯am Elise couldn¡¯t stop looking around, taking in the beauty of the office until her gaze fell on the ssy object on the desk. ¡°IAN BRYANT, CEO OF LINT CORP¡± She gasped in shock and surprise as she look back at Ian who was now standing up from behind the huge desk. ¡°He is the chief executive office for the bestpany in the United States of America!¡± Unbelievable!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise knew he was rich but she didn¡¯t expect that he was extremely wealthy. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I realize that he might be the chief executive officer when he had said he works in Lint Corp?!¡± She bantered within herself. Recently, Ian Bryant has just been listed in Forbes in top 30 young CEOs to have a fortune worth millions of dors and it made him one of the richest sessful men in business. Ian stood up from his desk, walked around it to sit on the couch and ma¡¯am Elise repositioned herself. ¡°Mr Ian, I didn¡¯t know you are the chief executive officer of Lint Corporation.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise couldn¡¯t hide the fact that she was taken aback by his position. Ian itched the back of his neck. ¡°Yes I am the chief executive officer. And I am sorry for not telling you about it before you-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise interrupted him. Telling her about his position might have looked like he was trying to show off. ¡°No.. no you don¡¯t have to be sorry.. I mean it is okay.¡± She let in a handful of breathe to fill her lungs. ¡°How are you doing, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I am fine.¡± She replied. ¡°What about Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise met Ian¡¯s gaze when he asked in a concerned tone. ¡°Miss Ria is fine.¡± Ian sped his hands together. ¡°Is she home alone or the kids are with her?¡± He asked again. ¡°The kids are in school and yes miss Ria is alone at home. But I was at home with her before you called me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. ¡°Will she be fine alone?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Yes she is always at home alone anytime I am at work or at the store buying materials while the kids are always with her during weekends.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Theypsed in silence while Ian got lost in thought about Ria. He wondered how Ria would help herself out if she needed anything. ¡°Why is he so concerned about her? Wait, the CEO of Lint corporation wants to make a dress for his niece from us! This is a huge honor to sew for the rich! But I don¡¯t see any nine years old kid around.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise thought. Ian cleared his throat jolting her out of thought. A phone beeped and the three of them in the room exchanged nces. It was ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s phone. ¡°Sorry.. it.. is mine.¡± She searched her bag and took out the phone. Ria was calling with the home line. ¡°Hello Miss Ria.¡± She looked at Ian who seems interested at the mention of her name. ¡°Mrs Elise, are you on your way home now?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No.. no Miss Ria.. I just got to Lint Corp now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise whispered as she looked away from Ian. ¡°Have you met him? I mean.. Mr Ian?¡± Ria questioned. Ma¡¯am Elise looked up at him. ¡°Oh yes.. he is here with me.¡± She mumbled. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria sighed. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± ¡°Yes.. I can¡¯t find the linens you brought in yesterday.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Linen?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise repeated and she tried to remember where she had ced the nylonst night. ¡°Yes the linens.. I want to sew Calista dress but I can¡¯t find it.¡± Ria grumbled. ¡°Are you done with your eyes exercises?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ria hummed. ¡°Okay. Miss Ria, I am just trying to recall where I dropped itst night. Oh Yes! Yes! It is on the pressing table!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in an unusually raised tone. ¡°The pressing table.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yes.. and I am sorry for not cing it in the right ce.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise apologized. ¡°It is okay ma¡¯am Elise. Thank you.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Take care.¡± She tried to disconnect the call. ¡°Wait! Ma¡¯am Elsie -¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if you have enough money with you¡­¡± Ria paused. ¡°Is there anything you need?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°I just need you to help me drop by at the restaurant to buy cupcakes for the children. Phoenix told me his cravingsst night.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Yes I will buy it. Do you want the big size?¡± ¡°No.. no the six in one pack is better.¡± Ria stuttered. Although she was still wondering why Ian had asked Ma¡¯am Elise to see him. To get a dress? Yes, he said so. But it doesn¡¯t sit well with her though. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°And a bowl of ice cream.¡± Ria added. ¡°I will get everything.¡± ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise!¡± Ria disconnected the call. The first eyes she met after dropping her phone was Ian¡¯s, it looked like he would have loved to at least speak to her. ¡°I am so sorry¡­ for keeping you waiting.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in an apologetic tone. ¡°No.. no it is okay.¡± Ian replied. ¡°So where is the little girl you want to make a dress for? I brought some of our collections and I am sure you will like all of it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°Actually, ma¡¯am Elise I won¡¯t be the one picking out the dress but I called her mom who is my sister to let her know about your workce. So don¡¯t worry they wille over to your ce.¡± Ian responded as he shared a look with Cassidy. She is the brain behind this whole new n. ¡°O.. okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise nodded slowly with a confused look on her expression. Seriously she wasn¡¯t expecting such a response. ¡°Why did he called me to his office when the girl in question isn¡¯t present?¡± She mused. Cassidy urged him to go ahead to the next phase of the n. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, remember I said we have to discuss business¡­¡± He paused. ¡°Oh! Yes I remember.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise faked a smile. Ian cleared his throat. ¡°So firstly I just want to ask some few questions about Ria.¡± He said. ¡°Pardon?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise raised an eyebrow. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you don¡¯t have to panic or get mad at this moment. Mr Ian just wants to help Miss Ria.¡± Cassidy spoke up for the first time. ¡°And what do you mean by he wants to help? How?¡± She questioned frantically. ¡°Look ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t know how to tell you about this but -¡± Ian stopped. Well Ma¡¯am Elise hopes that Ian¡¯s expression is what it means to her. He continued. ¡°I¡¯ll be very honest with you, ever since I set my eyes on Ria at the park, I haven¡¯t been at rest at all. Thank God I met her again and also thanks to you for giving me her card.¡± Well to be sincere, Ma¡¯am Elise didn¡¯t give out Ria¡¯s card for Ian just make a dress but it was for him to get closer to her since she noticed that he was interested in her. She had seen how concerned Ian was and how happy he was when Miss Ria was talking to Phoenix. He had looked at her differently, like he felt something for her. Chapter 22 Taking a loan CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION Well Ma¡¯am Elise hopes that Ian¡¯s expression is not what it means to her. He continued. ¡°I¡¯ll be very honest with you, ever since I set my eyes on Ria at the park, I haven¡¯t been at rest at all. Thank God I met her again and also thanks to you for giving me her card.¡± Well to be sincere, Ma¡¯am Elise didn¡¯t give out Ria¡¯s card for Ian just make a dress but it was for him to get closer to her since she noticed that he was interested in her. She had seen how concerned Ian was and how happy he was when Miss Ria was talking to Phoenix. He had looked at her differently, like he felt something for her. ¡°If only Ria could see him then his look would have swept her off her feet.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said to herself. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I will really appreciate if you tell me few things about Ria.¡± Ian requested. ¡°Huh?!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise was stunned out of her thought. Everything seems to be working out the way she had envisioned it in her mind. Now the chief executive officer of the most sessfulpany wants to know about Ria Robert! ¡°What do I say? There is a lot to know about Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise muttered. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to think I am trying to dig into her personal life but I just want to know about her. It might not be all but just few things would do.¡± Ian said. ¡°I will leave you two to talk.¡± Cassidy stood up. ¡°Thank you Cassidy and please try calling the baker again.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Sure.¡± Cassidy exited the office . ¡°Are you in love with Miss Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise blurted out unexpectedly. Ian Bryant¡¯s eyes widened at the question. Wait what was that spark in his eyes? ¡°No.. no.. no.. I don¡¯t want you to think that way. Believe me, ma¡¯am Elise I am just concerned about Ria.¡± He stammered. ¡°Concerned? But not in love? This wealthy man is concerned and must feel something for miss Ria but he is denying it while his countenance says the opposite.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said within herself. She stared intensely at Ian and nodded slowly. She already got what she wanted from those sparkling eyes. Ian Bryant, the chief executive officer of Lint Corporation is interested in Miss Ria Robert! She tried blink back tears at the realization. ¡°Someone is interested in Miss Ria but it is so sad that such doesn¡¯t exist for her. She doesn¡¯t care about his existence or even his kind. I am sure if miss Ria was asked to take away one thing from the world, it would be men! Yeah I know it because of what happened to her in the past. But would things have been different in her life now if she didn¡¯t go through those horrible experiences. And sometimes I can¡¯t help but wonder if she will ever fall in love with a man?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sighed out loud after she concluded that it is not bad to let this young man into their lives anyways. ¡°What exactly do you want to know about Miss Ria?¡± She asked. ¡°If it is not too personal, can you tell why she behaves unusual anytime a man is around?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise looked down at her fiddling fingers. ¡°Mr Ian, I really want to tell about Miss Ria.. but what you just asked is too personal.¡± ¡°Is it about her past?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes. I am sorry but I can¡¯t tell you about it. Miss Ria doesn¡¯t want to share it with anyone¡­ but maybe if you get close to her she might tell you about it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. ¡°No.. I doubt if Ria will ever allow me close to her.¡± Ian rubbed his palms together. ¡°I must tell you that it won¡¯t be easy but you can give it a try. Mr Ian, please don¡¯t get close to her for that reason.¡± She looked straight into his eyes. Ian Bryant had spent the whole night trying to research all kinds of phobias and he found one that seem to suit Ria¡¯s condition. She must suffering from androphobia which is an extreme anxiety or fear of men. Victims of this kind of phobia must have been physically and sexually vited at a tender age. Ian reasoned that Ria must have been through a lot in the hands of men but it came down to the fact that it might be her husband, the father to her children. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t want to be friends with her because of that. It doesn¡¯t matter if I don¡¯t know about it.¡± Ian replied. Ma¡¯am nodded her head. It is quite sensible. ¡°How old is she?¡± He asked. ¡°She is twenty four years.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°What about the kids? Are they are her biological children?¡± Ian asked. ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± Ian furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Miss Ria adopted them few months ago and she is ready to raise them as her own.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise exined without saying too much. ¡°Well I thought she birthed them when I noticed her likeness for them at the park and the hospital. What about the blindness? What¡¯s her eye condition?¡± ¡°She was born blind.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Ian rubbed his palms together. He wasn¡¯t really satisfied that ma¡¯am Elise was giving him little details about Ria. It seemed like she was trying to be careful from spilling the huge secrets about Ria Robert. ¡°So has she looked into getting eyes surgery?¡± Yes! Severally! Even when she was little her parents had epted an offer that led to their death. So sad! Even Miss Ria had tried saving up but something ends up happening to her savings. Ma¡¯am Elise wanted to reveal everything to him but she wasn¡¯t in the best position to do so. Instead she said, ¡°Yes Mr Ian but you know eye surgery is expensive. Miss Ria doesn¡¯t have that huge amount of money to get an eye surgery but our n is to take on a loan from the bank to foot medical bills.¡± Ian scrunched up his face. ¡°A loan?¡± ¡°Yes. We are starting the process next week.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. Ian Bryant stared at her with a serious look on his face. ¡°I want to help Ria.¡± He blurted without looking away from me. ¡°Help? I am afraid that I don¡¯t quite understand what you mean by you want to help her.¡± Ian cleared his throat. ¡°I can pay the medical bills.¡± He said. Ma¡¯am Elise eyes widened in shock. ¡°Really?! You will foot the bills?!¡± She was excited to hear those words but her smile dropped quickly. Oh yes! Ma¡¯am Elise knows Ian Bryant can afford the medical bills because he is the chief executive officer of a great industry but the problem is Miss Ria will turn him down. ¡°I am willing and ready to do it for Ria.¡± Ian spoke up after noticing her change in countenance. ¡°You see Mr Ian I don¡¯t have any problem with you paying the medical bills but Miss Ria won¡¯t ept your help.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise confessed. ¡°Why?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise heaved a sigh. ¡°Hmm let us just say that she doesn¡¯t trust your kind.¡± ¡°You can help me ma¡¯am Elise. You are the closest to her so try to persuade her. It is for her good. It will be a good thing if she can see again.¡± Ian said in a calm tone. ¡°I suggest you just loan the money to her.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°No I don¡¯t want to do that. If I do that then I am only adding more to her problems. I am sure eye surgery cost thousands of dors.¡± Ian replied with a raise eyebrow. Ma¡¯am Elise liked that he is being considerate. ¡°Okay, I will try to talk to her.¡± She agreed. ¡°Well ma¡¯am Elise if she doesn¡¯t want to see me then you tell her Lauren Bryant who owns a foundation heard of her case and so she wants to help her.¡± Ian tried to work ording to the things Cassidy had nned out. ¡°No.. no we don¡¯t have to tell her a different story. It is best we tell the truth if you want to win her over.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise declined. ¡°I just thought that it will only make her ept my offer.¡± Ian responded.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°No I will exin it to her in a right way. And thanks for offering to help us. I should take my leave now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°You are wee. Please feel free to reach out to me if Ria needs anything.¡± They stood up and walked out of the office. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my personal doctor and let him know about Ria.¡± Ian said as they made their way to the elevator. ¡°Thank you, Mr Ian.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise was so happy. ¡°Say me hi to the children and Ria too.¡± Soon they stepped out to the opening where the staffs bowed as they passed by. He hail down a taxi when they came out of thepany. ¡°Bing Restaurant.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said to the driver as she entered the car. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am .¡± The driver replied. ¡°Bye Mr Ian.¡± She waved at him. Ian did the same before he went back to his office. ¡°Ramsey.¡± He called the young man at the desk ¡°Yes, sir Ian.¡± ¡°Set up a meeting with Doctor Hawn.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey bowed slightly. Ma¡¯am Elise thought of everything she had discussed with Ian Bryant. He was willing to help but she still doubt if Ria would ever ept such help. ¡°How do I convince her?¡± She mumbled. Images shed through her mind too. They were the most horrible moments of her life but it is all in the past now. ¡°Why now? I should try to convince her.¡± The images on her mind¡¯s eye sounds like a good way to talk to Ria Robert. BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) Chapter 23 Give and Take CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ma¡¯am Elise walked in using her own keys. Ria ears perked at alert when she heard the door click but she rxed after she heard ma¡¯am Elise humming a solemn gospel song. ¡°Wee back, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria greeted. ¡°Oh thank you miss Ria. Sure you are good?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise dropped her bag on the couch. Ria hummed a positive response. ¡°I will be right back. Let me put this ice cream in the fridge so it won¡¯t melt and the cake too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise made her way to the kitchen and came back almost immediately and she flopped down on the couch. ¡°How was your visit to see.. Mr Ian? Did you get the little girl¡¯s measurement?¡± Ria asked. ¡°It was fine.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Ria shook her head and continued sewing while ma¡¯am Elise watched her from where she sat. ¡°Miss Ria.¡± She called in a low tone and Ria stopped the wheels. ¡°What is it, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Ria demanded. Ma¡¯am Elise cleared her throat. ¡°Can we talk? No I mean.. we.. need to talk.¡± She stuttered. ¡°Okay, I am listening.¡± Ria wheeled the sewing machine again. ¡°No you have to stop the machine and listen to me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you clearly know that the owner of this dress ising in two days time.¡± Ria reminded her. ¡°Miss Ria, I know but don¡¯t worry we¡¯ll finish up before that day. I just need your full attention on this discussion.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice pleaded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria threw her hands up in a surrender after taking the dress out of the sewing machine. Ma¡¯am Elise was silent. ¡°So I went to Mr Ian¡¯s office.¡± She was trying to find the right choice of words to use. ¡°Yeah, I know you are justing from his office.¡± Ria leaned closer to the machine and rest her chin on her raised elbow. ¡°And guess what miss Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sounded excited again. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I can¡¯t guess anything. Please just go straight to the point.¡± Ria huffed. ¡°Okay! Well today, I found out Mr Ian is the son of Jack Bryant. And he is even the CEO of Lint Corporation.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise announced in a raised tone. ¡°Good for him.¡± Ria replied. Virtually everyone know Jack Bryant owns Lint Corporation and the name is a big name in the country. Ria was surprised the man who had once saved her purse was a chief executive officer at a bigpany but it didn¡¯t thrill her to know about it. Ma¡¯am Elise smiled dropped. ¡°You are not surprised that the guy that retrieved your purse is the popr CEO Ian Bryant? He has just been listed on Forbes under the top 30 CEO section and he has million of dors fortune!¡± She exined. ¡°I simply don¡¯t care.. and I won¡¯t even be surprised if his father owns the world or if he owns the whole of United State of America.¡± Ria replied. ¡°The world has no other owner than God and for now USA is partly owned by the president. And you also don¡¯t care that he wants to make a dress for his niece?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t care if -¡± ¡°Ian Bryant offered to help you with the eye surgery.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise blurted out her words. ¡°What?!¡± Ria gasped with her jaw droppingpletely. ¡°Yes, Mr Ian told me that he is ready to pay your surgery bills.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed out her words. Ria straightened up from the sewing machine. ¡°Did he set up a meeting just to talk about me?¡± She frowned trying to imagine how the conversation must have happened. ¡°Kind of.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mumbled. ¡°Oh! So you discussed about me with that guy.¡± Ria said in a stern tone. ¡°No Miss Ria.. I swear I didn¡¯t tell him anything other than the fact that you were born blind and Phoebe and Phoenix are your adopted kids.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stood up from the couch. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise -¡± She cuts in. ¡°I am sorry. But I just had to tell him.¡± Ria sighed trying to control the fury within her. ¡°Okay. Tell Mr Ian that he doesn¡¯t have to foot my bills. I don¡¯t need his help. And I would rather get a loan from the bank to get my eye surgery done.¡± She wasn¡¯t happy that her trusted human had discussed about her with a man. ¡°A loan? No Miss Ria, we don¡¯t know what the bank will ask for them to loan us such amount of money. Even if they loan us the money, how do you intend to pay back coupled with bills and rent on ground?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice was calm. She knew the best way to talk Ria into epting this offer was to be gentle with her. Ria was silent. ¡°I know it was wrong of me to talk to him about you. Please let us just ept Mr Ian¡¯s offer since he is willing to help without a refund.¡± ¡°And that is exactly what I don¡¯t want!¡± Ria screamed suddenly and Ma¡¯am Elise jumped in fear. ¡°There is no man in this world that will give you one thing without asking for another in return! And I am not ready to give any man anything! I vowed never to put myself in a situation whereby I would feel obliged to do anything because I feel indebted to someone!¡± She yelled. Ma¡¯am Elise expected the outburst but it wasn¡¯t at the time she expected it. ¡°Yes I know¡­ Miss Ria you ought to know that in the same way when people give you things it does not necessarily mean they want something in return.¡± She grabbed a stool and sat in front of Ria. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise¡­¡± Ria¡¯s voice was low. Ria realized that yelling at ma¡¯am Elise wasn¡¯t fair. She didn¡¯t like acting out on this woman but she just can¡¯t help it. Ma¡¯am Elise noticed the tears at the corners of Ria¡¯s eyes. Ma¡¯am Elise knew why Ria was overreacting to what she said but talking to Ria in a gentle manner is the only way to win over her.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°I understand why you are rejecting this great help but-¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t.. want to offend you. So please¡­ don¡¯t convince me to ept it. I don¡¯t need Mr Ian¡¯s help.¡± Ria stood up and she made her way to the bedroom. ¡°Miss Ria, please listen to me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise followed closely behind. ¡°From what I have seen.. Mr Ian is good person.¡± ¡°And there is no good man in this world.¡± Ria said even as she tried not to miss her steps. Ma¡¯am Elise continued. ¡°Remember your dreams.¡± She said in a low tone. ¡°Your mother¡¯s dying wish which is for you to fulfill those dreams of bing a famous clothe designer.¡± Those tears in Ria¡¯s eyes dropped down her cheeks but she didn¡¯t stop walking. Ma¡¯am Elise swerved in her pathway and leaned closer holding Ria¡¯s hands. ¡°What will happen to those dreams if you don¡¯t get a surgery done soon? Miss Ria, you waited this long and here is the opportunity waiting for you to embrace it. This is a miracle.¡± She said. ¡°No, my miracle shouldn¡¯te from a man.¡± Ria gritted. ¡°But this time it is from a man and you have to ept it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°No.¡± Ria declined. ¡°Miss Ria, you have to ept this great opportunity. I know you want to say yes but that deep hatred in your heart is taking the best of you. That fear, those memories are holding you back but don¡¯t let that make you lose someone you can¡¯t rece. Don¡¯t be too quick to push Mr Ian away.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No. Ma¡¯am Elise, you just don¡¯t understand me. We can¡¯t trust him. He is evil. He is not a good man.. he can destroy me.. he can ruin our lives.. he can.. he can..¡± She was trembling as her voice trailed off. ¡°Rx.. Calm down Miss Ria. I know how you feel.¡± ¡°No.. no.. you don¡¯t know how I feel. I can hear him.. I still see him.. I still feel him everywhere.. I hate them all!¡± Ria screamed. Ma¡¯am Elise embrace her quickly. ¡°I know what it feels to be abused and vited by a man. I know how you feel.¡± She said shakily. Ria tried to make sense of her sentence. ¡°I was sexually vited by my step father when I was thirteen. So I know what you are going through too.¡± She whispered. Ria pulled away from her. ¡°Your step father raped you when you were thirteen?¡± She asked. Tears formed in Ma¡¯am Elise eyes. ¡°Yes he did. I couldn¡¯t tell my mom about it because he threatened to kill me. And I was so scared of what he would do to me if I told anyone about it.¡± She answered. ¡°But.. you never mentioned it to me the day I met you on the bus.¡± Ria was surprise by the revtion. ¡°His threats has been holding me back and I had let go of that part of my life. My step father forced himself on me whenever my mom was away at work. She was quite busy as a doctor. I don¡¯t want to remember those horrible days because I realized it would destroy mepletely. And when I couldn¡¯t take it anymore, I left home at the age fifteen and survived on the street. I begged for aims on the streets and I moved from cities to cities so my parents won¡¯t find me. But my suffering ended when I met this woman, Mrs Hope. I exined my story to her and she took me in and raised me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise recounted her past. ¡°You.. You.. never saw your mom?¡± Ria cried. ¡°Never. I have no idea if she is still alive. Mrs hope seeded in changing my perspectives about men and truly I found out all men are not the same. I learned to love.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, are you framing a story just to make me ept Mr Ian¡¯s offer?¡± Ria was finding it hard to believe the story. Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed. ¡°No.. Miss Ria why would I make up something like this? This is my story.. a part of me I always want to forget and I can¡¯t lie to you.¡± Her hand reached out to wipe Ria¡¯s tears. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise..¡± More tears streamed down her face as she held Ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s free hand. ¡°I know it is hard to change your perspective but let Mr Ian help us so we can fulfill those wonderful dreams.¡± She gave her hand a small squeeze. ¡°No.. ma¡¯am Elise.. I am scared. What if Ian is just like Lucas? What if.. what if..¡± Her voice trailed off. ¡°Listen Miss Ria, not every man is like Lucas. I know you don¡¯t like to hear it but not all men are evil. There are still good men in the world. Look at me, after my ordeal with my step father, I healed and got married even though it didn¡¯t end well but I am still grateful for the good memories I shared with my husband.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a low tone. ¡°You are so strong.¡± Ria mumbled. Ma¡¯am Elise knew what Ria went through in Lucas den was more terrible that what she went through in the hand of her step father. Ria is physically blind, bruised, broken and scarred but ma¡¯am Elise wished Ria would let go of the past and see the good that the future entails. ¡°Mr Ian could be one of the good men left in the world. So please let us give him a chance to help us. Don¡¯t worry you will be fine.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise hugged her. ¡°No man is going to ever hurt you again.. I swear it. I am here for you and no one will hurt you again. I promise.¡± Her soothing wordsforted Ria until she calmed down. ¡°Okay. Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria sniffed. ¡°Is this a yes?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria embraced her again. She needed all thefort this woman was offering to her. ¡°Should I call him?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise requested. ¡°Yes.¡± She muttered. Ma¡¯am Elise withdrew from the embrace and led Ria to her room. A small smile broke out of her face because she was able to convince Ria to ept Ian Bryant¡¯s help. Chapter 24 She said Yes CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION Ian Bryant clicked on theptop to connect with Doctor Hawn through a video call. Doctor Hawn is the Bryant family doctor. ¡°Good day, CEO Ian.¡± Doctor Hawn greeted cheerfully. Ianughed at his charming smile that was enough to blind any woman. ¡°How is work today?¡± He asked. ¡°I should be the one asking you since you are the one doing the greatest work.¡± Doctor Hawn chuckled. ¡°Work is fine.¡± Ian replied. ¡°What about you?¡± Doctor Hawn asked. ¡°I am feeling good now. Thanks to the drugs you rmended.¡± Ian responded. Doctor Hawn arched his eyebrows. ¡°Well I thought you set up this meeting toin.¡± Ian nodded his head. ¡°Doctor Hawn, I just want to ask if we can get an eye transnt done at your hospital.¡± Doctor Hawn scrunched up his face in confusion. ¡°CEO Ian, I don¡¯t understand what you are saying.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°The thing is, I met this blinddy months ago so I recently offered to pay her medical bills.¡± He exined. ¡°So what¡¯s her eye conditions?¡± Doctor Hawn asked. ¡°Well I am no sure about her eye condition.¡± Ian answered. ¡°We have different eye defects. For thatdy, her case might be a, Cataracts or damaged nerve cells or other eye defects.¡± Doctor Hawn exined. ¡°Doctor Hawn, I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t ask about it but I was told that she was born blind.¡± Ian said. ¡°Oh.¡± Doctor Hawn mouthed. ¡°But whatever the case might be can she undergo an eye transnt?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°CEO Ian, there is no such thing as a whole eye transnt. The optic nerves, which goes directly to the brain cannot be transnted and this nerve is damaged for many that are blind. The eye transnt would not work without also transnting the optic nerve. In some cases the eyes is not the problem but transnting the optic nerve.¡± Doctor Hawn gave a clear exnation. ¡°So eye transnt doesn¡¯t exist?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So what¡¯s the remedy for someone who was born blind?¡± Ian rubbed his temples.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°CEO Ian, some thing must have caused that blindness and that is what I need to know.¡± Doctor Hawn responded. ¡°So what do we do now? Is there a way you can help?¡± Ian requested. ¡°Bring thedy to the hospital so we can run some tests. I will get a good optician to examine her.¡± Doctor Hawn replied. ¡°Okay, I will get back to you doctor.¡± A glint of hope shined in his eyes. ¡°Okay sir.¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor Hawn.¡± Ian clicked again and ended the call. ¡°Now how do I bring Ria to the hospital if she says no? Well I just hope ma¡¯am Elise seeds in persuading Ria to ept my offer.¡± Ian said to himself. Some secondster, his cellphone binged and the caller¡¯s ID was ma¡¯am Elise. Ian reached out to pick it up immediately. ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ian adjusted in his chair. ¡°Hi, Mr Ian. I just called to inform you that I had a conversation with miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°What did she say?¡± Ian asked. ¡°She said yes. Miss Ria agreed to let you help her.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. She sounded so excited over the phone. ¡°Really?¡± Ian stood up from the swivel chair. ¡°Yes Mr Ian, I was able to convince her against taking a loan at the bank but to ept your offer.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise answered. A smile broke out on his face. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± ¡°No.. no I should be the one thanking you. I am so grateful for your offer.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. Ian walked to the window with one of his hands dropping into his pocket. ¡°I spoke with a doctor just now so he said I should bring Ria to the hospital. I don¡¯t know if she will agree to-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise cuts in sharply. ¡°Of course! Miss Ria will go with you. I will tell her about it.¡± She rushed out her words. ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am Elise. Please try to talk to Ria about it.¡± Ian turned away from the window. ¡°I will call you back.¡± ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ian hang up the call. ************* AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ma¡¯am Elise heart limped for joy as she rushed to Ria¡¯s room. ¡°Miss Ria! Miss Ria!¡± She walked in and saw Ria stepping out of the bathroom. ¡°Oh Miss Ria? Guess what?!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed. ¡°Mr Ian called.¡± Ria guessed. ¡°Yes! He called me and said that a doctor requested that youe to the hospital for a check up!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pped her hands with a bright smile on her face. ¡°Did he call a doctor already?¡± Ria asked with a surprising look on her face. ¡°Yes.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Okay. So when does he want me toe to the hospital?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet but I promised to call him back as soon as you give me a good response.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise answered. Ria shook her head. ¡°Well since I already agreed to ept his help then I have no other choice. I¡¯ll go to the hospital to see the doctor.¡± She agreed. The door bell jangled. ¡°Okay. Okay. I will call him now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed out of the room to get the door and also call Ian Bryant. Chapter 25 Alone with Ian Bryant CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Ian looked wonderful in a casual andfortable outfit. He was dressed in a fitting pair of pencil ck jeans and body hugging round neck top that hugged his broad shoulders and well sculpted chest. He slide out of the car and came up to Ria Robert front door. ¡°Miss Ria! Miss Ria! That should be sir Ian!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said excitedly when she heard a horn. She peeped through the window to confirm and she rushed back to Ria. ¡°Oh my God! He is here! He came with an expensive car-A Bentley!¡± She whispered. ¡°A Bentley? I don¡¯t know how to looks like but it must be really expensive right?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Of course! It is worth thousands of dors!¡± The doorbell jangled. ¡°I¡¯ll get the door.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed to the door. Ria opted in for a ckrge pants and white turtle neck top to hide her body. She doesn¡¯t like the idea of any man stopping to stare at her and she really has a beautiful glowing skin. Ma¡¯am Elsie has once teased Ria about her appearance saying that any man would stop to stare at her if her body was too exposed and that her beauty and full breasts was enough to stop every car on the highway. So Ria would always wear long clothes to avoid such things anytime she was heading out. ¡°But why does he have toe with such an expensive car?¡± Ria mumbled to herself. When ma¡¯am Elise said Ian Bryant came with a Bentley, Ria hoped none of her neighbors were around to see the car that pulled up in the front of her house at exactly 8:00 a. m in the morning because it would cause no end talks and she didn¡¯t relish being the subject of neighborhood gossip any more than she already had been as the resident blinddy. ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ian greeted the moment the woman opened the door. ¡°Oh! Mr Ian, good Morning. It is so good to see you again, pleasee in.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise had the brightest smile stered on her face. Ria rose to her feet with her hands locked. She tried to rx just like the day Mr Griffin was here to get a dress. ¡°Miss Ria, Mr Ian is here.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise announced. ¡°Good morning.¡± Ria greeted trying all her best to put on a forced smile on her face. Ian looked at her and took in her good features. No matter how she had tried to hide her body and look so old fashioned she still looked beautiful. But to say Ria was beautiful was an understatement, she was extremely gorgeous. Ian Bryant knew that there was an inexplicable something about Ria that he couldn¡¯t exin. ¡°Good Morning.¡± Ian said and looked straight at ma¡¯am Elise who was now beside Ria. ¡°Introduce yourself.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mouthed and she gestured to him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ian cleared his throat and moved closed a bit. ¡°I am Ian Bryant. And it is nice to meet you again.¡± He eyed ma¡¯am Elise to see if it was fine for him to shake Ria but she stretched out her hand even before ma¡¯am Elise could reply. ¡°Ria Robert. It is nice to meet you too.¡± Ian shook hands with her but she withdrew too quickly from the contact. Ria had to do it because ma¡¯am Elise requested that she should wee Ian Bryant, be polite and nice to him. ¡°Miss Ria, is ready to go with you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise locked her hands with Ria¡¯s. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing with us?¡± Ria asked. ¡°I can¡¯te with you to the hospital anymore. Remember we have dresses to sew so I will just stay back and attend to everything.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Ria furrowed her brows, this wasn¡¯t the n. They had agreed that Maam Elise would go with to the hospital because Ria doesn¡¯t want to be alone with Ian. ¡°This wasn¡¯t our agreement.¡± Ria grumbled to herself after moving away from ma¡¯am Elise. She turned around like she wanted to get something but she was only trying to let air refill her lungs. It has been long since she had such a close a contact with a man and she had seeded in calming herself and controlling her body with the fact that Ian wasn¡¯t a man like Lucas. After the inhaling and exhaling process she went in search for her walk stick. ¡°Do you need anything, Miss Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Yes.. yes.. yes.. my walk stick.¡± Ria stuttered. ¡°Come on miss Ria, you don¡¯t need the walk stick because Mr Ian will lead and guide you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise shared a look with Ian Bryant who just simply smiled. Ria¡¯s back was now against Ian so he can¡¯t see the deep frown that grazed her face. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise just tell me where it is. I need the walk stick.¡± She gritted. ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise picked the stick from the couch. She was hoping that Ria wouldn¡¯t need the stick since Ian would be there to hold her. Ma¡¯am Elise was supposed to go with Ria to the hospital but she decided that it would be best for them to be alone together. ¡°Here.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave the stick to Ria. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria breathed out and turned to face Ian again. Ian cleared his throat. ¡°Doctor Hawn called me a while ago and said that an optician is ready at the hospital to attend to you.¡± He said. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria shook her head in acknowledgement. ¡°Can we go ahead, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes! Please let me go with you to the car.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise answered. ¡°My purse.¡± Ria mumbled. Ma¡¯am Elise picked the purse from the couch again. ¡°Here you go.¡± She gave Ria the ck purse. They walked out of the house to the car with ma¡¯am Elise guiding Ria¡¯s steps. Ian was ahead of them. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, if the childrenes back before me please make sure that they do their home works before helping out with the dresses.¡± Ria said. ¡°Okay, Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. Ian was now waiting with the car door opened. ¡°Take care, miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise kissed her cheeks after she helped Ria into the car. ¡°Bye, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria said to her and Ian moved to the other side after shutting the door. ¡°Bye. Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise waved. Ria turned sideways and waved blindly at ma¡¯am Elise before Ian wined up the ss and drove away. ¡°Which hospital are we heading? Ma¡¯am Elise didn¡¯t give me a specific name.¡± ¡°Ainsley Hospital where we met the second -¡± ¡°Yes I know.¡± Ria cuts him off. ¡°You were at the hospital that day for a check up right?¡± Ian asked. ¡°No.¡± Ria replied sharply. Thest thing Ria wanted to do was having a conversation with this man. ¡°So for what? If I may ask.¡± Ian¡¯s voice was so calm. ¡°Phoebe ate shrimps at school during lunch and she didn¡¯t know that she was allergic to shrimps. So her teacher called to inform us about it.¡± Ria exined briefly. ¡°Okay. Ma¡¯am Elise said that you adopted them.¡± Ian stole a look at her before focusing on the road ahead. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria replied. ¡°And what about their parents?¡± Ian asked. Ria didn¡¯t respond which made Ian realized that he was pushing her too much to have this conversation so it was best ro just let her be. ¡°It is fine if you don¡¯t want to have any conversation with me.¡± Ian said even though he was dying to know many things about her. Ria was d he said those but a little voice at the back of her mind whispered. ¡°That¡¯s so unfair.¡± She finds it so awkward to have a conversation with this man because she hasn¡¯t done it before in thest few years. Ria shook her head. ¡°Their mom left their dad three years ago and he also did the same months back.¡± A small smile crept on his face for the fact that she decided to talk to him. ¡°Why¡­. is that?¡± He stuttered. ¡°Mr Lawson didn¡¯t have a good job to take care of his children. So he dropped a note and saying that his children were a burden to him.¡± Ria tried to be concise. ¡°So he left because his own children are a burden to him.¡± Ian said. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°And so you took them in?¡± Ian asked expecting her to say more so the conversation won¡¯t end. ¡°Yes, Phoebe and Phoenix would rather die of starvation than go the the children centre. I didn¡¯t want them to get hurt or separated so I had no choice but to take them in.¡± Ria gave a clear exnation. Ian looked at her for a second before focusing his attention on the road ahead. Ria held her phone and purse to her chest with her walk stick in between her thighs. Theypsed into silence for about a minute before he spoke up again. ¡°I would like to know about your health problems.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have any health problems, my eyes is the only condition.¡± Ria corrected him. He sounded like she has a terminal illness. ¡°I am sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡± Ian apologized. ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°So doctor Hawn asked for the cause of your blindness but I couldn¡¯t tell him anything.¡± ¡°I was born blind.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yes.. I told him that.¡± Ian bit on his lower lip. ¡°And I am like this because of the cataracts on my lenses.¡± Ria pointed to her eyes with her free hand. ¡°Cataracts?¡± Ian repeated. He recalled that Doctor Hawn had mentioned something like that to him. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why you see the silver patch over my lens instead of the usual eye color.¡± Ria heaved a sigh. Ian wondered what would have been her initial eyes color without the cataracts in them. ¡°Whenst did you check into an eye clinic?¡± He questioned. ¡°I haven¡¯t checked in since thest four months.¡± Ria answered. Ian was surprised. ¡°Why?¡± He looked at Ria whose purse was nowying on herps but her phone still in her hands. ¡°Nothing.¡± Ria response was sharp and immediate. Ian knew there was more to the nothing. ¡°Is it because of money?¡± He asked again. Ria didn¡¯t reply then Ian knew it was because of money. Ria spoke up before Ian could say anything. ¡°Don¡¯t think that.. I don¡¯t have the money.. to check into an eye clinic.¡± She stammered. ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you checked into one since thest four months?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I used whatever money I make on the children not all though but I still have to pay some home bills, their fees and also buy things for them.¡± Ria replied with sincerity in her tone. Ian¡¯s heart went out to her. She neglected her condition and focused on the kids. ¡°What about ma¡¯am Elise? She doesn¡¯t help in paying any bills?¡± Ria¡¯s fingers rubbed the back of her phone. ¡°She does but raising the kids was my decision and we all rely on the sewing business. Ma¡¯am Elise has been a great help to me, she works as a nanny whenever her clients requests to see her mostly during weekend but it doesn¡¯t pay well.¡± Ian stopped the car when the traffic sign disyed red. ¡°Do you pay her?¡± He used that chance to take a look at Ria properly. ¡°I offered to pay her but she refused it. After sometime I managed to convince her to ept the little I am offering because I know she has to pay bills too.¡± Ria answered. Horns boomed in the air and the cars began to move. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian looked away from her and focused on the road ahead. Ria heaved a sigh of relief when he didn¡¯t ask her more question and the rest of the drive to the hospital was silent. Chapter 26 Artificial lens CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT AINSLEY HOSPITAL Ian pulled up in front of the hospital where a man in uniform directed him to park in to the driveway. He stopped the car and got out to help Ria but she was already out before he came to her side. Now how can he lead her into the hospital when she doesn¡¯t want him to touch her? Ian mused not knowing what to do while Ria stood waiting for him to make a move to help her. Ian wasn¡¯t sure of how to lead her in. ¡°Why aren¡¯t we going in?¡± She asked him. Ian swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you want me to hold you.¡± He confessed. Ria already knew he would have to touch her because she doesn¡¯t know the area. ¡°It is fine.¡± She said in a low tone. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian moved closer and put his arm in hers that Ria had to lean closer to him. Ian felt her trembled a bit and then she rxed. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked. Ria cleared her throat. ¡°Yes.. yes.. yes.. I am fine.¡± She stuttered. They moved to the ss entrance and walked into the hospital. Ian was weed by Doctor Hawn who was waiting at the reception. ¡°Good morning, CEO Ian.¡± Doctor Hawn greeted. ¡°Good morning, Doctor Hawn.¡± Ian replied. Doctor Hawn gaze flickered on Ria who was leaning closely to Ian. ¡°Good morning, Miss.¡± Ria forced a smile on her face. ¡°Ria Robert.¡± She said. ¡°Doctor Hawn-¡± ¡°Well Sir Ian, the optician is waiting at the eye centre.¡± Doctor Hawn informed him. ¡°What gender is she?¡± Ian mouthed trying not to let Ria hear his words. ¡°Pardon?¡± Doctor Hawn raised his eyebrows in confusion. Ian cleared his throat. ¡°I mean.. can we get a female optician instead of a male?¡± He doesn¡¯t want Ria to feelfortable during test. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the optician is a female.¡± Doctor Hawn answered. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian nodded. ¡°Pleasee with me, Doctor Alisa is waiting for you.¡± Doctor Hawn led them to the eye centre. After passing through several hallways and wards, they reached the section with a tag eye center and Doctor Hawn stopped in front of a door. He knocked and twisted the door knob after hearing amand toe in. ¡°Mr Ian meet Doctor Alisa.¡± Doctor Hawn introduced. The female doctor smiled and they exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Ian Bryant and she is Ria Robert.¡± Ian said. ¡°Good to have you here. Please take a seat.¡± Doctor Alisa gestured to the chairs. Ian helped Ria settle in the chair facing the doctor directly. ¡°Firstly, miss Ria I would like to know your eye conditions. If you have been going for check ups then you should know the defects.¡± Doctor Alisa said. ¡°I was born blind.¡± Ria replied. ¡°What¡¯s the cause?¡± Doctor Alisa questioned. ¡°Cataracts.¡± Ria answered. ¡°And whenst did you check in to an eye centre?¡± Doctor Alisa jolted down in a file. ¡°It has been a while.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Doctor Alisa, please can you tell me what cataracts means? It feels like I am hearing a differentnguage.¡± Ian was confused. The doctorsughed at the look on his face. ¡°Mr Ian, Cataracts is a condition in which a part of the eye called the lens bes cloudy.¡± She exined. ¡°Miss Ria, can you see anything?¡± Doctor Hawn asked as he moved closer to his colleague. ¡°Just.. darkness.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°So doctor what¡¯s actually the cause of the cataract?¡± Ian asked. ¡°It is a result of tissues breakdown and protein clumping. Cataract affects the centre of the lens that¡¯s why you can see the patch on her lenses.¡± Doctor Alisa responded. ¡°Do we get an eye test done today?¡± Ian looked at Ria who just sat down and stared into space. ¡°Not really since we already know the cause. Now we just have to discuss the solutions and run testter.¡± Doctor Alisa wrote something down again. ¡°So what¡¯s the remedy?¡± Doctor Alisa clicked on the keyboard to check out the remedies of cataract. ¡°Surgery is the only means to treating cataracts. We have to extract the cloudy lenses and rece them with artificial lenses called the intraocr lens and after that she will continue using eye drops containing Lanosterol to clean the vision.¡± Ian leaned forward. ¡°Aside extracting the cataracts and fixing in artificial lenses, what other options do we have? We need a permanent solution so she doesn¡¯t have to change lenses all the time.¡± Doctor Alisa exchanged nces with Doctor Hawn. ¡°Mr Ian, there is another way but it is expensive and too experimental.¡± She replied. ¡°Doctor Alisa, I really don¡¯t mind the price of the surgery. We can go for it if there is an assurance that she will see again.¡± Ian said with a serious look on his face. ¡°Okay. Stem cell transnt is the best solution.¡± Doctor Hawn looked straight at Ria. ¡°And how does that works?¡± Ian requested. ¡°Cataracts can be cured by using a patients own stem cells to regrow a living lens in their eye, restoring sight in just three months or before that time. Holor is currently the only clinically approved stem cell treatment for the eye. It restores vision to patients with damaged Corneas which is the clear uttermost part of the eyes by transntingb grown limbal stem cells into the areas of the eyecking cells. This surgery could cure certain types of blindness and it is thetest surgery done in Asia. But for now, it is advisable to get the surgery done in China.¡± Doctor Alisa gave a clear exnation of the surgery. ¡°We have to travel to China?¡± Ian repeated. ¡°Yes Mr Ian.¡± Doctor Hawn replied. ¡°So how much will the surgery cost?¡± Ian asked. ¡°The surgery will cost eighty thousand dors.¡± Doctor Alisa answered. ¡°What?! That¡¯s a whole lot of money.¡± Ria said loudly. ¡°Yes, the surgery is expensive but I rmend it for you, miss Ria. It is a permanent solution if the surgery is a sess.¡± Doctor Alisa expounded. ¡°So how do we go about it?¡± Ian questioned after stealing a look at Ria. ¡°I will refer her to the eye centre in China. Doctor Hawn can help in contacting a doctor friend of his at the eye centre. Doctor Lui, he is the stem cell specialist and director of the eye centre.¡± Doctor Alisa answered. ¡°Then we just have to prepare for the flight and medical bills.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°Yes.¡± Doctor Alisa nodded. ¡°No, I will go for the artificial lens surgery since it is not expensive.¡± Ria declined. ¡°Listen Ria, we don¡¯t have to go for a temporary solution. Let us go for the permanent one.¡± Ian turned sideways to talk to her. ¡°It is expensive. I can get the artificial lenses here and live with it but talking of going to China for a surgery, the flight, the medical bills and other things would cost a lot of money.¡± Ria reasoned. Ian Bryant leaned in closely to talk to her while the doctors checked out remedies on the system. ¡°Ria, this is not too much. This is about your health so let us take care of it once and for all. Remember I agreed to pay the bills and I am not changing my mind about it.¡± He whispered. Ria didn¡¯t say a word after his words. She knew saying no won¡¯t change anything at that moment. When she didn¡¯t say anything, Ian cleared his throat to get the doctors attention. ¡°So doctor what else do we have to do?¡± ¡°A check up for a day or two so I can be able to mail her result to the eye centre in China.¡± Doctor Alisa answered. ¡°When can we leave for China after all that is done?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I will let you know.¡± Doctor Hawn replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should ask this question but what are the side effects of the treatment?¡± Ian itched the bridge of his nose. ¡°She will go through conditioning treatment which may include chemotherapy/ radiation, mouth sore, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, hair loss and breathing problems. But she can scale through all of that if she heals fast.¡± Doctor Alisa exined. ¡°I suggest we do a check up today, tomorrow and the next so probably you should be able to leave the country by Saturday or next week Monday.¡± Doctor Hawn suggested. ¡°Okay.¡± We¡¯ll do it.¡± Ian nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Doctor Alisa excused herself and exited the office. ¡°I will go to my office and put a call through to Doctor Lui.¡± Doctor Hawn left the room too. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ian asked in a soft tone. ¡°Yes I am fine but.. I think we need to talk.¡± Ria replied. ¡°You don¡¯t have have to worry the side effects. I want to believe that you won¡¯t go through all that the doctor mentioned. And I know the surgery will be a sess.¡± Ian sounded so optimistic about this surgery. ¡°It is not about the side effects. I am talking about the bills.¡± Ria countered. ¡°I will take care of it.¡± Ian coaxed. ¡°Well initially, I nned to the a loan from the bank next week. So I will refund your money.. just like I loaned it.¡± Ian shook his head in disagreement. ¡°No Ria, I don¡¯t want you to refund it. I am offering to help you without a pay back.¡± Ria furrowed her eyebrow. ¡°I am sorry but I can¡¯t let you do that to me. And like they say, life is about give and take.¡± She mumbled. ¡°No Ria, life is not always about give and take. I am doing this because I want to and I won¡¯t ask for anything in return. I want to do it because.. I care.¡± Ian said thest two words in a low tone. ¡°You care?¡± Ria was confused at his words. Ian realized that he shouldn¡¯t have said thest two words but he can¡¯t take it back. He meant everything he has been saying to her. ¡°Yes I care and I also feel concerned that¡¯s why I want to help. Ria, you are skillful and no one will believe someone like you can do a work normal people can do. I find it extraordinary and I like that fact about you that¡¯s why I want to help.¡± He meant every word. ¡°Thank you. But I don¡¯t think it is a good idea for you to pay all the bills.¡± Ria tried to stand up. Ian held her wrist. ¡°Listen Ria, please let me do this for you. I have more than enough to pay for the whole expenses.¡± He felt her trembling under his touch so he had to let her go immediately. ¡°Mr Ian, I will refund your money and I am not changing my mind.¡± Ria muttered. One thing he just realized about this woman today is the fact that she is stubborn. ¡°Just call me Ian.¡± He sounded so resigned but he wasn¡¯t going to give up. The door opened and doctor Alisa walked into the office. ¡°Sorry for keeping you waiting.¡± she apologized.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± Ian looked up at her. ¡°Miss Ria can do the eye test at theb now. Pleasee with me.¡± Doctor Alisa went back to the door. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian helped Ria to theb. ****************** TWO HOURS LATER ¡°I am sorry it took longer than expected.¡± Doctor Alisa apologized as she walked to her desk. ¡°No problem. So what¡¯s her eye condition now?¡± ¡°ording to the results, her sight is terribly damaged so I don¡¯t think artificial lenses is suitable for her eyes. I would suggest that she go for the stem cell transnt which will heal every damaged cell of the eyes.¡± Doctor Alisa replied. ¡°Can we make it to China in three days time?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes, if you are ready and payment has been made. For us, we already know what the problem is so you have to bring her to the hospital tomorrow afternoon.¡± Doctor Alisa gave him the test result. ¡°Thank you, Doctor Alisa.¡± Ian said. ¡°You are wee.¡± Ian helped Ria up and he shook hands with Doctor Alisa before walking out with Ria. ¡°We are not done with our discussion.¡± Ria said when they settled in the car. ¡°I want to refund whatever you will spend on this surgery.¡± She added. Ian tried not to roll his eyes. ¡°How do you intend to pay it back?¡± Ria thought for some seconds. ¡°Mr Ian, if I can have my sight back everything will work out fine for me. I am sure of that.¡± This time it was her sounding highly optimistic. ¡°Okay. If that¡¯s what you want then I will prepare the paperwork on how you will payback the money.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria sighed in relief that she won¡¯t feel indebted to him. Ian doesn¡¯t want a refund but since Ria is insisting then he has to ept it. Her reason for wanting to payback is best known to her and there is absolutely no way on how to convince Ria since her mind was made up. Chapter 27 A care worker CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT ¡°Mommy! Mommy!¡± Phoebe and Phoenix ran down the stairs to meet Ria. A smile formed on her lips immediately as she open her arms wide to amodate them. Ian and Ria were stuck in traffic for hours that he had thought they won¡¯t make it back home till night. A fully loaded cabbage truck broke down on the highway so it had taken hours for the road traffic officers to moved it. ¡°How are you doing?¡± Ria asked when she felt them in her arms, ¡°I am fine, mom.¡± Phoenix and Phoebe chorused respectively. ¡°What took you so long mom?¡± Phoenix questioned. ¡°We got stuck in the traffic caused by a loaded truck that broke down on the highway.¡± Ria exined. Ma¡¯am Elise joined them too. ¡°Wee back, Miss Ria, Sir Ian.¡± Ria acknowledged her by nodding her head while Ian smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead now.¡± He said. ¡°Thanks for today, Mr Ian.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise thanked him but he only responded with a smile. Ria turned away from the kids and faced Ian who was standing next to her. ¡°Thank you.¡± It was only polite for her to appreciate him and nothing else. ¡°You are wee.¡± Ian replied before walking round the car to the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Did you have fun at school today?¡± ¡°Yes! Mom, Ma¡¯am Elise promised to attend the parents and teachers association meeting at my school.¡± Phoebe announced. ¡°Oh really? When is it?¡± Ria let the children hold her hands. ¡°Yes! It is today. And that¡¯s why we came home early. We closed by 1:00 p. m because meeting starts by 2:30p. m.¡± Phoenix responded. Ian looked at his wrist watch the time was two o¡¯clock. ¡°Okay. Let us go in and talk about what happened at school today.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Phoebe screamed as they led Ria back to the house. A little voice whispered at the back of his mind as he watched Ria with the children. ¡°She will make a good mother.¡± A smile formed on his lips as he watched her walk away. Ma¡¯am Elise cleared her throat. ¡°Sir Ian..¡± He totally forgot that she was still close to the car. ¡°I will take my leave now.¡± He opened the car door and waved at ma¡¯am Elise before entering the car. He felt a little bit embarrassed because ma¡¯am Elise had caught him smiling at the sight of Ria. ¡°What has Ria Robert done to me?¡± Ian huffed as he started the car and the engine roared back to life. Ian Bryant can¡¯t possibly stop thinking about Ria Robert. So what is this feeling? *********Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. TWO DAYS LATER: AT AINSLEY HOSPITAL IN A PRIVATE WARD ¡°I already sent the test results to the stem cell centre. So Miss Ria, I am d to inform you that you can get the surgery done in China.¡± Doctor Alisa said to them after she walked into the private ward. ¡°Thank you, doctor Alisa.¡± Ria fiddled with her fingers. ¡°So Doctor when can we leave to China?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Whenever you are ready. I only have to prepare a transfer note which you will present at the centre and that won¡¯t be a big issue.¡± Doctor Alisa responded. ¡°Can we leave tomorrow if the flight is ready?¡± Ian requested. And a deep frown formed on Ria¡¯s face quickly. ¡°Yes, you can go to China anytime you are prepared to -¡± ¡°No. No, I don¡¯t think tomorrow is a better option, Mr Ian.¡± Ria cuts in sharply. Ian looked straight at her. ¡°Why Ria?¡± Ria stopped fiddling her hands. ¡°I want to spend some time with my kids before leaving for China.¡± She answered. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s not a problem. So what about in three days time? You can spend the whole day with them tomorrow and then next then I wille and pick you up on the third day.¡± Ian said. ¡°That¡¯s better.¡± Ria replied in a low tone. ¡°Okay. So doctor we can leave right?¡± Ian turned to face the doctor. ¡°Yes, she is good to go.¡± Doctor Alisa shook her head. ¡°Thank you, doctor Alisa.¡± Ria thanked her. ¡°You are wee. Take care, Miss Ria.¡± Doctor Alisa smiled at Ian before exiting the room. Ria shook her head and then she heard the door closed. ¡°Ria, are you sure you are okay with the day I fixed? We can move it till next week so you can spend more time with the kids since we will be gone for weeks.¡± Ian¡¯s voice was so calm and sweet. ¡°That day is fine by me¡­¡± Ria paused and arched her eyebrows. ¡°But what do you mean by we?¡± Ian sighed. ¡°We¡­ means that I am going with you to China.¡± Ria scrunched up her face deeply. ¡°You are going to China?¡± She was surprised by the revtion. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But.. but.. why do you have toe with me?¡± She demanded. ¡°I am also going to China because I want to be there with you.¡± Ian was sincere with his response. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go with me. Ma¡¯am Elise can go with me to China.¡± Ria rushed out her words. ¡°I don¡¯t think she is a better option this time. I mean, who will look after the kids if ma¡¯am Elise is to go with you to China?¡± Ian asked. Oh yeah! That¡¯s true. Ria totally forgot the kids would need someone to take care of them while she is away in another continent. ¡°So if you areing along¡­ with me to China.. what about your business?¡± Ria stuttered. ¡°I will run it while in China.¡± Ian answered. ¡°But will that be convenient for you? I don¡¯t want -¡± Ian interrupted her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ria, it is more than convenient for me.¡± Ria continued fiddling her fingers. She wasn¡¯t satisfied with the fact that this man wants to go with her to China. ¡°Mr Ian, why don¡¯t you just help me hire a care worker that will go with me to China? Don¡¯t worry I can afford to pay for her services.¡± Two reason why she doesn¡¯t want Ian to go with her to China. Firstly, he would have to help her out with a lot of things one of which involves holding her around and having a close contact with him. Secondly, she doesn¡¯t want him to leave his work and just go with her to China. It makes her feel like a burden to him as it doesn¡¯t sound good to her. Suddenly Ria felt more pressure on the bed and she knew Ian was close. ¡°You don¡¯t need a care worker Ria. I am enough to be your care worker.¡± Ian was leaning his long hands on the bed. ¡°And you can actually pay me the same amount you want to pay a care worker that¡¯s if you aren¡¯tfortable with me caring for you for free. I will ept the pay.¡± Ian joked but Ria didn¡¯t give any response. Why? She doesn¡¯t know what to say to him! Andughing at the moment wasn¡¯t necessary. She rarely does it anyways. ¡°I¡¯ll be there with you.¡± Ian whispered. Ria¡¯s heartbeat elerated at the sound of his voice this close to her ears. ¡°Why is he saying this now? Who is this guy?! Why won¡¯t he just give up and leave me alone? And why on earth does he want to neglect his duties at work and go with me to China?¡± She pondered. Ria Robert was finding it strange! Really strange! And she knew that her words won¡¯t stop him from changing his mind. ¡°So what do we do about our flight?¡± Ria asked changing the topic. ¡°I will prepare a private jet that will take us to China.¡± Ian leaned up from the bed. ¡°You.. have a private jet?¡± Ria stammered. ¡°My family¡¯s owns four private jets.¡± He answered. Ria shook her head. Ian Bryant must be very rich for him to have a private jet. She thought. ¡°You have a renewed passport?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes. So what about the visas?¡± ¡°I will prepare the necessary things. And I¡¯ll make some important calls to avoid any dy.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise can give you every of my details that you might need from my passport.¡± Ria said after some minutes of silence with Ian just staring down at her. ¡°Alright. All you need to do is just prepare for the trip.¡± Ian let out a handful of breathe. ¡°Okay, mr Ian.¡± Ria shook her head in understanding. ¡°I told you that I am fine with you calling me Ian.¡± He corrected her. ¡°O.. okay.. can we leave now?¡± Ria touched the side of the bed. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian helped Ria with the walk stick. ¡°I will hold your purse and phone too.¡± ¡°No.. you don¡¯t have to.. I can -¡± Ian cuts her off. ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡± Ria didn¡¯t argue with him. She just let him hold the cellphone and purse. ********* Ian Bryant pulled up in front of Ria Robert house. And then again she was already out of the car before Ian came to her side to open the door. ¡°She should have waited.¡± He mumbled to himself but she heard him. ¡°It is my sight that is affected not my hands. Thank you for today, mr Ian.¡± Ria replied. ¡°You are wee.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Ria was almost walking away but Ian stopped her. Iantched out his hand on her arm and immediately a chill went through him and now he was just standing like an idiot. Ria froze in her spot and moved her eyes down to where she had pictured his hand was still pressed against her arm. ¡°I am sorry. Is ma¡¯am Elise home?¡± Ian withdrew quickly. ¡°No., she went to see an old friend.¡± Ria replied. ¡°So.. you will be at home alone?¡± Ian looked at the entrance leading to her house. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Will you be fine alone?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll just do some packing for the trip to China.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Can she actually do that? Like selecting and packing clothes into a box? Well Ian shouldn¡¯t doubt this blinddy since she can use the machine. But still he doesn¡¯t feel toofortable leaving her alone. Ian Bryant¡¯s phone beeped in his pocket. He brought it out and saw his mom as the caller ID. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead now.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± She nodded. ¡°See you in three days time.¡± Ian walked around the car and entered it. He pressed the horn and Ria waved like she could see him. Sting of tears formed at the corners of his eyes immediately as he watched Ria trying to climb up the few steps leading to the porch but he blinked it back. ¡°Soon Ria.¡± He said to himself. Soon, Ria will be able to see! She will see the world! ¡°I will be there. I will be by her side to show her the world.¡± Ian chanted in his mind as he drove out of the driveway. Ria traced her steps to the porch and searched for the keys in her purse. She found it and twisted the knob and walked into the house. Counting few steps in her head and she sat on the couch to rest. And when Ria thought she was going to take a nap Ian Bryant popped up in her mind. A strong desire to know how he looks like surged through her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? I shouldn¡¯t be concerned about how he looks like!¡± She cautioned herself. But Ria has this desire building up within her to know Ian Bryant. The earlier conversation at the hospital upied her mind again. Ian Bryant offered to pay the medical bills without a refund. ¡°Who does that? Or what does that mean? I will surely refund his money as soon as I get the surgery done. If not all but little by little I will be pay so I won¡¯t feel indebted to him.¡± Ria said. Ian Bryant wants to be her care worker and even leave his duties at work and go with her to China. ¡°Is a CEO not meant to be present at the office always? Wait does that mean he is being nice? Or is that how phnthropists behaves towards those they help? Or should I really call this a miracle?¡± Ria thought. The kind Ria hated the most has offered to help her. She let out a huge sigh of frustration and pped her forehead at the thought of having a change of view about men. ¡°Don¡¯t think about that Ria Robert. Don¡¯t keep Ian on your mind. Remember men are not trustworthy. They are horrible. They are cruel. They don¡¯t deserve a ce in my life.¡± Ria Robert chanted in her mind. She turned on her side and soon drifted into sleep. Chapter 28 Ian Bryant鈥檚 Investment CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT THE BRYANT MANSION Ian turned the SUV off the main road onto the private driveway. The driveway in his family home was lined on both sides by red oak trees. He came out of the car and made his way to the main entrance. Mrs Pe Bryant had requested her son¡¯s presence for some important issues. Ian wondered what the issue might be that they can¡¯t talk about it on phone. Ian sniffed. ¡°Wait up, maybe Lorna called already to inform my mom about what happened at the office. I hope they don¡¯t believe that I am also sleeping with Grace.¡± On stepping into the house Ian was met by several gazes. ¡°Family meeting I guess?¡± He mumbled because everyone was present in the big living room. ¡°Son.¡± Mrs Pe met her son halfway and kissed his cheeks. ¡°How are you mom?¡± ¡°I am doing fine.¡± They exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Ma¡¯am, the food is ready.¡± A maid announced with her head bowed slightly. ¡°Oh! We¡¯ll be right there, Lea.¡± Mrs Pe replied with a smile. ¡°Let us all move to the dinning table.¡± She said again and the rest of the family stood up and did their mom instructed. ¡°What¡¯s the emergency?¡± Ian whispered to his mom. Mrs Pe shook her head slowly. ¡°Listen son, whatever we discuss today I want you to know that I will always support you in whatever decision you make. Okay?¡± Ian managed to nod his head even though her sentence didn¡¯t give him the right answer to his question. They all settled at the dinning and waited for the maids to serve the food. Ian sat next to Josie, while Lauren sat next to Piper on the other side that they sat facing themselves and Mr and Mrs Bryant sat at the far ends. They all ate in silence for some minutes until Mr Jack cleared his throat. ¡°Ian.¡± He called. ¡°Yes dad.¡± Ian looked up straight at his father. ¡°What happened between you and Lorna?¡± Mr Jack demanded. ¡°She called you?¡± Ian instinct was right. This meeting was because of Lorna. ¡°No Simmons called me.¡± Mr Jack replied. ¡°Good.¡± Ian dropped his spoon. ¡°Are you truly having an affair with your secretary?¡± Mr Jack asked out of blues. The champagne in Piper mouth sputtered out messing the whole table. ¡°Damn it! I am so sorry.¡± Her eyes widened slightly showing her surprise. Then after Piper settled she began tough. Lauren and Josie stared at Ian in disbelief. The maids came around the table to clean up Piper¡¯s mess. Ian didn¡¯t respond until they were done packing the whole dishes. ¡°Tell us kiddo, is that true? No.. wait.. are you having an affair with your secretary?¡± Piper asked giving Ian a disgusting look. ¡°And do you think I can do that?¡± Ian asked no one in particr. ¡°I know you can¡¯t do such a thing. Sleeping with your employees is not your thing. I told your dad that Lorna was mistaken.¡± Mrs Pe answered. ¡°But he didn¡¯t deny it.¡± Mr Jack said in a deep voice. ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t deny it because I wanted to put Lorna in her ce.¡± Ian countered. ¡°By epting such nonsense!¡± Mr Jack barked. ¡°I know it was wrong but that was the only way. Lorna thinks she is above any orders. Not only that, she came into my office and even beat up my secretary.¡± Ian stated a clear exnation of what happened at office. ¡°Really?! Lorna did all that to Grace?!¡± Mr Jack arched his eyebrows. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian nodded. ¡°But Simmons didn¡¯t mention anything like that to me.¡± Mr Jack cleared his throat. ¡°She pped Grace and threatened some workers when they wanted to save her. Lorna caused such a serious fuss because Grace didn¡¯t let her into my office.¡± Ian frowned. ¡°You gave the order right?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yes mom. I was too busy so I instructed Grace no to let anyone into my office until I am done.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Can you hear that Jack? I told you she must be at fault! Why is it so hard for Lorna to follow simple orders? That girls acts like she runs the world.¡± Mrs Pe hissed out. ¡°Come on kiddo, I feel you should have left the task and attend to your wife to be.¡± Piper teased her brother. ¡°Piper!¡± Mrs Pe screamed at her daughter. ¡°What is it mom? Am I wrong? No I am not wrong! Lorna is Ian¡¯s wife to be so he should have all the time to tend to her.¡± Piper retorted. ¡°Says who? Who told you that I am going to get married to her?¡± Ian groaned. ¡°Are you asking me? Listen kiddo, dad already stamped your marriage to Lorna Simmons. You are getting married to her so stop wasting time and take your bride to the altar.¡± Piperughed. Ian clenched her fist under the table. Piper knows that the only thing that can piss Ian off is teasing him about the arranged marriage with Lorna Simmons. But this time, he won¡¯t let her get away with the teasing game. ¡°You are talking about me getting married, so what about you big sis?¡± Ian snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t turn the table on me.¡± Piper pointed at him. ¡°Won¡¯t you get married? Let us see ording to what I heard, two of your friends got marriedst month but you are almost hitting thirty and you are still home alone.¡± Ian smirked. He knows that Piper hates having marriage discussion with the family. ¡°Well I have a boyfriend.¡± Piper shrugged. ¡°I see. You have a boyfriend and not even a fianc¨¦.¡± Ian managed tough just to hurt her with his words. Piper didn¡¯t say a word. ¡°Well I am not surprised because that¡¯s what you are good at. Having series of boyfriends but failing at bringing in properpany reports.¡± Ian gritted. ¡°Ian.¡± Josie ced her hand on hisps to caution. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Shemanded. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian mumbled. ¡°What¡¯s the score? 1-1 is it? But you are not going to beat me.¡± Piper snorted. Everyone knows Piper derives pleasure in teasing her younger brother. ¡°Piper.¡± Lauren called at her but she didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Listen Ian, at least my current boyfriend is a notable person in the state. I mean, he is better off than a blind one.¡± Piperughed out loud. A wicked one. A blind one? Where did she get that from? ¡°Blind one?¡± Ian repeated. He wondered how Piper found out about the blind one. Ian looked up again and saw no evident of surprise on their faces. They all know about Ria. ¡°So what¡¯s the score now?¡± Piper asked but she got no response from anyone. ¡°Ding! Ding! Ding! I won!¡± Piper tapped the table. ¡°So childish.¡± Lauren rolled her eyes. Piper passed her cellphone to her brother. ¡°Caught in the act.¡± She gave him a wink. Ian saw a picture of he and Ria at the hospital. It was just their back view and from the outfits the pictures was taken two days ago. He swiped and saw four additional pictures. ¡°How long have you been spying on me, Piper?¡± Ian asked. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t spy on you. I just saw you with her. Come on kiddo, don¡¯t give me that look. I should have called you when I saw you at the hospital with the blinddy but I did ¡®t want to disturb your sweet moment with her so I just took pictures instead.¡± Piper recounted. ¡°Who is she son?¡± Mrs Pe asked. She expected that if her son was seeing anyone he would tell her about it even before anyone in the family finds out about it. Ian pondered on what he should say to them? How would he exin things now? In a way that they would all understand him. He didn¡¯t think that they would find out about Ria this soon. ¡°Remember what I told you son.¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°Her name is Ria.¡± Ian said in a low tone. ¡°And she is blind?¡± Josie asked. Ian gave a short nod. ¡°So what were you doing with a blinddy at Ainsley hospital?¡± Mr Jack demanded. Ian hated the look on his father¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t know what to say but he managed to spill out a sentence. ¡°She is my new investment.¡± Piper pped her hands but was soon silenced by a re from her mother. ¡°What do you mean son?¡± Ian cleared his throat. ¡°I.. I want to partner with Ria.¡± ¡°Partner?¡± They gasped out with confused looks on their face. ¡°You want to partner with a blinddy?¡± Mr Jack asked with a deep frown on his face. ¡°Yes. Listen, Ria is not just a blinddy.¡± Ian muttered. ¡°Then what is she?¡± ¡°Who is she?¡± ¡°How on earth did you meet a blinddy?¡± These are the handful of questions he got from his family. ¡°Ria is a seamstress.¡± Ian said. ¡°What?!¡± ¡°How is that even possible?¡± Josie raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°Wait up Ian, is she the same seamstress that made Cassidy¡¯s dress?¡± Lauren asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian sighed. He was d that he had at least mentioned Ria to someone in the family. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Lauren gasped in shock. Ian had sent Cassidy to Lauren¡¯s ce when she insisted that she wanted to make a dress for Cassidy too. Ian instructed Cassidy to go with the dress Ria made for her to convince Lauren that the seamstress was good. Although leaving the details that Ria was blind because Ian knew Lauren might not want to make that dress from her. Fortunately, Lauren had liked the dress Ria made and even promised to make one for her child Mia. That was Ian¡¯s main n even before ma¡¯am Elise helped out by cooperating with him. ¡°Just a seamstress.¡± Mr Jack chuckled. ¡°Listen dad, Ria is not just a blinddy but she makes dresses.¡± Ian pointed out. He was trying to create a good impression of Ria to his family. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t partner with irrelevant people.¡± Mr Jack spat. Anger wailed up within Ian and he stood up from the chair. He can¡¯t sit back and watch his father talk down about Ria. Ian saw no point in telling his father anything about Ria or even his mapped out ns for her since he regarded her as a nobody because she is blind. ¡°I am out of here.¡± Ria is an extraordinary being that he would like to bet his life on and also do all it takes to make things work out for her. ¡°Son.¡± Mrs Pe called out to him. Ian stopped beside his father¡¯s chair on his way out. ¡°Ria is relevant. I¡¯ll prove it to you.¡± His voice was stern. ¡°Son.¡± Mrs Pe called. ¡°Ria is relevant.¡± Ian chanted in his mind as he walked away and out of the house to the driveway. Mrs Pe followed her son immediately. ¡°Ian!¡± He was almost at the car when he saw his moming after him. ¡°Ian.. wait up!¡± Ian stopped and waited for her to meet up with him. ¡°Mom, I am not changing about Ria.¡± Mrs Pe heaved a sigh. ¡°Yes. Yes. Yes I know. Look son, I am not here to change your mind. So let us talk.¡± They entered the car and settled in it. Ian waited for his mom to start the conversation but she didn¡¯t say anything for a few seconds. ¡°Tell me about thisdy named Ria. Ian, I know you never go after something that is irrelevant. You have partnered with great people, ones with good dreams, those who believe in hard work and that has made you a good CEO.¡± Mrs Pe locked hands with her son as she waited for him to say something. ¡°I want to know about this blinddy too.¡± She added. Ian sighed before telling his mom about Ria, her damaged sight and their ns to travel to China for the surgery. Mrs Pe listened without any interruptions and that¡¯s the more reason why Ian loves his mom. She has always been there to support and listen to him even if the whole world is against him. ¡°I should have told you about it but I didn¡¯t know how you would feel about it.¡± Ian ended the story of the blinddy. ¡°I understand.¡± Mrs Pe wasn¡¯t mad at her son for nning to leave the country without informing her.. ¡°So, the medical bills has been settled right?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yes mom. I already called my bank manager to get the transaction done but-¡± Ian stopped. ¡°But what?¡± ¡°Ria wants to refund all the money I will spend on the trip to China.¡± Ianpleted his intended statement. ¡°Why?¡± Mrs Pe furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Mom, I am not sure about the reason.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°Then let her refund it if she wants to do it.¡± Mrs Pe shrugged. ¡°No, it is a whole lot of money.¡± Ian countered. ¡°I know. Listen Ian, some people don¡¯t like to be indebted to others. So you have to do what she want.¡± Mrs Pe¡¯s voice was so calm. ¡°I don¡¯t want her to refund it.¡± Ian said. ¡°Then do something about it. Come up with a n that she won¡¯t be able to reject it.¡± Mrs Pe suggested. ¡°Yeah. You are right mom.¡± Ian shook his head. ¡°So what about partnering with Ria?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Nothing much. I haven¡¯te up with the best idea. Just a vision of erging her sewing business once she regains her sight.¡± Ian answered. ¡°And you think Ria will allow you do that for her?¡± Mrs Pe gave his hand a small squeeze. ¡°Actually she won¡¯t allow it. So I will create a contract of partnering with her. I¡¯ll get the necessary things for the sewing business and we strike a deal afterwards. The textilepany can always supply her with quality materials. Does that sound like partnership?¡± Ian thought he was bbing. ¡°Yes, it is a good idea. I am sure with the contract Ria won¡¯t be able to turn you down.¡± Mrs Pe smiled heartily. ¡°Well I hope so.¡± Ian mumbled. ¡°Oh Ian, tell me the truth. Is this whole thing just about partnership and investing in her business or you feel something for her?¡± Mrs Pe winked. ¡°Oh mom! There you go again.¡± ¡°Always.¡± They chuckled. ¡°You know mom, the same thought has been going through my mind since the time I left the park¡­¡± Ian stopped to reminisce about that day. ¡°So you like her?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yes mom. No! Please don¡¯t get me wrong. I am not doing all these things to win her heart. I just want to help her.. sincerely.¡± Ian rushed out his words.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Mrs Pe sighed. ¡°What about Lorna?¡± Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t love her mom. I never even liked her in such a way that makes my heart beat so fast. We are just friends and I told Lorna about it on her 18th birthday that nothing can work between us.¡± ¡°I knew it. Look, you don¡¯t have to worry about Lorna or your dad anymore. I will make sure that he doesn¡¯t pressure you about getting married to Lorna.¡± She assured her son with a smile. ¡°You will do that for me?¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°Of course! Now that I know you love someone!¡± Mrs Pe enthused. Ian hugged his mom immediately. ¡°Thank you, mom! You are the best!¡± He kissed her forehead before letting her go. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will help at thepany while you are in China. I will visit the office from time to time and make sure that the necessary files are sent to your system.¡± Mrs Pe kissed the back of their locked hands again. ¡°Thank you, mom.¡± Ian smiled. ¡°Anything for you. And have fun with your new investment.¡± Mrs Pe winked and Ian giggled like a child. Chapter 29 Drive to the airport CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA THREE DAYS LATER: AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ian got out of the car and came up to Ria¡¯s front door. They both agreed that Ian woulde and pick her up to the airport instead of her taking a taxi together with the kids. With Ian Bryant¡¯s connections in the country, he was able to get their visas ready and prepare the necessary documents they would need for the trip. Ian had felt that Ria won¡¯t befortable with men around if they took amercial ne that was why he opted in for his private jet since it would just be few of them on board. He pressed the doorbell and the door opened. Ma¡¯am Elise met him with a bright smile. ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± He greeted. ¡°Good afternoon, mr Ian. I hope¡­¡± Ma¡¯am Elise paused while her eyes did a slow crawl all over him. ¡°You look good.¡± Sheplimented. Ian just simply smiled in return. He was dressed in a simple blue jeans and a fitting ck top that showed off his muscr chest and strong arms although they are not as big as that of a weight lifter. ¡°Is Ria ready?¡± Ian asked. He got no response because ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s thoughts was somewhere else. Ian followed her gaze which was on the Limousine that brought him to Ria¡¯s ce. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise-¡± She jolted out of thought. ¡°Oh yes! Sorry.. you were saying?¡± ¡°Is Ria ready for the trip?¡± He asked again. ¡°Oh! Of course! She is fully ready to go to China with you!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed with a wide grin on her face. ¡°Mr Ian!¡± The door opened wide. Phoenix threw his arms around his waist and Ian carried him up in his arms giving the little boy a high five. Ma¡¯am Elise was surprised by Phoenix act towards the wealthy chief executive officer. When did they get so close? ¡°How are you doing, little man?¡± Ian smiled. ¡°I am fine, Mr Ian.¡± Phoenix replied. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I can¡¯t find my purse!¡± Ian¡¯s heartbeat elerated when he heard Ria¡¯s voice from inside the apartment. ¡°I aming, miss Ria! Please excuse me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise went back inside leaving Ian with Phoenix. Ian didn¡¯t know what to do at first. He pondered of he should go into the house to see Ria? ¡°No! It is not right! No one invited me in. Let me just wait for her toe outside.¡± He concluded within. ¡°Mom said that she is going to China with you.¡± Phoenix said. ¡°Yes little man.¡± ¡°I am going to miss her.¡± Phoenix had a sober look on his face. ¡°Eight weeks seems like eight years to me.¡± The little boy counted his little fingers. Then Ian dropped him and crouched down to his size. ¡°Do you know the reason why your mom is leaving for China?¡± Phoenix shook his head. ¡°Yes, she is leaving to undergo a surgery in China.¡± He answered. ¡°What surgery?¡± Ian asked. ¡°An eye surgery so she can be able to see the world like us.¡± Phoenix pouted. ¡°Good boy. So don¡¯t be sad that your mom will be gone for weeks but start thinking of how beautiful your mom will look if she could see the world like us.¡± Ian pinched his cheeks. ¡°Yeah! Mr Ian, you are right! My mom would be so pretty if she can see the world!¡± Phoenix shed him a cute smile. ¡°Can you pray, Phoenix?¡± ¡°Yes, I can pray.¡± Phoenix responded. ¡°So pray for the sess of your mom¡¯s surgery okay?¡± Phoenix shook his head in understanding. ¡°I will do just that Mr Ian! And thank you for helping my mom!¡± ¡°My pleasure.¡± Ian roughen the little boy¡¯s hair. Phoenix is a smart and cute kid. Ian stood up only to find Ria at the entrance. He didn¡¯t even notice anyone was there while he was talking to the little boy. ¡°Hi Ria.¡± Ian greeted. ¡°Good morning. I didn¡¯t want to disturb your moment with him.¡± Ria said perfunctorily. Ian¡¯s eyes did a slow crawl from her face to her feet then back to her face. Ria looked wonderful in a pair of fitting blue jeans and a ck top. Is this some kind of coincidence? Ian is on a blue jeans and a ck top and Ria is wearing the same. Ma¡¯am Elise slid a big box out of the house while Phoebe carried another smaller one. ¡°Good day, Mr Ian.¡± Phoebe smiled broadly. ¡°Hello Phoebe.¡± Ian waved. ¡°Now Mr Ian, miss Ria is ready to leave for China.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian collected the big box from ma¡¯am Elise and he pulled it down the small stairs. The Limousine driver was already out of the car to take the boxes to the Limo booth. Ma¡¯am Elise led Ria down from the porch to the car while Phoenix held on to her other hand. Soon Ria stopped and crouched down to his size after tracing his face with her fingers. ¡°Phoebe.¡± Ria called and Phoebe stood beside her brother. ¡°I am leaving now. Remember what I told youst night.¡± Ria held onto their hands. ¡°Yes mom.¡± They chorused. ¡°Eight weeks isn¡¯t a lifetime okay?¡± They nodded. ¡°And I will be back before you know it.¡± She kissed their locked hands. ¡°Take care mom.¡± ¡°Be good mom.¡± Phoebe and Phoenix hugged Ria respectively as she nted kisses on their foreheads. Ria straightened and ma¡¯am Elise stepped right in front of her. She smoothed some strands of hair from Ria¡¯s face. ¡°I know you will be fine. You areing back to see us with those beautiful eyes.¡± Tears sting in ma¡¯am Elise eyes. Ria nodded slowly. ¡°Please take care of Phoebe and Phoenix.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise embraced her. ¡°Please take good care of yourself too.¡± Ria withdrew from the embrace. The rear door had been left open so Ian helped Ria sit inside one of the two tows of seats facing each other and then be used the seatbelt to secure Ria before doing his own in the expensive Limo. ¡°All set?¡± Ben the limo driver asked. ¡°All set.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Bye mom.¡± The children waved and Ria raised her hand up to do the same gesture. ¡°Take care miss Ria¡­ and have a safe trip!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said shakily as she wiped her bleary eyes. Ben closed the door. Ian pushed a button and out came a fully equipped bar. ¡°Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee? Soda? Or-¡± Ria interrupted him. ¡°I am fine. Thank you.¡± Another push of the button and the bar disappeared just as the engine purred to life and the limo moved away from the driveway. The car seemed to glide into motion and it was as if they were floating.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Ian was wondering what to talk about when Ria said. ¡°How far is the drive to the airport?¡± ¡°It won¡¯t take long. We should get there in twenty five minutes.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria mumbled and theypsed into silence. Chapter 30 Feeling safe with Ian Bryant CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Too long. Twenty five minutes alone with Ian Bryant was a long time to Ria. But soon as Ria was thinking about it she realized that she was going to spend the entire eight weeks and one on one with Ian Bryant. Ria let out a low breathe as she sensed a pair of eyes studying her. She pondered on what to talk about just to distract him. ¡°This long drive and us being alone together will give us a chance to get to know a little about each other.¡± Ian said as if he was reading her mind. Ria wasn¡¯t happy about any reference to the intimacy they share now. Ria doesn¡¯t want to be close to Ian. But at the same time she tried not to show it so he won¡¯t feel like she doesn¡¯t appreciate the fact that he is helping her. ¡°Ria, can you hear me?¡± Ian asked when she didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Oh yes.. Mr Ian.. sorry, I was just thinking about ma¡¯am Elise and the kids.¡± Ria pretended as if she was lost in thought. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will be fine.¡± Ian said. ¡°Yeah I know.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°I suggested that we should get to know each other.¡± Ian repeated. Ria nodded shortly without an interest in the suggestion. ¡°So I will start by telling you about myself.¡± Ian added while Ria just sat there and fiddled with the fingers on herps. ¡°Ian Bryant. Twenty four years old. I am the fourth child out of four and also the only son to Mr Jack and Mrs Pe Bryant.¡± Ian stopped and waited for Ria to talk but she didn¡¯t say a word. Why? Ria is uninterested in the conversation. She feels that she shouldn¡¯t be doing this with him. She shouldn¡¯t get to know him other than the fact that he offered to help her and she wants to payback. ¡°I don¡¯t like the fact that I am thest child and only boy. It is so annoying.¡± Ian said childishly. ¡°I wish I was the eldest child. Everyone in my family still thinks I am a kid.. especially Piper.¡± Ian spat. He sounded so different while grumbling about what his family thinks of him. ¡°Piper?¡± Ria repeated. She didn¡¯t know when that word came out from her mouth. ¡°Yes, Piper is my sister and she is quite older than me. We do fight each other.. always.¡± Ian paused to study her expression. A frown creased her forehead. ¡°What about you, Ria? Do you have any sibling?¡± He asked. Well Ria wished that she had one. ¡°Ria Robert. Twenty two years old. The only child to my-¡± Ria stopped. What if Ian insist on knowing more about her family then that would lead her to tell him about her parents and probably everything that has happened in her life. ¡°The only child to what?¡± Ian waited for thepletion of her sentence. ¡°My deceased parents.¡± Ria muttered. ¡°I am so sorry about the loss of your parents.¡± Ian said in an apologetic tone Ria nodded deciding that it was better to just cut him off by changing the topic. ¡°Mr Ian, are we leaving as soon as we get to the airport?¡± She requested. ¡°Yes, the jet is waiting at the airport.¡± Ian nced down at his watch. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°So I spoke with Doctor Lui this morning. We are meeting him by 9:00 a. m tomorrow.¡± Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Well can¡¯t we meet him as soon as we arrive in China?¡± Ian took out his cellphone when it chimed. ¡°No, you have to rest when we get to China because of the stress on board.¡± He answered. ¡°So how long is the flight from United state to China?¡± Every question Ria was asking was to distract him from getting to know her. Ian ignored the call from his mom because he didn¡¯t want to end the conversation with Ria. ¡°It should be about thirteen hours and fifteen minutes since we won¡¯t be having any stop over. But sixteen hours fastest one stop flight between United State to China. And some could take as long as thirty two hours based on the stopover destination and waiting duration for nes mostly.¡± He answered. ¡°Thirty two hours.. that¡¯s long. I think the private jet is better.¡± Ria uttered. ¡°Yes, it is better.¡± His cellphone beeped again. ¡°You should pick up your call.¡± Ria said. Saved by the cellphone because she doesn¡¯t have to talk to him anymore. Ian picked the call. ¡°Hello mom.¡± He said. ¡°His mom is calling? Wait, is she aware of my presence in his life?¡± Ria mused. ¡°How are you son?¡± Mrs Pe Bryant asked. Ria could hear their conversation because the phone was on speaker. ¡°I am fine.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Is Ria there with you?¡± Mrs Pe blurted out. Even Ian wasn¡¯t expecting that his mom would ask of Ria out of the blues. ¡°Me?! His mom knows me?¡± Ria arched her eyebrows. ¡°Yes mom, we are on our way to the airport. We¡¯ll be there soon.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Alright. Everything is ready. I booked a suite for you guys in China. It isfortable and you can also work from there.¡± Mrs Pe informed her son about the ns she has made for them. ¡°Thanks mom.¡± Ian¡¯s face beamed at the thought of having one person who supported his n to help Ria. ¡°Perhaps can I say hi to Ria?¡± Mrs Pe requested. ¡°What?! She want to talk to me?!¡± Ria said within. Ian was silent. He looked straight at Ria thinking of what to say to her. He was starting to regret not turning off the speaker. ¡°Ian, are you still there?¡± Mrs Pe Bryant asked. ¡°Ria, will you say hi to my mom?¡± Ian asked in a tight whisper. Ria nodded slowly. Ian leaned closer to ce the phone on her ear and she held it in ce. ¡°Hello Ma¡¯am.¡± ¡°Is that you, Ria?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± Ria mumbled.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°I am Pe Bryant.. Ian¡¯s mom.¡± The olddy sounded happy over the phone. ¡°It is nice to hear¡­ from.. you.. ma¡¯am.¡± Ria replied shakily. ¡°My son said a lot of things about you and I am so d that-¡± Ian cleared his throat to caution his mom from saying too much. ¡°What does that mean? What did he tell his mom about me?¡± Ria wondered. ¡°Ria, I want to wish you a safe trip and a sessful surgery.¡± Mrs Pe got the sign from her son. ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± Ria handed the phone back to him. ¡°Mom, I will call you as soon as we arrive in China.¡± Ian turned off the speaker immediately. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll send you the address to the suite. Take care son.¡± Ian hang up the call. ¡°I am sorry about my mom¡­ she just wanted to be sure.. if I was going to China.¡± It doesn¡¯t make any sense but he spilled it anyways. ¡°It is okay. I understand.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ian breathed out heavily. Although Ria knew she should be the one saying thank you to him. The rest of the drive to the airport was in absolute silence and Ria liked it that way. ********* SOME MINUTES LATER ¡°We are at the airport Ria.¡± Ian announced when the car pulled to a stop. ¡°I need to get some things done. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He added. Ria doesn¡¯t know what he meant by that but she couldn¡¯t feel his presence in the car anymore. ¡°Good afternoon, sir Ian.¡± Someone greeted and they exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Is everything ready?¡± Ian asked to check if it was fine to leave. ¡°Yes, we have done the necessary things. You can leave now.¡± The masculine voice replied. ¡°Thank you, Hakeem.¡± Ian thanked the man. ¡°Ria, we can leave now. Our documents has been signed and everything is ready.¡± Ria heard his voice in the car. ¡°Okay.¡± She whispered. ¡°Let me help you out of the car.¡± Ian unbelt Ria, held her hands and helped her out of the car. ¡°Careful.¡± He cautioned her. ¡°This way, sir.¡± Another feminine voice said. ¡°Thank you, Arabe. Ria the jet is over there.¡± Ian announced just to let her know that they still have more steps to walk. ¡°Okay.¡± At that point, Ria tried to push away the thoughts on her mind. It was about Ian Bryant. He has a way of holding her. A way no has ever held her. She shouldn¡¯t be thinking like this but these thoughts won¡¯t go away. What has he done to her to make her have these kind of thoughts in her head? ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ian asked in a soft tone. ¡°Yes, I am fine.¡± ¡°Just a little more. We are almost there.¡± They walked few steps and stopped. Ria wanted to ask him if they were close but Ian spoke up. ¡°Ria, just lift your leg.¡± Ria did and he ced it on a metal which was the stairs to the jet. ¡°Gently.. another step.¡± Ria followed Ian¡¯s instructions with his hand tightly around her waist to guide her. Ria would take it that she didn¡¯t have any other choice. But something was strange! Ria didn¡¯t tremble at his touch. It was as if she could feel the power in his arms. His touch was leashed into a gentleness that made her feel safe. What?! Ria was starting to feel safe in a man¡¯s arms now?! No it can¡¯t be true! She tried to discard the thoughts of feeing safe with Ian Bryant. Soon they settled in the jet. Ian sat close to Ria as the pilot gave out safety instructions. ¡°Ria, are you okay?¡± Ian questioned. Ria already lost count of how many times he has asked her this same question. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria hummed a response. The pilot made an announcement again and the jet moved and soon they were flying in air. Chapter 31 His gentle touch BEIJING, CHINA They arrived at Beijing airport around two in the midnight. Ria was fast asleep beside Ian but he managed to carry her out of the jet into the Benz that was already waiting to take them to the suite.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ria¡¯s eyes re opened when she was ced in the car. ¡°We are in China.¡± Ian said. She looked around but was weed by darkness and she rxed back in the seat. Ian brushed strands of hair from her face before settling down beside her. ¡°We are heading to the suite.¡± He said again in a low tone. Ria muttered. ¡°Okay.¡± And Ian repositioned her head to rest on his chest. ¡°Go back to sleep.¡± Ian whispered and Ria drifted into sleep. They reached the suite after about forty minutes drive from the airport. The car pulled up and moved towards the lobby of the parking lot. A man dressed in ck suit opened the car while another man dressed the same way went to the booth to bring out the boxes. Ian Bryant stepped out of the car and went round the car to Ria¡¯s side. ¡°Are we there?¡± She asked sleepily. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian answered. Ria slowly made her way out of the car but soon staggered. So Ian slipped his arms beneath her kneels and carried her in a bridal style. Ria tried to rx as her blind eyes stared at the man who was so gentle with her. Sleep was still evident in her eyes. ¡°You can sleep. I will put you in bed.¡± Ian whispered. Ria¡¯s hands went around his neck when he adjusted her in his arms. Ian let out a huge sigh of relief when she didn¡¯t argue. Then Ria fell back asleep as Ian made his way to the elevator. The man who introduced himself as Tom opened the suite and handed him a card. Ian thanked him and went straight to Ria¡¯s room. He ced her in bed and covered her body with the thick covers. Ian stood straight and motioned out of her room to his own bedroom. He took a quick shower and settled to call his mom first before doing some work on the system. ******* ¡°Ria?¡± A voice called out to her. Ria stood up abruptly to search for the voice. ¡°Ria!¡± She heard the voice again. It was hard and rough on her right side. So she turned towards the right side. ¡°Who are you?! Show yourself!¡± Ria yelled but then she realized that everywhere was dark. Ria couldn¡¯t see because she was blind. ¡°It is me!¡± The voice snarled. Ria recognized the masculine voice that just snarled into her head and fear gripped her immediately. ¡°Lucas?¡± She mumbled. Lucas! Lucas was there! Ria couldn¡¯t see him but she heard his voice. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± Lucas yelled. Ria sensed mixed emotions in his voice. Hurt, Anger, Betrayal-She sensed his shadow close to her and fear began to control her. The palm of her hands and forehead became sweaty and her heart beating rapidly. ¡°Ria! Answer me!¡± Lucas grabbed her shoulder and pushed her to the hard floor. ¡°Lucas.¡± Then it stopped and Ria didn¡¯t hear his voice for a while. ¡°I am here for you my little angel.¡± Lucas said again and this time his voice was calm. Ria backed away afraid that he might hurt her again. ¡°You can¡¯t even see a shit. So why do you think you can run to baby doll?¡± Lucasughed wickedly as he grabbed Ria¡¯s wrist and threw her on the bed. Ria knew she had no escape route from his grip. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this to me again, Lucas!¡± She pleaded as tears fell from her eyes. Lucas pped Ria and ordered her to stay quiet. She heardughter in the air like people were watching them and sob escaped her mouth. His hands now trying to pull at her skirt but she pped his hands away. Ria felt a hard blow on her face. ¡°After all I did for you! Now you want to repay me by running away from me!¡± Lucas hit her again and she tasted blood in her mouth. ¡°No.. no.. I.. didn¡¯t do it Lucas¡­ I swear.. he tried to -¡± Ria¡¯s voice trailed off and she cried like a baby. Lucas torn her skirt off. ¡°Lucas.. please.. don¡¯t..¡± No not again! Ria began to panic as the voices in her head pleaded with Lucas to listen to her. ¡°I will teach you a great lesson today. I¡¯ll prove to you that it is only me, just Lucas can satisfy you!¡± He snarled. The blow hit Ria again and this time it was hard with force that she went limp immediately. Ria lost herst strength to fight him. ¡°Please.¡± Ria said weakly but Lucas got what he wanted. He had his way with her again. ¡°Ria?¡± She felt someone shaking her up again. ¡°Ria! Ria! Can you hear me? Ria!¡± The same voice called out to her again. Ria jolt up and saw nothing. Of course! Ria is blind so she can¡¯t see anything but darkness! ¡°Ria.¡± A soft voice whispered beside Ria making her jump abruptly. Ria screamed at the top of her voice even as she curled up to one side of the bed. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! Don¡¯t touch me! Don¡¯t touch me!¡± She was trying to stop whoever might try to hurt her again. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Ria.. stop screaming.¡± ¡°No.. no.. please don¡¯t do this to me. I swear.. I didn¡¯t do it.¡± Ria repeated the same words she had said to Lucas over and over again. ¡°Hey Ria.. Hey it is me.. Ian. Calm down, it is me. Ian Bryant.¡± He said. Ria stopped screaming. ¡°Ian? Where am I? Why are you here with me? Don¡¯t..¡± Her voice broke off. ¡°You are having a nightmare.¡± Ian said sounding like he was asking her a question. Ria just had a nightmare about Lucas and it had taken the best part of her. That was what happened the day Speedy used Ria of trying to seduce him just to defend himself. Lucas found out that his right hand man tried to have his way with the sex pet but speedy managed to frame things up in his favor. And that day, Ria pleaded with Lucas to listen to her but he never listened. He trusted speedy more than he trust Ria. Lucas sexually vited Ria that day with some of his men around to watch them. His insane n was to prove to his men that he owned Ria and he could satisfy her only. And that seemed to be thest day he ever touched Ria. But the next day, two of his men came in and did the same to her on his orders. Lucas said he was the only one that owned Ria but he still shared her with his men. He never cared to ask if Ria really tried to seduce Speedy but all he wanted was to have his way and he did. During her stay in Lucas¡¯s den, Ria took it all. The ps, beatings, tortures, blows that had destroyed every good part of her just because she couldn¡¯t do anything to stop it. And that was thest day any man ever touched her. Ria has tried to stop every images that has formed in her head from that incident. ¡°Ria.¡± Ian tried to touch her but he held back knowing that she might attack him at that moment. More tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°Why.. are.. you.. here?¡± Her heartbeat elerated. ¡°Ria, you were screaming just now.¡± He said softly. Ria sniffed. ¡°You won¡¯t hurt.. me right? You won¡¯t torture me.. right?¡± Her voice pleaded with him. Ian was confused by her words. ¡°Rx.. I won¡¯t hurt you.¡± He mumbled. Ria felt her skin make contact with something warm and soft. Ian already reached out to hold her hands. ¡°I am here with you. It is just a nightmare.¡± He was trying to be careful. ¡°It was.. a nightmare. I was just¡­¡± Ria¡¯s voice trailed off. The nightmare shredding thest piece of her heart which she had managed to put together all these years. Tears dropping down her cheeks. This is too much for her to bear. Those horrible moments in Lucas¡¯s den came as a nightmare to haunts her like she had done something wrong! All of a sudden a loud sob erupted from her throat. ¡°Ria.¡± Ian came closer to her. ¡°It is okay. It is just a nightmare.. nothing more than that okay?¡± Ria wished these images were just nightmares that never happened. She always wished that her life didn¡¯t turn out this way. But it is anyways and she already learnt to ept that fact which destroyed every of her being and now bringing back memories she wants to forget! ¡°I want to forget everything!¡± Ria tried to push him away but Ian held on to her. ¡°You will be fine.¡± Ian shushed her, rocking her back and forth. He rested her head on his chest and Ria sobbed. ¡°God.. just stop this torture and make me forget everything!¡± Ria prayed silently. ¡°Sh.. ah.. that¡¯s okay.. I am here for you, Ria.¡± She felt his head resting on the top of her head but she didn¡¯t care at that moment. Ria was in his embrace and her body didn¡¯t tremble again. The thought hit Ria immediately, she was feeling safe and protected in his arms. ¡°Everything will be okay.¡± Ian mumbled. Ria sniffed when the realization hit her that her body might seem to agree with Ian¡¯s touch. And one thing she wanted at this point was for him to be with her until she falls back asleep. ¡°Go back to sleep.¡± Ian was on his way to get water in the kitchen when he stopped at Ria¡¯s bedroom entrance. He had wondered if she was still asleep? He wanted to know but at the same time he didn¡¯t want to just go in and check on her. So Ian knocked at first but got no response. Second and third knock and still no one responded. Maybe she was asleep. He concluded. Ian was about leaving when something stopped him and he was tempted to just go in and check. He opened the door slowly and popped his head in to check. Ria shook her head from side to side muttering words he couldn¡¯t make sense of. Then he realized that she was having a nightmare and needed someone to get her out of it. He called at her and she jolted up with a scream. Although Ian doesn¡¯t understand everything she had said but he was already here tofort her. That sounds good enough. Ianforting Ria without her pushing him away makes him happy. Ian nced down at Ria who was now asleep in her arms. Whatever nightmare she was having, it must be worst to her. He brushed off strands of her from her face afterying her gently on the bed. He watched her for some minutes with their hands locked until his eyes became heavy with sleep. And then Ian admitted that Ria Robert still looked so beautiful even while sleeping. Chapter 32 Facial recognition BEIJING, CHINA AT THE SUITE The beeping sound of the rm next to the bed woke Ian up. He groaned and rolled over the bed. Ian felt like he had only slept for one hour as he blinked rapidly and rubbed his eyes. Of course Ian had stayed up all nightforting Ria from a bad dream. Yet another groan escaped Ian¡¯s throat as he made his way to the bathroom for a shower. After putting on his clothes, he motioned out of the room but stopped at Ria¡¯s bedroom door. Ian wanted to go in but he decided against it. She should get enough rest before they both leave for the eye center. As Ian walked into the kitchen he saw Ria sitting at the table doing nothing. He looked at her with weird expression, thinking how on earth did she find her way to the kitchen since they only came inst night and he hasn¡¯t even showed her around. ¡°Mr Ian, is that you?¡± Ria asked.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Yes. Good morning.¡± His eyes scanned the area. ¡°Good morning. Someone came in not to long to check on us so she helped me into the kitchen.¡± Ria exined. Thedy is the care worker Mrs Pe Bryant had hired for Ria just to always help in changing her clothes and other personal things that Ian can¡¯t do for Ria. ¡°Okay. So did she prepare anything for you?¡± Ian asked her. ¡°No, I wanted coffee but I didn¡¯t want to disturb her so I -¡± Ria¡¯s voice trailed off and she cleared her throat. ¡°So have you had coffee?¡± He moved closer to her. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t see anything around here and I couldn¡¯t ask thedy earlier.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll ce an order for it.¡± Ian made an attempted to walk away. ¡°No¡­ no it is fine. I don¡¯t need the coffee anymore.¡± Ria stopped him. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ian stopped on track and turned to face her. ¡°Yes. I drank water.¡± Ria nodded her head as she stood up from the stool. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Very close to you.¡± Ian walked towards her. Ria¡¯s hands was on the countertop to help her know where she should walk and soon she stopped right in front of him. ¡°Thank you forst night.¡± She ced her hand on top of his hand identally. Is she really doing this now? Ian thought. ¡°How do you look like?¡± Ria asked unexpectedly. Ian stayed quiet with shock evident on his expression. ¡°You want to know?¡± He spoke up after some seconds of silence. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°But you can¡¯t see me.¡± Ian said. ¡°You are right. I can¡¯t see you but I can touch and feel things.¡± Ria replied. Ian studied her expression and for the first time since he met this blinddy, she seemed interested in having a conversation with him. ¡°Will you let me?¡± Ria said, asking Ian whether he should let her know and feel how he looks like. ¡°Sure.¡± Ian replied. All of a sudden, Ian jumped a little when Ria¡¯s hand reached out to his face. Ria began to travel her hand all round his face from his right cheek to the forehead then to the left cheeks and finally to his nose. ¡°You have a nice nose, Mr Ian.¡± Ria said before pulling her hands down. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ian chuckled a bit. ¡°I have the same nose as my mom.¡± These words made him sound like an idiot. Ria held his hands and then continued ¡°Sorry.. I just want to know how you look like before the surgery.¡± She added. ¡°Is this how blind people learn how to figure how people look like?¡± Ian asked. Ria touched his chest but she withdrew quickly ¡°Yes.. it is much more easier than using the eyes. There are so many short cuts for the disabled.¡± She answered. ¡°And will you be able to recognize me after the surgery?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Definitely.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°You really don¡¯t act like you are blind.¡± Ian blurted out. Ria stood there without saying anything but Ian noticed the change of expression on her face. ¡°I am sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said that to you.¡± He apologized. ¡°No, it is fine, Mr Ian.¡± Ria swallowed hard. ¡°Just call me Ian.¡± He replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria forced a faint smile. ¡°We are meeting doctor Lui by nine so the driver should be here anytime soon.¡± Ian announced. ¡°Okay. l will just change my clothes into a better one.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Let me help you to your room.¡± Ian offered ¡°No.. no you don¡¯t have to bother yourself. Thedy already helped me count the steps and I know it.¡± Ria declined. Ian knew she was drawing the lines between them again. Ria walked away but almost stumbled at the door. Ian followed her quickly and slipped his arms beneath her kneels and carried her. Damn the lines she was trying to draw between them! ¡°Ria, it is easier this way. Always give me the chance to help anytime I want make the offer. Please.¡± Ian said in a tight whisper. Ria wasn¡¯t sure if she should have done what she did with Ian in the kitchen. ¡°What is happening to me?¡± Ria thought. She was not getting this drama that was unfolding! Her mind shed back to yesterday night. Ian was in her room, he helped andforted her. She felt safe and protected in his arms. Even now that he was carrying her to the room. Everything Ian Bryant did and has ever done actually prompted Ria to want to know what he looks like for her to be able to recognize him after the surgery although his voice was already registered in her head . Ria wasn¡¯t mad when he said she doesn¡¯t act like a blinddy but she was unhappy with the tone he said it. Ria never wanted to be like this, getting sympathy and pity from people because she is disabled. Ian ced Ria¡¯s feet gently on the floor when they got to the room. He noticed the neatly arranged clothes on the bed. The care worker must have helped Ria pick a dress from her box. ¡°I will be waiting outside to take you to thest floor so just call me whenever you are done.¡± Ria shook her head in understanding. ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± ¡°You are wee. Just call my name.¡± Ian turned away towards the door. And Ria didn¡¯t move from that spot until she heard the door clicked. Chapter 33 Stem Cell Therapy BEIJING, CHINA BEIKE EYE CENTRE A nurse Ian met at the reception led them to an office. An aged man with a sses on sat at the desk and he stood up immediately they walked into the office. ¡°Mr Ian Bryant, I guess.¡± The aged man stretched out his hand for an hand shake. Ian nodded his head to confirm his words. ¡°Doctor Lui.¡± The aged man said again. ¡°It is nice to meet you and this is Ria Robert.¡± Ian introduced then Ria also shook hands with the aged man too. ¡°It is good to have you at this eye centre. Please take a seat.¡± Doctor Lui gestured to the chairs facing him directly. Ian helped Ria settle on the chair. ¡°I spoke with Doctor Alisast night. She already exined Miss Ria¡¯s case to me and I have looked into her results which Doctor Hawn mailed to me days ago.¡± He paused and clicked on his system. ¡°Stem cell therapy is the new treatment in China to cure certain types of blindness. This therapy is more like a breakthrough to a vision. It is also a recovery treatment for different types and stages of visual function impairments. In miss Ria¡¯s case, undergoing pioneering stem cell treatment is the best option.¡± Doctor Lui said. ¡°Doctor Lui, I understand what you are saying but can we at least know how the treatments works?¡± Ian demanded. Doctor Lui cleared his throats ¡°The stem cell treatment could be the answer as it works by imnting a patch of stem cells over the person¡¯s damaged part of the back of the eyes. Stem cells are special cells with the potential to repair any damaged tissue and organs. This therapy involves using these cells in injections and tissue transnts to heal and treat all sort injuries. And close to fifteen blind people have taken the stem cell transnt. Like a two years old girl was diagnosed of Septo optic Dyssia, so we had to take stem cells from an umbilical cord and feed into her forehead to allow her see again. After just three weeks of stem cell treatment she can now see, her eyes are tracking together and she is now able to recognize people and objects without touching them. So I believe the stem cell treatment can also work for Miss Ria too.¡± He gave a clear exnation of the therapy. ¡°Doctor Lui, will she feel any sort of pain during the transnt?¡± Ian asked him again. Ria turned sideway to look at Ian as if she could see him. She sensed the concern in his tone from the question he was asking the doctor. ¡°She will be awake during the surgery and will be given oral medication before the procedures so she is fully rxed and feel no difort during the cataract surgery. Here at our center, we believe that our new approach will result in paradigm shift in cataract surgery and it also offers patients a safe and better treatment option.¡± Doctor Lui adjusted his eye sses. ¡°And also stem cell transnt patients will go through conditioning treatment which includes chemotherapy, mouth sore -¡± ¡°Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry moth, hair loss and breathing problems.¡± Ianpleted the doctor¡¯s intended statement. He already studied few things about the surgery.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Doctor Lui arched his eyebrows. ¡°Doctor Alisa already informed us about the conditioning treatment. But will she be better after all this treatment?¡± ¡°Yes. We are going to administer drugs as soon as the surgery is done.¡± Doctor Lui answered. ¡°So when will the surgery take ce?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°In three days time.¡± Doctor Lui replied. ¡°But why in three days time? I was hoping she would undergo the surgery as soon as we get here.¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°No Mr Ian, the surgery can¡¯t be rushed. The stem cell from a human embryo was converted into a patch of a special type of eye cell and it is being grown in ourb. So that¡¯s what we have been working on ever since Doctor Hawn called me.¡± Doctor Lui exined. ¡°Will she be admitted till that day?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.. but not today. We give our patients enough time to prepare for the surgery and process. Please bring her over tomorrow.¡± Doctor Lui answered. ¡°Alright. Thank you, Doctor Lui.¡± Ian stood up and shook hands with him. ¡°You are wee. Mr Ian.¡± Ian helped Ria up and they both walked out of the office with his hands sped around her waist to guide her. ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked when they finally settled in the car. ¡°Yes.. I am fine.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Will you like to visit some ces in China?¡± Ian requested as he adjusted the seatbelt. ¡°No. I want to rest at the suite.¡± Ria declined. ¡°To the Suite.¡± Ian ordered the driver. The engine purred to life and the car moved into motion. ***************** AT THE SUITE Ian carried Ria from the car to the suite and ced her on the couch gently.¡±Would you like to drink something? Tea, coffee, water, soda?¡± He asked. ¡°Water please.¡± Ria muttered ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Ian left. But secondster he came back and ced a ss in her hand. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria drank from the ss and gave it back to him. ¡°What would you like to eat?¡± Ian asked again. ¡°I am okay.¡± Ria answered. ¡°You are okay?¡± Ian furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded. ¡°Ria, you haven¡¯t eaten anything since we arrived and-¡± Ria interrupted him. ¡°I am not hungry.¡± She sensed him close. Ian held Ria hands in his but she withdrew from his hold gently. ¡°I am fine.¡± She mumbled. Ian held her hands again. ¡°Is there anything bothering you?¡± His voice was calm. ¡°No, I am fine.¡± ¡°Then why won¡¯t you eat something?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Because I am not hungry.¡± Ria replied ¡°Is this about the surgery?¡± Ian demanded. Ria didn¡¯t respond. She doesn¡¯t know what to say! She doesn¡¯t know if it is about the surgery or it is what¡¯s going on inside of her? This weird feeling she gets each time Ian Bryant is so close to her. ¡°Listen Ria, the surgery will be sessful and I also believe that you will be able to see the world.¡± He said softly. Ria felt him touch her checks while his other hand still holding her right hand in ce. ¡°You just have to believe and ovee whatever fear you are feeling at the moment.¡± Ian paused and waited for a response which never came from her. ¡°Doctor Lui said you have to prepare for the process and be strong. And I also want you to remember that your kids are waiting for you. They are waiting to see that you can see and recognize them too.¡± Ria only nodded slowly since her voice failed her. ¡°So let us be strong okay?¡± Ria managed to say. ¡°Yes.¡± Theypsed into silence for a few second until Ian spoke up again. ¡°I will ce an order now.¡± He moved away from her. ¡°Pasta please.¡± Ria said in a low tone. ¡°You want pasta?¡± Ria shook her head as she fiddled with her fingers. ¡°Alright.¡± She listened to Ian as he made the call. The doorbell rang minutester. She heard Ian exchanging words with whoever was out there. ¡°The food is here.¡± Ria stood up blindly and waited for him to help her to the dinning table. ¡°I can do it myself.¡± She said to him when he made an attempt to feed her. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian gave her the fork. Ria ate slowly but she could feel his eyes on her and staring at her as she ate the food. ¡°You like it?¡± He asked. Ria hummed a response. ¡°Okay.¡± He said. Chapter 34 Loving the blind lady BEIJING, CHINA AT THE SUITES The soft beeping sound from the system woke Ian up from a deep sleep. He raised his head up and rubbed his sleepy eyes. Ian looked around and saw that he had fallen asleep on the dinning table. ¡°Howe I slept off here? Geez! I am so tired!¡± He yawned loudly. When they finished eating in the afternoon, Ria said that she would take a nap so Ian led her to the room and also helped her in bed. Ian was busy with work all afternoon while Ria was sleeping. He assumed Ria was still stressed from the flight before and needed enough rest. The files Ramsey sent to Ian¡¯a mail was enough to keep him glued to the system all day. Around 6:30 p. m, Ria came out and said she was hungry so he ced an order for her. After dinner, Ian was hoping she would sit around for a while so they could have a little chat about random things but Ria only said her goodnight and walked back into bedroom. Ian began to think that Ria might be a woman of little words or maybe she doesn¡¯t want to talk to him. Ian doesn¡¯t really know but sometimes he just wished that they could sit down and talk like normal people do or like friends. Ian feels as if Ria doesn¡¯t want him to get close to her but at the same time she has never pushed him away anytime he is so close since they arrived in China. Ian is so confused! He can¡¯t think straight about what is going on in Ria¡¯s mind. It is so hard to tell what she wants! So Ian figured that it is best if he just let Ria do whatever she wants so she won¡¯t feel pressured. He is hoping that with time Ria would get used to the fact that he want to be around her and do things for her. The system beeped again and Ian saw an iing video call from his mom. He checked the clock only to find out that the time was eleven o¡¯clock. He clicked to connect to the video call. ¡°Good day son.¡± Mrs Pe smiled brightly. ¡°Hi mom, it is reallyte here.¡± Ian yawned. ¡°Oh! The time zone is different.¡± She huffed. ¡°How are you doing, mom?¡± Ian rubbed his sleepy eyes. ¡°I am fine. What about you?¡± She asked. ¡°I am good.¡± Ian sniffed. ¡°Where is Ria?¡± ¡°She should still be asleep in her room.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Did I disturb you?¡± Mrs Pe questioned ¡°Not really.. I was working on the files Ramsey sent to my mail and I slept off in the process.¡± Ian yawned again. ¡°Oh! Ian sorry for waking you up. I just wanted to check on you and Ria.¡± Mrs Pe said in an apologetic tone. ¡°It is okay.¡± Ian mumbled. ¡°I will be at the office tomorrow. Do you want me to do anything for you? Probably send you a file or do a proposal review on your behalf?¡± Ian sighed. ¡°You can help me meet up with Robert. We are working on a current deal concerning the technological branch.¡± Mrs Pe arched her eyebrows. ¡°Which Robert?¡± ¡°Frederick Robert.¡± Ian answered. ¡°I thought Frederick Robert already retired from hispany.¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°Yes, he already retired. But his son, Drake Robert is the one managing thepany. Drake has been the CEO for about two years now.¡± Ian responded. ¡°I didn¡¯t know. Well I thought you stopped partnering with Limospany.¡± Mrs Pe itched the bridge of her nose. ¡°No mom. Frederick Robert only withdrew his shares at the restaurants and transferred it to the textile branch. You know how these things works.¡± Ian exined. ¡°Okay, I understand. So I have to make a deal with Drake Robert on your behalf.¡± ¡°Yes. Ramsey will show you the documents. And mom you have to be careful when making a deal with Drake Robert.¡± Ian cautioned her. ¡°He is cunning and greedy like his father right?¡± Mrs Pe chuckled. ¡°Exactly! The Robert always want the best part of the deal!¡± Ian coaxed. Mrs Pe nodded in understanding. ¡°I know how to handle wolves like the Robert. I¡¯ll take care of everything.¡± Ian smiled. ¡°I trust you mom.¡± ¡°So what did the doctor say about Ria¡¯s case?¡± Mrs Pe demanded. ¡°She will be admitted at the eye center tomorrow for some treatments then surgery takes ce the next day or in two days time.¡± Ian answered. ¡°It will be a sess.¡± Mrs Pe prayed. ¡°Yes I know mom. What about dad?¡± ¡°He is fine. Your dad is still mad at you for walking out on him and for leaving your work to care for ady in China. But you don¡¯t have to worry, I already exined things to him¡­ I mean how you feel about Ria.¡± Mrs Pe stated. ¡°Oh mom! You shouldn¡¯t have told him about Ria or how I feel for her.¡± He rubbed his temples. ¡°I had to tell him so he would understand the situation.¡± Mrs Pe pointed out. ¡°I really don¡¯t care if he understands me or this situation. The truth remains that dad will never see things eye to eye with me. And I don¡¯t want to involve him in my business because he sees Ria as someone who is irrelevant. I want to prove him wrong this time.¡± Ian¡¯s voice was harsh. ¡°Okay, I am sorry for talking about Ria with him. Listen son, you don¡¯t need to prove anything to your dad. Be yourself and be good to Ria too.¡± Her voice was calm. ¡°It is fine mom. I just don¡¯t want him toe after her because he wants me to marry Lorna.¡± Ian countered. Mrs Pe tried so hard not to roll her eyes. ¡°Your dad won¡¯t hurt Ria or do anything silly now that he knows how you feel about her. And about Lorna Simmons, I am working on stopping your marriage.¡± ¡°I hope dad agrees to put an end to his daydreaming.¡± Ian heaved a sigh. ¡°Trust me to work things out for you. Please go to bed and rest.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°Okay mom.¡± A bright smile beamed across his face. ¡°And check on Ria before going to your room.¡± Mrs Pe waved. ¡°I will do a check on her. Bye mom.¡± Ian clicked on the screen and ended the call. Ian closed the system and made his way to Ria¡¯s bedroom. I opened the door slowly and popped his head in to see. The dim bedsidemp provided the light in the room. Ian stepped in and saw Ria in bed, sleeping soundly like a baby. She looked so beautiful in her sleep with her long hair spread out on the pillow. He moved closer and covered her properly. Ria stirred and mumbled in her sleep but she didn¡¯t wake up. She settled back slowly, her chest rising and falling at a normal rate signifying she was having a good sleep. No terrible nightmare today. Ian watched Ria with his hands tucked in the shorts pocket. He didn¡¯t know how long he stood just watching her sleep because he liked it. Just watching Ria made him smile and at that point Ian wished he could get to watch her like this forever. ¡°That¡¯s enough for tonight Ian! Go to bed!¡± He snapped out of thought. Ian walked out of the bedroom silently. He has no idea what Ria has done to make him this way. He sat on the bed and shook his head from side to side. There was an inexplicable something about Ria that always flipped a switch in him. And when that switch was flipped it was as if he came alive all of a sudden. Ian would feel alive in a way he has never had with other women and a way he has never been in his whole life. And what does it means? When Ian wants to make those sad looks into a happy one. Ian Bryant wants nothing than to take away the nightmare and make it into the best moments. Wanting to do this all for Ria could mean just one thing which Ian clearly knew -Love! ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Ian chuckled. Ian is in love with Ria and he had figured that out ever since the day he met her but he doesn¡¯t want to acknowledge it. Everything is different now, the feelings are growing too deep. The truth remains that in a short while, Ian Bryant has fallen in love with Ria Robert and it didn¡¯t matter if she was blind. Chapter 35 Drake Robert IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IN A HOTEL Drake woke up to someone pressing soft kisses all over his body. His eyes opened slowly to see the blonddy he brought in to the hotel from the clubst night. ¡°Morning Sunshine.¡± She kissed his naked chest. ¡°Wait.. up.. what¡¯s that your name again?¡± Drake asked as he rubbed his eyes ¡°Bay.¡± She replied amidst silly kisses. ¡°Enough of the drama girl. Why are you still here?¡± Drake groaned. Bay stopped kissing and stared at him in shock. ¡°Are you new in this business?¡± Drake sat up and rested his head on the bed board. The cover slipped from Bay¡¯s body and revealed her bare chest. He chuckled a bit! She is a newbie! No night worker in Idaho stays in bed till daybreak. For Drake, the women always leaves the room before dawn. ¡°Didn¡¯t the bossdy or your friends tell you I don¡¯t like seeing women in my bed in the morning?¡± He frowned. ¡°She didn¡¯t.. no one mentioned.. it to me.¡± Bay stuttered. Drake hopped out of bed and reached for his wallet at the bed side drawer. He took out a few note from it and gave it to Bay. Her eyes widened in shock when he money dropped on the bed. ¡°That¡¯s your payment. You can leave now.¡± Drake ordered and made his way to the bathroom and shut the door. His name is Drake Robert. He is Frederick Robert only child. He is twenty six years old and currently the chief executive officer of his family¡¯s business. Limos Company is one of the best in Idaho. It is known for it quality textile materials and it also dabbles in other aspect too like hotels, restaurants and housing. Limospany is partnering with several otherpanies and industries in United State of America. Frederick Robert is still the richest man in Idaho while Limospany is one of the most sessfulpany in the state. Limos became the best after Frederick became the chief executive officer but it wasn¡¯t this big when the founder, Mr Frank Robert was in charge. Drake Robert being the current chief executive officer, he ns to take Limos to the greatest level in the business world. He wants to make Limospany the best in America. And for Drake Robert to achieve his goals, he has been partnering with sessful businessmen in the country and over the world. Making deals, signing contracts and bing major shareholders in somepanies were part of his ns. It sounds good but can¡¯t be easy to aplish because there are severalpetitors in the business world. Who is Drake Robert? The real Drake Robert outside Limos Company. Drake Robert is known to be a y boy but he doesn¡¯t see himself as one though. He is a huge fan of flings and one night stands. He doesn¡¯t have time for a rtionship ormitment of any kind. He is too busy to get involved with a woman if it is not for a night. You might call Drake Robert a work oriented person who is not ready to be a family man. He is not ready to own a family. He is perfectly fine with just paying girls to warm his bed anytime he is horny. Drake stepped out of the bathroom after taking a shower. He saw a note on the bedside drawer. Bay must have dropped it. He took the note and read it. ¡°Call me anytime you need me.¡± Bay wrote down in the piece of paper with her phone number attached to it. Drake¡¯s cellphone beeped. ¡°Oops Bay! I don¡¯t go back to the same girl. I chalk things up to one night.¡± He hissed out. Drake squeezed the note and threw it across the room. Then he searched for the cellphone which he found under the pillow. It was Alex! His personal assistant. ¡°Hello Alex.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Sir Drake.¡± ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Drake asked. ¡°I just called to inform you that I received a mail from Lint Corp. They are ready to make a deal with Limospany.¡± Alex announced. ¡°When did you receive the mail?¡± ¡°I got the mail today.¡± Alex replied. ¡°Alright. So who am I meeting? Jack? Ian?¡± He demanded. ¡°Mrs Pe Bryant.¡± Alex informed him. ¡°What about Ian?¡± Drake screwed up his face. ¡°His assistant said the CEO is out of the country tending to some important things.¡± Alex responded. A smile formed on Drake lips. ¡°I think it would be much easier to deal with the olddy than the son. Ian Bryant is a good businessman who knows the tactics of business. Thank goodness, I won¡¯t be meeting him this time.¡± ¡°Should I send a response sir?¡± ¡°Alex, book a flight for me to Chicago. I will be at the office soon.¡± Drake ordered. ¡°Okay sir.¡± The line dropped. Drake dressed up and was about leaving the room then he remember his expensive watch. He rushed back to the area and searched the bed. He pulled out the bedcovers and he saw the watch but then again he saw bloodstain on the white sheet. ¡°Did this whore see her period during the night?¡± Disgust filled his expression. ¡°Whatever! At least we used protection.¡± Drake dropped the sheet back and walked out of the room. ¡°Good morning, Mr Drake.¡± The driver was already waiting to take him to his apartment when he walked out of the hotel. ¡°Good morning, Juan. To thepany.¡± Drake instructed. ****** CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, did mommy call youst night?¡± Phoenix grumbled. ¡°Yes she did but you were already asleep.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise roughen his hair. ¡°Was the surgery a sess?¡± Phoebe¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°They have not done it but I am sure it will be a sess.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sounded optimistic. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am Elise. Mom will be able to see us soon.¡± Phoenix added. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough! The bus is here! Grab your bags, it is time to leave for school.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said loudly when she heard a horn. Phoebe and Phoenix picked their bags on the couch. ¡°Bye, ma¡¯am Elise!¡± They waved. ¡°Take care! Have a great day at school!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise waved back at them from the porch. Chapter 36 Bay Sanders IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT SANDERS MANSION Bay walked in silently and would have tiptoed to her room but she heard her mom¡¯s voice. ¡°And where did you sleepst night little girl?¡± Bay turned and saw her mom sitting on the couch with a magazine high up in the air. ¡°I.. I was at Jessica¡¯s cest night.¡± She lied. Mrs Sanders dropped the magazine and stared at her daughter. ¡°I called Jessicast night¡­¡± She paused. Bay clenched her fist. ¡°And Jessica told me that she hasn¡¯t seen you since the day before yesterday.¡± Mrs Sanderpleted. ¡°Now I am dead!¡± Bay said within ¡°Where were youst night, Bay?¡± Mrs Sanders demanded. Bay cracked her head for the right words to say to her strict and overprotective mom but nothing came to mind. She is a dead meat if her mom finds out that she went clubbingst night and even slept with someone she doesn¡¯t know. ¡°No! Drake Robert isn¡¯t a strange man! I know him!¡± Bay said to herself. Bay liked Drake almost immediately when she saw him on a business show. And ever since that time she did so many research about him and she has been trying so hard to get close to him. She made up her mind to search for him and get also to meet him. ¡°Listen mom, you don¡¯t have to worry about where I sleptst night. The truth is¡­ I wasn¡¯t at Jessica¡¯s ce¡­ I lodged into an hotel because I was too tired to drive home.¡± Bay lied not minding if her words doesn¡¯t make sense. Mrs Sanders rxed and Bay smiled seeing that the lies worked on her mom. ¡°You should have at least called to inform me that you are the hotel and the driver would havee and pick you up.¡± Bay cleared her throat. ¡°I wanted to call but then again my phone battery ran down and I couldn¡¯t charge at the hotel because I didn¡¯t go along with my charger.¡± Mrs Sander shook her head in understanding. ¡°Okay. But please always move around with the charger of your cellphone. I was so worried about youst night.¡± Bay rolled her eyes. ¡°Ohe on mom, you don¡¯t have to worry too much about me.¡± She felt the urge to remind her mom that she wasn¡¯t kid anymore but even if she spilled those words out her mom won¡¯t agree to it. ¡°I can¡¯t help but worry about you.¡± Mrs Sanders shrugged. Bay Sander is twenty three years old but her mom still treats her like she is sixteen years old. Mrs Sander go as far as even picking out her daughter¡¯s dresses and also Bay needs to tell her mom about her whereabout and every move in town. ¡°Okay mom. I¡¯ll just go ahead and take a shower.¡± Bay huffed. ¡°Okay.¡± Mrs Sanders discarded her with a hand gesture and she focused on reading the magazine again. ¡°Thank goodness she didn¡¯t find out! She believed those sweet lies!¡± Bay said within as she rushed to her bedroom and crashed on the bed happily. ¡°I got what I wanted! As! I met Drake Robert! We slept in the same bed and we had great sex. I can¡¯t believe it!¡± Bay sang melodiously as she rolled on the bed. ¡°I should call Jessica and tell her about it! I can¡¯t keep it to myself!¡± Bay picked up her phone to text her best friend via Instagram. ¡®Are you there?!¡¯ Jessica was online because the green signal was at her profile. ¡®Right here.¡¯ Jessica texted back. ¡®Hello baby.¡¯ Bay attached a love emoji to it. ¡®Hi.¡¯ Jessica added a yawning emoji. ¡®Are you still asleep? I texted after seeing you online.¡¯ ¡®I am still feeling sleepy because I slepttest night. Where on earth did you go?!¡¯ Jessica sent an angry emoji. ¡®Hey rx, don¡¯t act like my mom.¡¯ ¡®Well I choose to act like your mom today! Where were youst night? My phone kept beeping for hours due to calls from your mom!¡¯ ¡®Sorry about that! I went clubbing!¡¯ A dancing emoji was sent next. ¡®What?! Bay! You went to club?!¡¯ ¡®Yes! Stop sounding like I am too small to go clubbing!¡¯ ¡®Oh well, I am just surprised because you haven¡¯t clubbed in your life but you didst night after sneaking out of the house on your mom!¡¯ Yesterday was Bay¡¯s first time in a club. ¡°Sounds so old fashioned.. but I am not anyways.¡± Bay huffed as she adjusted her position on the bed. ¡®Fine.. yeah.. I went to the club but I didn¡¯t go there to merry or dance. I went there to see someone.¡¯ Bay texted. ¡®See someone? Bay, when did you start seeing someone?¡¯ ¡®Justst night.¡¯ ¡®OMG! Bay! Don¡¯t tell me you went to Tessa club to see Drake!¡¯ Bay imagined how her best friend would scream and look at her at that moment. ¡®That¡¯s it Jess! I met Drake!¡¯ ¡®What?! Bay, are you serious?!¡¯ ¡®Yes, I met Drake Robertst night!¡¯ Actually after much research about Drake Robert, Bay realized that to be able to see him then she needs to go to Tessa club and act like a random big girl in town. ¡®Tell me about it.¡¯ Bay sat up abruptly on the bed. ¡®So I took the chance, went to the club and the night was so good to me. I saw Drake Robert. So all I did was to pay a girl to let me join their crew. Luck was on my side, Drake couldn¡¯t take his eyes off me! He kept staring and finally asked if we could talk at first. And after that we went to the hotel to spend some time together.¡¯ ¡®OMG! You went with him to the hotel!¡¯ ¡®I just said sent that to you.¡¯ Bay highlighted the message she sent exining how she ended up meeting Drake Robert. ¡®I can clearly see it! But why did you go to the hotel with him?!¡¯ ¡®What is it, Jessica? Why can¡¯t I go to the hotel with a man I love? You know how much I do love Drake Robert.¡¯ ¡®Damn it! You don¡¯t even know Drake Robert that well but you slept with him just like that?!¡¯ Jessica sent a face palmed emoji. ¡®Yes! We had great sex and it was fun Jessica! And guess what?! Drake said he likes me and that he enjoyed my body while we were making love.¡¯ Bay smiled happily. ¡®Did Drake know thatst night was your first time?¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t know if he knows about it but who cares?¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s bad.¡¯ ¡®How is it bad, Jess? I don¡¯t care if he knows or not but I got what I wanted in the end.¡¯ ¡®Yes I know because Bay Sanders always get what she wants.¡¯ ¡®Exactly.¡¯ ¡®Drake Robert is a bad guy. I am still of the opinion that you shouldn¡¯t have had sex with him. Bay, I told you about Drake Robert and who he is outside Limos Company. All Drake Robert does is chalk things up to one nights and flings. Nomitment.¡¯ ¡°Jess, I dropped a note before leaving his room. He will definitely give me a call.¡¯ ¡®Stop daydreaming. What was his first word to you when he woke up?¡¯ ¡®Well he asked me why I was still in his bed. Actually Drake thought I was a night worker. He even paid me and then asked me to leave.¡¯ After Jessica got the message, she switched to video call immediately. ¡°Bay! What the hell have you done to yourself?! Drake Robert saw you in his bed, paid you for the sex and then asked you to leave. No doubt, he thinks you are a whore!¡± She emphasized. ¡°No! I made things clear to him while we were drinking that I am not really a night worker.¡± Bay countered. ¡°He probably doesn¡¯t remember the conversation anymore that¡¯s why he paid you and asked you to leave!¡± Jessica retorted. ¡°No, Drake is not a bad guy. He was very nice and gentle with me during the whole time.¡± Bay defended. ¡°Listen Bay, just because Drake was nicest night doesn¡¯t mean he likes you. He just wanted to have you in his bed and then leave. And of course! He got what he wanted!¡± Jessica rolled her eyes with a disappointing look on her face. Bay itched the back of her neck. ¡°Oh Jess, I want to believe that what Drake and I sharedst night meant something to him because it means a lot to me.¡± She bit on her lower lip. ¡°Bay Sanders, you have justnded yourself in a big trouble.¡± Jessica threw her hands up in surrender. ¡°The main point is I got to spend the whole time with Drake Robert. So let us just put that aside. What are you up to today?¡± Bay asked. ¡°Nothing.¡± Jessica replied. ¡°Let¡¯s hang out today. I can craving Italian food!¡± Bay pouted. ¡°Will mom allow you because she sounded so pissed over the phonest night and I think she mentioned something about grounding you for life.¡± Jessicaughed. ¡°I need to move out of this house.. ASAP.¡± Bay cried out and feigned wiping of tears. ¡°Okay. Be here by two.¡± Jessica giggled. ¡°Okay.¡± Bay winked before hanging up the call. She fell back on the bed. A smile formed on her lips when the images ofst night flooded her mind. Hours had gone by like mere moments. Drake Robert had made herugh. He was able to talk about himself moreprehensively and she had also flowed freely with him.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Last night had turned out to be the best night of Bay Sanders life. Drake had paid attention to everything she had to say and he made her feel as if she was the only woman in the world. They often say that Drake Robert is a bad guy but he had been a perfect gentleman to Bay Sanders. They had finished an entire bottle of champagne when they kissed. It felt like a dreame true for Bay Sanders when Drake Robert kissed her. It was a long, passionate kiss that Bay had been dying to share with him too and of course she didn¡¯t care if anyone was watching them kiss. ¡°Drake Robert is such a fine kisser! He could kiss so well!¡± Bay hugged a pillow and touched her lips. When they got to the hotel, the way Drake held Bay was arousing all on its own to her. ¡°I could feel the power in his arms and in his muscr body. It was leashed into gentleness and it made me feel cherished.¡± Her hand travelled down to her upper arms and every part Drake had touched her. Drake and Bay were so turned on that she wanted to stay kissing him forever and she wanted to stay held in his arms forever. ¡°I miss him.¡± Bay mumbled. More than that Bay Sanders wanted to feel Drake Robert¡¯s touch over her body again. ¡°I hope that Drake sees the note I dropped.¡± She sat up on the bed again. ¡°Please call me, Drake Robert! Please call me soonest. Please. Please. I want to see you again.¡± Bay prayed as she hopped out of bed and motioned towards the bathroom. Chapter 37 I鈥檒l be waiting BEIJING, CHINA BEIKE EYE CENTRE: IN PRIVATE WARD Ian opened the bottle of water and gave it to Ria. ¡°Here drink up to calm your nerves.¡± Ria epted it and drank from the bottle. They were waiting for Doctor Lui and team toe in and take Ria to the surgical ward. Ian brought Ria to the eye centre yesterday afternoon and they have both being here since with nurses around to attend to them whenever they needed something.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Ria looked nervous today and coupled with the fact she didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. Ian had to call ma¡¯am Elise so Ria could talk to the kids maybe she would stay calm but the kids were already asleep. All Ria has been doing was stare into space while Ian worked on the system attending to an online business conference from the office. Ria only managed to sleep around ten o¡¯clock p. m and she was already up around four o¡¯clock am. Ian couldn¡¯t figure out what was going on in her mind. It was so hard for him to read through her. So he just let her have those silent moments she wanted for herself. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria whispered as she gave the bottle to him. ¡°Ria, you have to feel rxed.¡± Ian said. ¡°Yeah I know.¡± Ria ced her hands on herps. ¡°I want you to be rest assured that the surgery will go well. You believe right?¡± Ria nodded. Ian sat at the edge of the bed and held her right hand in his hand. ¡°Ria, be strong. Everything will be fine.¡± Ria didn¡¯t move his hand away. ¡°Thank you, Ian.¡± She whispered Ian looked up at Ria who bit on her lower lip. This was the first time Ria called his name without a Mr in it. The door opened and Doctor Lui came in with a nurse. ¡°It is time. My team are waiting.¡± Doctor Lui announced. Ian caught a glimpse of the stretcher outside ¡°Okay, Doctor Lui. It is fine, Ria.¡± Slowly he carried Ria in his arms and out of the ward. He ced her gently on the stretcher. ¡°Take her to the surgical ward. I will be there in a minute.¡± Doctor Lui said and the nurses nodded in understanding. ¡°Please be careful.¡± Ian added and they pushed Ria away on the stretcher. ¡°Doctor Lui, can I wait outside the operating room?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Sure you can-¡± Ian followed the nurses even before the doctor could finished his statement. He caught up with them and held Rias hand. Ria in turn held him tightly and Ian thought he saw a smile on her face or maybe he imagined it. They stopped at a point and Ian looked up at the sign. ¡°OPERATING ROOM TWO.¡± It was time. Ian let out a shaky breathe before leaning close to Ria. ¡°It is time to go in, Ria. I will be out here waiting for you.¡± He whispered into her ears. ¡°Alright.¡± Ria mumbled. Ian held on to her hand tightly for a second and sighed. He signaled to the team after letting go of her hand. They pushed her into the ward and closed the door behind. ¡°It will work out! Ria will see again! And everything will be fine!¡± Ian leaned up against the wall and chanted in his head. ***************** SEVERAL HOURS LATER Ian Bryant cellphone binged and he took it out of his pocket. It was a call from Ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± ¡°Hi, Mr Ian. How is miss Ria?¡± Ian let out a shaky breathe. ¡°She is still in the operating room. I am outside the ward waiting for the doctor.¡± He replied. ¡°Mr Ian, please take a break. Miss Ria will be fine.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a concerned tone. ¡°I can¡¯t do that, ma¡¯am Elise. I¡¯ll just wait out here till I see the medical team.¡± Ian would only have a good rest once he is sure that Ria is doing okay. ¡°Okay, Mr Ian. Please take care.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°I¡¯ll call you after I talk to the doctor.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise disconnected the call. The door leading to the operating room opened and Doctor Lui walked out with a nurse. Ian rushed to them. ¡°How is she? Did the surgery go well?¡± He questioned frantically. ¡°She is good. We were able to take out all the cataracts in her eyes and imnt the stem cells.¡± Doctor Lui answered with a smug look on his face. Ian let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Can I see her now?¡± He demanded. ¡°Yes but not in the operating room. She will be transferred to a private ward soon.¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor Lui.¡± Doctor Lui and the nurse walked away while Ian waited for the medical team to bring Ria out of the operating ward. Chapter 38 Awaiting Miracle BEIJING, CHINA BEIKE EYE CENTRE: IN A PRIVATE WARD Ria was moved into a private ward that would enable Ian stay in the same room with her. A white band was over her eyes. When Ian asked about it, Doctor Lui stated that it was to keep germs away from her eyes so it won¡¯t affect the healing of the stem cells. ¡°Ria, can you hear me?¡± Ian sat on a chair close to the bed. Ria nodded her head in response. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He asked again. ¡°Sleepy.¡± Ria replied in a low tone. Ian held her right hand in his hands. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise called while you were still in the operating ward. She asked how you are doing and I told her everything.¡± ¡°How is Phoebe and Phoenix?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°They are doing okay. You should try get some rest.¡± Ian stood up and covered her body properly. ¡°Ian, did you wait outside the operating room the whole time?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian replied. Ria sighed. ¡°You should rest too.¡± She whispered. ********* It has been four weeks since the eye surgery was done but Ria was still yet to see. Doctor Lui assured Ian and Ria that everything was fine. He stated that stem cells treatment takes at least six to eight weeks or more to heal the patients eyespletely and results also shows that Ria¡¯s eyes were getting better. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Ian asked Ria as he filled the chair next to the bed. ¡°No, I am fine.¡± Ria replied. Ian Bryant was justing back from a meeting with an investor. Ian had to see the Chinese businessman because he had promised to visit him anytime he is in China. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry? The nurse in charge called me over the phone and said you haven¡¯t eaten since morning. So I bought food from the hotel restaurant.¡± Ian stood up to set out the utensils necessary for her to have a meal. ¡°I am not hungry.¡± Ria mumbled. Ian sat next to at the edge of the bed and ced a spoon in her hand. Ria dropped the spoon. ¡°I am not hungry.¡± She repeated. ¡°If you are not going to feed yourself then I am going to have to feed you myself.¡± Ian paused waiting for a reaction from Ria but she ignored his words and stared into space. ¡°Come on, Ria.¡± Ian held a spoonful of food right in her mouth. ¡°Open up.¡± He prompted but she turned her head away to the side.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°You have to eat. Please Ria.¡± Ian didn¡¯t give up so he brought the spoon closely to her lips ¡°I am not hungry!¡± Ria said in an unusually raised tone. Ian concluded that it must be the mood swing attached to the conditioning treatment. He dropped the spoon and packed the food back in the boxes. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± He asked calmly. ¡°Nothing.¡± Ria replied sharply. Ian breathed out as he tucked his hand into the pockets. ¡°Are you doubting the surgery?¡± He demanded and Ria froze immediately. He got the response to the question from her reaction. Ria is refusing to eat because she was yet to gain her sight! ¡°Listen Ria, we still have about four more weeks and anything could happen even before that time. So-¡± Ria interrupted him. ¡°What.. what if.. it doesn¡¯t work? What if I can¡¯t see the-¡± Her voice trailed off. Ian took her small hands in hisrge ones. ¡°It will work Ria. We have to believe. The treatment only needs time to heal your eyespletely. This is going to work out. You will be able see! I am sure that you are going to see soon. Remember Doctor Lui also said the result shows that your eyes are getting better.¡± He reassured her with his soothing words until she calmed down. ****** FIVE WEEKS LATER The room was silent except for the constant beeping of a device that Ria couldn¡¯t make out. Ria shifted on the bed as she regained consciousness slowly. She opened her eyes and was weed by darkness again. Ria heard a voice in the room which she recognized to be Ian¡¯s. He was talking to someone over the phone. Slowly everything became so blurry to her and it was as if she could see rays of light through the white band on her eyes. Ria reached the knot behind her head and it came off. At first, Ria thought she was imagining things in her head in probably in a dreamnd. So she blinked rapidly and repeatedly until everything became so clear! She was in a room painted in white. ¡°Unbelievable! I can see?¡± Ria said within still not believing that her vision was clear. Her eyes lingered to the window where she saw a well built man dressed in a faded jeans and top she couldn¡¯t decipher and she sat up immediately. Ria¡¯s mind was nk like a piece of white paper that doesn¡¯t have any words written on it. Ria nced around the room once again to be sure if she was seeing things with her eyes. ¡°I can see.¡± She mumbled. ¡°You are up?¡± Ria turned towards the direction of where the voice came from. Ian walked closer to the bed. She could recognized Ian by his voice but it seems he didn¡¯t notice that she could see him. ¡°Are you feeling better today?¡± Ian asked me as he took her hand in his hand. Ria¡¯s lips remained silent. She doesn¡¯t even know what to say at the sight of him. ¡°I can see him! I finally got the chance to see him!¡± She bantered internally. This guy sitting right in front of her was the one who helped her. Ria had wondered what he looked like and now she could see him. He was here for her, he took care of her, fed me and encouraged her never to give up. In the passed few weeks, she had ruined his expensive wears with vomits, yelled at him for being too persistent and he neverined or feel irritated. During the conditioning treatments, he was there, the sleepless nights, when she feeing so weak and covering her hair tight to stop it from falling off and also the morning walks around the hospital when she needed fresh air out of the ward. Ian Bryant went there through those periods with her! And Ria have grown to admit that they have be so close over the past few weeks than she ever expected. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes as she looked straight into his eyes. The same man she had tried to push away turned out to be the most loving care giver. ¡°Ria, why are you crying?¡± Ian asked when the tears dropped her cheeks. Ian stared at her with a furrowed eyebrow. ¡°Wait, why did you take off the band?¡± He asked. ¡°You should put it back on so your sight won¡¯t get infected. Listen Ria-¡± She stopped him when he was about to fix it back. Ian Bryant stared at her in shock. How did Ria manage to stop him in the right way? All of a sudden, his jaw dropped as if he knew her reason for refusing the band ¡°Can you¡­ see me?¡± He stammered. ¡°Yes.. I can see you.¡± Ria nodded slowly. ¡°Really?¡± Ian demanded as he sat at the edge of the bed. Ria reached out her hand to touch his thigh and she closed eyes to feel the material. ¡°This is a Jean material.¡± She reopened her eyes. ¡°Yes! Yes! You are right, Ria! Yes I knew it!¡± The brightest smile broke out on his face. ¡°I knew this would work!¡± Then Ian Bryant did the unexpected by hugging her! Ria didn¡¯t push him away instead she pulled him in tighter and sobbed in his chest. Finally! After all these years of waiting! Now Ria can see the world for the first time! ¡°I am so happy! You can see everything now!¡± Ian released her. The brightest smile was still on his face and it suite his handsome features perfectly. ¡°Let me get Doctor Lui.¡± Ian rushed out of the room and he came back with the aged man. ¡°Miss Ria.¡± The familiar voice she had registered in her head said with a smile. Ria wiped her cheeks clean and smiled back at him. ¡°I want to believe that you can see me now.¡± She nodded. ¡°How many fingers?¡± Doctor Lui raised his right hand up in the air. ¡°Five fingers.¡± Ria replied. And Doctor Lui went on and on like that to see if Ria could identify simple objects around and she did by just the description she has mastered in her head. Ian Bryant stood staring at Ria with a smile on his face. ¡°It is a good thing that you can see, Miss Ria.¡± Doctor Lui announced. ¡°What¡¯s next now?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Few tests and some monitoring for a couple of days.¡± Doctor Lui answered. ¡°Okay. Thank you, Doctor Lui.¡± Ian shook his hands with the doctor before he exited the room. ¡°So will you like to go take a walk around the hospital?¡± Ian asked as he sat at the edge of the bed again. ¡°Yes! I want to see the world! Everything!¡± Ria eximed. Ria Robert wants to see the world! She want to see it first with just one person-Ian Bryant! Ria wants Ian to be the one showing her world! Chapter 39 Meeting her family CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT The limousine driver that picked Ian and Ria at the airport pulled up in front of her house. Immediately, Ria rushed out of the car ignoring Ian¡¯s warning to be careful. She was really anxious to see her family. Ma¡¯am Elise, Phoebe and Phoenix. Ria wanted to see them! ¡°Mom is back!¡± Phoenix screamed out when he heard the horn in the driveway. Phoebe and her brother ran out of the building and Ria spread out her arms to amodate them. ¡°Mom!¡± They screamed. Ria confirmed Phoenix look. He was apact little thing with a dimple on his right cheek like her own too and his gold hair shimmered under the sun! Phoebe had her short ck hair packed in ponytails. Herrge cute brown eyes added beauty to her well sculpted heart shaped face. They are beautiful creatures! ¡°How are you doing, mom?¡± Phoenix jumped in excitement. ¡°I am fine.¡± Ria pinched his cheeks. ¡°Can you really see me?!¡± Phoenix asked again. ¡°Yes I can see my little man!¡± Ria smiled. ¡°Miss Ria!¡± Ria looked up and saw ma¡¯am Elise running down the small steps. She is a short and plump woman. Her brown hair was cut down in a fringe style, a pair of brown eyes, a pointed nose and a pouting lips. Ria had to admit that ma¡¯am Elise looked wonderful in the knee length gown. ¡°Oh! Miss Ria!¡± She hugged the woman who has been a great help to her for years now. ¡°I am so happy you can see now!¡± Ria noticed the stray of tears on ma¡¯am Elise cheeks when she released her. ¡°Thank you for taking care of Phoebe and Phoenix.¡± Ria said sincerely.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed. ¡°Mom! What color of clothes do I have on?¡± Phoebe demanded. ¡°A blue dress.¡± Ria giggled. ¡°Wow! How did you learn to identify color so fast?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gasped out as more tears followed down her cheeks. Ria looked back at Ian. ¡°He helped me out with most of the things I can identify and my therapy went well too.¡± She smiled. ¡°We should go inside.¡± Phoebe said to her brother and they dragged a box away together. ¡°Mr Ian, I don¡¯t know how to thank you for taking good care of Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise moved closer to him. ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to thank me, ma¡¯am Elise. I am d to help.¡± Ian replied. Ma¡¯am Elise wiped her face clean. ¡°God bless you. I¡¯ll just take the boxes inside too.¡± She dragged the big box away leaving Ria alone with Ian. Phoebe argued with her brother for not handling the box with care on the porch. ¡°You don¡¯t need to argue about it. Phoenix, let your sister handle it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise cautioned the kids. Phoenix let go instantly and made his way to the front door to open it. ¡°So what¡¯s next now?¡± Ian asked before Ria could think of thanking him again. ¡°I will just see to the work we have on ground before deciding on what to do next.¡± Ria answered. Ian leaned in closer. ¡°Ria, I hope that you will give my offer a good thought.¡± Ria nodded her head positively. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°I await a good response so just call me whenever you are ready.¡± Ian added. ¡°Okay. So where are you heading now?¡± Ria asked. ¡°To the office.¡± Ian responded. Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go home and have a good rest?¡± ¡°I have to tend to some work at the office. It is important.¡± Ian replied. Ria bit on her lower lip. ¡°You should get enough rest after seeing to the work at the office.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Ian nodded with a smile on his face. He liked the fact that Ria was sounding like she care about him. ¡°Bye, Ian.¡± Ria waved. Ian entered the car and waved back at her before the car moved out of the parking space. ¡°Take care.¡± He mouthed. Ria walked back inside only to find her family searching through her stuffs. ¡°Wow! So this is how my apartment looks like. This is more like a fashion house.¡± She giggled heartily. ¡°Mom, Phoebe and I will help you arrange your clothes back into the closet!¡± Phoenix said in excitement. ¡°Thank you little man.¡± Ria gave him a wink. Ma¡¯am Elise moved closer to her side quickly. ¡°Is there something I need to know about the trip?¡± She said in a tight whisper. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°No.. nothing.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise shrugged. ¡°Wow!¡± Phoenix screamed when he brought out a Superman toy from the box. ¡°That¡¯s for you little man.¡± Ria¡¯s eyes was scanning the whole area. ¡°What about me?¡± Phoebe pouted. ¡°I couldn¡¯t fine the type of diary you wanted in China. But don¡¯t worry we¡¯ll visit the mall this weekend to buy it.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Phoebe smiled. ¡°You can pick some candy and chocte now and put the rest in the fridge.¡± Ria instructed. ¡°Thanks Mom!¡± Phoebe and Phoenix said in unison. They rushed into the kitchen. ¡°So what do I get in ce of goodies and the toys?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise feigned a serious look. Riaughed at ma¡¯am Elise remark. ¡°I am sorry, ma¡¯am Elise. I know your shoe size but it looked bigger than what I expected. I even got confused at some point.¡± Ma¡¯am Eliseughed. ¡°It is okay. I understand.¡± She packed the stuffs back and closed the box. ¡°Let me put these boxes in your room.¡± Ria pulled off her sandal. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± She followed her into the bedroom. ¡°You should have a bathe first.¡± ¡°I am back to my small abode.¡± Ria let out a huge sigh of relief. ¡°And we have a lot to talk about.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°I figured that out from the smiles on your face when Mr Ian was near you and excitement in your tone.¡± ¡°What smile? What tone? Come on ma¡¯am Elise, I am just happy that can see you guys now!¡± Ria enthused. ¡°Yeah I know. But I am talking about Mr Ian.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise reopened the boxes. Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°Let me freshen up so we can talk.¡± She slid out of the dress quickly and walked into the bathroom. *************** LINT CORPORATION Several of Lint Corporation staffs stopped to greet Ian as he walked into the building. He only waved at them without saying a word. Ian Bryant has been gone for close to ten weeks, away from most of the physical duties of work and just tending to few files through the system. Grace and Ramsey greeted their boss cheerfully when he walked into their spaces. ¡°Ramsey, Grace, how are you doing?¡± ¡°I am good.¡± ¡°I am doing okay sir.¡± They answered respectively. ¡°How was your trip to China sir?¡± Grace asked. ¡°The mission was a sess.¡± Ian smiled. ¡°Mrs Pe Bryant is waiting for you.¡± Ramsey informed him. ¡°Okay. You can get back to work.¡± Ian opened the door leading into his office. Mrs Pe sat at the desk focused on the pile of files. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how she has been able to run things here together with the workload from her jewelry store. ¡°Hi mom.¡± Mrs Pe stood up and met her son halfway. ¡°Wee son! I missed you so much!¡± She kissed his cheeks. ¡°I miss you more!¡± Ian replied with augh before settling on the couch and she did the same opposite him. ¡°How was the trip?¡± ¡°It was a sess. I am so tired! Ria said I really need to have a good rest.¡± He smiled at the thought of how she had said those words to him. ¡°What about Ria?¡± Mrs Pe demanded. ¡°She is fine. I just dropped her off at her ce beforeing to the office.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Son, you don¡¯t know how happy I was when I saw that Ria could see again!¡± Mrs Pe made a video call with Ria while they were in China! She wanted to be sure if Ria could really see when Ian told her about it. Ian thought Ria would feel pressured because of that but she had agreed to talk to his mom without feeling reluctant. ¡°I am happy too mom!¡± ¡°And now you are feeling like the happiest man on earth.¡± Mrs Pe teased her son. ¡°More than being the happiest man. I feel fulfilled.¡± Ian admitted. Mrs Peughed. ¡°So what¡¯s the next n for Ria?¡± Ian huffed. ¡°Oh mom¡­ just the same old ns I already shared with you.¡± He rubbed his forehead. ¡°Did you discuss it with Ria?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yes I told her about my ns to setup her business and for me to invest in it. I was so careful with my choice of words when I stated that I wanted us to be business partners.¡± Ian answered. ¡°So what did she say?¡± Mrs Pe was so eager to know. ¡°Mom rx, Ria is yet to give me a response. I need to give her enough time to think about it.¡± Ian stood up from the couch. ¡°Ria will ept your offer.¡± Mrs Pe blurted out as she watched her son walk to the desk. ¡°How do you know? How can you sound so sure?¡± Ian asked. ¡°My instincts.¡± Mrs Pe replied with a shrug. Ian arched his eyebrows. ¡°Mom, really? Just your instincts?¡± She nodded. He shook his head in disagreement. ¡°I am sorry that won¡¯t work with Ria.¡± Mrs Pe stood up from the couch too. ¡°Don¡¯t doubt the instinct of a woman especially that of a mother.¡± Ian looked straight at his mother. Those times they spent together after Ria was discharged from the eye centre were special moments to him. They had visited several ces in China. Everything had looked new to Ria when he was showing her things and also telling her about some objects in China. Ian made sure that Ria saw everything, he thought her how to identify colors and even use a cellphone. Ria was happy and excited that she didn¡¯t stop smiling at everything she saw around her. Ian felt fulfilled even as he watched her smile during those moments. It was so beautiful. Ian and Ria didn¡¯t discuss personal issues about the past but they talked about random things and he never wanted those moments with her to end because she was so free. ¡°Well I hope it works ording to your instinct mom.¡± Ian sighed as he nced down at the files on the desk. ¡°What do we have here?¡± ¡°Ian, you don¡¯t have to start work today. Go home and rest for a couple of days.¡± Mrs Pe snatched the files from him. ¡°Couple of days?¡± He furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Yes. At least for three days.¡± Mrs Pe answered. ¡°No, three days is a long time so I am resuming work tomorrow.¡± Ian countered. ¡°A day or two rest won¡¯t cause thepany any harm. Moreover you were gone for ten weeks and I handled things around here.¡± Mrs Pe closed the files so he won¡¯t look at it. ¡°Mom, I know you are doing a great job here. But I am not talking about thispany.¡± Ian tucked his hands into his pocket. ¡°Then what are you talking about?¡± Mrs Pe questioned ¡°I want to start working on my ns for Ria.¡± A slow smile crawled on his facial expression. ¡°Sound determined.¡± Mrs Pe sighed. ¡°Always.¡± Ian turned around and he could see the whole buildings far off right at that spot. Chapter 40 A benefit of doubt CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ria sat at the countertop in the kitchen sipping a cup of coffee. She was waiting for ma¡¯am Elise to finish washing the dishes. Ever since Ria came back home ma¡¯am Elsie stopped her from doing anything. Phoebe and Phoenix helped Ria arranged the clothes back in the closet, and she couldn¡¯t cook dinner for the children because ma¡¯am Elise kept saying that she should save up her energy for the discussionter in the day after the kids must have gone to bed. ¡°Now we can talk.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise wiped her hands clean on a napkin. She sat on a stool facing Ria directly. ¡°Where do I start from?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Tell me what happened after you regained your sight.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Well Ian was there for me.¡± Ria started off. ¡°Yes I know. You told me that on phone.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise reminded her. ¡°Actually, we didn¡¯t do much in China. We only went visiting to some ces and Ian showed me so many things. He also helped me to identify objects and colors.¡± Ria repeated the same thing ma¡¯am Elise already knew about the trip. So?¡± Ria stopped to study her expression. ¡°Okay. Fine. I¡¯ll tell you about it.¡± She huffed. ¡°I am listening.¡± Ma¡¯am shrugged. ¡°Ian asked me what my ns would be if I get back home.¡± Ria paused. ¡°What are you ns?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise arched her eyebrows. Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you already know my ns. I need to save enough money to enroll myself into a fashion school and getting a space for the business.¡± She stated. ¡°Yeah. I know you have always dreamed to have the business grow into something big. I want a bigger workshop for you too.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Yes. Regaining my sight, I realized that the world is growing day by day. The things I learnt about sewing from my mom needs an upgrade. I want to be a professional in this sewing business.¡± Ria Robert knew that she still has a lot to do and learn about being a clothe designer. ¡°Wedding gowns, Suites, Ball gowns, Amazing designs for Halloween and I want to get to design a celebrity for the next METG event.¡± Ria pointed out. ¡°You must have watched so many fashion shows in China.¡± Ma¡¯am Elisemented. ¡°Yeah. Ian gave me his cellphone after tutoring me on how to use the inte. I want to learn how to make these trending clothes I have been seeing online. I need to learn and be a professional in this field.¡± Ria cried out knowing that she still has a long way to go in fulfilling her dreams to be a famous clothe designer. ¡°So you told Mr Ian about your ns?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Yes I told him everything without leaving a detail. And ma¡¯am Elise¡­¡± Ria paused. She wrapped her fingers around the handle of the cup. ¡°What is it?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned. ¡°Ian wants to help with sewing business again.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Wow! This is great news!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise blurted out. ¡°You think so?¡± Ria frowned. ¡°Yes! Of course! This is great!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°This is a great news but I don¡¯t like the idea.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Why?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled dropped immediately. ¡°You know, Ian already spent too much on that trip to China and also for the surgical bills. And he is still kind of insisting that I don¡¯t pay back whatever he spent on trip.¡± Ria bit her lower lips. ¡°Now he wants to help me again.¡± She added. ¡°You can partner with him. I mean.. Mr Ian can be a major investor in the sewing business.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise advised. ¡°But I still don¡¯t have enough money to start the business the way we want it.¡± Ria rubbed her temples with her free hand. ¡°Then I suggest you just let him help you if he wants to do it. And from what I have learnt about Lint Corp, they produce textiles. You can partner with Mr Ian so they can supply our workshop with necessary materials. Come on Miss Ria, I don¡¯t know if you understand what I am trying to say!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed. ¡°Yeah. I understand. Ian also said the same thing too. But I still don¡¯t feelfortable about him helping me just like that because I keep having this thought that¡­¡± Ria paused to focus her attention on the cup just to avoid ma¡¯am Elise gaze. ¡°I feel like maybe one day Ian might demand for something in return.¡± Shepleted. Ma¡¯am Elise sighed. ¡°Perhaps, did he make any advances while you were alone with him?¡± Ria¡¯s head snapped up to look at her. ¡°No, he didn¡¯t do anything. To be honest, Ian was so gentle and caring. I expected him to switch up on me during the conditioning process but he helped me through it all.¡± ¡°So what does that tell you?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Ria thought for a second. ¡°I.. I don¡¯t know. Ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t know what to think about him.¡± She admitted. Ma¡¯am Elise stood up and moved closer to her. ¡°I know you know it but you just don¡¯t want to admit that Mr Ian is different from the type of men you know. He is not in your life for sexual pleasures just like Lucas did -¡± She stopped. Theypsed into silence for about a minute. ¡°I am sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have mentioned him.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise ced her hand on Ria¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It is alright.¡± Ria touched her hand. ¡°I want to believe that Ian is different from Lucas.¡± ¡°You have to believe it. Mr Ian is nice and he wants to be part of that great dreams that you have for your life. He is only waiting for you to let him in and help you with whatever he can in growing the business.¡± Ria rxed in her gentle touch. ¡°So what do I do?¡± She asked. Ma¡¯am Elise sighed and stopped patting Ria¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Go to your room.¡± She collected the coffee cup from her. ¡°Think about Mr Ian¡¯s offer to help. m you. Think about what we discussed. Think deeply and make up your mind once and for all. It is not bad to give the young man a benefit of doubt to prove himself.¡± She said calmly. Ria agreed to ma¡¯am Elise words on what she should do. Ria also agreed that she really needs to have a deep thought about her life, think about Ian¡¯s deal and make up her mind. Ria stood up from the stool. ¡°Thank you for always being there for me, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± She mumbled. Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°And I will always here for you.¡± She hugged Ria. Ria walked off to her room, crashed on the bed and pulled the covers over her body. ¡°Ian Bryant of Lint Corporation.¡± She mumbled. Ian was extremely a goodpany to her in China. ¡°He is calm and very intelligent. Ian is interesting and knowledgeable.¡± She turned on her side. Ten weeks was enough to get to know the real Ian Bryant. Ria noticed that Ian was always interested in anything she has to say. He could be very funny at times and it was really nice to be with him. ¡°Ian might be a good man but I still don¡¯t trust him.¡± At the same time Ria knew she felt safe and protected around him. Ria has no idea what it means to feel protected around a man but she decided that she could actually give Ian a benefit of doubt. Who knows she might learn to change her perspectives about men for good through Ian Bryant. ¡°It is a big deal to offer such a help to a total stranger.¡± Ria thought. And also allowing Ian to help her sewing business. Ria has waited for a miracle, a breakthrough to fulfilling her dreams and now it seems like she is having it on a tter of gold. ¡°It is not bad to let Ian Bryant into my life right?¡± Ria whispered to herself. ¡°If I was able to stay alone with him for more than eight weeks without him acting funny¡­¡± Ria paused to think. Ian Bryant might be a good man. Different from Lucas. She concluded ***************** LINT CORPORATION A WEEK LATER ¡°Sir, I just received a call from an agent now.¡± Grace said. ¡°Does he have a bigger space now?¡± Ian looked up from the papers he was about to inscribe his signature on. ¡°Yes sir. He sent some pictures.¡± Grace handed her boss thepany¡¯s tablet. Ian looked at the pictures in it. The images looked good but it isn¡¯t the type of space he wanted for Ria¡¯s sewing business. ¡°I want the working space to be bigger than this part and then the personal office should be a bit bigger too.¡± He highlighted it on the tablet. ¡°Okay Sir. I will let him know.¡± Grace replied. ¡°What about Ramsey?¡± He gave the tablet back to her. ¡°He is trying to find the housing agent you requested sir.¡± Grace answered. ¡°Tell him to see me as soon as he finds one.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Grace exited the room. Two days after they arrived in Chicago, Ria called to inform Ian that she was ready to be his business partner. She agreed that Ian should invest in her business. Ian doesn¡¯t know what had changed Ria¡¯s mind because it seemed she would never say yes when he made the offer in China. Ian felt that Ria would turn him down because he had insisted that she doesn¡¯t refund the surgical bills. But when he received the phone call, he was happy that Ria agreed in the end. So ever since the day she said yes, Ian has been trying to find a good ce for her sewing business. A big space that would attract rich people toe to her workce. ¡°Mr Ian.¡± He looked up from the system to see his personal assistant at the door. ¡°Yes Ramsey.¡± ¡°I just found a ce.¡± Ramsey walked further into the office. ¡°Let me take a look.¡± Ian collected the tablet from him and checked out the images. ¡°This is it, Ramsey!¡± Ian tapped on the screen. The image was exactly what I wanted for Ria! An image of what he had pictured in his head was a big space by the road side where people can get to see her work. ¡°This is what I want! And what about the house?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I am still working on it sir.¡± Ramsey responded. ¡°Okay. Call the agent and set up a meeting right now.¡± Ian ordered. ¡°Will you like to meet him today?¡± Ramsey asked. ¡°Do I have any meeting?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°No sir. Your schedule is clear for today.¡± Ramsey replied. ¡°Good. Tell the agent I want to meet him today. Do that immediately while I call Ria.¡± Ian said in amanding tone but mixed with excitement. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey walked away. ¡°Rx Ian. Rx Ian. Rx Ian.¡± He chanted and breathed out heavily. Ian picked up the phone and dialed Ria¡¯s number but she didn¡¯t pick up the call. Chapter 41 Business Partners CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT ¡°Thank you once again, Mrs Betty.¡± Ria thanked the olddy who came around to pick up her dress. ¡°You are wee, Ria.¡± Mrs Betty smiled at her before entering the taxi and Ria waved. ¡°Miss Ria! Miss Ria!¡± She turned back to the house and saw ma¡¯am Elise on the porch. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ria asked when she walked back to the porch. ¡°Mr Ian is calling.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave the cellphone to her. ¡°Oh!¡± Ria collected the cellphone and picked the call. ¡®Hello.¡¯ ¡®Hi Ian. I am sorry for not picking up on time. I was attending to a customer who came around for her dress.¡¯ Ria replied. ¡®Alright. So are you less busy now?¡¯ Ian asked. ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡®Can we meet up now? I want you to see something.¡¯ Ian requested. Ria looked up at ma¡¯am Elise. ¡®Ian, is everything okay?¡¯ ¡°Yes. Ria, everything is fine.¡¯ ¡®Alright. So where should we meet?¡¯ ¡®I will text the address to you.¡¯ ¡®Okay.¡¯ And then Ian disconnected the call. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, Ian wants to meet up with me.¡± Ria informed her as they walked back into the house. ¡°Okay. So where is the meeting ce?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise had a smile on her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. He will send me the address. But why does he want to meet me?¡± Ria tried to think of why Ian wants to meet her. ¡°Well maybe he found the space for the workce.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s right! But I am not sure that¡¯s the case.¡± Ria itched the bridge of her nose. ¡°Whatever the case may be you should get dressed and meet him.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise turned to look at her. ¡°Perhaps can I go like this?¡± Ria asked with a perturbed look on her face. Ma¡¯am Elise raised her brow. When did Ria start caring about how she looks just because she wants to meet Ian Bryant. ¡°No. Change into something better. Hmm let¡¯s see¡­ a fitting jeans and a sexy top will do.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise turned her and pushed her towards the bedroom. ¡°Wait.. did you just say a sexy top?¡± Ria stopped and faced her. ¡°Yes. A sexy top just like that one you made for Nancy.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Ria eyes widened. ¡°The off shouldered one?¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise snapped her fingers in the air. ¡°What?! No.. no way I am wearing that to see Ian Bryant. That top is too revealing.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Too revealing? You liked it when it looked good on Nancy and that¡¯s why you made one for yourself. And it looks good on you. Trust me, it is not too revealing at all.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise argued. ¡°Alright.¡± Ria rolled her eyes before walking off to the bedroom. She came back some minutester but not with the off shouldered top. Ria figured that she can¡¯t wear the top to meet Ian because she feels that it revealed too much of her skin. ¡°How do I look?¡± Ria asked her. ¡°Still¡­ looking good.¡± Ma¡¯am Elisemented Ria was dressed in a blue knee length gown that she paired with a sandals. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Her cellphone beeped. It was a text from Ian. ¡°He sent the address.¡± ¡°Come on, you should go to him on time.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave Ria a mini bag and followed her out to get a taxi. Ria was lucky to find one that just dropped off her next door neighbor. ¡°Bye, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria waved when she got into the taxi. ***************** Ria came down from the taxi and paid the driver when she got to the exact address Ian sent to her. ¡°Thanks Ma¡¯am.¡± The driver said before driving off. Ria¡¯s cellphone binged. She picked on seeing Ian¡¯s name on the screen. ¡°Hi. I am there.¡± ¡°Turn around and look ahead I am right in front of you.¡± Ian instructed. Ria turned and looked ahead. She saw him standing at the other side of the road waving with his phone still on his ear. She hang up and crossed the road to meet him. ¡°Hi.¡± Ian greeted as he shed Ria a smile that almost blinded her. ¡°Hi.¡± Ria managed to say while her eyes surveyed the area. It was quite busy with half dozen of the streets lined with shops and businesses. The whole ce was a widespread of residential area sprouting out in all directions around it. The first thing that struck Ria about this ce was how clean and well kept everything was despite the amount of people around it. She wondered why does Ian wanted to meet up here? Ian cleared his throat. ¡°I found a space for your workce.¡± Ria stared at him trying to make sense of his words. It was just as ma¡¯am Elise had predicted. How did he manage to get a space in a short while? She mused. ¡°It is right here.¡± Ian pointed to an enormous building right behind him as he moved aside to let her get a clearer view of the ce. There were some structures on both sides. A diner, a counter service, an ice cream parlor, a grocery store and some major fast food businesses wasn¡¯t far from it. Shops were set up in their own distinctive styles, there was the requisite Starbucks, as well as gas station toplete with mini mart down the block. This is the best ce to own a fashion workce. ¡°Let us go in the agent is waiting to show us around.¡± Ian reached out to hold her hand and they walked in through a ss door which was beautifully designed. And Ria was really curious about how the inside would look like! ¡°Hello.¡± A young man with sses on greeted when they walked into the stour room. ¡°Ria meet Daniel. He is the agent.¡± Ian introduced briefly. ¡°Nice to meet you, miss Ria.¡± ¡°Likewise, Mr Daniel.¡± Ria shook hands with him. The room wasrge. The luxurious but dusty room was designed with a blue marble floor andrge windows. ¡°This building is the perfect ce for a workshop. Since Mr Ian said that you will be using it for a sewing business, there are other rooms too that can serve as an office for you, your secretary, the payment desk, a sewing room, store room and all of that.¡± Mr Daniel said. Ria nodded in acknowledgement as they walked through a connecting door into another room. ¡°Ria, this part can be a closet, more like a dressing room to check out dresses.¡± Ian added when they entered a room. Mr Daniel showed them around as Ria didn¡¯t stopplimenting every part of the building. It was incredible! ¡°So do you like it?¡± Ian asked after they were done checking the whole ce. A phone beeped interrupted Ria¡¯s response. ¡°Please excuse me.¡± Daniel excused himself to pick up the call. And slowly Ria turned to face Ian. ¡°So how is it?¡± He asked again. ¡°It cool but -¡± ¡°But what?¡± Ian cuts in sharply with a concerned look on his face. It struck Ria almost immediately that Ian won¡¯t be happy if she didn¡¯t like the ce. ¡°I like it. No, like is an understatement. I love the whole ce.¡± Ria said with a smile. ¡°I am d you like it.¡± A bright beam disyed on his face. ¡°But Ian don¡¯t you think it is too big for the sewing business?¡± Ian leaned closer. ¡°Ria, this is not too big. You need somewhere like this to start your business.¡± Yeah! But Ria feels like this is starting in a big way! An enormous way! ¡°Look at it from this point, this ce would be able to amodate a lot of workers and probably people who might want to learn from you. Or don¡¯t you want people to work for you?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I do but-¡± ¡°Then we are not getting a small ce. We will take this ce.¡± Ian stared intensely at her. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± He asked after he noticed the disturbing look on her face. Ria swallowed hard. ¡°Well.. I am just thinking of the rent and the bills to set up a ce like this. It would require a lot of money to furnish this whole ce.¡± She confessed. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about the money. Ria, I will take care of the whole expenses.¡± Ian replied. And there he goes again wanting to take on all responsibilities! This is getting too much! She said within. ¡°Ian, I still don¡¯t think it is a good idea.¡± Ria countered. ¡°Of course! Ria, this is a good idea. I will get professional interior designers to set up the whole ce. So just wait and see once everything is set, it will look better.¡± Ian persuaded. ¡°It is-¡± ¡°Sorry for the dy.¡± Daniel cuts Ria off as he joined them again. He noticed that the smug look on Ria¡¯s face while checking the area was gone. ¡°Miss Ria, are you doubting this ce? If you don¡¯t like it I can get your perfect option.¡± ¡°We want this ce.¡± Ian said even before Ria could think of saying anything else to the agent. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll prepare the necessary documents.¡± The agent¡¯s face brightened at Ian¡¯s response. ¡°Send your ount details to Ramsey so he can transfer the payment to you.¡± Ian instructed.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°Okay, Mr Ian.¡± Daniel grinned happily. ¡°And thank you, Mr Daniel.¡± Ria forced a smile on her face this time. Ria couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much Ian must have discussed with the agent to secure this ce. Is the building on a lease n? Or perhaps did he buy it?! What?! He can¡¯t possibly buy this whole building for her business right?! Ria pondered deeply. ¡°I will drive you back home.¡± Ian said when they stepped out of the building. ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to drive me home. I will just take a taxi.¡± Ria didn¡¯t want him to go through the stress of driving her home and then driving back to the office. ¡°I don¡¯t have much work to do at the office anymore so let me take you home.¡± Ian held her hand and led her to where he parked his car. Ian opened the SUV and gestured to Ria to get into the car. He wasn¡¯t going to change his mind after all so she did as he instructed. Ian rounded the car and entered. The engine purred to life and the car moved into motion. ¡°When it is time should I introduce you to the people who will help you set up your ce? So you can talk to them about what you want and how you want the ce to be.¡± Ian spoke up few seconds into the drive. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. I.. I mean.. about.. the.. the professional interior designer.¡± Ria stuttered. She knew it would be useless to argue with Ian not to bring in expert designers so she just agreed to his n. ¡°I¡¯ll also tell Ramsey to help in getting the people you will be dealing with when they bring things in or alsoe in to arrange the whole ce.¡± Ian added. Ria doesn¡¯t want to consider why Ian was willing to go to such extent to fulfilling all her long list of dreams. He has done a lot for me, more than enough. And soon Ria hoped she doesn¡¯t start getting this strange feelings that she is a burden to him. Ria prayed that such thought doesn¡¯t ur to her! They didn¡¯t say anything after what Ian said because he had to answer his cell phone. A business call from work. ¡°Thanks for the ride.¡± Ria said to Ian when he pulled up in front of her house. ¡°You are wee.¡± Ian replied. Then Ria came out of the car and closed the door. ¡°I¡¯ll give you call.¡± He added. ¡°Okay. Bye.¡± Ria waved at Ian and he drove off. Ria was weed by the smell of deep fried pomfret in the air when she walked into the apartment. She dropped her bag and rushed towards the kitchen only to find ma¡¯am Elise dancing and humming a song around the small area. ¡°What are we celebrating?¡± Ria spoke up after watching her for a few seconds. ¡°Oh! You are back, miss Ria!¡± Ria nodded as she eased herself on the stool. ¡°I am just preparing dinner.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°I am so hungry.¡± Ria grumbled. ¡°Almost ready. So how was the meeting with Mr Ian?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°It was good.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t look too good.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise wiped her hands clean on a napkin. ¡°Ian got a space for the business. A big building.¡± Ria exined everything to ma¡¯am Elise without leaving any detail. ¡°Well it sounds like everything is working for you!¡± Ma¡¯am Elisemented. ¡°Maybe.¡± Ria fiddled with her fingers. ¡°This is not a matter of maybe. Everything is working for you! You are beginning to have those things you have ever wanted! And-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise paused and stared intently at Ria. She turned and walked back to attend to what she was frying on the stove. Ria heaved a huge sigh. ¡°Are you still doubting, Mr Ian?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed the perforated spoon in her hand towards Ria. ¡°No.¡± Ria was scared to admit it so ma¡¯am Elise won¡¯t tag her as ungrateful. ¡°I know what this is about but at the same time I want you to remember that you already agreed to be his business partner. And I think as a business partner all he is doing is just investing in every ways to make things work. Miss Ria, see it all as a business rtionship and not that Mr Ian wants your body in return.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise emphasized. Ria nodded slowly. She just hope that¡¯s all it is for Ian. Business partners and nothing more! Chapter 42 Mother of the day CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT PERLA JEWELRY STORE Mrs Pe Bryant was walking around herrge luxurious Jewelry store, checking out the old and new items in sses and cases of different distinctive styles of gold, diamonds, silver in nes, rings, chains and bracelets. She stopped at a huge ss and stared at the essories in it. She raised a finger in the air calling at the attention of whoever was in charge of the space. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Ady in ck suit came to her side.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. ¡°Open up this ss and clean out the dust.¡± Mrs Pe ordered but in a soft tone. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am.¡± Thedy bow her head slightly. Mrs Pe turned away to look at some other things but then she saw an old friend who just walked into her store. ¡°Good morning, Pe!¡± The olddy greeted joyfully. ¡°Oh! Madam Charity!¡± Mrs Pe replied and they exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Good to see you again.¡± Madam Charity said. ¡°It is so good to see you too. So are you here to get a jewelry?¡± Mrs Pe responded still maintaining her bright smile ¡°Oh yes! I need a ne but I am also here to give you an invitation.¡± Madam Charity answered. ¡°An invite? Please let us go into my office and talk.¡± Mrs Pe led the olddy into her office. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± She pointed to one of the couches in the office. Madam Charity sat gracefully dropping her bag by her side. ¡°The annual party at the foundation is in three weeks time.¡± She brought out an invitation card and ced it on the table. Madam Charity runs an orphanage home. Amber Foundation is one of the best charity organization in United State of America. And madam Charity holds a party once in a year to celebrate the children, sponsors and whoever has contributed to the growth of the foundation. Mrs Pe checked out the card which reads-AMBER FOUNDATION ANNUAL PARTY INVITATION. It is going to be is a five-day event with the grand finale on Saturday at Little Angels Home where awards would be give to all sponsors. ¡°Will you be chanced during these days?¡± Madam Charity asked. Mrs Pe tried to think if she would be chanced when madam Charity said again. ¡°You are the mother of the day for this year¡¯s party.¡± Quickly, Mrs Pe checked the invitation and saw her name boldly written at the downside of the invitation card. ¡°This year you have donated so well to the foundation that¡¯s why we decided to make you the mother of the day.¡± Madam Charity added. ¡°Oh! Thank you, Madam Charity.¡± Well Mrs Pe never expected something like thising from madam Charity and at the same time she won¡¯t buy the idea of being the best donator. Although Mrs Pe Bryant always send money to the foundation every week which has amounted to half a million dors in one month but she doesn¡¯t think it was enough to make her the best donator of the foundation. And where the hell is Jennifer Muller? The one who once threw it at her face that she was the best donator at Amber Foundation and that¡¯s why she is always the mother of the year every year. Perhaps did Jennifer Muller stopped donating to Amber Foundation? Mrs Pe mused. She was tempted to ask madam Charity but she decided to keep that to herself so it won¡¯t seem like apetition. ¡°It is better not to know about that sly!¡± Mrs Pe concluded within herself. She knew Madam charity was not at her store buy a ne exactly but she came around to impress her with the title just to get more contributions for the party. But even without madam Charity giving her the title, Mrs Pe would given her donations to the foundation. ¡°What are your ns for the party?¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°A lot has been put into work and the children are preparing for the party too. There will be games, family outings and performances from the children. For this year¡¯s party, we decided to print out t-shirts for the kids and people who will attend the game section.¡± Madam Charity exined. Performance? What if there is a dress for every child performing that day? Does this sound good? Is this really a good n? Mrs Pe bantered internally. ¡°I have met with the printing press yesterday so they are working on it.¡± Madam Charity added. This is a good n! Immediately it also struck Mrs Pe that children could wear dresses sewn by a talented seamstress! And she listened to Madam Charity ns for the party without interruption. They can get the printed T-shirts for everyone! She won¡¯t stop them on that since it is a good n but she also want to do something else on her own path as the mother of the year. ¡°Madam Charity, we could make dresses for the girls from a certain age like six to eight.¡± Mrs Pe suggested. Madam Charity stared at her for a second and nodded slowly. ¡°Wow! I think that¡¯s a good idea!¡± She answered with a smile. ¡°Yeah. I just thought of it now.¡± Mrs Pe shook her head. ¡°But how do we get someone who will make those dresses in three weeks?¡± Madam Charity asked. Ria! She can make these dresses! Ian said she is a seamstress! This is a chance to help and also show her skill to the world! Mrs Pe really wants to be part of that dream Ian has been talking about. ¡°I have someone who make pretty dresses and she is so good! Please just help me with the number of children between these ages and I will work on it.¡± Mrs Pe had a smug look on her face at the thought of her new ns which would also enable her to get closer to the woman her son likes so much. ¡°Yes¡­ I will do that. I will get back to you.¡± Madam Charity responded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be expecting.¡± Madam Charity stood up and sped her hand around her handbag. ¡°Thank you so much, Pe. Pease help me pick out an elegant jewelry for the event.¡± She requested. ¡°Oh! I think the Cartier ne would be really good on you.¡± Mrs Pe said as they walked out of the office. Chapter 43 The Spotlight CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT IAN BRYANT MANSIONPublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org. The continuous beeping sound under the pillow woke Ian up from a deep sleep. He reached out for the phone underneath and saw that the caller¡¯s ID was his mother. The red light on the rm clock beeped 11:45 p. m. ¡°Why is she calling by this time of the night?¡± Ian grumbled and rubbed his sleepy eyes rapidly before picking up the call. ¡®Ian!¡¯ ¡®Hello mom.¡¯ He yawned. ¡®Oh Ian! I am sorry for calling at this hour. I should have called earlier on but I have been really busy checking out some things at the store.¡¯ She said in an apologetic tone. Ian sat up on the bed and rested his head on therge bed board. ¡®Alright. What is it mom?¡¯ ¡®I need to see Ria.¡¯ Mrs Pe blurted out. ¡®What?! Why do you need to see Ria all of a sudden?!¡¯ Ian demanded with a shocking look on his face. ¡®It is really important.¡¯ Mrs Pe replied. ¡®Mom, we already talked about this. It isn¡¯t the right time to meet Ria. I don¡¯t want her think that I am introducing you to her for some reasons. And remember I told you this is only a business rtionship and not the other way round.¡¯ Ian pointed out. ¡®Yes I know this is a business rtionship between the both of you and that¡¯s why I am calling. I want Ria to make dresses for madam Charity¡¯s Children.¡¯ Mrs Pe stated. ¡®What are you talking about mom?¡¯ Ian asked. Mrs Pe heaved a sigh. ¡®I have been made the mother of the day for Amber foundation¡¯s annual party.¡¯ She made things clear to her son and also exined her ns for the children. ¡®This is a great chance to bring Ria to spotlight. Well she sew those dresses then people at the event will want to know whoever made them.¡¯ ¡®Yeah mom. You are right. But will Ria be able to finish up in less than three weeks?¡¯ ¡®Why don¡¯t you just talk to her about it.¡¯ ¡®Thank you mom for trying to help my ns for Ria.¡¯ ¡®Anything for you son. Please talk to Ria about my n and get back to me.¡¯ ¡®Okay. I will do that now.¡¯ Ian hang up the call. ¡°Perhaps, will Ria be up by this time?¡± Ian mumbled as he dialed her number and Ria picked on the first ring. ¡®Hello.¡¯ ¡®Hi, Ian.¡¯ Ria responded. ¡®I am so sorry for calling you thiste.¡¯ Ian apologized. ¡®No, it is fine. I wasn¡¯t asleep anyways.¡¯ Ian wondered why Ria was still awake by this hour? ¡®I need finish up a dress. It is an emergency order from an online client.¡¯ Ria added sharply as if she had read his mind. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Thank goodness he didn¡¯t have to ask her before she told him about what was keeping her up. ¡®My mom wants to make dresses.¡¯ He announced. Ria was taken aback by his words. ¡®Your mom?¡¯ ¡®Yes. She called in just now. It is a charity work.¡¯ Ian briefed Ria about Amber Foundation and told her about his mom¡¯s ns to make dresses for the kids as the mother of the day. ¡®So what do you say?¡¯ ¡°You know¡­ this is actually a good n.¡¯ ¡®So will you be able help her make the dresses for the children?¡¯ Ian asked trying not to sound like he waspelling her to do it. ¡®Yes I can do it.¡¯ ¡®Will you be able to make at least sixty five dresses in less three weeks? I think it is a whole lot of work.¡¯ Ria was silent. Children ranging from six to eight at Amber Foundation are about sixty five. Madam Charity wasn¡¯t so sure about the numbers but she had her mind on that number. ¡®Ria.¡¯ Ian called while she was trying to think of the possibility of making that amount of dresses together with ma¡¯am Elise. It is a lot of work! Too much for Ria and Ian won¡¯t mind her saying no because of the stress. He was worried because she is getting better from the conditioning treatment of the surgery. Even though this is a chance to make her brand known Ian would still ept her decision. If this doesn¡¯t work out then he would make more ns, better n to bring her into spotlight. ¡®Listen Ria, I would understand if -¡® ¡®I will do it. I will those dresses for the children.¡¯ Ria replied finally. ¡®Okay. I will let her know you agreed to do it. Bye.¡¯ ¡®Ian.¡¯ She called out to him. ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡°Thank you.¡¯ Ria said sincerely. ¡®You are wee.¡¯ Then the line dropped. Ian decided to text his mom via WhatsApp. ¡®Are you there? I just discussed with Ria and she agreed to make the dresses for the children.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s good.¡¯ ¡®So when do you want to meet her?¡¯ ¡®Tomorrow.¡¯ Ian sent a shocked emoji. ¡®Tomorrow?¡¯ ¡®Yes Ian. We don¡¯t have much time. Ria has less than three weeks to make at least sixty five dresses.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s true. So where is the meeting ce?¡¯ ¡®She can meet me at the store. I¡¯ll be there waiting for her before heading to Little Angels Home.¡¯ ¡®What time?¡¯ ¡¯12:00 p. m.¡¯ ¡®Okay mom. See you tomorrow.¡¯ Ian added a kiss emoji. His phone beeped of an iing message from Ria. ¡®Text me the meeting address.¡¯ ¡®Pe Jewelry store. I¡¯lle and pick you up¡­.¡¯ Ian was about sending it but he paused to add more words. ¡®And don¡¯t think of turning my ride down. See you by 11:15 p. m.¡¯ And then he sent it. Ian sent that additional text because Ria might insist on taking a taxi just to save him the stress of driving down to her house from the office. His phone binged again. ¡®Okay. And thanks once again.¡¯ ¡®Yeah. See you tomorrow, Ria.¡¯ Ian replied and waited to see if another message woulde in but nothing. Ian swiped to switch off the phone after about four minutes. He rolled on the bed and toyed with the bedsidemp switch for a while. The thought of seeing Ria tomorrow made him smile. And soon Ian drifted into sleep with a huge smile grazing his face. Chapter 44 Rory Thomas Institute CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ria stopped the wheels and epted the ss of water ma¡¯am Elise offered to her. ¡°Thank you.¡± She said after drinking from the ss. ¡°You should get dressed for the meeting. Mr Ian will be here soon.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise collected the ss from her. ¡°I know ma¡¯am Elise. Let me just finish up then I will get dressed after.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Miss Ria, I can finish up with the dress. Please meeting Mrs Pe Bryant is more important! And remember this is a big deal!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise enthused. ¡°You are right.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°So what price will you give to Mrs Pe?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked after she returned from the kitchen. ¡°I have thought of it but I have not concluded.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Listen Miss Ria, I have this feeling that you will make a lot out of this deal.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sat at the wheels to continue sewing the dress. ¡°Yes but at the same time I can¡¯t give Mrs Pe a high price for Ian¡¯s sake. And not only that, I won¡¯t bill more considering the fact that it is a charity work.¡± Ria cracked her knuckled. ¡°This is business though but it is not bad to give a discount to a charity work.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Let us just use that word discount¡­ on each child.¡± She responded. ¡°And it won¡¯t affect you right?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise raised an eyebrow.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°It won¡¯t affect me in any way. I did a rough estimationst night and from the pay I will get a form into the fashion school and probably give Ian the rest of the money of set up work ce.¡± Ria answered. ¡°And you think Mr Ian will ept your money? No, I doubt it. Mr Ian won¡¯t ept it because she already offered to pay for everything.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise countered. ¡°I will persuade him to ept it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise wheeled the sewing machine. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria called. ¡°Yes.¡± She looked up from the machine. ¡°Do you think I can run thatrge ce and still study at the same time?¡± Ria was doubting if she would be able to attend school and run the work ce all at once. ¡°Yes you can do it. Miss Ria, you can attend school when you have to do it and attend to work when you are less busy from school schedules. It won¡¯t be hard since you have an idea about what you want to learn and not just an idea, I mean.. you can sew and you are pretty good at it. You just want to gain more knowledge about how to run things and know more fashion trending styles!¡± ¡°Yeah! You are right! I didn¡¯t even think of it like that! And I think I don¡¯t have to worry about anything since you will be there to oversee things at the workce while I am in school.¡± Ria smiled. ¡°No.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise disagreed as she itched the back of her neck. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Ria furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t think I can run the business on your behalf.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stuttered. ¡°Yes you can run the business on my behalf.¡± Ria stated. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I can do it. Someone else who has enough experience should run it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise declined. Ria moved closer to her. ¡°No one else except you. If I want someone to help me then it would be you. Come on ma¡¯am Elise, you have been with me for years now and it is only you I trust.¡± She pouted. Ma¡¯am Elise cheeks flushed pink. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°What are you thinking? That I would let someone else run the business while I am away. No I can¡¯t do that! Ma¡¯am Elise is my only trustedpanion!¡± Ria giggled. ¡°Let see what position you will hold when everything is ready? The manager? The ountant?¡± Ria said loudly. ¡°Come on, Miss Ria. You are making me so emotional.¡± Ma¡¯am Eliseughed. ¡°Just name it.¡± Ria stared intently at her. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine with just handling the supplies of materials.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said with a smile. ¡°And what about being in charge of the workers payroll? Taking stock of dresses? Buying more materials from every part of the world? Handling our online clients?¡± Ria counted her fingers. ¡°Can I get to do that too?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise covered her face with her palms. ¡°Of course! As a matter of fact, ma¡¯am Elise can do whatever she wants in mypany!¡± Ria giggled. ¡°As long as I don¡¯t mess things up.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise added quickly and they busted intoughter. ¡°Anything for you.¡± Ria mumbled. Tears sting in ma¡¯am Elise eyes. ¡°Oh miss Ria¡­ I am so happy for you¡± She stood up and embraced her. ¡°Thank you, Miss Elise.¡± Ria purred into her ears. A beeping sound interrupted the emotional moment. ¡°I had to set the rm for your outing.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise withdrew from the embrace. ¡°You should get dressed before Mr Ianes.¡± ¡°Why on earth did you even set an rm?¡± Ria mouthed. ¡°So you shouldn¡¯t keep him waiting when he arrives.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise winked. ¡°Okay. You did well.¡± Ria threw her hands up in surrender. Ma¡¯am sat back on the stool. ¡°I will finish up the dress.¡± ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise. I need to take a shower and change my dress too.¡± Ria grumbled as she walked off to her room. ¡°In five minutes!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said loudly. Ria took a quick shower then went in search of her clothes which she hung in the closet sincest night. She tried it out but saw that it didn¡¯t fit the outing. Again Ria searched for something to wear while trying not to think of Ian as she did. Why should Ria matter about what Ian might like or what might make her waist look smaller and her rear end look firmest than they were? ¡°It shouldn¡¯t matter to me if Ian will like my outfit.¡± Ria chanted in her head. But as Ria stood surveying her choices, she suddenly regretted that her limited budget had left her wardrobe empty. Ria can¡¯t remember whenst she had purchased a dress for herself. It was left on the practical side. She ended the thought on a note that nothing was between she and Ian and their rtionship was businesslike. ¡°I don¡¯t need to be overly concerned with what I look like.¡± Ria mumbled. Even though Ria didn¡¯t have anything she considered impressive but she won¡¯t be underdressed. ¡°I am meeting the famous Pe Bryant so I should look my best.¡± So she assumed Jeans was too casual. In the end, Ria opted in for a pair of ck twill cks and a in white blouse with a banded cor and she paired it with ck ts. She stood in front of the mirror and focused on her reflection. Ria powered her face, added a mascara on her longshes and blush to her cheeks. All thanks to ma¡¯am Elise, she has been able to learn fast on how to do a simple make up and do her hair. Ria put ab through her hair and then bound it up but it still flowed down to her back. She focused onto herself to make sure she was at least presentable. All of a sudden, a part of Ria secretly wished that she was so stunning that it would take Ian¡¯s breath away. But she pped herself out of it. It was something she shouldn¡¯t be thinking and let alone wishing for. ¡°Ria, this is strictly business. This is business.¡± Ria told her reflection much more sternly. Then she turned away from the mirror, grabbed her bag and motioned out of the room. Ria stopped on track abruptly as soon as she walked into the sitting room. Ian was there with ma¡¯am Elise. When did hee in? She thought. Ian and Ma¡¯am Elise stopped talking to stare at Ria. Did she apply too much make up on her face? She wondered. ¡°Hi.¡± Ian greeted with a smile. ¡°Hi.¡± Ria replied shyly. Ian stood up from the couch and said. ¡°Can we go now?¡± Ria replied him a nod while ma¡¯am Elise gave her the paper bag that has the collections in it. ¡°See youter, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria said before following Ian out of the house. Ian Bryant was wearing a Khaki cks and ga colored polo shirt. He must have changed into this beforeing over because it doesn¡¯t look office like. Ria thought. Ian was freshly shaved and the scent of woodsy Cologne wafted from him. Ria tried not to think how much she liked it or how much she had liked that first glimpse of him inside her apartment. But it was all there anyways and just below the surface. ¡°Ian, I am sorry for keeping you waiting.¡± Ria said to him as they walked to his car. Ian opened the door and waited for Ria to enter before saying anything. ¡°It was worth the wait.¡± He closed the door and made his way to the driver seat. He started the car and it glided into motion. Ria thought of what to say to start a conversation but nothing urred to her at the moment. ¡°Ramsey got someone that will help set up your ce. They are actually two people so I nned to meet them tomorrow.¡± He said. Ria figured the conversation would be a good way to persuade him to ept what she wants to give in setting up her work ce. ¡°Will I be there with you?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, I will talk to them first and check out their works before introducing them to you.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria mouthed. ¡°About the equipments you will be needing, do you have a list of machines?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°I have some on my list but¡­¡± She paused. Ria is yet to know the rest. There are new inventions already out which she doesn¡¯t know of and this is why she want to attend a fashion school to get to know these things and how to use the newly invented sewing machines. ¡°I don¡¯t know them all.¡± Shepleted. ¡°You will get it at school right?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So have you found any?¡± Ria arched her brows. ¡°Any?¡± She was confused. ¡°I mean the fashion institute you want to attend. Do you have any one in mind?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So tell me about it.¡± Ian requested. ¡°Rory Thomas institute.¡± Ria said. ¡°Is it the best? I want you to attend the best fashion school in the state.¡± Ian looked at her for a split seconds. ¡°One of the best and it is not too expensive.¡± Ria answered. ¡°How far is it from your house?¡± He focused on the road ahead. ¡°It is about an hour drive.¡± Ria replied. ¡°What about the workce? How far is it?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°It is closer to my workce. I think it is about twenty minutes drive.¡± Ria took out her phone from the bag. ¡°That¡¯s not bad. So how long will you be in school learning about sewing?¡± Ian looked at her again. ¡°At least six months. For now, I won¡¯t be going in for the full course.¡± Ria stared at the few notes she had written in her note pad. ¡°Why are you not going for the full course? Is it because you already know about it?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes. And I don¡¯t want to get stuck between school and work.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Okay. I think ma¡¯am Elise can see to the affair of your work ce while you are at school.¡± Ian suggested. Ria nodded her head in agreement. ¡°We already discussed it.¡± Her cellphone beeped. It was ma¡¯am Elise. ¡®Hello.¡¯ ¡®Are you there now?¡¯ ¡®No, we are still on our way.¡¯ ¡®Okay. I want to get some stuffs from the grocery store. Is there anything you need? So I can buy it.¡¯ Ria itched the bridge of her nose as she recalled that she had made a listst night before going to bed. She had nned to drop by at the mall on her way back but she didn¡¯t even remember to bring the list along. ¡®Ma¡¯am Elise, I pinned the list to the board in the kitchen.¡¯ ¡®Hold on let me check.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise was silent for a while. ¡®Oh! I have seen it! It is almost the same with mine.¡¯ ¡®Please don¡¯t add shrimps to the list because of Phoebe.¡¯ Ria reminded her. ¡®Oh my goodness! That¡¯s true. I will take it out from my list.¡¯ ¡®Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡¯ ¡®You are wee.¡¯ Then she hang up the call. Ria looked at Ian whose attention was focused on the road ahead. He didn¡¯t say anything but she felt like they should talk and like have a conversation without her being the topic. But nothing came from her mind so she just let things remain that way. Chapter 45 Meeting his mother CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT PERLA JEWELRY STORE It was nearly 12:00 p. m when Ian and Ria got to the Pe Jewelry Store. It was an enormous, old red building that had been renovated with an eye towards retaining the original design. The building was carved into a granite arch above the main entrance and Ria was curious to know how they came about such structure even as Ian pulled up in the private driveway and stopped the car. Ria couldn¡¯t help but nce around when they stepped into the store. ¡°Want to check out some stuffs before seeing my mom?¡± He asked. Ria figured Ian must have noticed from the way she was looking around with a surprised look on her face. ¡°No.. no.. I don¡¯t need to check out anything.¡± Ria replied. Why does she need to check out anything when she doesn¡¯t n to buy one. She can¡¯t even afford such essories. Ria thought. Ian nodded in understanding and they resumed walking side by side. Every person that passed by in the store stopped to greet Ian as if he were a prodigal son returning home. There was no need to ask why most people stopped to say hello. He is Ian Bryant! He is the chief executive officer of Lint Corporation! And he is quiet popr in the business world! Plus they must greet him as the son of the owner of the store. ¡°Ian.¡± Ria heard a soft voice call his name. Ian heard it too because he stopped and turned to look at the person. Ria did the same and she saw a young woman dressed in an expensive red knee length gown and matching stiletto heels and bag. Who is she? Ria mused as she drank in the features of the beautifuldy that walked up to them. She was absolutely pretty. Her straight molten short red hair framed her forehead in a neat fringe cut and it also tumbled over her shoulder. She has a slender shaped bleached velvety eyebrows, ck eyes, sea nymph ear, a dainty nose and plump lips. Her baster skin shimmered with the lighting in the area. Ria knew this young woman was rich noting from her outfit and the way she carried herself. She walked gracefully with her shoulder up. Who is she? Ian tucked his hands in his pocket. ¡°Lorna.¡± He called at her. Thedy in question stared at Ria for a second before looking back at Ian. ¡°We need to talk.¡± Lorna said with a frown on her face. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Privately.¡± Lorna said again when he didn¡¯t make an attempt to leave. ¡°Lorna as you can see I have apany.¡± Ian said. Lorna red at Ria. ¡°Rx girl, I don¡¯t think I want to be the one stopping you from talking to him.¡± Ria said to herself. ¡°Heypany, I need to talk him.¡± Lorna said rudely. ¡°Lorna-¡± ¡°I will just give you some space to talk to her.¡± Ria stepped aside at least far away for them to talk privately. Her phone beeped. It was Cassidy then she looked back at Ian and Lorna before turning awaypletely to answer the call. ¡®Hello Cassidy.¡¯ ¡®Hi, Miss Ria.¡¯ ¡®It is so good to hear from you again. How is school?¡¯ ¡®Fine. I just finished a tutorial. Are you home?¡¯ ¡®I am at Mrs Pe store with Ian.¡¯ Cassidy was silent. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll tell you about it when we see Cassidy.¡¯ It has been quite a while since Ria saw Cassidy because she has been busy at school but they have kept in touch via text messages. ¡®Okay. See you tomorrow then.¡¯ Cassidy replied. ¡®Yeah. Take care, Cassidy.¡¯ Ria hang up the call. ¡°I am sorry for dying you.¡± Ria heard Ian say behind her. She turned and saw that thedy on red wasn¡¯t around anymore. Where did she go? She pondered. ¡°She already left.¡± Ian said as if he was reading through her mind. ¡°It is okay.¡± Ria managed to say. Every part of Ria wanted to know who thatdy is to Ian. His girlfriend? Or his ex girlfriend? But Ria cut off the thought quickly. She shouldn¡¯t be bothered about it. She concluded. ¡°Let us go. Your mom would be waiting.¡± Ria said and they continued walking. They stopped in front of a huge door. Ian opened it and stepped aside for Ria to walk in first. She did and he stepped in right behind her. The olddy sitting behind therge desk who Ria immediately recognized to be Ian¡¯s mom stood up and met them halfway. This was Ria and Mrs Pe first meeting but they have spoken on phone thrice while she was China with Ian through a video call. ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am.¡± Ria greeted. Ian stood beside Ria and perform the introduction. ¡°Mom, this is Ria Robert and Ria meet my mom, Mrs Pe Bryant.¡± Then they both exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Good to see you in person, Ria. Please take a seat.¡± She pointed to arge couch. Ian and Ria settled on it. ¡°Son, did you see Lorna? She just left my office not too long ago.¡± Mrs Pe asked. ¡°Yeah I saw her.¡± Ian replied after a cough in a bid to caution his mom from saying more about Lorna. Even his mom knows Lorna. Ria said to herself. ¡°So how is business? How have you been doing, Ria?¡± Mrs Pe after exchanging facial signs with her son. ¡°Everything is fine ma¡¯am.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Good to hear that.¡± Mrs Pe picked up a blue print file from her side and stretched it towards Ria. She leaned forward and epted it from the olddy. ¡°It is Amber Foundation File. Madam Charity insisted that the designer should know about the foundation and kids too.¡± She added. ¡°Is that necessary?¡± Ian questioned with a raised eyebrows. ¡°Madam Charity insisted that the seamstress should know about her foundation.¡± Mrs Pe repeated. Ria scanned through the files. In the blue print file was the number and names of children ranging from the selected ages of six to eight. ¡°Madam Charity already indicated the right figure in the file. So will you be able to make seventy dresses in less than three weeks?¡± Mrs Pe¡¯s voice was so calm. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Ria has to do it because she needs the money! It doesn¡¯t matter if there are seventy children in file she could ce an advert and hire another seamstress to work with her. ¡°How do you intend to make all those dresses?¡± Mrs Pe asked. Ria looked up at her trying to make sense of her question. ¡°I mean will you be the only one to make all those dresses all by yourself?¡± ¡°No, I have someone who is helping me in the business. And I might hire one more person to hasten the process of the job.¡± Ria responded and she noticed that Ian was busy with his phone. ¡°Alright. That¡¯s good.¡± ¡°What sort of dress do you want for children?¡± Ria brought out the collections from the bag and ced it on the table. ¡°I want a very beautiful and elegant gown.¡± Mrs Pe picked one out of three. Ria was a bit nervous when the olddy opened the collection. What if she doesn¡¯t like the style in the collections? They are actually dresses Ria had designed herself when she was blind and she only got to see after the surgery. To Ria, they could pass as pretty and awesome when she got to see them after the eye surgery but for someone like Mrs Pe she was not sure if the olddy would like it. Ria¡¯s phone beeped as she waited for Mrs Pe to say at least say a word. It was a message from who this time? Ian. But why did he send her a message when he was right there with her? Ria wondered even as she read the message. ¡®Don¡¯t be nervous. Your dresses are pretty and I am sure she would like it. I have to get somewhere quickly. I¡¯ll be back to pick you up.¡¯ Ian stood up. ¡°Mom.¡± Mrs Pe nced up at her son. ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Ian went to her side. ¡°Yes, I need to see someone. I will be back soon.¡± He kissed her cheeks and shed Ria a bright smile before walking out. No way! Did he just leave Ria alone with his mom?! And where was he heading to after making it clear earlier on that he was off work?! Ria heart beat elerated. Mrs Pe cleared her throat and Ria looked up at her. ¡°Your collections are -¡± She paused with her gaze fixated on the collection. What is she going to say? Awful? Boring? Old Fashioned?N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Intriguing.¡± Mrs Pe said finally. And did she just say that?! ¡°And attractive.¡± Mrs Pe added. A smile automatically formed on Ria lips immediately and she heaved a huge sigh of relief. ¡°Did you make these dresses when you were blind?¡± Mrs Pe questioned. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Ria¡¯s face lightened up. ¡°I must say that this is amazing.¡± Mrs Peplimented. Ria Robert has three collections for all the dresses she has made. Andrea put the first collections together in a folder while Mrs Elise put the second and third collections together and printed them. ¡°No lies Ria, you are creative in this field.¡± ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± Ria¡¯s cheeks flushed at her words. ¡°But you can also do better than the designs in these collections. Can you make another design for the dress? A special one for me.¡± Mrs Pe requested. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. What type of design do you want?¡± Ria brought out a notepad and a pencil. ¡°I want something that would amaze everyone at the party. A one of a kind design that everyone would see at the event and they will be dying to know whoever made the dresses. Something that spells professionalism and practically designed by a clothe designer.¡± Mrs Pe exined. And that was exactly Ria¡¯s greatest dreams! The only thing she has ever desired after regaining her sight was to be a famous clothe designer! It is what Ria wanted to be since she was a kid! ¡°Let us make a sketch about the design so our next meeting will be at the Little Angels Home to take the kids measurement.¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am.¡± Ria shook her head in agreement. Chapter 46 Leaking the secret CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT THE MALL Ma¡¯am Elise caught a glimpse of a figure she knows or no a glimpse of someone she knew. She didn¡¯t believe her eyes at first until she followed him. The figure leaned closer to a woman holding a basket in her hands and she was pregnant! The two figuresughed happily as the man ced a kiss on her cheeks. Tears gathered at the corner of ma¡¯am Elise eyes as she watched her ex husband, Leo and her ex best friend, Abigail disying their love right in front of her. Ma¡¯am Elise couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Abigail¡¯s baby bump. Again Abigail was carrying her ex husband¡¯s child, probably the second or the third child. Ma¡¯am Elise turned away quickly before Leo could see her. She shouldn¡¯t have followed Leo when she caught a glimpse of him. Ma¡¯am Elise lost concentration as she couldn¡¯t control the tears at the sight of seeing Leo and Abigail together. ¡°That should be me! Not Abigail carrying his child! He is happy! That ingrate left me! After everything I did for him! How could he do this to me after giving up my savings and part of my inheritance to save that his stupid ass! But in the end he left me because I couldn¡¯t bear him a child! He didn¡¯t remember how much we suffered together!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise failed at controlling the tears due to the words that were echoing in her mind. Leo fell in love with Abigail! ¡°He cheated! And that had happened right under my nose and I didn¡¯t know about it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise only found out it was true the day she saw Abigail with Leo in court. She had considered her a good friend but she turned out to be a thorn in her flesh. ¡°She took my husband away from me!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise bumped into someone and the basket she was holding dropped from her grip. And most of of the items she had picked poured out of it. ¡°Sorry¡­ Sorry.. I am sorry. I am so sorry.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise cried out and apologized to whoever she bumped into without looking up at the person. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise?¡± The voice said and she looked up to the person. It was Mr Brown which caused her to look away quickly just to hide her tears. She was surprised to see him again. ¡°Good¡­ good afternoon¡­¡± Ma¡¯am Elise managed to say as she kept her head down to wipe her face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked. Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed as she stood up after packing the items that spilled out of the basket. ¡°Oh yes! I.. I.. am fine.¡± She stammered with a half smile. She tried to maintain the ma¡¯am Elise this man had met the other day. ¡°Are you-¡± ¡°Oh! It is you¡­ Mr Brown! I remember you! Cassidy¡¯s father right?! How are you doing? How have you been? How is Cassidy?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned frantically as she tried to blink back more tears. ¡°I.. I.. am¡­ I am good.¡± He replied with a shock expression. Yeah Ma¡¯am Elise knew she was acting weird! Earlier on, she was crying and grieving for her ex husband but now she was faking a smile for this customer. ¡°Good to see you again.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± He asked. ¡°Yeah. I am doing fine too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sped her hand around the basket ¡°You are here to shop right?¡± She asked. That sounded foolish but she still pointed at the basket with him. ¡°I came to get some ingredients for Mr Ian¡¯s favorite dish.¡± He answered with a bright smile. Ma¡¯am Elise raised her eyebrow at his words. ¡°Mr Ian¡­ favorite dish?¡± She was confused. Is this customer a cook? Is he an errand boy? By coincidence, is he working for Mr Ian? She pondered but there was no point since he was standing right in front of her. ¡°Are you working for Ian Bryant as his cook?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. Immediately his forehead creased. His look disyed that of someone who just exposed a deep secret. He scratched the back of his neck for seconds after realizing that he had said too much. ¡°Perhaps do you know Mr Ian Bryant?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise waited for his response. ¡°Actually..¡± He paused. ¡°Yes¡­¡± He cleared his throat and said. ¡°I am a chef¡­ or a cook¡­ whatever you call it.¡± He sighed. ¡°I work at Mr Ian¡¯s mansion.¡± Hepleted. Ma¡¯am Elise scrunched up her face. What is this?! ¡°Mr Ian told me that Mr Brown was his friend.. and Cassidy¡¯s father.¡± She mumbled to herself. Oh well he can be his friend and still work for him. She mused. ¡°The truth is that I am not his friend like he told you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stared at him in shock. Now what is he saying?! Everything is not clear to her. ¡°Are you done shopping?¡± He asked. ¡°Oh yes! I¡¯ll just pay and leave.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied and made an attempt to leave. ¡°Please let me drop you off at your ce.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stopped on track and turned to face him. ¡°Thank you. But there is no need for that.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise doesn¡¯t think that she wants to hear the remaining part of the secret. Or maybe she was just scared to find out that Mr Ian might have been pretending and deceiving them. No! It can¡¯t be for that reason. She didn¡¯t sense deception around Mr Ian and it has been weeks. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Mr Griffin followed her to the payment desk. Thedy at the table gave her the bills after calcting the items. ¡°I¡¯ll pay for my items and hers too.¡± Mr Griffin gave his credit card to thedy. Ma¡¯am Elise couldn¡¯t argue with him not to pay because she caught a glimpse of Leo again so she just let him pay so they could leave on time. Mr Griffin helped her with the grocery nylons. ¡°We need to talk.¡± Mr Griffin said when they stepped out of the mall. ¡°What is it we have to talk about?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. She wasn¡¯t even in the mood for a chitchat today. ¡°I will drive you home.¡± Mr Griffin carried the nylons to his car knowing that she would follow him. ¡°Please go in.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise hesitated. ¡°Well I¡¯ll ept the fare if you don¡¯t want a free ride.¡± He said with a croaked smile on his face.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. Ma¡¯am rolled her eyes and entered the car. ¡°Now what do we have to talk about?¡± She asked when they moved on the highway. ¡°The truth.¡± Mr Griffin replied. ¡°What truth?¡± Mr Griffin cleared his throat and started. ¡°I lied to you and miss Ria. I am not Cassidy¡¯s father and I didn¡¯te to your house to really get a dress for my daughter.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise listened as he exined Ian Bryant¡¯s former n on how to get close to the blinddy he met at the park. And why Ian had sent he and Cassidy to find more information about Ria just by to acting like a father and a daughter. ¡°Mr Ian was just curious about Miss Ria and he was really interested in her case. So that was why he did it but when Cassidy realized that his ns to keep acting as a spy seemed like deceit so she suggested that we bring you into the picture justing out clean and straight.¡± He ended. Ma¡¯am Elise heaved a sigh of relief. After all she was right! Ian Bryant is true to Ria Robert! Always real. His ns was just to get him close to Ria! And that feeling is strong! The feeling of helping her out with everything was still waxing strong! ¡°So that means you are not Mr Brown.¡± ¡°Oh well-¡± ¡°So what¡¯s your name?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Tyler Griffin.¡± He answered. ¡°So your name is Tyler and Griffin is for the surname. Then what about Brown?¡± She asked again. ¡°My mother family¡¯s name is Brown so I am still Mr Brown.. partly.¡± He chuckled. Ma¡¯am Elise nodded slowly. She wasn¡¯t in the mood tough at his joke. She remembered the reason why she had cried at the mall. But immediately she managed to blink back the tears that threatened to spill at the thought of Leo and Abigail. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you weren¡¯t looking good at the mall earlier. Is everything okay?¡± Mr Griffin asked in a concerned tone. ¡°Oh! That¡­ I was just.. like that because I had dirt in my eyes and couldn¡¯t see for a while.. it is the reason why I bumped into you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise managed to rush her words out! Those words were not true and she thought it worked on Mr Griffin because he didn¡¯t say anything about it. This must end! It has to end! Shedding tears because of Leo and Abigail must end! She concluded. The drive to Ria¡¯s house was cool! Mr Griffin and Ma¡¯am Elise had a friendly conversation. Actually they talked about Ian Bryant and Ria Robert mostly. Ma¡¯am Elise told him about Ria while Mr Griffin filled her in about Ian. But ma¡¯am Elise didn¡¯t tell Mr Griffin about Ria¡¯s past. Mr Griffin knows a lot about Ian and it was clear that he was now part of The Bryant¡¯s Family. Since the wealthy CEO regarded him as a father. Chapter 47 No more arranged marriage CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Ian let out a handful of breathe before walking into the restaurant. Earlier on, Lorna and Ian had agreed to meet up since she insisted that they needed to talk like two matured adults. Speaking of maturity, Lorna is quiet far from it! Ian felt like stuffing a bread in her mouth as they were at the store because she didn¡¯t take her eyes off Ria while she was talking to him. And he just hopes that Ria didn¡¯t get the wrong idea about Lorna. If Ria is thinking the other way round then how would he even exin things to her? Lorna must be mad at Ian because he didn¡¯t introduce her to Ria and that he even acted like she wasn¡¯t important to me. What should Ian have done? ¡°Ria meet Lorna, she is thedy my dad wants to me to marry but I don¡¯t love her. Does that make any sense?¡± Hell no! Ian thought. About the meeting with Lorna in the restaurant Ian has no choice but to give in to Lorna¡¯s request because she had threatened to tell Ria that he was having an affair with Grace the secretary. That wasn¡¯t true though! But Ian had to say yes just to stop Lorna from saying those nonsense to Ria. And even if it wasn¡¯t true Ria would still find it hard to believe Ian if he ever tried to exin that nothing was going on between he and Grace. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t make it down here.¡± Lorna said when Ian sat on the chair opposite hers. ¡°I said I was going to meet you.¡± Ian replied. ¡°She is the reason why you were out of the country for weeks.¡± Lorna blurted out and that didn¡¯t sound like a question. She knows something! ¡°Yeah.¡± Ian nodded. Lorna chuckled. ¡°I see.¡± ¡°When will you stop paying people to find out things about me?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°You caused it Ian. We aren¡¯t like this when were kids. We used to be best of friends until you changed up and I keep wondering what caused this change between us.¡± Lorna said. ¡°You should find that out alone.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Listen, I have tried all I can to figure things out but nothing has ever urred to me.¡± Lorna said with a screwed up face. Just one thing changed Lorna and Ian¡¯s friendship-Mason! Ian and Lorna were inseparable but everything changed the day he saw her kissing Mason. What age was that? Yes! When they were fifteen. It was on Lorna¡¯s fifteenth birthday and Ian had bumped into Lorna and Mason kissing in the dark! Lorna wasn¡¯t dating Mason back then, she had made things clear to Ian about her rtionship to Mason but she still kissed him. Was she drunk that day or she wasn¡¯t in her right mind? Ian was only disappointed because Lorna had made it clear that such would never happen between she and Mason because she was in love with Ian. At some point Ian thought he was in love with Lorna because of their closeness but everything changed when he saw her kissing Mason. And Ian did tried to stop seeing Lorna as a friend but a s a girl that he could love but it didn¡¯t work out. So right then Ian realized that he wasn¡¯t meant to see her pass that friendship level.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°What went wrong?¡± Lorna asked. Ian was not ready to tell Lorna what made me him change! He concluded that they should just leave things that way. ¡°We can talk things out and-¡± ¡°And what do we have to talk about?¡± Ian snorted. ¡°Us.¡± ¡°Us?¡± Ian frowned. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Lorna, there is no us. I told you that love can¡¯t work out between us¡±m.¡± Ian stated clearly. ¡°What about her?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°Thedy I saw with you.¡± Lorna replied. ¡°Let us leave her out of this conversation and please stop paying people to stalk me.¡± Ian said in a stern tone. How on earth did Lorna always find out things she wants know? It is always like Lorna eyes are everywhere! ¡°I didn¡¯t have to pay anyone to tell me you were in China taking care of a blinddy. Piper told me about it.¡± Lorna blurted. ¡°What?!¡± Ian¡¯s jaw dropped slightly. Piper told Lorna about Ria! And how much did she know about Ria? What did Piper tell her? Nothing is safe with Piper! Ian chanted in his mind. ¡°Yeah she told me about the blinddy when I called to check on you. Ian, you weren¡¯t picking up my calls and I was worried. So I went to Piper¡¯s office.¡± Lorna exined. ¡°What exactly did she tell you?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°A lot.¡± ¡°A lot?¡± Ian doubted it! Piper doesn¡¯t know anything other than the fact that he paid for Ria¡¯s medical bills and he went with her to China. About his ns to set up Ria¡¯s business was between Ian and his mom only. He was sure that his mom won¡¯t leak his ns to anyone. ¡°Piper told me that you paid for her surgical bills.¡± Lorna said. And that doesn¡¯t signify the a lot that she had mentioned in her sentence. ¡°Piper is right. I helped Ria regain her sight.¡± ¡°Do you love her?¡± Lorna asked unexpectedly. Ian stiffed back augh. ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± Lorna sighed and leaned forward. ¡°I want to know how you feel about that blinddy so I won¡¯t keep my hopes high.¡± Lorna responded. Keeping her hopes high? Ian can¡¯t believe her words when he already told her years back that he can¡¯t fall in love with her. So why is she holding on to him? ¡°Her name is Ria and she is not blind anymore.¡± Ian corrected. ¡°Whatever.¡± ¡°Listen Lorna, I am not stopping you from loving whoever you want to love.¡± Ian added. ¡°Yes I know. That¡¯s why I want to get over whatever feelings I have for you.¡± Lorna replied. So if In confessed to Lorna that he doesn¡¯t love Ria then she won¡¯t give up on him? Ian has feelings for Ria. He already figured that out but telling Lorna about his love for Ria will break her heart and make her feel sad. What is the best option for Ian? ¡°Ian, I want the truth. I don¡¯t want to keep fighting for what doesn¡¯t belong to me. I have realized that it is pointless so I will understand your decision.¡± Lorna sounded so sincere with him. Maybe Ian should just tell Lorna the truth so she can move on and let him be. Plus he also want toe out of the arranged marriage with Lorna. ¡°Yes, I am in love with her.¡± Ian confessed. Lorna nodded slowly. ¡°I knew it. I just wanted to be sure.¡± And how did she know he loves Ria? Ian thought within. ¡°I spoke with your mom earlier before I saw you. She told about about your feelings for Ria when I insisted that she tells me more about her. I just want to hear iting from you. My heart will ept it now that you confessed it.¡± Lorna added. So Lorna has been on the look out for a while now probably trying to find out if Ian truly loves Ria. No wonder Mrs Pe asked her son if he saw Lorna leave her office. The meeting was about Ian and Ria. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Ian said to her. ¡°Sorry for what? Are you sorry for now loving me?¡± She let out a snort. ¡°Maybe.¡± And Ian had no idea why he had said sorry to her. ¡°Ian, it is fine. I ept your decision. Now I know, we aren¡¯t meant to be together and thank goodness one of us was able to sense it before it caused us any harm.¡± Lorna reasoned. Ian only gave a short nod! Now he was a bit surprised to see a different Lorna. Did she grow up in few weeks of not setting his eyes on her? She seems to sound more mature now. He mused. Lorna stood up and moved closer to him. ¡°I wish you well, Ian Bryant.¡± She kissed his cheek before walking out. Ian stood up secondster, he made it out of the restaurant and went back to the jewelry store which was just few blocks away. Chapter 48 The money figure CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT PERLA JEWELRY STORE Ian heardughter from inside the office when he got to the entrance and he stepped in. And seeing the way Ria threw her head back inughter as Mrs Pe said something funny made him happy to see her this way. ¡°Oh son!¡± Mrs Pe said. Ria¡¯s vibrant aquamarine blue eyes which had left Ian mesmerized the moment he had looked into them after the surgery sparkle slightly as she looked at him. ¡°I was telling Ria about ourst vacation in Swahili.¡± Mrs Peughed. Ian nodded. The vacation in Swahili was hrious and fun filled. Everyone was present, Josie¡¯s family, Lauren¡¯s family and Piper who came along with her celebrity boyfriend who almost ruined the vacation. ¡°So have you both decided on the n?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes! We already finalized the whole n!¡± Mrs Pe eximed. She seemed too excited about everything.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°So can we leave?¡± ¡°Yes son.¡± Mrs Pe smiled. Ria stood up and picked up therge paper bag she brought. ¡°It is really nice to meet and spend time with you.¡± She said. ¡°I am more pleased to meet you in person, Ria.¡± Mrs Pe stood up too. ¡°Okay mom. We¡¯ll talkedter.¡± Ian kissed her cheeks. The phone on her desk beeped. ¡°That should be madam Charity. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow son.¡± He walked to the desk to answer the call. Ria and Ian walked out of the office and back to the car. ¡°Thank you.¡± She said when he opened the car door. Ian pulled out of the driveway to main road. Ian Bryant felt relief of the fact that he might possibly be out of an arranged marriage with Lorna Simmons. He was thinking of what to say Ria to her when she said, ¡°Your mom is nice.¡± Their gaze met for a second before she looked away. Yeah Ian knows that his mom is nice! In fact he always feel like he has the best mom in the world! ¡°It was so fun to be with her.¡± Ria added. Ian was happy. It was interesting to hear those words from Ria-she likes his mom! ¡°How was the meeting?¡± Ian asked. ¡°It was good.¡± Ria smiled. ¡°So did she tell you what sort of dress she wants for the kids?¡± ¡°Yeah. I drew a sketch of what she nned for the children. Just a little touch of creativity and the design will be done.¡± Ria brought out a notepad and a pencil. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°I made a special design for your mom but it is sill a sketch though.¡± Ria answered. ¡°What about the ones in your collections? She didn¡¯t like it?¡± He nced at her shortly. ¡°She liked it. Your mom gave goodments about my designs but she just wants something different for the kids at the foundation.¡± Ria said with a smile. ¡°Okay.¡± Theypsed into silence. Ria focused her attention on the notepad. ¡°You are using left?¡± Ian broke the silence. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I mean, you are holding a pencil with your left hand.¡± Ian emphasized. ¡°Yes, I am a left handed person.¡± Ria shook her head. Ian never knew! Maybe because he hasn¡¯t seen her use a pencil up until now. ¡°So what have you put together?¡± ¡°You want to see?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Ian eximed. ¡°It is not perfect though.¡± Ria pouted. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be perfect for it to look good. I just want to see the design you made¡± Ian smirked. Everything about Ria was just perfect for him and even when he had epted her despite the imperfections. Ria turned the notepad for Ian to see the sketching of the dress on it. ¡°We nned to use silk for the dress andce to make it pretty bit we haven¡¯t decided on what color of silk to use. So for that, your mom is thinking of calling the party nner to know the color of the stage-¡± ¡°For it to match the dress.¡± Ianpleted her intended statement. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°The design is pretty. I am sure the kids will like it.¡± Ianmented. ¡°You think so?¡± ¡°I am sure.¡± Ian replied. Ria shed him a bright smile that almost took his breathe away. ¡°When are you visiting the foundation? Tomorrow?¡± ¡°No, I have to make a sample of the dress first. If your mom and Madam Charity likes it then I will visit the foundation to measure the kids.¡± Ria responded. ¡°When will you make the sample?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I should be able to finish up the design tonight and buy the materials tomorrow. And it should be ready in two days time since I don¡¯t have much work to do.¡± Ria stated her ns. ¡°Okay. What time will you be leaving to the store so I cane and pick you up?¡± Ria was silent. ¡°Ian, you don¡¯t have to bother. I¡¯ll just take a taxi.¡± Ria said after some seconds of silence. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ian asked. He doesn¡¯t want to insist on driving her to the store just for some reasons. Ian doesn¡¯t want her to feel pressured that he want to always be around her. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria mouthed. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian managed to say. And does that mean he won¡¯t be seeing her tomorrow or the next? Ha! No! Ian can¡¯t bear the thought of not seeing her in a day. Chapter 49 Comforting Ma鈥檃m Elise CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ian stopped the car but didn¡¯t pull into the driveway of Ria¡¯s home. ¡°Thanks for the ride.¡± Ria said when she got out of the car. ¡°You are wee.¡± Ian replied. Ria expected him to drive away but he didn¡¯t make an attempt to do so. Ian just sat in the car staring at her. Ria raised an eyebrow at him and then he just simply nod his head. ¡°Yeah. Bye!¡± Ian waved before driving off slowly. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria called when she walked into the house.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Oh.. Miss Ria, you are back.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sat up on the couch. Immediately Ria noticed the sad expression on her face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± She went to her quickly. ¡°Oh.. nothing.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed. ¡°Something is wrong. You just don¡¯t want to tell me about it.¡± Ria settled beside her. ¡°I am just tired.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mumbled incoherently. Something is quite not right. Ma¡¯am Elise barelyins of tiredness! It was weird to hear iting from her. Ria held her hands. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, remember our promise.. no secrets.¡± She stated intently at her. Ma¡¯am Elise eyes became blurry from tears that threatened to spill anytime soon. ¡°What happened? What¡¯s wrong, ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Ria stood up immediately, she searched around the house to see if someone had barged in and harm her but everything was clean as usual. Well that was her first thought! ¡°Oh¡­ miss Ria -¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice trailed off. ¡°Rx. Just tell me about it.¡± Ria settled beside her on the couch again. ¡°I.. I.. met Leo and Abigail at the mall today.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise managed to say. Ria gasped in shock. ¡°Abigail.. Abigail is carrying his child¡­ probably the second or third.. and I couldn¡¯t hold it in. I broke down in tears at the mall.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sobbed. Ria wiped her cheeks. She has no idea of what to say or how tofort her. It must very hard for ma¡¯am Elise to see the man who had caused her so much pain in the past to be happy with the woman who had also betrayed her. That¡¯s unfair! Does taking what isn¡¯t meant to be yours greed? This question reminded Ria of how her uncle Frederick had taken away her father¡¯s inheritance. Frederick Robert had more than enough but he still wanted the token that belonged to Nathan. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be like this because of them right? I.. I¡­. mean I ended things with Leo long ago so I shouldn¡¯t be bothered right? But I can¡¯t just take it off my mind. It should have been me carrying his child. I should have been me smiling so happily that way. These are just stupid thoughts that have been bugging my mind since I came back from the mall.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed. ¡°Oh.. ma¡¯am Elise.. please don¡¯t cry.¡± Ria pulled her in for a hug. ¡°He didn¡¯t see it. I am d he didn¡¯t see me because I would have been so ashamed of myself.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise cried. Ria withdrew from the embrace. ¡°No.. no.. don¡¯t talk like this. You shouldn¡¯t be ashamed of yourself. You are also doing a great job at living a happy life. You have to take him off your mind.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes.. yes.. yes¡­ I should stop thinking about him because he has moved on with Abigail so I should do the same too.¡± Ria understood why ma¡¯am Elise was feeling sad. Leo has a wife and children. But her case is different, she is still yet to find love and have children of her own. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Ria apologized not knowing what to say. ¡°I promise not to think about them again. I swear.. I am going to forget everything I saw today.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise wiped her face. ¡°Please don¡¯t think about them anymore.¡± Ria embraced her again. It won¡¯t be easy for ma¡¯am Elise to forget about her past but at least she could try not to think about her ex husband and ex best friend. Several minutes passed with ma¡¯am Elise crying and Ria only let her go after she calmed. Ma¡¯am Elise wiped her face and sniffed. ¡°Now look at what you have done to these babies.. you ruined them.¡± Ria used her fingers to wipe ma¡¯am Elise cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I shouldn¡¯t let you see this other side of me but you know I can be so emotional at times.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise managed to smile. ¡°Yes, I know that you are a strong woman too. And Leo is a jerk and a bad ass for letting a woman like you go! If only I could meet him then I would tell him that he lost a precious jewel!¡± Ria gritted. And she keeps praying that ma¡¯am Elise finds true love. A man that would love her deeply knowing that ma¡¯am Elise is not too old to find love! She is still in her prime. ¡°Miss Ria, you are stronger and I envy your courage.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pinched her cheeks yfully and they both giggled. ¡°Now tell me how was your meeting with Mrs Pe?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sniffled. ¡°Good it was -¡± ¡°Wait before you say a word let me get you something to calm your nerves. I know for sure that meeting a money figure like Mrs Pe Bryant wasn¡¯t an easy task.¡± She interrupted Ria. ¡°Yes it wasn¡¯t easy. I was so nervous, ma¡¯am Elise!¡± Ria huffed. Ma¡¯am Elise stood up and went to the kitchen. Ria pulled off her ts and then arranged the collections back in its ce. ¡°Here you go.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise came back with a ss of chilled orange juice. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria gulped down the whole liquid and dropped the ss on the table. And she went on to exin everything that happened at the Pe Jewelry Store. Chapter 50 She found out the truth CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA IN THE NIGHT: AT IAN BRYANT MANSION ¡°Wee home sir.¡± A maid greeted Ian when she unlocked the door to let him into the house. ¡°Drink this.¡± Mr Griffin joined in with a ss of water in a tray in his hands. ¡°Thank you, Mr Griffin.¡± Ian epted the ss of water and gulped down the whole liquid. ¡°We need to talk.¡± Mr Griffin said as he passed the tray to the maid. She bowed and walked away. ¡°What is it, Mr Griffin? I am so tired.¡± Ian asked as he bounded up the curvy stairs leading to his room. ¡°It is about Miss Ria.¡± Ian stopped abruptly and turned to face him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± He asked in a concerned tone. ¡°Nothing bad. Please can we have the discussion in your room?¡± Mr Griffin requested politely. Isn noticed two maids close by cleaning the interiors in the living room. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian agreed. Mr Griffin opened the bedroom door and Ian walked into therge room. ¡°I made a terrible mistake today.¡± He sighed. ¡°Terrible mistake? What mistake?¡± Ian arched his brows. ¡°I bumped into ma¡¯am Elise at the store today so along the line she found out that I am working for you.. as a cook not -¡± ¡°What?!¡± Ian¡¯s jaw dropped. Even without thepletion of Mr Griffin¡¯s words, Ian already understood how the scene would have transpired. ¡°I am really sorry for my loosed mouth but I had no choice but to exin everything to ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Mr Griffin said in an apologetic tone. ¡°So are you saying Ma¡¯am Elise is aware that Cassidy is not your daughter and that I sent you to Ria¡¯s ce to know about her?!¡± Ian demanded. Mr Griffin shook his head. ¡°Everything. I told her the whole n.¡± He confessed. Ian ced his palms on his face. This can¡¯t be happening! ¡°What have you done?¡¯Now ma¡¯am Elise would see me as a bad person!¡± He ran his hand through his hair. ¡°She understands your reason for the n but I wasn¡¯t able to convince her against telling miss Ria.¡± Mr Griffin added. ¡°What?! Ma¡¯am Elise is going to tell Ria the whole truth?!¡± Ian asked with a wide eyes. ¡°Yes. She insisted that Miss Ria deserves to know since Cassidy is pretty close to her now. And-¡± Ian picked the car keys on the bed and stormed out of the room. ¡°Sir Ian, where are you going?¡± Mr Griffin called out behind him. ¡°Where else?! To see Ria!¡± Ian replied before rushing out of the house. He needed to see Ria! It is better to face her and exin things to her himself! ************ AT RIA APARTMENT ¡°What?!¡± Ria gasped when ma¡¯am Elise said that Mr Brown is not Cassidy¡¯s father. They talked about the meeting with Mrs Bryant and how everything is going to work out. Phoebe and Phoenix came back from school when ma¡¯am Elise was suggesting additionally style to the design. And then she broke the news of Mr Griffin as Mr Brown, Cassidy and Ian¡¯s ns. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what he told me. Mr Ian did that because he wanted to get close to you. I don¡¯t me him but you know¡­¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stopped. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Ian could go to such extent just to know about me.¡± Ria fumed. ¡°Miss Ria, you wouldn¡¯t have let him close to you if Cassidy wasn¡¯t in the picture at first. He was trying to help you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise persuaded. Maybe she is right but Ian shouldn¡¯t have made such a move. Oh well, maybe that was the only way! But Ria doesn¡¯t like the idea that Ian sent Cassidy to obtain information about her. ¡°And Cassidy actually changed the ns when she realized that it looked like they were deceiving you. So Mr Ian called me to his office and told me straight that he wanted to help. You know the rest of the story.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a calm tone. ¡°Do you understand, Miss Ria?¡± She asked when Ria didn¡¯t say a word. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t try to a make a scene out of it. He did that to help me. Yes, I understand why he did it.¡± Ria heaved a sigh. ¡°Mom, I think a car is in the driveway.¡± Phoebe said as she walk into the living room with a ss of milk in her hand. She must have seen the car from the kitchen window. Ria exchanged nces with ma¡¯am Elise. Who could it be? They pondered.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Do you want me to check?¡± Phoebe asked. ¡°No, I will check it out.¡± Ria stood up and went to the window pane. It was Ian¡¯s SUV. Why is he here? ¡°It is Ian.¡± Ria whispered as she turned back to look at ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Mr Griffin must have informed him about it. Please go and talk him. Ma¡¯am Elise persuaded. Ria went to the door. Ian was almost at the front door so she met him halfway not too far from his car. Ian itched the back of his neck as Ria waited for him to talk.¡±Did ma¡¯am Elise tell you about -¡± ¡°Yes, I know everything.¡± Ria cuts him off. There is no need for him to tell her the whole story but wait did hee here because of that? Ria mused. ¡°I came as soon as Mr Griffin said ma¡¯am Elise would tell about my former ns. I am really sorry Ria. I don¡¯t want you to see it as me trying to deceive you. I was only trying to help and I am d that I listened to Cassidy¡¯s advice to drop the n.¡± Ian apologized. His chest was rising and falling in a fast rate. Oh yeah! So Ria confirmed that Ian was here because of the secret his right hand man leaked. But why didn¡¯t he just wait till tomorrow? ¡°So I think I have some making up to do.¡± Ian said after a huge sigh. Ria decided to tease him about it. ¡°You have lost me.¡± She folded her arms across her chest. ¡°Listen Ria, I did something bad. I shouldn¡¯t have sent an old man to deceive you and I should havee straight to you. But I only did that because I realized that you don¡¯t want me close. So I want to make up for the false n.¡± Ian was sincere. Ria gave up the n to tease him because he looked too serious about the situation. ¡°Ian, there is nothing to make up for. As far as I know, business partner have no expectations of make ups and undivided attention is not really needed.¡± She doubted if her words made any sense to him. ¡°Okay. I get you. It is fine. But let us say I am making up to me and you then for acting like a coward.¡± Ian rushed out his words. ¡°And that doesn¡¯t sound businesslike.¡± Ria replied. Yes! He shouldn¡¯t try to make things up to her! To Ria, making up sounds like they just had their first major break up and a party is trying to ask for forgiveness for acting like an asshole. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound businesslike but -¡± Ian paused. Ria knew it was really hard to win against Ian when ites to him wanting to do something for her! Ian does anything that he already set his mind on. ¡°Here is what I was thinking, I need to do some stuffs at the office early in the morning but I will be done by 10:00 a. m so please call me when you are ready to leave for the store so I cane and pick you up.¡± Ian found a small smile on Ria¡¯s face but she tried to hide it. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound businesslike but let me do it anyways.¡± He added. And before Ria could even think about it, Ian blurted. ¡°Say yes, Ria. Please.¡± He begged. ¡°Alright.¡± Ria heard herself in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. And that made Ian smile even broader and she almost got lost in it. Long ago, Ria already knew his smile and his presence always seem to tip her off to the edge. Ian was big, tall and muscr. His features was what any woman would call a dream man. Ian came closer. And what¡¯s he trying to do? Ria thought. Ian leaned in closely again and she stood rooted to the spot. He was going to kiss her? Ria didn¡¯t know how but it looked like it. So is she going to let him kiss her? No! She just made it clear that they are just business partners! And without doubt, Ria won¡¯t let him! ¡°You just agreed to let me pick you up so don¡¯t you even think of taking a taxi.¡± Ian stated in a stern tone before he stepped backward. Ria snapped out of thought! Did she only imagined things! He wasn¡¯t going to kiss her like she had thought! But what if he had tried to anyways?! He didn¡¯t. Ria just stood stunned and a little embarrassed that she thought ¨C IAN WAS GOING TO KISS HER! ¡°Al¡­ right.¡± Ria stuttered. ¡°Have a good night sleep.¡± Ian sounded resigned. Ria gave him a slow nod before he walked back to his car. Ian waved before entering into the car. Ria waited for him to drive off before walking back inside. ¡°Settled?¡± Ria looked up at ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Yes, we settled things and he wants to make up by driving me to the store.¡± ¡°So he came all the way from his ce just to talk and make up with you? I can¡¯t believe it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled as she walked off to the kitchen. Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°You should go to bed, Phoebe. It is gettingte.¡± ¡°Yeah. I will go to bed after I am done drinking this milk.¡± Phoebe raised the ss up in the air. Ria shook her head in acknowledgement before walking away to her bedroom. She kept wondering why Ian came rushing to her home just to exin himself! Chapter 51 Start a family IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT SANDERS MANSION ¡°You look pretty Alexis.¡± Bayplimented the maid who had a pretty red rose sitting in her her hair. She moved a chair at the dinning and sat in it. ¡°Thank you, miss Bay.¡± Alexis replied with a smile as she dished out food. Bay picked up a spoon and stuffed food in her mouth. ¡°Wow! This is so good! Delicious!¡± She have Alexis a thumps up. Minutes clicked by and Bay became irritated at the taste of food in her mouth. All of a sudden, bile rose up at the back of her throat from the taste of the food sheplimented earlier on. Immediately Bay ced her hands over lips as she ran to the bedroom at a fast speed and then into the bathroom. She emptied out the contents in her mouth. Bay heard footsteps in her room. Mrs Sander walked into the bathroom and held her daughter¡¯s hair up behind her head. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She passed Bay some papers from the toilet roll. ¡°I am fine.¡± Bay nodded with her head feeling so light and dizzy. Bay lifted a hand to pull herself up with her mom trying to help her by the side. She staggered a little with her vision getting blurry by seconds. ¡°Bay, are you okay? Bay? Bay!¡± Mrs Sanders called out but soon her voice faded off as Bay¡¯s eyes rolled to the back of her head and darkness iming her as its own. **************** LIMOS COMPANY ¡°So how is thepany fairing?¡± Mrs Robert Frederick asked his son after sipping on a ss of champagne. ¡°Dad, thepany is doing just fine. I have been able to run it well.¡± Drake replied. ¡°Yeah I know, you are doing a great and that¡¯s why I am so proud of you!¡± Mr Frederick chuckled. Now Drake began to wonder why his father suddenly showed up at thepany. Frederick Robert hasn¡¯t been to thepany for months now. Drake doesn¡¯t want his father at thepany anymore. He expected that his dad should sit his butt at home with his wife because he is in charge now! ¡°Look Drake, I know I shouldn¡¯t be here but we need to have this conversation.¡± Mr Frederick said. ¡°What conversation?¡± Drake asked. Mr Frederick cleared his throat. ¡°I can see you are very busy with thepany¡¯s affairs but have you ever thought of getting married and having kids?¡± ¡°What?!¡± Drake¡¯s jaw dropped at his father¡¯s unexpected question. ¡°You heard me son. I want children. I want to see those little things ying around our home. It is high time you settle down with a woman and start your own family.¡± Mr Frederick stated clearly. ¡°Dad-¡± ¡°Find a woman.¡± Mr Frederick interrupted him. ¡°Listen dad, can we not talk about starting a family now?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t we talk about you starting a family?¡± Mr Frederick scrunched up his face. ¡°I am a busy man. I am a work oriented man and I don¡¯t have the time to start a family.¡± Drake responded. ¡°Don¡¯t be all work and no y. I was able to have my own family as well as running thepany.¡± Mr Frederick emphasized. ¡°Dad, I am not ready to start a family. I have better dreams for thepany and starting a family now will stop me from fulfilling it.¡± Drake stated with a frown on his face. ¡°No, starting a family is not going to affect your dreams for thepany. Hold up¡­¡± Mr Frederick paused to study his son. ¡°What?¡± Drake fumed. Mr Frederick cleared his throat. ¡°Drake, I haven¡¯t seen you with any woman. Perhaps, are you having problems with your sexual system?¡± His voice came out in a rasp. ¡°I am fine dad. I don¡¯t have any problems. I just don¡¯t have the time for women.¡± Drake replied with a shrug. ¡°You should make out time. Do I need to hit seventy before I get to see your children?!¡± Mr Frederick voice was unusually high. ¡°No dad.¡± Drake grumbled. ¡°So get a woman.¡± ¡°It is not that easy to find a woman. Dad, you don¡¯t expect to just go into the street and pick any woman. I am busy.¡± Drake pointed to the files on his desk. ¡°Okay. If you are too busy to find a woman then I will find a woman for you. A beautiful and a good woman.¡± Mr Frederick sipped his champagne again. Drake furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t try to do it.¡± ¡°As a matter of fact, I already found a prettydy that will interest you.¡± Mr Frederick chuckled. ¡°Who is she?¡± Drake asked. ¡°Her mom is a very good friend of mine.¡± Mr Frederick answered. ¡°A very good friend or one of your ex girlfriends?¡± Drake closed the blue print file he just signed. Frederick Robertughed. ¡°Serena Sanders is just an old friend and we used to be good business partners.¡± ¡°Sanders?¡± Drake repeated. ¡°Yes. Serena Sanders, she is the wife ofte Rex Sanders the famous Architect in the state.¡± ¡°Oh! You mean Sanders Architectural Firm!¡± Drake remembered. ¡°Yes. Serena Sanders took over thepany after the death of her husband.¡± Mr Frederick exined. ¡°Is she architect?¡± Drake questioned. ¡°Yes and her only daughter is also an architect.¡± Mr Frederick set the ss on the table. Drake looked up at his father. ¡°Is she famous? I mean.. Serena Sanders daughter.¡± Mr Frederick shook his head. ¡°She is not famous because Serena did a good job at hiding her from the public. I am sure that¡¯s why you haven¡¯t heard about her.¡± ¡°So have you met her?¡± Drake asked again. Mr Frederick was ready to answer all questions because he could see that his son seemed interested in the topic. ¡°Yes. I met her when she was about sixteen years old.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a long time ago.¡± Drake rolled his eyes. ¡°Yeah. But I can assure you that you will like Serena¡¯s daughter. She is not one of those rich spoilt heiress. Serena took her time to raise her well after Rex passed on.¡± Drake picked up another file. ¡°Interesting.¡± A bright beam shed Mr Frederick¡¯s face. ¡°So should I set up a meeting?¡± ¡°I will think about it.¡± Drake replied. ¡°That¡¯s a yes. Don¡¯t disappoint me if Serena agrees to let you meet her daughter.¡± Mr Frederick pointed at his son. Drake nodded. ¡°How is your wife doing?¡± ¡°Your mom is fine. Oh! That¡¯s reminds me! I was with Jack Bryant two weeks ago. We met at the gulf centre in bama and from what I found out he doesn¡¯t know anything about his corporation anymore.¡± Mr Frederick said. ¡°His daughters are the ones heading the branches while his only son is overseeing their activities.¡± Drake inscribed his signature on a file. ¡°Yeah he told me.¡± ¡°And I was with Mrs Pe weeks back. We were supposed to sign a deal but it didn¡¯t work out.¡± Drake looked straight at his father. ¡°Why?¡± Mr Frederick arched his brows.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°The olddy insisted on forty five percent of the deal because they will be shipping the goods to Idaho. Forty five percent is too much for such a deal so I insisted on thirty percent but she refused.¡± Drake exined. ¡°You should have informed me about it. I would have talked to Jack or Pe directly. I have a good rtionship with everyone in Bryant¡¯s family.¡± Mr Frederick retorted. A frown creased Drake¡¯s expression. ¡°Dad, I am in charge of thepany now so let me run things here.¡± Mr Frederick threw his hand up in surrender. ¡°Alright. So are you giving in to Pe¡¯s request of forty five percent?¡± He asked. ¡°No. I am agreeing to giving out just thirty percent in the deal.¡± Drake replied. ¡°Listen son, you know it is not bad to give them forty percent while we have sixty percent.¡± Mr Frederick said in a calm tone. Drake shook his head in disagreement ¡°No dad. The forty five percent they are requesting is for just the shipping process. That¡¯s a whole lot of money and I want us to have the best of this deal!¡± He pointed out. ¡°Then I suggest you strike deal with another shippingpany. I am certain other shippingpany will agree to your terms no matter what.¡± Mr Frederick suggested. Drake heaved out a sigh of frustration. ¡°Dad, you and I know that Lint corporation is still the best in shipping things to Idaho. The guarantee is sure and safe.¡± ¡°So what do you want to about this deal?¡± Mr Frederick asked. ¡°I will set up a meeting with Ian Bryant and talk to him about it.¡± Drake answered. ¡°And you think Ian will ept the thirty percent you are willing to give?¡± ¡°I will persuade him.¡± But that¡¯s easier said than done. Drake knew Ian must have warned his mother about the deal. At this point, Drake doesn¡¯t know how he would be able to get the best of this deal. Just when Drake thought Mrs Pe Bryant was a soft cookie, she insisted on forty five percent without changing her mind! Mr Frederick cleared this throat again. ¡°Just make sure that we keep partnering with Lint Corporation. I don¡¯t want ourpany to lose it value with Lint Corp.¡± He stood up to leave. His words sounded like a threat to his son. Drake wondered if something would happen if hispany stop partnering with Lint Corp. ¡°Sure dad.¡± Drake mumbled as he stood up from the swivel chair. ¡°I hope so. Take care.¡± Drake followed his father out of the office. Chapter 52 A baby for Drake Robert IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT THE HOSPITAL Bay could hear hushed voices as sheid on a bed. Where am I? She thought. Bay pry open her eyes before closing them again quickly due to the lights above in the ceilings. ¡°She is awake.¡± Bay heard someone say and the words sounded very close to her. Finally she opened her eyes again and blinked rapidly to clear her vision. A woman dressed in a white coat was standing by the side of the bed. ¡°Bay, you are awake.¡± She heard a familiar voice say gratefully. ¡°Yes. What am I doing at the hospital ?¡± She tried to get up but the doctor stopped her. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t move yet.¡± The female doctor pushed her back down lightly. Bay frowned in confusion. ¡°What happened?¡± Her voice came out as a rasp. She looked at her mother who passed her a ss of water. Bay noticed the concerned look her mother shot at her even as she epted the ss and drank from it. ¡°Why am I here?¡± Bay asked again. ¡°You don¡¯t know why you are the hospital?¡± Mrs Sander arched her eyebrows. ¡°Know what? What should I know? I woke up not too long and found myself in the hospital so how am I supposed to know?¡± Bay demanded with clear annoyance clear in her tone. The female doctor and Mrs Sanders exchanged nces. Bay watched her mother shut her eyes as the doctor cleared her throat hesitating a little before speaking. ¡°Listen miss Bay, you are expecting.¡± ¡°I am.. I am what?¡± Bay¡¯s mind was nk. She couldn¡¯tprehend what the female doctor just said. ¡°You are pregnant.¡± The female doctor announced after some seconds of silence. You are pregnant. Those words echoed in Bay¡¯s head and she tried to process it. ¡°I¡¯ll leave her with you, Mrs Sanders. She needs to get more rest. Ensure she drinks more water and she should always take the prenatal vitamins.¡± Bay could hear the doctor exining things to her mother whose eye were on her with her lips pressed together. ¡°I am pregnant.¡± Bay said within as she caress a hand over her belly. There is a life in her stomach and she didn¡¯t know. She never thought of it. It has never urred to me that she could possibly be pregnant. Almost ten weeks and she haven¡¯t heard from Drake Robert. He never called and Bay has been finding it hard to ept what her heart has been telling her. She didn¡¯t want to agree that the night well spent didn¡¯t mean anything Drake Robert. Bay refused to ept that Drake could have really chalk things up, everything they shared that night to a mere fling. That night means a lot to Bay and she had expected a call which never came! Now she is pregnant! She is carrying Drake Robert¡¯s child! This wasn¡¯t how Bay expected things to turn out for her. ¡°Who is the father?¡± Bay stunned out of thought when she heard her mother¡¯s voice. How would she exin things to her mom? Tears gathered in her eyes but Bay knew she has to be strong for her baby! At that point, Bay concluded that she would tell her mother the whole truth. And if perhaps her mother decides to disown her for this reason then she would leave town and raise her child alone because it was obvious that Drake won¡¯t ept the child. He thinks Bay is a whore and she doubt it if he knew that he took away her virginity that night. ¡°How did you manage to get yourself into a mess like this?¡± Mrs Sanders demanded. Bay¡¯s jaw dropped slightly. ¡°A mess? You are calling my child a mess?¡± She furrowed her eyebrows. She decided again that she won¡¯t have this discussion with her mom. Bay wanted to get out of bed but her mom held her down. ¡°You need to rest.¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t need to rest. A mess? This is my child and it doesn¡¯t matter how I became pregnant!¡± Bay yelled at her mother as tears dropped down her cheeks. Mrs Sander sat at the edge of the bed and held her daughter¡¯s hands. ¡°I am sorry. Listen Bay..¡± Her voice trailed off. She reached out to wipe her daughter¡¯s cheeks and Bay rxed a bit. ¡°You are my sweet child and I am not going to leave you because you are pregnant. Please just tell me the father of your child.¡± Her voice was so calm. Bay swallowed hard. ¡°No mom. It is really hard to exin how I got my baby.¡± She sobbed. Finding it hard to exin things to her mother made Bay realize so many things at that point. What was she thinking? Going to an extent of acting like a whore just to spend some time with the man she fell in love with on a business show. ¡°You can tell me about it.¡± Mrs Sanders persuaded. ¡°I am sorry mom.¡± Bay apologized. ¡°Yes I know. I know, you are sorry.¡± Bay nodded in agreement. ¡°So just tell me the truth so we can know what to next.¡± ¡°What to do? What to do next? In what way?¡± Bay raised a brow. ¡°Yes what to do about this situation.¡± Mrs Sander said. Bay let go of her mom¡¯s hand immediately. ¡°I am not having an abortion!¡± Bay screamed at her mother. Mrs Sanders eyes widened in shock. ¡°No.. no.. I am not suggesting an abortion! How can I even think of such for my own daughter? This is my grandchild! And I just want know who impregnated you!¡± She gritted still trying to control her angry towards her child. ¡°Mom¡­.¡± Bay cried. Mrs Sanders let out a shaky breath ¡°Bay, tell me the truth because I haven¡¯t seen any man around you. So I-¡± ¡°And whose fault is that mom?! Whose fault is it that I don¡¯t have a man in my life?¡± Bay snapped at her mom. ¡°Bay!¡± ¡°I am twenty four years but you still treat me like a kid! I was never free! Ever since dad passed on, I have been feeling like a caged bird. I leave home and head to school then back home, no social life, no meeting up with friends and I never even had a boyfriend! I couldn¡¯t fall in love even in college because you had eyes everywhere to look out for me. And each time I want to mingle or love someone, somehow they pped it right to my face that I was a momma girl. Even after graduating from college, I thought things was going to change but it didn¡¯t. I gave you everything you wanted mom. I was a good girl, I had good grades, graduated with a first ss degree in architecture. I studied hard thinking If I did maybe things would change instead you only made sure that I always go to work everyday and draw out more structures for our clients. All I do is work my ass out at the firm, build bridges and constructing buildings. You didn¡¯t give me the freedom I craved for.¡± Bay rushed out her words as more tears streamed down her cheeks. Mrs Sanders was shocked by her daughter¡¯s sudden outburst. ¡°I fell in love again and made a decision that I would find that love. And I did find him and I met the one my heart beats for but I did the most stupid thing anyone who was naive could have done. And if only I had experience on how to start a proper rtionship then maybe all this won¡¯t have happened! But trust me, I won¡¯t give in to the thought of regret because of what I did. I gave myself to the one I love but its just so sad that he doesn¡¯t care. They say he is a bad guy but I am not buying that because for the first time in my lifetime I had a real conversation with man and I flowed with him freely that night. I was happy to be with him in just one night!¡± Bay stopped talking with her chest rising and falling. ¡°Who.. who is he?¡± Mrs Sander asked shakily. ¡°Drake Robert.¡± Bay confessed. Mrs Sanders eyes widened in shock. ¡°What?! Drake Robert?!¡± She gasped out. Bay shook her head in agreement. ¡°Drake Robert is the father of my child.¡± She swallowed the lump which formed at the back of her throat. ¡°Listen Bay¡­ are you sure.. that Drake is the man that fathered.. your child?!¡± Mrs Sanders stuttered. ¡°Yes, I have never been with any man. The night I spent with Drake was my first.¡± Bay answered. A tear slipped down Mrs Sanders cheeks. ¡°But why didn¡¯t you tell me you were in love with Drake Robert?¡± ¡°What would you have done? Call him up and tell him about it? No! If I had told you about my feelings then you would have grounded me for life!¡± Bay shot back at her mom. Mrs Sanders moved closer to her daughter. ¡°No.. no.. no Bay¡­ please don¡¯t talk like this -¡± Her voice broke off and Bag could see the tears dropping freely down her mother¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I am sorry. I didn¡¯t know you felt like a caged bird because of my rules. Believe me, I waited for you to bring home someone you love but you didn¡¯t. Then I concluded that you aren¡¯t ready to settle down with anyone. I am sorry my love¡­ I am so sorry for treating you like that. But I only set those rules because-¡± She paused. ¡°Because of what mom?¡± Bay asked. ¡°I made a promise to your father that I would raise you well to be the best. I didn¡¯t want you to be like other kids who goes sleeping around all in the name of having fun. I wanted you to be a strong willed woman with a great sense of dignity and integrity.¡± Mrs Sanders replied. ¡°So did you get that now? Mom, look at me. I am pregnant and I am sure the father doesn¡¯t want his child. Drake isn¡¯t ready formitment.¡± Bay cried. ¡°No Bay, you can¡¯t be sure of anything yet.¡± ¡°This is the truth. About ten weeks ago I dropped a note for Drake before leaving the hotel but he never called. If he wants something with me then he should have at least sent a text. He won¡¯t ept my baby.¡± Bay failed at controlling her tears. Mrs Sander shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Bay please calm down and listen to me. I will me myself for everything that has happened. But I want to believe that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am proud of you. I am still proud of you even now that you are carrying a baby in your womb. My grand child.¡± She ced her hands on Bay¡¯s belly with a s smile disying on her lips. ¡°The reason why I said you should have told me you loved Drake is because I know his father, Frederick Robert. He used to be close to your dad.¡± Mrs Sanders added. ¡°Really?¡± Bay sniffled. ¡°Yes. And you have met him once when you were almost sixteen.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t remember. But what do I do now?¡± Bay mumbled. ¡°You are not too young to be a mother. So I want you to know that we are in this together. And I must admit that this is fate.¡± Mrs Sanders smile grew broader. ¡°Fate?¡± Bay¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Yes I met Frederick Robert few days ago and he said his son is yet to find a good woman. He asked me if you were married and told him no and then he suggested that we have dinner at their home so he can introduce you to his son. You have been so busy at work that why I didn¡¯t tell you about it. I had nned to tell you after breakfast today but you passed out in the bathroom.¡± Mrs Sanders recounted. Bay could hardly believe what her mother was saying. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to force you to meet Drake if you had turned the dinner down but now that you are carrying his child you have to meet him. We have to let them know that you are pregnant.¡± Mrs Sanders said in a rush. ¡°It is pointless to meet him. Drake won¡¯t believe me.¡± Bay countered. ¡°So do you want to raise your child without a father?¡± Mrs Sanders demanded. Bay didn¡¯t respond. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no. So we are meeting the Roberts. We will exin things to them and if Drake denies his child then we will run a paternity to prove to him that he is responsible for the pregnancy.¡± Bay felt her hands itching to caress her stomach. ¡°This is going to be a huge change.¡± She pointed to her belly. ¡°You are right. But don¡¯t worry, I will take care of you.¡± Mrs Sanders replied. Bay nodded. She tried to smile but it turned out to be a fake one. She got lost in thought. Will Drake ept his child even after the paternity test proves positive? The baby is the joy Mrs Sanders thinks would bring her daughter closer to the man she loves deeply. Well being with Drake is what Bay wanted but something is quite not right. Why? Just why does Bay thinks something is not right? And it turned out that Bay is bothered about her child not growing up with a father because even losing her father at a tender age was a huge blow for her.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 53 Caught in the act CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA LINT CORPORATION ¡°Sir Ian.¡± Ramsey popped his head in at first. ¡°Yes, Ramsey.¡± Ian looked up from the system. ¡°I just received a call from the interior designers.¡± Ramsey said as he walked into the office. ¡°So what did they say?¡± Ian asked. ¡°They are ready to check out the ce.¡± Ramsey replied. ¡°Alright send the address to them. You still have the keys right?¡± Ian nced down at the system again. ¡°Yes sir.¡± ¡°Good¡­¡± Ian tapped on the desk softly with his index finger. ¡°Do I still have any meeting today?¡± He requested. Ramsey¡¯s eyes were now glued to the tablet. ¡°No more meetings sir but Limos Company sent an official mail around eight o¡¯clock and it stated that the CEO wants to see you.¡± He answered. ¡°Drake Robert isn¡¯t ready to give in to our demand of forty five percent of the deal so that can wait. I will attend to the issueter.¡± Setting up Ria¡¯s ce is more important to Ian Bryant even though Ria Robert thinks they are just business partners! And she has been doing things strictly on business! That¡¯s the deal so Ian Bryant is also just going with the flow and see how the thing goes. Ian was super relief and excited when Ria didn¡¯t yell at himst night after she found out the truth about his previous ns. And he was d that he was able to man up and exin things to her. To be honest, his make up ns would have involved taking her on a date or a pic but Ria wants to keep things on a business level with him. Strictly business! ¡°What should be the response to the email sir?¡± Ramsey asked in a polite tone. ¡°Send an official email to Limos and tell them we are not changing our mind. It is a forty five percent or no deal at all.¡± Ian stated. Ramsey nodded in understanding. ¡°Okay sir. Anything else?¡± ¡°Since you said that I don¡¯t have any meeting¡­¡± Ian paused to check his wrist watch. The time was 10:45 a. m and Ria hasn¡¯t called him. Ian had told her that he would be free by 10:00 a. m so he has been expecting at least a sh to remind him or notify him that she was ready. Or has she taken a taxi to the store? Ian pondered. ¡°Ramsey.¡± Ian called. ¡°Yes sir.¡± ¡°Go and meet those designers while I meet up with Ria. You wait for us at the ce.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey bowed slightly before exiting the office. Ian picked up his cellphone and dialed Ria¡¯s number but she didn¡¯t pick up the call. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He mumbled. Ian dialed Ma¡¯am Elise number and she picked on the first ring. ¡®Hello ma¡¯am Elise.¡¯ He sighed in relief when she picked up the call. ¡®Oh mr Ian, how are you doing today?¡¯ ¡®I am fine. Please is Ria there with you?¡¯ ¡®No. Is she not with you?¡¯ She asked in a surprised tone. ¡®No. We both agreed that I woulde and pick her up by 10:00 or anytime she is ready to go to the store but she hasn¡¯t called me.¡¯ ¡®She went out not too long ago. So I guess she is still at the kids school.¡¯ ¡®Is everything okay with the Phoebe and Phoenix?¡¯ ¡®No problem at all. The school principal called today and said that she wants miss Ria to make a new design for the school uniform.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise exined. ¡®So she will be at the school as we speak right?¡¯ ¡®Yes. But I was hoping she would have called and told you about it. Well maybe she didn¡¯t want to stress you. I can send the school address to you to meet up with her.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise offered. A bright beam disyed on his face. ¡°I would really love that, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± ¡®Okay. As soon as I drop this call, I¡¯ll send it to you.¡¯ ¡®Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡¯ Ian hang up the call. He stood up from the swivel chair and walked out of the office. ¡°Ramsey, tell Ben to bring the keys to me downstairs.¡¯ ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey acknowledged. Ian¡¯s phone beeped. It was a message from Ma¡¯am Elise. ************ OWEN THOMAS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Ria listened to Principal Brenda as she talked about theint of parents at thest PTA meeting. ¡°The parentsined that the school uniform is so old fashioned. So they want something smart on the kids.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°Something like this¡­¡± Principal Brenda showed Ria a design on her phone. ¡°A parent suggested this at the meeting but I feel this might turn out to be is too short for the kids.¡± ¡°This is way out of it. This design looks like a club dress.¡± Riained. The dress was short! There is no way Ria would allow Phoebee to school in something like this. ¡°What do you suggest?¡± Principal Brenda heaved a sigh of frustration. It was so obvious that the issue was beginning to stress her out. ¡°We can make it longer, I mean pass knee length or I make another design for you.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Make it pass knee length a bit and then add your designs too.¡± Principal Brenda said.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°So are you changing the color of the uniform? Or you want to maintain the initial color?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, I don¡¯t intend to change the color only the style and pattern.¡± Principal Brenda responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria shook her head in understanding. ¡°So how do we go about it?¡± Principal Brenda requested. ¡°Will you be the one buying the material so I can make a sample?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Yes please.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be busy for sometime -¡± Principal Brenda interrupted her sentence ¡°So you won¡¯t be able to help us?¡± ¡°I will be able to help as soon as I finish the work at hand. I will start if you are ready by that time.¡± Ria answered. Principal Brenda screwed up her face. ¡°Miss Ria, I am ready. Look, I am tired of receiving calls from parents asking if the new design is in progress.¡± ¡°I am sorry about the stress. Let¡¯s do this¡­¡± Ria paused. ¡°Okay.. I will make out time for you. So please get the materials and I will make a sample so you can show it to the parents.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Thank you, miss Ria. I really appreciate it.¡± Ria brought out a notepad and pencil and wrote down the necessary things to make a sample of the uniform. ¡°Here.¡± Principal Brenda collected the paper from her. ¡°I will call you as soon as I select a material. Thank you once again, Miss Ria.¡± Ria stood up from the chair. ¡°You are wee.¡± Principal Brenda did the same too. She followed Ria out of the office, they walked down the silent hallway and then out of the building. ¡°Bye, Miss Ria.¡± Principal Brenda waved before walking back inside the school. Ria nced down at her watch, it is five minutes passed eleven. ¡°Ian must be very worried.¡± She mumbled. They had agreed that he would bring her to the store but ns changed after she received a call from Principal Brenda. The olddy sounded so desperate so Ria couldn¡¯t turn her down. So Ria decided had to see her first before heading to the store. Ria took out her cellphone from her handbag. She saw six missed calls from Ian and two missed calls from ma¡¯am Elise. She didn¡¯t hear the phone ring because it was on silent. ¡°Perhaps, is he at home waiting for me? What if the call is to inform me that he can¡¯t make it? Oh my goodness, maybe I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to him driving me to the store.¡± Ria bantered loudly. The cellphone in her hand vibrated. She looked at it and saw Ian as the caller¡¯s ID. ¡®Hello -¡± ¡®Were you ignoring my calls?¡¯ Ian said as soon as she picked the call. ¡®No. I am sorry. I was busy.¡¯ ¡®Where are you?¡¯ ¡®I am at the kids school.¡¯ ¡®Stay right there I aming to pick you up.¡¯ ¡®No.. no Ian, you don¡¯t have toe pick me up. I am already outside the building and ready to hail down a taxi.¡¯ ¡®Ria, wait for me. I am almost there.¡¯ No it can¡¯t be! If Ian is still at the office then she would have to wait for long. The drive should be about twenty five minutes from his office. ¡®I am in a taxi now!¡¯ Ria lied. She was just about to cross the street and stop a taxi. The truth is, she doesn¡¯t want Ian to stressing himself to drive from the office to this ce, then to the store and back to her ce before he leaves for his ce too. ¡®What? You are in a taxi?¡¯ Ian sounded like he knew she was lying to him. ¡®Yes.¡¯ Ian chuckled. ¡®Turn around.¡¯ ¡®What?¡¯ ¡®Ria, turn around and look down the block.¡¯ He instructed. Ria did as he said and she saw his figure leaning against his car at the end of the block on the other side. He waved at her. Ria disconnected the call. ¡°What have I done? How did he get here? Ma¡¯am Elise must have given him the address.¡± She let out a heavy breathe before crossing the street. Ian entered his car and drove to her side and stopped right in front of her. He motioned to Ria toe in but she was too embarrassed to even look at him. She lied and he caught her in the act! Chapter 54 A man of his words CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Ian entered his car and drove to her side and stopped right in front of her. He motioned to Ria toe in but she was too embarrassed to even look at him. She lied and he caught her in the act! ¡°You can pay me if you don¡¯t want a free ride.¡± Ian said with a bright smile on his face. Ian¡¯s decision to act like he didn¡¯t know Ria lied to him made things awkward for her. She slipped into the car while avoiding his gaze. ¡°To the store or your ce?¡± He asked when the car moved into motion. ¡°To the store.¡± Ria whispered. ¡°I am not familiar with the stores.. so be precise.¡± Ian interjected ¡°Downtown side line twelve.¡± Ria fiddled with her fingers. ¡°Come on Ria, don¡¯t give me that look.¡± Ian chuckled. Their gaze met but Ria looked away quickly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± Ria swallowed hard trying to find the right words to say to him. ¡°I am.. sorry.¡± She stuttered. ¡°If I may ask, why are you sorry?¡± ¡°I am sorry for not calling you on time to tell you ns changed and -¡± ¡°If you are this sorry and sober so why didn¡¯t give me a call?¡± Ian shrugged. Ria sighed. ¡°I just felt that it would be a whole lot of work for you. Driving to this ce, to the store, to my ce and then back to your home. I don¡¯t want you to go through the stress because I feel it would be tiring to drive me around.¡± She confessed. ¡°Ria, I suggested it.¡± Ian said. But Ria doesn¡¯t want him to go through all that because of her. ¡°I am the one driving and I am notining. You should have called me.¡± ¡°I was just trying to be considerate and -¡± ¡°Remember what I told you in China?¡± Ian cuts in sharply. Ria tried to recall what he said during those periods. ¡°I exined my type of person to you and even gave instances. I am a man of my words. I don¡¯t back out on my words, I do whatever it is I set my mind on and I do all it takes to make it happen. So please keep that in mind.¡± He stated in a stern tone. Perhaps does Ian have this feeling that Ria is doubting his care and being nice to her? ¡°I am sorry.¡± Ria shook her head in acknowledgement. ¡°So now you have to make up for saying that you were already in the taxi when in the real sense you are still by the road side. I don¡¯t want to use the right words.¡± Ian stopped talking and stole a nce at her. Lying was the right word. ¡°Is that a fair deal? I mean making things up to each other?¡± He asked. ¡°Alright.¡± Ria replied. Although she has no idea of how to make things up to him. ¡°You don¡¯t have to make things up to me at the moment. You can do it some other time.¡± Ian said as if he was seeing through her mind. Ria think that¡¯s better! Making up some other time. ¡°But when the timees, I just hope that you make up by having dinner with me, or go on pic, or visit the beach¡­ something like that.¡± Ian added. Ria forehead creased. She looked at him and their gaze met again but Ian looked away this time. He cleared his throat. ¡°Never mind. I was just joking about it. Forget I said those things to you.¡± He focused on the road ahead. Then Ria nodded slowly. It was better that way. She would act like she didn¡¯t hear him say those words. But then a voice said into her mind, it would be cool! Dinner or pic with Ian Bryant! ¡°Apart from the store will you be visiting any other ce?¡± Ian spoke up after some minutes passed in silence. ¡°No. I don¡¯t have any other ns aside checking into various stores and that¡¯s if I don¡¯t get the silk andce at the store I am familiar with.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Okay. Can we head right to your work ce after picking up the materials at the store?¡± Ian requested. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The designers are waiting at the ce to check and also know what you want for it.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Have you met with the designers?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t met them in person. We have only been chatting on phone. But Ramsey is with them as we speak.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°So what¡¯s up with Phoebe school?¡± ¡°They want to change the design of the school uniform.¡± Ria briefed him about her meeting with the principal. Ian nodded. ¡°But how did they find out you can do it? Are they aware that you are a seamstress?¡± Ian made a turn into a rowdy street. ¡°No, it was Phoebe. She told her teacher about me and even took my collections to school without me knowing.. just to show her teacher that I can make the uniforms.¡± Ria giggled. ¡°She is smart! And I know for sure that she is just trying to help out with the business.¡± Ianughed too. ¡°So her teacher told the principal. Then I received a call from her this morning.¡± Riapleted. ¡°So will you be able to do the two jobs at the same time. I mean the foundation work and the school uniform.¡± ¡°I already told her that I will be busy in the next two weeks but I offered to make a sample. So if she likes it then I will take the job on after I am done with the foundation work.¡± She exined. ¡°Good. But you still need extra hand to help aside ma¡¯am Elise. Why don¡¯t you try to hire someone?¡± Ian suggested ¡°Yeah. Ma¡¯am Elise and I nned to ce an advert on our website.¡± Ria shook her head in agreement. ¡°Wait what about Cassidy? She once told me that she would like to work with you.¡± Ria remembered something immediately. She totally forgot her promise to call Cassidy! ¡°I doubt it if she would be chanced to help because of school works.¡± Ria replied. ¡°You are right. They should be close to the end of exams now so why don¡¯t you talk to her about it.¡± ¡°Okay. I will call her by the end of the day.¡± Ria agreed. ¡°Alright.¡± ************ AT CASSIDY FAMILY HOME ¡°What¡¯s up sis?¡± Cassidy looked at her twin brother, Caleb when he greeted her. Caleb flopped down on the couch and groaned. ¡°I am good. You?¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Cassidy grabbed the television remote from the table before he reached for it. ¡°Don¡¯t you even think about it.¡± She hid the remote under her skirt. Caleb stood up and came to the couch she sat on. ¡°Don¡¯te near me, Caleb.¡± She warned. ¡°Cassidy, let me have the remote I want to watch ser.¡± He tried to find the remote. Cassidy twisted and turned. ¡°Go and watch ser in your room.¡± She pushed him away and he fell back on the couch. ¡°If you don¡¯t give it to me then I will take it with force.¡± He pointed to her skirt. ¡°You dare not try it!¡± She red at him. This time she was already up from the couch before Caleb could grab her. She circled the couches as he tried to catch her. ¡°Catch me if you can.. big boy!¡± She stick out her tongue at him. ¡°Can I have a moment of peace in this house?¡± Cassidy stopped running around when she heard her mom¡¯s voice. ¡°Mom, it is Cassidy!¡± Caleb pointed at her. ¡°No!¡± ¡°She won¡¯t allow me watch ser. Silly girl still watching cartoons at your age.¡± He hissed out. ¡°Caleb.¡± She called out to him when he grabbed his sister ¡°Let me go!¡± Caleb raised Cassidy up and ced her on his shoulder. ¡°I will teach you how to be a good girl.¡± ¡°Let go of me!¡± Cassidy screamed as he moved her around ¡°Caleb!¡± Mrs Taylor screamed and he stopped. Everywhere was going in circles when he dumped Cassidy on the couch. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Caleb snatched the remote from the couch and tuned in to a ser station. ¡°Why can¡¯t you watch that ser in your room?¡± Mrs Taylor asked. ¡°The television stopped working.¡± Caleb replied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± Mrs Taylor sat on the couch. ¡°I don¡¯t know mom.¡± Cassidy folded her arms and thought of how to get back at Caleb. ¡°Can we talk?¡± Mrs Taylor asked. Cassidy nodded while Caleb hummed a response without looking away from the television. ¡°Your Aunt wants to move to Chicago.¡± Mrs Taylor announced. ¡°Which Aunt?¡± Caleb asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°My sister, Loretta.¡± Mrs Taylor replied. ¡°Oh no.. not aunt Loretta.¡± Caleb rolled his eyes. Aunt Loretta lives in Denver. She is the seamstress Cassidy mentioned to Ria Robert who taught her how to use the machine. ¡°Is she moving in with us?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Mrs Taylor nodded ¡°No way.¡± Caleb grumbled. He doesn¡¯t like Aunt Loretta because he thinks she is too strict. ¡°Oh mom, please tell me you are kidding.¡± He said. ¡°Do I look like a clown? My sister, Loretta is moving in with us.¡± Mrs Taylor stated in a stern tone and a serious look on her face.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. What¡¯s wrong? Something is not right. Cassidy pondered. The Aunt Loretta she knows will never think of leaving Denver. Aunt Loretta loves that hometown too much. Mrs Taylor had once suggested to her sister to move in to Chicago but she refused. ¡°But.. why the sudden change of mind?¡± Cassidy voiced out her thought. ¡°Her ex husband won¡¯t let her rest. He wants to get back with her.¡± Mrs Taylor answered. ¡°What?!¡± Cassidy gasped out. ¡°He is psycho!¡± Caleb groaned. ¡°So she realized that leaving Denver is the only way to avoid his trouble and make him stay away forever as long as he doesn¡¯t find her.¡± Mrs Taylor sighed. Loretta¡¯s husband had cheated on her. One time he met his high school love and fell in love with her again. He requested for a divorce and Loretta had no choice but to let him go. A funny story but it is quite deep because it really hurt Loretta. ¡°Four years has passed and now he wants to gets back with her? Who does that? And what happened to his stupid high school love?¡± Cassidy gritted in anger. ¡°I agree that moving out of Denver is the best option for Aunt Loretta. But mom does she have to move in with us?¡± Caleb asked. ¡°She wanted to get a ce but I told her not do that. What¡¯s the essence of staying apart now? She is my sister and I have a big space that can amodate her.¡± Mrs Taylor answered. ¡°Why mom? You should let her rent her own apartment.¡± Caleb grumbled. Mrs Taylor raised her brow at Caleb. ¡°What¡¯s so wrong in telling my sister to move in with me? Do you want need the other empty rooms?¡± She demanded. ¡°Well it is obvious someone doesn¡¯t want Aunt Loretta here. But there is nothing he can do about it. As you have said mom, our ce is big enough to amodate Aunt Loretta. Let her move in with us.¡± Cassidy stick out her tongue at her brother. ¡°Yes. This ce is the best ce for her because I also don¡¯t want her to stay alone.¡± Mrs Taylor said. ¡°It would be fun to have Aunt Loretta around!¡± Cassidy pped her hands in excitement. ¡°Wait thinking of it now.. Aunt Loretta can work with Miss Ria!¡± She blurted out. Cassidy rushed to sit next to her moon on the couch. ¡°When is sheing?¡± She demanded. ¡°She is moving in tomorrow.¡± Mrs Taylor answered. ¡°Tomorrow?!¡± Caleb gasped in shock. ¡°Do you have any problem with my sister moving in with us?¡± Mrs Taylor demanded with clear annoyance in her tone. ¡°Don¡¯t mind Caleb, he is scared of aunt Loretta. Plus he won¡¯t be able to keepte nights, hang out with his friends at the clubs and do anyhow with Aunt Loretta being around!¡± Cassidyughed. Caleb shot her a re. ¡°If that¡¯s the case¡­ you can as well move out of the house and move in with your rich girlfriend.¡± Cassidy added. Mrs Taylor shot her daughter a surprised look. ¡°He is dating a rich kid?!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind her mom.¡± Caleb frown deepened. ¡°He is lying.¡± Cassidy managed to stiff augh. ¡°I am not dating her anymore!¡± Caleb stormed off to his bedroom. ¡°Woah! Aunt Loretta is moving in! Caleb won¡¯t be me around boss anymore! No snatching of remotes and taking therger share of everything!¡± Cassidy giggled in excitement. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t make your brother angry anymore. He already gave up in the fight.¡± Mrs Taylor pointed at the remote. ¡°I don¡¯t need it anymore. I am super excited because I will introduce miss Ria to my aunt!¡± ¡°Do you think Miss Ria needs someone? And will your aunt agree to work as a seamstress for someone else?¡± Mrs Taylor questioned frantically. ¡°Speaking of Miss Ria.. You are right! I should call her and tell her about my aunt! Or maybe I should go and see her?¡± She rushed out her words. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to your aunt about it.¡± Mrs Taylor said. ¡°Mom.. I¡¯m heading out.¡± Cassidy stood up from the couch. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Miss Ria¡¯s ce! I need to have this conversation face to face and not on the phone.¡± ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t stay too long.¡± Mrs Taylor settled to watch a movie. Caleb came back to the living room to get his cellphone. ¡°Who the heck is¡­ miss Ria?¡± He demanded with a scrunched up face. ¡°None of your business!¡± Cassidy replied in an unusual raised tone as she made her way to her bedroom. Chapter 55 The nicest man on earth CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT ¡°Will youe in and have tea or coffee or soda?¡± Ria asked when Ian pulled up in front of her home. She thinks inviting Ian in for a drink is fair enough to make it up to him. Their visit to the store went well. Ria was able to pick out good materials to make the dress samples for Amber Foundation. Ian was right there with her and he was even the one that picked the hot pink colored silk at the store and they both went to the workce after buying the necessary materials. Ramsey introduced the designers to Ria and Ian and they were able to discuss on how the ce should be set. On their way back home, Ria told Ian her ns of using whatever she makes from the Amber Foundation¡¯s deal to pay the designers. But Ian insisted that Ria should save up the money or use it to purchase the equipments she would be needing for her business. In a nutshell, Ian just wants to pay for the setting up of Ria¡¯s sewing business. In the end, Ian was able to convince Ria not to bother herself about the workce. They both agreed that Ian would pay for the setting up because Ria doesn¡¯t have any money to set up such ce. And Ria doesn¡¯t know how she would thank Ian Bryant for everything he has done for her. Ian checked his wristwatch. ¡°We can do that some other time.¡± He replied. Did Ian Bryant just say no to a drink invitation with Ria?! She never expected him to reject her offer for a drink! Ian went on to studying Ria with those eyes that were so intense. ¡°I need to see someone before calling it a day.¡± He added quickly. Seeing someone again? And who is he seeing this time? Ria pondered. She shut out the thought of asking him about the person immediately. She shouldn¡¯t be bothered about it! They are just business partners so whoever he is seeing is none of her business! Ria reminded herself. ¡°Alright.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Just give me a call if you need anything.¡± Ian said. Ria just simply nod her head even though she won¡¯t be calling him for anything. ¡°Bye, Ian.¡± She waved at him. Ian started the car and drove away. Ria met Cassidy when she stepped into the house. ¡°Hello Miss Ria!¡± Cassidy greeted with a bright smile on her face. ¡°How are you, Cassidy?¡± Ria smiled. ¡°I am fine. And-¡± Ria interrupted her. ¡°Oh Cassidy.. I am really sorry for not calling.¡± She apologized. ¡°I understand. Ma¡¯am Elise told me that you have been really busy with work.¡± Cassidy replied. Ria shook her head in agreement. ¡°What do you have in there?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed to the bag she was holding. ¡°It is the materials for the dress samples.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise collected the bag and set it down on the couch to check it. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise told me about your contract with Mrs Pe. I am so happy for you!¡± Cassidy pped in excitement. ¡°Yes Cassidy. I nned to call you to ask if you would be chanced to help me with the dresses.¡± Ria requested. ¡°Oh yes! I would be happy help you!¡± Cassidy grinned as she joined ma¡¯am Elise in checking out the set of materials. ¡°But what about school?¡± Ria asked. ¡°We are on break now. I wrote myst paper yesterday.¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°Really?¡± Ria sat on the couch to pull off her sandals. ¡°Yeah. We are on three weeks break. Oh! It is so good to be out of school! No morning sses! No test! No exams!¡± Cassidy huffed a sigh of relief. ¡°The break happened at the right time.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°So that means you will join I and ma¡¯am Elise to make all the dresses.¡± Ria heaved a sigh. ¡°Miss Ria, do you remember that my aunt I told you about? The one in Denver.¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°Your aunt that taught you how to sew.¡± Ria said. ¡°Yes.. yes.. she is moving in with us tomorrow. I purposely came here to ask if she can work for you.¡± Cassidy itched her eyebrows. ¡°Is she a seamstress?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Yes! She knows a lot about sewing!¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°Wow! Miss Ria, that¡¯s a good idea. We don¡¯t need to ce an advert on the site anymore. Cassidy can talk to her aunt to work with us?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°Yes.¡± Cassidy nodded. ¡°Well we don¡¯t need to ce an advert anymore. But will your aunt agree to work with us? You know she is an experienced seamstress and she might just decide to work on her own here.¡± Ria stated. ¡°No my mom didn¡¯t mention it that she is going to start her sewing business here in Chicago. Trust me, Miss Ria your designs are amazing! I am sure my aunt will be d to work with you!¡± Cassidy enthused. ¡°Okay. When she arrives talk to her about it.¡± Ria took out her phone from the bag. ¡°Should I bring her over if she agrees to work with you?¡± Cassidy questioned. ¡°Sure Cassidy.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°This color of silk is pretty.¡± Ma¡¯am Eliseplimented. ¡°Ian picked that color. He told me that it is called hot pink among the shades of pinks.¡± Ria clicked on google on her phone. ¡°Really?!¡± They gasped. Ria moved to the couch they sat to show them the color. ¡°Look at it.¡± ¡°Thece and color of silk fits in perfectly. And I am sure the kids will like the dress when we are done!¡± Cassidymented. Ma¡¯am Elise snapped her fingers in the air. ¡°Not just the kids but Mrs Pe, Madam Charity and everyone at the event will love the dresses! And when Miss Ria¡¯s ce is ready rich and ssy people will patronize us!¡± A happy smile grazed her expression. ¡°Celebrities too.¡± Cassidy added and they allughed. ¡°So what was the oue of the meeting with the designers?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked after packing the materials back into the bag. ¡°They said the ce will be ready in a month time if they get paid soon.¡± Ria responded. ¡°About the payment we can¡¯t pay them yet because we are still yet to discuss price with Mrs Pe and I wish I had the money so I can pay them and they can start work soon. But setting up a ce like that is a whole lot of money.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said soberly. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, you don¡¯t need to worry about the payment. Ian promised to pay for everything.¡± Ria said.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Really?!¡± Cassidy eyes widened. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s so kind of him!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise face brightened. ¡°We both agreed that he would pay for setting up while I also contribute to the payments of the equipments.¡± Ria clicked on her note to mark the things she spent her money on for today. ¡°That¡¯s how he is.. I mean Mr Ian¡­¡± Cassidy said. ¡°He is really kind.. and nice.¡± Shepleted. ¡°Cassidy, if I may ask how are you rted to Ian? Because I found out that Mr Griffin is not your dad.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Ria and Ma¡¯am Elise exchanged nces. They haven¡¯t had the chance to talk about it with Cassidy. ¡°I am sorry, Miss Ria.¡± Cassidy said in an apologetic tone. ¡°It is okay, Cassidy. You don¡¯t have to feel bad about it.¡± Ria replied sincerely. ¡°The truth is I am not rted to Mr Ian or Mr Griffin. Mr Ian used to be close friends with myte brother. And ever since my elder brother¡¯s demise, Mr Ian took on our responsibilities. He is the one paying for our college fees, he gives us monthly allowances and also paying other bills too. Plus he even bought a house and a car for my mom.¡± Cassidy stated her clear rtionship with Ian Bryant. ¡°He is doing all that for your family?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked with a surprised look on her face. ¡°Yes. Mr Ian said that he is making it up to my brother for being a good friend to him.¡± Cassidy answered. Making things up to people must be part of Ian. Ria said within. She had thought he was only doing the making up thing with her with a hidden motive but she was wrong! And being nice and kind must be part of him too! ¡°Miss Ria, don¡¯t be surprise if Mr Ian insists on doing everything for you. That¡¯s just his personality. In the Bryant family, Mr Ian is known for being Mr Responsibility.¡± Cassidy giggled. ¡°And I am sorry for deceiving you. I also want you to know that Mr Ian is not pretending to you! He really wants to help you.¡± Cassidy was sincere with her words. She is right! Ria already realized that a long time ago. Ian isn¡¯t a pretender! Everything Cassidy said about Ian proves a lot about him which Ria has seen but she is refusing to acknowledge it. She was doubting him but not anymore! Ria had to admit that Ian Bryant is the nicest man on earth! Ria already grew fond of Ian and along the line she has learnt that there are still good men in the world. Men like Ian Bryant and not the type of men she knew. The category of men Ria had met were monstrous in mature. She saw men as beasts in humans clothing! And maybe things would have been different if Ria didn¡¯t go through what she went through eight years ago. Her perspective about men was beginning to change because of one man-Ian Bryant. Chapter 56 A new worker CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT THREE DAYS LATER Ria heard the door bell jangled and she stood up to answer it although she wasn¡¯t expecting anyone that morning. ¡°Good morning, miss Ria!¡± Cassidy greeted cheerfully. They exchanged pleasantries and Cassidy introduced the woman she brought along. ¡°Miss Ria meet my aunt.¡± ¡°Loretta.¡± The woman said. ¡°Ria Robert.¡± She shook hands with Loretta. Ria sized her up. She should be about the same age with ma¡¯am Elise or quite older probably in her early forties. ¡°Nice to meet you, Miss Ria.¡± Loretta replied. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Ria stepped aside for them to walk into her home. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± She led Loretta to the couch. ¡°Where is ma¡¯am Elise?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°She went to pick an olddy¡¯s dress down the street. She should be back soon.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay¡­. so what are you doing?¡± Cassidy didn¡¯t sit down but she went straight to the machine. ¡°I am still on Amber Foundation¡¯s work.¡± Ria responded. ¡°What do I need to do?¡± ¡°Just rx a bit. Ma¡¯am Elise already shared the works so you will start working when shees back.¡± Ria smiled. Cassidy rolled her eyes. ¡°Just show it to me-¡± ¡°We have a visitor, Cassidy.¡± Ria gave her a wink. ¡°Oh! Sorry Aunt Loretta! I am just so excited!¡± Cassidy giggled. ¡°Please get juice for her.¡± Ria instructed. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy dropped the cross bag around her on the couch before she walked off to the kitchen. ¡°She can be very naughty.¡± Loretta said. ¡°And sweet at the same time.¡± Ria added. Loretta nodded in agreement. ¡°Cassidy told me about you¡­ and the Amber foundation¡¯s work.¡± ¡°Yeah that¡¯s what we are dealing with at the moment.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t have to think much about it. You can just tell me more about it and what I need to do.¡± Loretta sped her hands together. Ria exined in full details. She already made a sample of the dress. She finished it the day before and sent it to Mrs Pe who liked it! And she called to tell Ria that she wants the dress for the kids within the selected ages. Ria went to her store and they agreed on a price which is for her to pay three hundred dors for each dress. But Mrs Pe said the dress was worth than that so she offered to paid five hundred dors for a dress. The pay was good! Enough to buy more machines and do some other things like paying Ma¡¯am Elise and Cassidy and now Aunt Loretta. Mrs Pe even gave Ria the option of buying materials from their textile branch at a lower price. She gave Ria the number of her daughter in charge of the branch but she was directed to the manager of the warehouse by her secretary. And it pays well buying from the textile branch warehouse than the store! ¡°They will deliver the rest of the materials soon so we can start work fully.¡± Ria ended. ¡°Have you taken the kids measurement?¡± Loretta asked. ¡°Yes. We went there yesterday. Didn¡¯t Cassidy tell you that we went there yesterday?¡± Loretta smiled. ¡°We didn¡¯t talk much because I have been busy with my sister.¡± Loretta answered. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Can I see the design?¡± Loretta requested in a polite tone. Cassidy gave her a ss of or orange juice. ¡°Sure.¡± Ria went to therge table and took the sample she had made and also the sketch in the drawing pad. ¡°Wow! This is really nice.¡± Lorettaplimented after checking the dress out. The drawing design was almost perfect like the dress itself. ¡°I told you!¡± Cassidy eximed. ¡°Remember I said she is good.¡± She added quickly. Loretta nodded. ¡°I am impressed.¡± The door opened and Ma¡¯am Elise stepped in. ¡°Miss Ria-¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Cassidy interrupted her. ¡°Hello Cas-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice trailed off when her gaze fell on Loretta who also arched her brows. ¡°Loretta¡­ Hill?¡± She said. It sounded like she knows the woman. ¡°Elise.¡± Loretta stood up from the couch. ¡°Do you know each other?¡± Cassidy asked as she exchanged confused looks with Ria. ¡°Perhaps, are you Loretta Hill?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise wanted to be sure. ¡°Yes. Loretta Hill!¡± Loretta enthused. ¡°Oh my God! Loretta! It is really you!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise ced her palm on her mouth. ¡°Elise!¡± Loretta walked closer and they embraced each other. Loretta and Elise know each other but how? Ria thought. ¡°Oh my goodness.¡± She mumbled when she figured the connection! Ma¡¯am Elise used to live in Denver with the woman who took her in and raised her before she moved to study in college here in Chicago! ¡°It is so good to see you again, Elise!¡± Loretta withdrew from the embrace. ¡°What a small world.¡± Cassidy muttered. ¡°Where have you been all this while Elise?! You just disappeared in Denver without any trace!¡± Loretta demanded. ¡°Oh noe on Loretta, I was in Denver some years ago when Mrs Hope died.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. ¡°Can someone please exin the connection?¡± Cassidy cleared her throat. ¡°We used to ssmates in high school.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°We were seat partners and close friends in high school until she left Denver to study in Chicago.¡± Loretta added. ¡°Oh! Now I understand!¡± Cassidy snapped her fingers. These few words from her aunt exins it all! Loretta and Elise both sank onto the couch. ¡°And.. don¡¯t I get a reward for bringing youdies back together?¡± Cassidy pouted.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Of course!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled. ¡°A token for you when we get back home.¡± Loretta added and they allughed. ¡°I am so happy to see you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise held Loretta hands. ¡°Are you into sewing too?¡± Loretta asked. ¡°Yes.. she taught me and I am also working with her.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied with a bright beam on her face. ¡°That¡¯s good, Elise. I am so happy to see you.¡± They embraced each other again. ¡°I should take a picture.¡± Cassidy brought out her phone from the handbag that was on the couch close to her. ¡°Hmm now.. I think these two needs some space. There is a lot of catching up to do! And I don¡¯t see us talking business now!¡± Ria murmured to herself as she takes in a sharp breathe. ¡°Cassidy, let us go down to the store quickly.¡± Ria said. ¡°Do you need to buy something?¡± Cassidy looked up from her cellphone. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am yet to buy the zips and buttons. And I also need to withdraw some cash at the machine for grocery.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy dropped her phone into her bag. Ria grabbed her purse from the table. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I will be right back. Ma¡¯am Loretta please feel at home.¡± ¡°Thank you, miss Ria.¡± ¡°See youter!¡± Cassidy said before she and Ria walked out of the house. ¡°Hmm you are actually leaving by this time because them.¡± She said when they stood on the porch. ¡°Yes. They need to chat and catch up on old times.¡± Ria sighed. ¡°Yeah. Miss Ria, you are right.¡± Cassidy nodded in agreement as they bounced down the small stairs. Chapter 57 Good news for Drake Robert IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT FREDERICK ROBERT MANSION ¡°Oh finally! Sir Drake, you have decided to visit us!¡± Drake was greeted by a plump old woman with gray hair and very red cheeks. ¡°Good evening, ma¡¯am Dora.¡± Drake spun towards the olddy to embrace her. Ma¡¯am Dora runs things around Robert family home. ¡°What do we have here? You are looking younger and beautiful every day.¡± Drake eximed. ¡°Really? Thank you, sir Drake.¡± Ma¡¯am Dora blushed even more as the hug ended. ¡°How are you doing?¡± She touched his forehead to feel his temperature. ¡°Ma¡¯am Dora, I am fine. Thanks for you concern.¡± He held her hands and kissed them. ¡°Hmm it is pretty obvious. Mr Robert is waiting for you.¡± Ma¡¯am Dora replied. ¡°Where is he?¡± Drake asked. ¡°The dinning room.¡± Ma¡¯am Dora replied as she stepped aside for him to walk into the house. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡± He winked. Drake motioned toward the dinning room and he heardughter erupting from the section as he walked closer. All of a sudden, Drake stopped to stare at the faces at the dinning table. This time it wasn¡¯t just his parents but they had visitors. Who are they? He looked at both women. They look pretty much alike. Mother and daughter. ¡°Oh! Why didn¡¯t he just tell me I was going to meet Serena Sanders and her daughter when he called me at the office.¡± Drake cursed under his breathe at the sight of both women. About Frederick Robert, he was super excited on phone when he invited his son home and Drake had wondered why. Well now he knows-It was about this matchmaking n. But why does Drake feels like there was more to this whole thing? He hated the fact that his father was making so much effort to help him start a family when he can¡¯t even hold down a rtionship! ¡°Oh son!¡± My mom said. The olddy Drake had looked up at him while her daughter face was glued to the te. He hissed. He hatedies like this, so shy and timid and definitely not his type of woman. ¡°Drake meet Serena Sanders.¡± Mrs Robert introduced. ¡°Nice to meet you ma¡¯am.¡± Drake settled in a chair and poured himself a ss of champagne. ¡°And here is her daughter I told you about Bay Sanders.¡± Mr Frederick added Drake Robert looked up at thedy properly this time and their gaze locked. She looked like someone he had met. He stared intensely at her and tried to recall where he must havee across this face. ¡°Bay?¡± Drake mumbled. He sounded like he had heard that name. Perhaps have they met before now? He pondered deeply. ¡°Son isn¡¯t she pretty?¡± Mrs Robert asked as she ced her hand on her son¡¯s hand. Mr Frederick noticed the way Drake¡¯s keen eyes was watching thedy. ¡°Son, perhaps have you met Bay before now?¡± He blurted out. The question stunned Drake out of thought. He studied Bay¡¯s expression, there was a knowing look on it and it struck Drake immediately when recalled where he had seen this face. Hell no! It can¡¯t be possible! She is the samedy he had picked at Tessa Club some weeks back. She is the same Bay he spent the night with weeks ago! Drake scrunched up his face. Tessa club? The hotel? What was she doing there when his father had vouched that she is a good woman? Why was she at the club? He mused. ¡°Drake. Have you met Bay before now?¡± Mr Frederick called. ¡°Yes dad.¡± Drake replied. He heard sighs from everyone around the table. ¡°That exins it.¡± Mr Frederick added. ¡°Dad. Exin what?¡± Drake asked in a low tone. It doesn¡¯t exin anything! He only met her just once and they had fun right in one night. Yeah Drake knows but he doesn¡¯t even remember her up until now. ¡°Listen Drake, Bay already exined things to us.¡± Mrs Frederick said with a bright beam on her expression. What did she tell them? That they had sex and he paid her the very next day and asked her to leave? Drake wondered. Mr Frederick cleared his throat. ¡°I think at this point we don¡¯t have to waste time anymore.¡± He said. ¡°What¡­ what do you mean dad?¡± Drake stuttered. He was confused. And he couldn¡¯t even tell why the atmosphere around this woman he had slept with weeks ago was so tensed. Mr Frederick and his wife exchanged nces while Serena pats her daughter¡¯s back. ¡°I have good news.¡± He chuckled. Drake thought he was about to spill words about matchmaking him and this woman together again. ¡°I am so d to inform you that you would be a father soon. ¡± Mr Frederick blurted out. Drake eyes widened in absolute shock. ¡°What?!¡± His jaw dropped immediately. His father¡¯s words echoed in his head-you would be a father soon. ¡°Bay is pregnant.¡± Mrs Frederick said in a calm tone. She couldn¡¯t hide the happiness that welled up inside of her as she said those words to her son. Drake gasped out in shock again. ¡°Wait.. hold on everyone¡­ that¡¯s impossible.¡± He chuckled. ¡°She can¡¯t be pregnant.¡± He looked straight at the Sanders. No one said anything else and it gave him the chance to think. ¡°Bay is pregnant! Hold up, if she is pregnant how does that make me the father of her baby? We only had sex about nine weeks ago and we used protection. So how did she get pregnant?¡± He pondered within deeply. Drake found himselfughing out so loud. Thesedies must be joking! Trying to pass him someone else¡¯s child! He thought. ¡°My daughter is carrying your child.¡± Mrs Serena said. ¡°My child?¡± Drake snorted. ¡°Drake-¡± He interrupted his dad. ¡°Did your daughter not tell that she is a club girl.. or a night worker so any man would have gotten her pregnant. Not me.¡± He gritted. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Mrs Serena¡¯s mouth dropped slightly in disbelief. ¡°Ask your daughter where we met the first time.¡± Drake pointed at Bay. ¡°We both met at the club, she stripped for me and spent the night at a hotel and I paid for her service. So what does that tell you?¡± He demanded. He was disappointed that his dad tried to cajole him to marry someone like Bay Sander who is nothing but a town¡¯s whore. ¡°Listen to what she has to say. You-¡± ¡°No mom.¡± Drake stood up. ¡°She is a town¡¯s whore so that child she is carrying is not mine.¡± Annoyance was now clear in his tone. ¡°It is your baby.¡± Mrs Frederick countered. ¡°It is true that you picked her up from a club but the most important fact is that my daughter has never been with any man til she met you that night.¡± Mrs Serena stated confidently. Annoyance clear in her voice but was only trying to stay calm. Drakeughed. ¡°Really?! I won¡¯t take this from you and your daughter. How do you expect me to believe that-¡± He stopped. Images of that night with Bay flooded his mind. Bay never acted like she was a virgin and she never mentioned it to him. She wasn¡¯t nervous and neither did she ask him to be careful. Perhaps was it because they were both half drunk that night after finishing a bottle of champagne! It was hard to tell if she was a virgin or not! ¡°I need prove that I was her first man.¡± Drake stated these set of words slowly.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°What?!¡± They all gasped out in shock and surprise. And again, Drake recalled the bloodstain he had seen on the sheet when he was trying to find his wristwatch! He had thought she saw her period over night! ¡°Damn it!¡± He uttered profanity. Why didn¡¯t he realize that bay would have requested to take a shower before leaving that morning if it was her period! ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening. Let us go Bay.¡± Mrs Serena instructed her daughter. They both stood up to leave. ¡°Serena, we can talk things out.¡± Mrs Frederick begged. ¡°There is nothing to talk about Vivian. Let us go, Bay.¡± Mrs Serena picked her purse. Drake and Bay¡¯s gaze met again and he noticed the tears that dropped down her cheeks. Immediately the feeling of guilt washed over him. Now what has he done?! Bay and Serena left the dinning area with Mrs Frederick following closely behind as she plead with them. ¡°Shit!¡± Drake thought of how he managed to get himself in a situation like this one. ¡°What do you have to say, Drake?¡± Mr Frederick asked. ¡°Serena, we can have a proper conversation about this situation.¡± Mrs Frederick pleaded. Drake rubbed his temples continuously. ¡°If your son is insisting that this child isn¡¯t his then let us run a paternity test.¡± He heard Serena say to his mom. Maybe that would be a better option because he is still finding it hard to believe! Howe she is pregnant when they had used protection? As far as he could remember, Drake has never gone raw with any woman in his whole life. He had always yed his game right. ¡°Oh no! no! Damn it!¡± Drake cursed in a tight whispered. The shower! They had sex in the shower before sleeping that night! He didn¡¯t even realize that until now! Drake clenched his fist! What has he done? Bay is pregnant but it is so clear that he isn¡¯t ready to be father! Mrs Vivian came back to the table. ¡°I need the truth! Drake, did you have sex with Bay in the shower without using protection?!¡± She demanded in a raised tone. ¡°Yes.¡± He replied. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t-¡± ¡°Now don¡¯t you dare try to deny that baby! It is your baby!¡± Mrs Vivian shot her son a re and anger was evident in her eyes. Drake tried to control his anger. He hate it when he makes silly and stupid mistakes! Now he is one step ahead to be a father! Does that mean he has to divide his attention into two, one for work and the other for the baby? ¡°You know we can run a test if you are doubting it.¡± Mr Frederick said. ¡°No need for a test. The date he slept with Bay corresponds with the result.¡± Mrs Vivian countered. Then the child is for Drake Robert. ¡°It is not a bad idea to be a father.¡± Mr Frederick said with croaked smile. Drake sighed in frustration. ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me I have to take Bay to the altar right away just because she is carrying my baby!¡± Mrs Vivian went to her son and ce her hand on his shoulder. ¡°You don¡¯t know how happy we were when Serena told us about the baby.¡± She said. ¡°When did she tell you about the baby?¡± Drake asked. ¡°Serena exined things to us about three days ago.¡± Mrs Vivian replied. ¡°So why am I just finding out now?¡± Drake asked again. ¡°We wanted to make it a surprise thinking it would make you happy.¡± Mr Frederick responded. ¡°Surprise?¡± Drake snorted. He knows his parents are both super excited about the baby thing because it is what they wanted! Having a fe running the house like his dad use to say. ¡°Even Bay only found out few days ago.¡± Mrs Vivian added. ¡°You have to apologize to the Sanders.¡± Mr Frederick grounded out. ¡°Yes son. You need to apologize for humiliating Serena and her daughter.¡± Mrs Vivian pat his shoulder gently. ¡°I will talk to Bay tomorrow.¡± Drake mumbled. ¡°Why not now?¡± Mrs Vivian asked. ¡°I have a meeting with an investor online.¡± Drake lied. ¡°Okay just make sure you apologize to them then we can think of what to do next.¡± Mr Frederick stood up to leave for the bedroom. Drake knew he won¡¯t be seeing the olddy! The next conversation should be between he and Bay Sanders. But Drake wasn¡¯t sure he was ready to go on a marital journey with Bay not to talk of epting the fact that he would be a father soon. Chapter 58 Acceptance IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT SANDERS MANSION Out of frustration, fury and anger, Mrs Serena barged into the luxury living room and she threw her purse on the couch aggressively. She was more disappointed because Mr Frederick Robert had portrayed his son to be a young and responsible man but Drake Robert turned out to be the opposite of everything his parents said about him. ¡°Drake Robert is rude, mean, a spoilt brat and he has no regards for anyone! He is a foolish young man who is also irresponsible and I have never seen a man like him! He doesn¡¯t deserve my child! Bay deserves a better man!¡± Serena thought within herself. And if only Drake wasn¡¯t Fredrick¡¯s son she would have pped him in the face when he denied his child! How dare he deny it when everything proves that the baby is for him! ¡°Mom.¡± Bay called in a low tone but her mother didn¡¯t respond. Then she tried to touch her mother but Mrs Serena turned and stopped her with a hand up in the air. ¡°I want to be alone.¡± Mrs Serena mumbled. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Bay whispered as she blinked back tears that threatens to spill anytime soon. Mrs Serena rxed and looked up at her daughter. ¡°Bay, please go to your room and rest.¡± Bay nodded slowly and made her way to her room. She med herself for everything. At that very moment, Bay began to regret the decision she had made. Thest thing she wanted was to see her mother unhappy but sleeping with Drake had brought her mother pains and now she was also caught in between her irrational steps. Bay knew her mother felt humiliated when Drake said he picked her at a club. Mrs Serena was heartbroken because all she ever wanted was to raise Bay as a good woman but she was considered a town¡¯s whore by a man who had picked her up at a club. That¡¯s thest thing a parents would every want to hear about his or her child. But Mrs Serena med herself for everything! She med it on the fact that her rules had deprived Bay of some certain things all in the name of wanting to raise her well and for her to be the best among the list of sessful women in Idaho. Mrs Serene felt like she had failed in her responsibility as a good mother. Did these things also happen because she wasn¡¯t all that close to Bay? Wasn¡¯t she close enough to her daughter that they could talk about things a child ought to know? She pondered deeply. ¡°It is all my fault. I should be med for everything.¡± She whispered. Mrs Serena concluded that the mother to child bond wasn¡¯t strong. No cordial rtionship because she was too busy with work at the firm before Bay took over. ¡°I am sorry Rex.. I failed you.¡± Mrs Serena sobbed silently. She sank onto the couch and cried in silence but minutes passed and she calmed. Mrs Serena Sanders decided that she won¡¯t turn against her daughter. If Drake doesn¡¯t want his child then it is fine. He wasn¡¯t needed in Bay¡¯s life anyways. He was just a sperm donor. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of my daughter and my grandchild.¡± Mrs Serena gritted in determination. To hell with Drake if he doesn¡¯t want to ept his responsibility as a father! They would both raise that child and in the best way! Mrs Serena Sanders promised. ****** NEXT DAY AT SANDERS ARCHITECTURAL FIRM Bay Sanders sat at the desk lost in thought. She couldn¡¯t concentrate on work because she was thinking about what happened at Drake¡¯s family home. Drake doesn¡¯t want his child! It was obvious that Drake wasn¡¯t ready to take on the responsibility for his own flesh and blood! Bay¡¯s hand wondered to her belly. There is a life growing in her belly, her baby and her joy. She won¡¯t take it out even if Drake fails to ept it. ¡°What if people wonder how I got a baby? What if people close mock me about having a child without a father?¡± Bay shut her eyes as she envisioned the images of people at the office talking behind her back and saying bad things about her and the baby. Bay reopened her eyes as fierce overprotectiveness welled up within her. ¡°It is none of their business! My child will grow well in my arms. And to hell with Drake if he doesn¡¯t want his baby!¡± She concluded. Bay heard a soft knock on the door. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± She said. The secretary named Lucy popped her head in. ¡°Miss Bay, someone is here to see you.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Bay asked. Lucy stepped into the office. ¡°He said that his name is Mr Drake Robert.¡± She replied. ¡°Drake?¡± Bay repeated as she arched her eyebrows at the same time. Why is he here? Is she ready to face him? Her heartbeat elerated even as she gave Lucy a short nod, a sign to let Drake into the office. Seconds clicked by and the door opened wide revealing Drake Robert and he walked into the office. ¡°Thank you.. Lucy.¡± Bay dismissed her. ¡°Good morning, Bay.¡± Drake greeted. Bay told herself that she shouldn¡¯t act like a little girl who doesn¡¯t know what she wants. She has to woman up and talk things straight with him. ¡°Good morning, Drake Robert.¡± Bay replied boldly after taking in a handful of breathe to fill her lungs. Drake stared at her. ¡°Don¡¯t I deserve a seat?¡± He asked. You definitely don¡¯t deserve one! Bay wanted to p it to his face but she held back her harsh words.. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± She pointed to the couch. Bay stood up from behind the desk to settle on the couch facing Drake whose eyes was watching every of her movement. She sat with his legs crossed. ¡°So how are you?¡± He asked sounding like he care about her well being. ¡°I am fine. Thanks for your concern.¡± Bay responded. ¡°And the baby?¡± Drake asked again. ¡°Now the baby?! The baby is fine! And we will be fine without you on our side! Definitely!¡± Bay said within herself. Drake waited for her response while he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs. ¡°Fine.¡± Bay replied sharply. Drake cleared his throat. ¡°We need to talk.¡± He said. Talk about what? That she is not carrying his child! Hell No! Bay is not ready to listen to his heartbreaking words! He doesn¡¯t want his child so be it! She ept it! ¡°We have nothing to talk about anymore.¡± Bay blurted with a deep frown on her expression. Drake raised his brows. ¡°I know, you are doubting my baby and that you don¡¯t want it. And it is fine by me. So we don¡¯t have anything to talk about here. And forget about convincing me to take it out even if you know it is yours because I won¡¯t have an abortion.¡± Bay said sternly. Her heart was beating rapidly and she could feel her hands almost trembling. Drake stared at her in shock. The thought of abortion never even urred to him. His Adams apple bobbled up and down as he calmed. ¡°Are you done?¡± He asked. ¡°What?¡± Bay furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Oh well she was not done talking! She has a lot to say to him! She would like to remind how foolish he has been to have denied his baby! ¡°I want to -¡± Drake paused as he watched her trying to control her heartbeat. Somehow Bay found herself rxing at his intense stare. ¡°I apologize for what happenedst night.¡± Hepleted his intended statement. Apologizing for humiliating her mother? For denying his child? And for calling her a whore? Everything. ¡°I was shocked to see you at our ce and my parents didn¡¯t tell me about the baby before I met you again. I chalked things up between us as a fling so I was surprised you turned up pregnant.¡± Thinking about it now that¡¯s true. Drake didn¡¯t deny knowing Bay but he only imed that she can¡¯t be carrying his child. ¡°And about the baby I denied it because I didn¡¯t know it was your first and also considering the fact of how we met at club. I just thought that the baby could be for the other men you were seeing but I was wrong and slow in realizing that the baby could be mine.¡± Drake stopped expecting a response from her but she didn¡¯t say anything. What made him change his mind? Bay thought. Drake continued. ¡°I saw the bloodstain on the bed when I was about to leave the hotel.¡± He confessed. Drake saw the stain? Well she never thought about any stain on the sheet. Bay tried to block the images of that night. She had realized that the sex in shower without protection must have made her pregnant because Drake had released into her. Actually Jessica helped her realized it. So what about the note? Bay mused. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡± Bay heard herself say in low tone. Damn it! Bay knew she has the weakest will on earth! Some minutes ago, she was determined to get rid of Drake Robert but now she was concerned about the note she had left him. ¡°Note?¡± Drake muttered. ¡°Yeah¡­ I actually¡­ I dropped a note that morning.¡± Bay whispered. She studied his expression and it kind of struck her that Drake didn¡¯t see the note. So it is better not to talk about it. ¡°Never mind.¡± Bay said as she fiddled with her fingers. ¡°I saw the note.¡± Drake answered. He did?! He saw the note but he didn¡¯t even bother to call! Oh! He chalked things up to a fling. ¡°I saw the note but I left it at the hotel.¡± Drake said with sincerity in his tone. ¡°Okay.¡± Bay nodded slowly. So Drake saw the note and he left it back at the hotel. Jessica was right! That night meant nothing to him! Bay should have epted it right since when her best friend was telling her that one night didn¡¯t mean forever in Drake Robert¡¯s world. And Bay was quick to conclude that she has been a fool to think that Drake felt something for her! She should be hating him but right now seeing Drake made every fiber of her being stand up and take notice of him. He looked handsome in his neatly tailored ck suit. Bay really want to end this whole drama of loving Drake Robert and she just want to dedicate her life to raising her baby. Drake sighed. ¡°I apologize for that too. And I am here because I want to take on the responsibility of the child. It is my baby too so I don¡¯t have any choice but to be the father.¡± Hepleted the sentence with another sigh. Bay¡¯s head snapped up and she locked gaze with Drake. What does that mean?! Drake wants his child! He want to be a father! Happiness and hope washed through Bay Sanders. ¡°I will make out time from my busy schedules to always check up on you and the baby.¡± Drake added. ¡°Does that mean I will be seeing Drake more often?¡± Bay bantered internally. ¡°Just give me a call if you need anything.¡± Drake stood up and dropped hisplimentary card on ss table. He was almost leaving when he said, ¡°Apologize to your mom on my behalf.¡± Bay managed to nod her head since her voice failed her. ¡°Take care.¡± Drake said finally and he walked out. Bay let out a shaky breathe when the door clicked closed and her fingers drew circles on her stomach. A smile formed on Bay Sanders lips against her will or maybe she just want to smile and feel the happiness. Drake Robert epted his child.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Chapter 59 Little Angels Home CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT FIFTEEN DAYS LATER ¡°Don¡¯t forget to get the hand towels too!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise reminded loudly from the kitchen. ¡°Oh! Yes!¡± Cassidy eximed and then rushed to therge table to grab the pack of towels. Ma¡¯am Loretta sat on the couch arranging clothes into a set of big paper bags. Fifteen days has passed since Lint Corporation textile branch warehouse supplied the materials and Ria and her team have been able to finish seventy dresses for the children at Amber Foundation. To be honest in the process of making the dresses, Ria had to admit that it wasn¡¯t an easy task but they did it anyways! Ma¡¯am Elise, Ma¡¯am Loretta, Cassidy, Phoebe and Phoenix and Ria. During the course of making the dresses, Ma¡¯am Loretta and Cassidy spent most of their time at Ria¡¯s ce and they had even slept over at some point so that they could finish up few days before the Amber Foundation Annual Party date. The Five ¨C Day Event was set to start in two days time so Ria and her team are taking the dresses to Little Angels Home. ¡°Everything is set.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta said with a sigh. The door bell rang. ¡°That should be Mr Ian. I¡¯ll get it.¡± Cassidy said as she made her way to the door. Yesterday on phone, Ian offered that he would be the one to drive Ria and her team to Little Angels Home so Ria especially has been expecting him to show up. ¡°Good morning.¡± Ria heard someone say at the door. It was a familiar voice but not Ian¡¯s. She turned and saw his personal driver named Benjamin. ¡°Where is Mr Ian?¡± Cassidy asked him. ¡°Mr Ian is quite busy at the office so he sent me to drive everyone to Little Angels Home. Did Ie toote?¡± Benjamin responded. Immediately, a wave of disappointment hit Ria. Why didn¡¯t Ian just call to inform her that he couldn¡¯t make it before sending his driver? Ria was already anticipating thepany of Ian. She had been pinning for hispany because she hasn¡¯t seen him since for the passed few days. Now Ria felt offended that Ian couldn¡¯t make it here when he had insisted that he would go with her to the orphanage home. But why is she so mad because Ian didn¡¯t show up?This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Ma¡¯am stood up from the couch and carried some of the paper bags. ¡°You are just right on time! We are ready to leave for the orphanage. Please take these bags to the car.¡± She gave few of the bags to the young man. The paper bags were filled with clothes which they already packed and taped with each kids name on it. ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am Loretta.¡± Benjamin replied. ¡°Let me help with the rest of the bags.¡± Cassidy went back to the couch to get the remaining bags to the car. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be disappointed!¡± Ria scolded herself when it urred to her that of the two of them, she was behaving a whole lot more unbusinesslike than Ian. Ian spends most of his time at work, calling Ria once or twice in a day to check up on her anding over to say hi just once or twice in a week while Ria on other hand was expecting more from him. A part of Ria wanted things to be different. She wanted more than Ian just calling once a day and seeing him once in a while. The truth remains that Ian is keeping things businesslike while Ria is pinning for hispany all day and even offended that he didn¡¯t show up today! And it only means that Ria needed to practice what she has been preaching. Strictly Business! Beginning immediately, by putting a stop to thetest disappointment that was running rampant in her. But getting rid of that disappointment was easier said than done because no matter how hard Ria tried, she couldn¡¯t seem to stop wishing that Ian was here to drive her to Little Angels Home. ¡°Drink this before leaving.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gave Ria a ss of apple juice. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria smiled. She gave the ss back to Ma¡¯am Elise after drinking little of the juice. ¡°You might need this too.¡± Loretta handed her a bottle of water. ¡°Everything is set.¡± Cassidy announced with her arms folded across her chest as she stood by the door. ¡°Let her go with you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise suggested. The initial n was that Ian and Ria would move the dresses to the Little Angels Home while Ma¡¯am Elise and Cassidy would go and see Principal Brenda. Ria already made the samples of uniforms along the line with Amber Foundation¡¯s works and she had informed the principal that Ma¡¯am Elise would bring it today. Ma¡¯am Loretta would stay back at home to have a rest and probably take care of the kids when they get back from school. ¡°Cassidy, will you go to the orphanage with Miss Ria?¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta asked. ¡°Yes! Yes! Yes!¡± Cassidy replied happily. ¡°Okay. Elise and I will go to the school.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta added. ¡°No ma¡¯am Loretta, please stay back at home and have some rest.¡± She hasn¡¯t been feeling well but she was now on medication. ¡°No.. no I am fine. I will go with Elise to the school and please don¡¯t turn me into an olddy.¡± They allughed while Ma¡¯am Loretta moved to pack the sample of uniforms. They allughed. ¡°Okay. See youter.¡± Ria said to them before leaving with Cassidy to the car. She settled in the backseat while Cassidy sat next to Benjamin at the front space. Her phone binged. It was a message from Ian. ¡®I am sorry for not meeting up as nned. Something came up at the office so I had to stay back and attention to it. I¡¯ll make it up to you whenever I am less busy. I promise. Please take care.¡¯ ¡°Ben, what is Mr Ian doing at work?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°He should be in the meeting with the board of directors now.¡± Ben answered as the car glided into motion. ¡°Okay. But how do you know?¡± Cassidy asked again although she was just trying to create a conversation with him. ¡°Mr Ian told me that himself before I left the office.¡± Ben responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Cassidy mumbled. ¡°What should I send to him?¡± Ria muttered under her breathe. ¡®Okay I understand.¡¯ Ria typed but she deleted it because it sounded too simple and Ian might think she is mad at him. ¡®Cassidy and I are on our way to the orphanage now. Thanks for sending Ben!¡¯ She sent the text. Cassidy and Ben were now engrossed in a conversation. Her phone vibrated. Message from Ian again. Is he typing in the meeting? She wondered. ¡®You are wee. Send me a text when you arrive at Little Angels Home.¡¯ ¡®Alright.¡¯ Ria texted. And she waited for another response which never came from Ian Bryant. ********* AMBER FOUNDATION : LITTLE ANGELS HOME The SUV turned off the main road onto a private driveway. The driveway was lined on both sides by Red oak trees with the branches reaching out to each other to form an arc overhead that blocked most of the sun scorching rays. Little Angels Home was a three storey mansion. When the building came into view, Ria could hardly believe her eyes. It was beautiful and well decorated in preparation for the uing annual event. Ria noticed the people in therge garden and they were all dressed in the same uniform trying to set up the area for the event. Cassidy and Ria came out of the car. Ria looked on and saw Mrs Pe who smiled immediately their eyes made a contact. Cassidy spun towards Mrs Pe to hug her as if she was greeting her mother or her favorite aunt. Actually Cassidy is free with anyone and Ria loves her cheerful spirit. ¡°Ria.¡± Mrs Pe came to her side with a plump older woman with extremely gray hair, very red cheeks and nose. ¡°Mrs Russell meet Ria Robert. Ria, this is mrs Russell and she runs things around here whenever Madam Charity isn¡¯t around.¡± Mrs Pe introduced. Ria hasn¡¯t seen the olddy on her visits to the orphanage home. She recalled that a workers said Mrs Russell was receiving treatment at the hospital. Ria held out her hands to the olddy. ¡°It is so nice to meet you ma¡¯am.¡± She smiled. ¡°I am pleased to meet you too.¡± Mrs Russell replied. ¡°The dresses are in the car.¡± Ria said looking at Mrs Pe. ¡°Oh! Please bring the dresses inside.¡± Mrs Pe instructed. ¡°The kids are so excited about their dresses.¡± Mrs Russell said with a bright smile. Cassidy went back to the car and she and Ben brought the paper bags out. ¡°What about Ian? He told me that he would be here with you.¡± Mrs Pe requested as they made their way into the mansion. ¡°He is busy at work.¡± Ria replied. Well it still pained her that Ian wasn¡¯t here with her. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll give him a call.¡± Mrs Pe helped with the door allowing Benjamin and Cassidy to go in first then Mrs Russell before she and Ria both stepped into the mansion. ¡°Miss Ria!¡± The children screamed when they got to the waiting section. ¡°They have been really waiting to try their dresses!¡± Mrs Russell giggled. ¡°Hello children!¡± Ria greeted cheerfully. ¡°Hi Miss Ria!¡± The children screamed out in unison. ¡°How are you doing today?¡± Ria asked. ¡°We are doing fine!¡± They chorused. Ria noticed Cassidy waving at the little girl she had liked the day they came to measure the children. Chapter 60 This Feeling Of Love CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION The meeting with the board of director has ended. Ian Bryant sat at the desk handling the hundreds of mundane tasks that running the corporation required. His thought was on Ria and he was so eager to finish up and go and see her. Ian¡¯s looked away from the paper he was about to sign when his cellphone binged. He checked the caller¡¯s ID hoping it was Ria but it turned out to Harvey Wesley! An old friend. They both attended the same high school and college and Harvey Wesley owns the best constructionpany in Chicago. Ian sighed and picked up the call. ¡°Hello Harvey.¡± He said. ¡°Hey Ian! Long time buddy!¡± Harvey¡¯s voice boomed over the phone that Ian had to shift the device away from his ear. Ian turned on the speaker and ced the phone on the desk. ¡°Yeah dude. It has been a while.¡± They bothughed. ¡°Yeah. So how are you man?¡± Harvey asked. ¡°I am cool, Harvey. And it is really nice to hear to you again.¡± Ian replied. ¡°I sincerely apologize for not calling to check up on you man.¡± Harvey chuckled deeply. ¡°Likewise dude.¡± Ian said. ¡°So what¡¯s up with you? I mean.. what have you been up totely?¡± Harvey added. Ian chuckled. ¡°Harvey, it has been just work and loads of paperwork.¡± He responded. ¡°I expected this response from you. I know it is a great work to run a corporation asrge as your family¡¯s own. And I guess being a CEO is tiring.¡± ¡°You are no different, Harvey.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Don¡¯t try topare us. I am different! I run just onepany while you are running a whole corporation that has several branches. Man¡­ that¡¯s big and great work! And I must say that you would barely have time to hang out or any free time but just work, work and work.¡± Harvey countered. ¡°Hey man. Come on Harvey, it is not that bad!¡± Ian chuckled. ¡°But it is the truth buddy.¡± Harvey retorted. ¡°No.¡± Ian argued. ¡°You seem too busy to me. Ian, you became work oriented ever since you became a chief executive officer. I mean¡­ you are not the Ian I used to know.¡± ¡°Yeah. I changed Harvey. I have so much responsibilities but you must also know that I am not really all work and no y.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Really?¡± Harvey croaked out. ¡°Yes Harvey.¡± ¡°Who is all work and no y? Ian Bryant! Eighty percent of the American poption knows this fact about you. And I can¡¯t see where you will have time for a wife and kids.¡± Harvey did the tsk tsk sound. ¡°Wife and kids? There you go against Harvey!¡± They bothughed. ¡°Did you call to remind me that I am yet to get married.¡± Ian demanded after a hardugh. ¡°Yes! This is a reminder!¡± Harvey coaxed. And Ianughed again. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me buddy.¡± Harvey said. Yeah! Ian doesn¡¯t have to take his words seriously because that¡¯s Harvey Wesley¡¯s personality. He could be very funny and also annoying with his words whenever he teases someone. Harvey is a family man, a father of two and married to one of the top most models in the United State of America. But Harvey doesn¡¯t have to remind Ian that he was yet to start a family. ¡°Well I called to invite you to a party.¡± Harvey said. ¡°What party?¡± Ian questioned. ¡°Oh my goodness! Now he doesn¡¯t remember.¡± Harvey feigned a gasp. ¡°Please tell me about it, Harvey.¡± Ian requested. ¡°BMW ASSOCIATION PARTY!¡± Harvey grounded out. ¡°Oh!¡± Ian mouthed. ¡°Now you know.¡± Harvey added. ¡°Of course! Thanks for the reminder. So when and where is it holding?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°In about three weeks time. We had to set things that way because of Amber foundation¡¯s annual party. Three weeks is enough time for everyone to rest and prepare for the big day.¡± Harvey exined. ¡°Yes, you are right. That¡¯s so thoughtful of the board.¡± Ian agreed. ¡°So will you be there?¡± Harvey asked. ¡°I don¡¯t -¡± Harvey interrupted him. ¡°Your presence at the party is really important so make out time Ian. Who knows you might find your heartthrob at the party this year.¡± They rolled intoughter again. ¡°Harvey, stop the teasing game already. I don¡¯t need to find an heartthrob at the party.¡± Ian chuckled. Well he has someone whom his heart beats for-Ria Robert. ¡°You sound different. Formally, you would have agreed toe to the party immediately without me persuading you. Tell me what¡¯s going on?! Are youing with someone this time around? A woman you are madly in love with?¡± Harvey demanded. Ian was silent. He was thinking about Ria. Would Ria agree to go with Ian to the party if he ask her to be his date? ¡°Ian, are you there?¡± Harvey called out. ¡°Yes Harvey.¡± He replied. ¡°Look man, if you aren¡¯t sure about anything yet just beep me so I can hook you up with someone before that day.¡± Harvey offered in a concerned tone. ¡°No thanks Harvey. I¡¯ll attend the party.¡± Ian responded. He won¡¯t be hooking up with anotherdy when Ria is already in his life. ¡°Okay. I will send you the invitation soon.¡± Harvey sighed in resignation. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian replied. ¡°And we could grab a drink before that day too.¡± Harvey suggested. ¡°I will give you a call, Harvey.¡± Ian said. ¡°Okay. Bye, Ian Bryant.¡± Harvey disconnected the call before Ian could utter his goodbye response. Harvey Weasley is the current deputy president of the association. The BMW means BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN. It is an association for popr and wealthy businessmen and women in America. The party is more or less for the all rich people in the state and beyond. The annual party is a time when you get to meet new people and probably make new business partners and connections. Unlike Amber Foundation annual party, it is a day event and mostly held on a Sunday evening. The event is more like a dinner party with media houses storming the whole ce. Ian Bryant has to be there to represent his corporation. He doesn¡¯t want Harvey to hook him up with anydy likest year. At thest one, Harvey had introduced ady to Ian at the party. Her name was Valeria and she was a Jeweler like his mother. Ian and Valeria had flowed freely that night and somehow they ended up spending more time at the hotel. To Ian Bryant, it was nothing but a fling and a moment of enjoyment. But three weeks after Ian met Valeria and the connection was still there she started pestering him to introduce her to his family members especially his mother. It was so obvious that she wanted something more than just spending good time together. Valeria wantedmitment and Ian wasn¡¯t ready for such which he already stated since the night of the party. So in the end, Valeria got mad at Ian when she also sensed that nothing would work out between them. Ian Bryant is not a saint! He has been with women in past and not too many but a few. And the truth remains that, he has never felt anything this strong with any of those women like how he feels for Ria Robert. Honestly, Ian doesn¡¯t know why he has been acting differently since he met Ria. He doesn¡¯t know why he can¡¯t seem to get her out of his mind until he followed his heart to help her out of misery. Ian looked forward to seeing Ria and sometimes he can¡¯t seem to concentrate on work if he hasn¡¯t given her a call or text in a day. There are so many things Ian wants to do with Ria but she only sees him as a business partner. Maybe it is the best thing to do. Acting as a business partner has gotten Ian closer to Ria than he ever expected. She is exceptional among all the women he has met. Ian¡¯s heart beat rapidly whenever he is with her and he gets this flutter in his belly anytime he watch her smile andugh. Ian Bryant loves that inexplicable thing about Ria that made hime alive and more happy than he has ever been with any woman. Ian Bryant loves Ria Robert but does she feel the same way for him? Ian is doubting if Ria would ever fall in love with him. That fear he saw months back was still evident in her eyes. There was no love in her eyes but only fear. The fear of being touched by a man. And Ian hated it! He always sense it each time he leaned close to Ria, too close and sometimes when he tried to touch her like just holding hands with her. What could it be? What could have made her that way? Ian pondered deeply. Ian is aware that Ria is only trying to act calm and cool around him. She is not settled yet. He knew Ria isn¡¯t convinced that he mean no harm to her. Ian just wants to make her happy. He want to be the reason behind her smile. But that fear about her past was hindering him from inching closer to her heart. What does it entails? Could it be that someone took advantage of her? He mused. And whatever her past entails must be really bad. He just wished that Ria could open up to him so they can conquer those fears together. But he can¡¯t do anything since she doesn¡¯t want him to know or maybe he doesn¡¯t deserve to know. Ian concluded that he shouldn¡¯t try to find out if Ria doesn¡¯t want him to know about it. He should focus on the present and possible future. So he would just let it slide and not bother about her past. Ian decided that he would only focus on Ria. If she is having issue trusting men then he would work on himself until he is able to prove to her that he is worth a chance. ¡°Her past doesn¡¯t matter to me. I will make sure Ria trust men again. And I am sure as time goes on she will be free with me and open up to me about it.¡± Ian concluded. A knock sounded on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Ramsey popped his head in. ¡°Sir, the designers just called.¡± He stepped into the office. ¡°What did they say?¡± Ian asked. ¡°They are moving in the furniture today.¡± Ramsey answered. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian shook his head in understanding. ¡°Sir, do you need anything?¡± Ramsey requested.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Yes Ramsey. Please get the contact of the best advertising agency in the state.¡± Ian ordered. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey bowed slightly before he exited the office. Ria¡¯s workce is almost set! And as a matter of fact Ian Bryant is pretty impressed with the designers works! They have carved out the exact designs he had envisioned in his mind from the moment he decided to establish Ria¡¯s sewing business. Chapter 61 Melissa CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AMBER FOUNDATION : LITTLE ANGEL HOME ¡°Is that child okay?¡± Ria asked Jenna. She is one of the workers assigned to help the kids try on their dresses. ¡°Who?¡± Jenna looked around. Ria pointed to a six years old girl who sat alone with her legs curled beneath her. The little girl has been like that since they came in about twenty minutes ago. ¡°Her name is Melissa. She is always like that¡­ alone.¡± Jenna answered. Melissa is not looking happy about the dress like the rest of the kids. Ria turned to face her. ¡°Please can I know her history?¡± She requested. Ria knows that every child in Amber Foundation has a history. ¡°Melissa lost her parents in a fire ident when she was four years old. Her paternal uncle left her at the hospital and none of her family members were ready to take her in when she regained consciousness after one month.¡± Jenna answered. ¡°How did she end up here?¡± Ria asked. ¡°A nurse came here and exined her case to Madam Charity so they brought her in here. I feel pity for her because she doesn¡¯t remember anything about her parents plus she still gets traumatized anytime she sees fire. And that¡¯s why we don¡¯t bring her close to it, like the kitchen.¡± Jenna stated a cleared exnation of the little girl¡¯s case. ¡°So she prefers to stay alone.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Yes. Even thought it has been over two years now but Melissa is finding it hard to ept this ce.¡± Jenna added. Ria looked at the little girl. She is so beautiful. Somehow the little child reminded Ria of her younger self when she was still trying to ept the fact that she was blind. The fact that she couldn¡¯t see like everyone else had weighed her down. And she was always alone when her parents enrolled her in a school for the disabled. Ria only remembered having one friend while she was growing up before Lucas took her away from her home. His name was Ethan. Actually, Ria won¡¯t consider him as just a friend. Ethan was like a big brother to her because he was four years older than her. Ria used to help him mend his clothes back then while he helped her to school whenever he was less busy at work. ¡°She looks pitiful.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Even madam Charity has tried to help Melissa rte with the other kids but it seems she just wants to be all by herself.¡± Jenna said. ¡°Teacher Jenna, can I try my dress now?¡± Ria and Jenna both looked down at the little girl who held the dress to her chest. ¡°Yes.. Sophie.¡± Jenna replied. Ria moved away from them and went to where Melissa sat quietly. She knew Melissa needed someone to talk to her and not just anyone but someone who is like her. Someone who has felt the loss of a parent and a loved one. Practically anyone with the saddest past could rte with Melissa. ¡°Hi Melissa.¡± Ria greeted in a low tone. Melissa looked at her. ¡°I am -¡± She stood up and walked away before Ria couldplete her sentence. Melissa went to the far end of the room and curled herself up under arge table. That¡¯s weird! Why is she doing that? Sitting up in an ufortable way. Ria thought. ¡°I am not going to give up. She has to tell me what is wrong.¡± Ria muttered. She made my way to the table, crouched down and sat under it too. The table was big enough to amodate her size that she even sat with her legs crossed. Melissa stared at her in disbelief because anyone would have left her instead of crawling under the table to talk to her. ¡°Hi. I am Ria Robert.¡± Ria introduced. Melissa didn¡¯t respond. ¡°And it is nice to meet you, Melissa.¡± Ria added. ¡°Go away. I don¡¯t want to talk to you¡­ or anyone else.¡± Melissa said in a low tone. Ria stared back at her. It was a good thing that she said something. This conversation would hold by all means. ¡°I¡¯ll just tell you a story of a girl.¡± Ria swallowed hard. ¡°A blind girl. Do you know what it means to be blind?¡± She paused and waited for Melissa to say something again. About two minutes clicked by before Melissa shook her head slowly. ¡°Being blind is when you can¡¯t see like everyone else and everything is dark. L was a blind girl and she wished that she could see like the other kids. She wanted friends but no one wants to be friends with a blind girl. Everyone saw her as a burden to her parents because she was disabled and she had to depend on her parents to help her do things. L had a very hard time epting her blind state but in the end she epted who she was and learned to do things normal people could do. She made up her mind that she won¡¯t be a burden to her parents or anyone. She promised herself that she would be someone anyone could reckon with and also be great in life. And guess what? L started learning how to sew and mend torn dresses.¡± Ria stopped and studied Melissa¡¯s expression. She was interested in the story! ¡°L could have gotten a surgery done but her parents couldn¡¯t afford the medical bills. Do you want to know what happened to L?¡± Ria asked to be sure Melissa liked the story. Melissa gave a short nod. ¡°An unexpected incident took L¡¯a parents away. They died when she was about sixteen and then she was alone and all by herself. She found herself in the hands of a wicked man who wanted L for himself. But at the point of giving up on herself, her dreams and everything, a kind hearted angel was sent to rescue L from that wicked man. She moved away from her hometown with her angel and they settled down in another city where she started working as a seamstress. Remember she learnt how to sew.¡± Ria stopped again and was about to continue when Melissa asked. ¡°Can L see now? I mean did.. she get to see¡­. like other people¡­ when she moved to a new city with the angel?¡± ¡°Yes Melissa. Another nice angel was sent to help L. He paid for her surgery bills and also helped to establish her sewing business. And L is doing fine.¡± Ria paused only for her to notice the tears that strayed down Melissa¡¯s cheeks. ¡°This is your story right?¡± Melissa said in a low tone. Ria was surprised the little could rte things so fast but she found herself nodding in response. She couldn¡¯t deny because it was her story in a reformed way. Ria didn¡¯t know how the little girl figured that the story was about her or could it because she is a seamstress like L? ¡°I heard some of the workers talking about you being a talented blinddy.¡± Melissa mumbled. Oh! The ghosting attitude had made Melissa find out things from the workers. Ria couldn¡¯t hide the fact that Melissa is a smart girl. She moved closer to Melissa and wiped her tears with her fingertips. ¡°That¡¯s sad¡­¡± Melissa muttered. ¡°I know.¡± Ria nodded again. ¡°I heard him¡­¡± Melissa bit her lower lip. ¡°He said I am a bad luck.¡± She whispered. ¡°Who said that to you?¡± Ria asked with a raised eyebrows. ¡°Uncle Finn. I heard him telling his wife when I regained consciousness at hospital. I couldn¡¯t make out what he said until I realized that I don¡¯t remember anything about my parents. I only know the fact that they both died in a fire. Uncle Finn didn¡¯t take me in because he said I am a bad luck and I will always bring trouble to everyone.¡± Melissa ced her palms on her face. ¡°I am the reason for my parents death. He told his wife and other members that I caused that fire at our home. So taking me in might bring them problems.¡± She sobbed. And that is it! Melissa doesn¡¯t want to rte with anyone because she thinks she is a bad luck. Uncle Finn should be med here because those words he said must have given her post traumatic syndrome disorder. How on earth could he refer to a little child as a bad luck? Things would have been different if Melissa didn¡¯t hear her uncle refer to her as a bad Luck. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell Madam Charity about it?¡± Ria asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ because she won¡¯t understand me. No matter how nice she is.. she will never understand how I feel about being referred to as a bad luck. I didn¡¯t get close to anyone because I fear that I might end up hurting them.¡± She cried. ¡°You are not a bad luck, Melissa.¡± Tears stings in Ria¡¯s eyes too. ¡°You think so?¡± ¡°No one is a bad luck.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°But it is all my fault¡­ I killed my parents.¡± Melissa med herself. ¡°No.. no Melissa. Look, once in my life I med myself for my parents death too.¡± And part of Ria still mes herself. That if only she wasn¡¯t blind then her dad wouldn¡¯t have thought of epting his inheritance. But what can she do? The deed has already been done! ¡°But.. I had to ept the fact that they were gone.¡± Ria held the little girls hands. ¡°Listen Melissa, the ones we love are gone but they still remain in heart and memories. Look, I never saw the faces of my parents but I have good memories of their words.¡± They are possibly on the same boat. Melissa doesn¡¯t remember the faces of her parents too! ¡°You have to do the same too. You don¡¯t remember their face anymore but you have these feelings that they were good to you.¡± Melissa nodded in agreement. ¡°So then ept the fact that they are gone and stop seeing yourself as a bad luck.¡± Ria wiped her tears again. ¡°Take a look-¡± Ria pointed to the kids that were ying happily around Cassidy and Jenna. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to be happy like them?¡± Melissa looked at the children ying for a second. ¡°I want to be happy.¡± She whispered. ¡°You know.. they all have their stories too. No parents, no family but they are still happy. Do you want to know why?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It is because they were able to ept what life has given to them. They call it-epting the fact that life is where we live in and love is what we have. And no one can make you happy until you are ready to experience happiness. So just forget about Uncle Finn words and be the Melissa everyone wants to see. They all want you to be happy. Always happy.¡± Ria encouraged in a calm tone. Melissa stared back at the kids. ¡°I¡¯ll be happy.¡± She shook her head slowly. Then Ria pulled her in for a hug. ¡°Please be happy, Melissa.¡± ¡°Thank you, miss Ria.¡± Melissa sniffed. Riaforted her with soothing words and she only let go of Melissa after she cried and calmed down. ¡°Would you like to try your dress now?¡± Ria pinched her rosy cheeks. ¡°Yes.¡± Melissa replied. And this time there was a small smile on her face. Ria crawled out of the table and reached out her hand to Melissa. She hesitated. ¡°To be happy.¡± Ria said to her. ¡°Yes. To be happy.¡± Melissa replied as she crawled out of the table. Ria and Melissa walked back to the spot where the other kids were trying out their dresses. ¡°Cassidy, where is Melissa¡¯s dress?¡± She asked. Jenna and Mrs Russell focused on Ria and they exchanged nces when they saw their locked hands. ¡°Melissa is ready to try her dress so-¡± ¡°And I want to perform too.¡± Melissa cuts in sharply. Everywhere became silent at her words. Every kid stopped ying and workers helping out stopped what they were doing when they heard her voice. Melissa nced up at Ria with a look of disappointment on her face. Melissa was a bit embarrassed by the sudden silence and she fixed her gaze on the floor. ¡°Oh yes! You can perform Melissa!¡± Mrs Russell eximed. ¡°I¡¯ll help you with the rhymes and choreography.¡± Jenna added. Melissa¡¯s face brightened a bit. ¡°I know the rhymes and every of the moves.¡± She said in her low tone. ¡°You do?¡± Mrs Russell was shocked. ¡°Yes. I can do everything.¡± Melissa responded in a clear tone. Ria knew Melissa must have seen and watched the other children practice but she couldn¡¯t join them because of that perspective of being a bad luck. Melissa has lived in fear of hurting and causing harm to others for close two years. ¡°Can you show everyone?¡± Ria requested. Melissa let go of Ria¡¯s hands immediately. ¡°I have a hope for a brighter future. I know I can do well. I am strong. I am confident.¡± She disyed the choreography and sang the rhymes so perfectly. Everyone pped for her. ¡°That¡¯s good! Oh Melissa, you can join the other kids!¡± Mrs Russell was excited to see the little girl so active. Cassidy passed Melissa¡¯s dress to Ria which was thest pack in the bag. Ria helped her into the dress and she looked beautiful in it! ¡°Wow!¡± Melissa eximed as she examined herself.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°You like it?¡± Ria asked. ¡°I love it!¡± She pped her hands in excitement. Melissa tried to do the moves again in her dress. Then Mrs Russell began to p and the others joined in. ¡°Thank you, Miss Ria.¡± Mrs Russell said as Jenna silenced the kids while Cassidy helped Melissa pull off the dress. ¡°So children what do you say to Granny Pe for paying for your beautiful dresses?¡± Jenna stated. ¡°Thank you, Granny Pe!¡± They chorused. ¡°And what about Miss Ria and Miss Cassidy?¡± ¡°We say thank you!¡± The children screamed in unison. ¡°And would you like to see them again?¡± Jenna demanded. ¡°Yes, we will like to see you soon!¡± Ria smiled brightly. They are really amazing and beautiful creatures and she couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight of them. ¡°Now you all say.¡± ¡°Bye, Miss Ria. Bye, Miss Cassidy.¡± The children waved. Three nannies came in to the waiting section and ushered the children to the direction of the dormitories. Ria crouched down to Melissa¡¯s size. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Ria questioned. ¡°I feel happy. Thank you, miss Ria.¡± Melissa hugged her. ¡°You are wee. And always remain happy.¡± Ria withdrew from the embrace. ¡°When will you visit us again?¡± Melissa asked. ¡°I will see you at the grand finale of the event.¡± Ria answered. She would try to make it to the event so she can to watch Melissa perform. ¡°Okay. Bye, Miss Ria.¡± Melissa waved. ¡°Bye, Melissa.¡± Ria stood up and waved as Jenna led her out of the waiting section. ¡°She would be a good mother right?¡± Mrs Pe said in a whisper to Cassidy. ¡°Miss Ria is pretty good with children.¡± Cassidy answered. And how did Mrs Pee to conclude that Ria would make a good mother? It can¡¯t be that her quick interaction with Melissa made her decide so quickly that Ria would be a good mother. ¡°We should get going.¡± Ria said as she turned to face Cassidy. ¡°I think we are ready to leave.¡± Cassidy announced after packing the bags they won¡¯t be needing at the foundation since each kid took their clothes into the dormitories and to be submitted to their assigned dormitory matron. ¡°I¡¯ll take these bags to the car.¡± Cassidy exited the room. ¡°Thank you for today.¡± Mrs Russell thank Ria and shook hands with her. ¡°Anytime.¡± Ria replied. ¡°So I¡¯ll leave you both alone to talk while I attend to the children.¡± Mrs Russell walked away. ¡°I wasn¡¯t surprised with what you did with Melissa since you have adopted kids too. Ian told me about them. Phoebe and Phoenix right?¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. I only did what I had to do to help the little girl.¡± Ria rubbed her palms together. ¡°That¡¯s good. Please let me walk you to the car.¡± Mrs Pe offered. ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± They both walked out of the waiting section to thepound. ¡°I should be the one thanking you Ria for making those pretty dresses. So thank you very much.¡± Mrs Pe smiled. ¡°You are wee ma¡¯am.¡± Ria entered the car. ¡°Bye Granny!¡± Cassidy waved at her. ¡°Take care Cassidy and extend my greetings to your mom.¡± Mrs Pe waved back. Benjamin started the car and he drove out of the driveway. He pressed the horn and Mrs Pe waved them goodbye. Chapter 62 Be my date CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ria frowned at the bedside watch when she heard the doorbell. The time was 10:30 p. m and she was already getting ready to sleep after the long day work at the orphanage home. Slowly andzily, Ria hopped out of bed and motioned out of the room. She made her way towards the door and peered through the small gap on it. It was Ian! Ian stood outside her door with a half smile on his lips when she opened the door. A searching look in his eyes as he took notice of what she was wearing. ¡°I hope that I am noting at a bad time? I mean.. it iste.¡± ¡°No.. no.. it is alright. I wasn¡¯t asleep yet.¡± Ria stepped aside for him to walk into the house. Suddenly she felt weak in the knees and butterflies sputtered in her belly when his body brushed hers. It was a ridiculous overreaction of seeing him. But there it was happiness hitting her straight in the heart at his presence. She missed him so badly. ¡°I just finished my work at the office.¡± Ian said. Ria moistened her lips as she shut the door. ¡°You.. you should have head home to rest and-¡± ¡°And check in tomorrow.¡± Ianpleted her intended statement. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria agreed. She heard him draw in a deep breathe as if he was working up courage for what he was about to say. ¡°I can¡¯t do that.¡± Ian countered. ¡°But you look so tired. You sure need a good rest.¡± Her fingers tightened around her nightgown. ¡°Listen Ria, I stood you up today by not driving you to the orphanage home so I won¡¯t be able to forgive myself if I just head home without seeing you today.¡± Ian said in a sincere tone. Ria swallowed hard trying to get her whirling emotion under control so she could think clearly. Ria couldn¡¯t imagine why she was reacting so dramatically to his words. Maybe she was just tired than she had realized. Ria concluded in her head. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria said. The response was immediate and a bit husky. ¡°Where is ma¡¯am Elise and everyone?¡± Ian asked, looking around the small apartment. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise went to her ce to clean up. Ma¡¯am Loretta and Cassidy went home too. Phoebe and Phoenix are asleep. I told all of them to have a good rest before we start working on the school uniforms.¡± Ria answered. Ian moved away from her and dropped on the couch. ¡°Alright. Everyone needs to have a rest after such work.¡± He was feeling tired and hungry. ¡°How was the visit to-¡± A growl from his stomach interrupted him. Ria nced around trying to make out the sound. ¡°To the orphanage home.¡± Hepleted. ¡°It was fine. The kids liked the dresses.¡± Ria replied. His stomach growled again and Ria heard it clearly. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± She asked him. ¡°Huh? No¡­ No.. I am not-¡± Ian made a pause when he heard the growling sound again. This time it was even louder. Then Ian recalled that he hasn¡¯t eaten anything good all day except for the bacon and eggs that Mr Griffin dished him around 7:00 a. m when he was about leaving for work. Ian sounded resigned when he said, ¡°Yes.¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help but smile a little at his tone. Ian was starving and there is nothing much in the fridge except custard, yogurt, noodles, crackers and one lonely egg. They have been too busy to get down to the grocery store. But maybe the noddles will do. ¡°Would you like to have noddles?¡± Ria asked. ¡°I think I can do better with that.¡± Ian answered. Augh was in his voice when he said that to her. Ria nodded and jumped to her feet. She motioned towards the kitchen but stopped and turned back at him. ¡°You can join me in the kitchen.¡± Ian stood up, removed his suit and followed her. Ria gestured to him to sit on a stool in the small open kitchen. ¡°You should have some yogurt. I still have some in the-¡± ¡°I would love to drink yogurt.¡± Ian interrupted gently. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria took out the carton of yogurt from the fridge and poured it into a cup before cooking the noddles. They discussed about the Foundation. Ria didn¡¯t tell him about the story she shared with Melissa but just the work they did at the foundation. Eventually, Ian got around to eating. Sitting at the table wearing only his jeans and unbuttoned T-shirt that revealed his white singlet under neath. Ian scooped noddles with fork and ate it while admiring Ria as she enjoyed the yogurt and crackers. Her hair fell loosely down to her shoulder and back and her face was freshly scrubbed and she wore a ck silk robe. She looked so beautiful that it was hard for him to concentrate on the food. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if you would be d to see me tonight?¡± Ian confessed. Ria nced meaningfully at her state of her near undress. They haven¡¯t been this close to undress even in China. She had made sure that she wore good clothes and not a transparent sink robes around him and she always get fully dress before seeing him in the morning. ¡°Well I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you today but I also hope that I managed to reassure you on that count.¡± Ria responded.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Thinking back over the past minutes he smiled. ¡°Yeah.¡± Her little giggle made him grin before he filled his mouth with another bite of noodles. He was relieved about her not being mad at him for not showing up earlier on and the noddles was good. Ian Bryant would have depended on directions found on his phone or the food pack to prepare noodles because he wasn¡¯t good at cooking just house chores. ¡°Do you still have your business cards?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Do you have up to fifty?¡± Ian asked again. Ria shook her head positively. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°My mom requested for it. She said Madam Charity loved those dresses you made and will like to give out your cards at the event.¡± Ian exined. ¡°Really?¡± Ria demanded with a surprised look on her face. Ian shook his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it too but it would be nice to share the cards at the event.¡± ¡°I have enough cards. I think there should still be about three hundred cards in the safe.¡± Ria said only after a momentary pause of calcting the possible number of cards avable in the safe. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian shifted ufortably in his seat as he recalled that he had nned to ask Ria to go with him to the association party as his date. Ria studied his face. She perceived that he has something to say but it was hard to tell what he was thinking. ¡°Thank you for the food.¡± Ian pointed to the now empty te. Ria stood up and took the te to the sink to wash it immediately. Then after it was done, she turned to see Ian staring intensely at her. Ria knew that he was working up his courage to say what was on his mind. ¡°Is everything okay at work? You look disturbed.¡± Ria also went on studying him with those blue eyes that were so intense. Ian cleared his throat. He stood up and went to the spot where she stood wiping her hands on a clean napkin. ¡°Actually, there is this-¡± He paused. Ria¡¯s aquamarine eyes drew him to her and it was as if they were casting a spell over him. Ian drew in a deep breathe. It is now or never! ¡°I belong to this association for business men and women. It is called BMW. And just like Amber Foundation annual party, we always have a party too but it is a dinner party and it is in three weeks time. Will you go with me? As my date.¡± Ian requested. Ria jaw dropped immediately. ¡°Ria, I know-¡± ¡°Oh.. I.. I don¡¯t know if it is a good idea.¡± Ria stuttered in reaction to the word date. Even as a little voice in the back of her mind said it is a good idea. But going with him to the party full of rich and ssy people isn¡¯t a very good idea to Ria because she started to feel inferior. Ria shook her head in disagreement but before she could say anything he said, ¡°Come on Ria, I want to be there with you and I want you to be there with me.. no games.¡± He persisted. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t go to such a party with you.¡± Ria whispered. It was a denial that made it clear that she doesn¡¯t want to go to such a big party. ¡°Yes you should go with me. I don¡¯t have anyone else to be my date.¡± Ian said. ¡°But.. I don¡¯t belong to the association.¡± Ria countered. ¡°You don¡¯t have to belong to the association to attend the party. Peoplee around to meet new business partners and make connections. I am asking you to go with me to the party as my date and who knows you might get to talk about your business with people.¡± Ian said in a calm tone. And then he did one thing that put herpletely over the edge. He touched her. He reached a big capable hand to the side of her neck and rubbed a spot with the tender brush of his fingertips. ¡°Ria¡­ say you wille with me to the party.¡± Ian went on to studying her with those eyes that were so intense. Ria knew no color of pallet could do justice to her burning cheeks. And as much as she didn¡¯t want to attend the party, it was hard to turn him down and and his intense gaze still drew her to him. Ria thought she might have the weakest will of anyone in the world because that was all it took for her to say.. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go with you to the party.¡± Her response made him smile. A slow pleased smile with a trace of extreme satisfaction and it was mixed with an expression that says that she would make him a happy and joyful man. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ian whispered. Ria shook her head in response. ¡°I should get going.¡± Ian said. And then as if it were perfectly natural, he leaned in closely and bent over to kiss her. On the cheeks! ¡°Prepare the cards. I¡¯ll send Ramsey to get it tomorrow.¡± Ian smiled down at her again. ¡°Good night.¡± He said sliding his hand away from her neck and leaving that spot naked for the loss. Ria didn¡¯t say anything. It took her few minutes to realize what just happened. A moment in which she just stood there looking stunned by his action. Ian kissed her and she had allowed it! Ian stepped backward and made his way out of the kitchen. She stunned out of thought and followed him. She can¡¯t just keep standing like that! ¡°Ian.¡± Ria called at him. Ian already grabbed his suit and was close to the door when he turned to her. ¡°Have a good rest.¡± Ria said in a low tone. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ian nodded and opened the door. The door clicked closed and then all Ria wanted was to go out there and throw herself into Ian¡¯s arms but she can¡¯t do it. Slowly, she walked back to her room after locking the door. And Ria wondered if it was possible that she was more attracted to Ian Bryant now than she thought because that was almost how it seemed. She shouldn¡¯t be attracted to him. But it didn¡¯t help matters that Ian was simply the nicest and sexiest man she had ever encountered or that something about him drew her to him. She shouldn¡¯t be having these thoughts too because she wasn¡¯t going to act on it. But the way things were shaping up, no doubt it was going to be it. ¡°No.. Ria.. this is not right.¡± She thought of it. And Ria didn¡¯t want to think things like wanting him to kiss her full on the lips and get lost in the taste of him. It wasn¡¯t going to happen. Ria swore to herself that it wasn¡¯t going to happen because she already realized that Ian was too good for her and she doesn¡¯t deserve someone like him. Ian deserves a better woman! Definitely not someone like her! Ria concluded as she rolled over her bed! She wiped a tear that already strayed down her cheek at the thought. ¡°He deserves a good woman with a clean past.¡± Ria chanted in her mind until she drifted into sleep. Chapter 63 More than being business partners CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT THREE WEEKS LATER The ringing of a phone startled Ria and she almost spilled the water in her hand. She searched the room for the source of the sound and realized abruptly that it was her ringtone. She spotted the phone at the end of the table just as it buzzed again. It was Ian! ¡®Hello Ria.¡¯ She heard him say after she picked up the call. ¡®Hi Ian.¡¯ ¡®I hope that I am not calling at a bad time.¡¯ Ian cleared his throat. ¡®I am less busy.¡¯ Ria moved to the couch and sank on it. ¡®I enjoyed every of our chats but I also missed hearing your voice, that¡¯s why I called.¡¯ A smile crept up her face. ¡®It is good to hear from you, Ian.¡¯ ¡®Likewise. So where are you?¡¯ ¡®I am at home.¡¯ ¡®Alright. So I spoke to one of the designers not quite long and she sincerely apologized for the dy. And she also said that your ce will be ready by the end of next week.¡¯ ¡®Oh! Good. But can I start working at the ce when they are done?¡¯ ¡®Yes you can move in the machine but-¡® Ian paused. ¡®But what?¡¯ Ria asked. ¡®I am thinking of something.¡¯ Ian said. ¡®What is it?¡¯ ¡®I am thinking that you shouldn¡¯t just move in like that and start work. I mean, how about weunch the ce like organize a party where people cane around and check out your designs and the ce too.¡¯ ¡®Is that necessary?¡¯ ¡®Of course Ria! Theunching will really helpful to create an awareness to the public. We have to let them know about the ce and what the business is all about. It is going to be like we are bringing your business to spotlight.¡¯ Ian stopped. ¡®What do you think?¡¯ Riapsed into silence. She was thinking. Over the past few weeks, Ian has been working hard towards setting up her workce. Everything is almost set! Even Ria had to admit that the ce is incredible and beautiful! It is more like a workshop with a boutique. Everything is about the whole ce is outstanding! The designers did a great work! They followed Ian¡¯s order of making the ce the top most couture and fashion house in the state. That was what Ian told the designers he wanted for Ria! Ian even paid an advertising agency to advertise the ce when everything is set! And soon the business will be on billboards in the state. Giving out Ria¡¯s cards at Amber foundation annual party really helped the business. And virtually everyone at the party admired the dresses on the kids. Even Mrs Pe introduced Ria to some wealthy and rich personalities at the event too. The orders for dresses has tripled over the past few weeks and everyone is looking forward to seeing new designs of dresses on the website! ¡®Look Ria -¡® ¡®Okay, let us do it. But how do we go about it?¡¯ Ria cut him off. She agreed to his new n because Ian knows what is best for her. ¡®You have enough dresses right?¡¯ ¡®Yes, a lot of dresses and we are still working on some of it.¡¯ They have a lot of dresses. Ria and her team had made more than enough dresses from the profit earned from the contracts with Mrs Pe and Principal Brenda. ¡®Good. I¡¯ll talk to mom about it too. I am sure she will be willing to help. So for now let us wait for the designers to finish up at the ce.¡¯ ¡®Okay.¡¯ Ria hummed ¡±So what about tomorrow?¡¯ ¡®Tomorrow? The party right?¡¯ ¡®Yes. Are you done with your dress?¡¯ Ian asked. ¡®I am almost done with it.¡¯ Ria answered. ¡®Alright. I¡¯ll send Benjamin over tomorrow by four o¡¯clock p. m. He will drive you to a friend who will help you prepare for the party.¡¯ Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ¡®What about you?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll be waiting at the party.¡¯ Ian responded. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Ria sighed. ¡®See you tomorrow.¡¯ Ian disconnected the call. ¡°You are still yet to finish up the dress?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked when she walked into the sitting room. Ria stood up from the couch. ¡°I am almost done with it.¡± She picked up the dress from the machine.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°You will turn out the best at the party.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled as Ria showed her the dress. ¡°No, I don¡¯t agree with you. Obviously, there will more pretty, rich, mighty and ssy women at the party. Women who are better than me.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. Ma¡¯am Elise rolled her eyes. ¡°You have to take away that low esteem about yourself.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have a low self esteem.¡± Ria argued. ¡°You think so? Okay, let us just say that you are feeling inferior even before the party.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise grabbed Ria¡¯s hand and pulled her to therge mirror. ¡°What do you see?¡± She asked. Ria stared at her reflection in the mirror. ¡°I am seeing another Ria Robert.¡± She answered. ¡°What do you call this type of face?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed at her face. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ know.¡± Ria bit on her lower lip. ¡°This is called pretty and the body is called beautiful! You are damn gorgeous, Miss Ria!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise coaxed as she moved away from the mirror. ¡°So take away that inferiorityplex.¡± She added. Ria turned to face her. ¡°Maybe you are right.¡± She replied with a shrug. ¡°I thought I heard you talking to someone over the phone.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°It was Ian. He called to inform that the workce will be ready next week.¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t talk about the party?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°We talked about it. Benjamin ising over to take me to a ce by four o¡¯clock tomorrow.¡± Ria answered. ¡°What ce?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise arched her brows. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about it but Ian said that a friend of his will help me prepare for the party.¡± Ria responded as she sat down on the stool to continue sewing the dress. Ma¡¯am Elise went in search of her phone. ¡°Hmm. Maybe it is a salon or a spa or a make up shop.¡± She wondered. Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°Maybe.¡± ¡°You know this is a big party so I am sure Mr Ian wants you to be the most beautiful woman of the night.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise found her phone on therge table. A red color crept up on her cheeks. ¡°Is that it?¡± She asked itching the back of her neck. Ma¡¯am Elise turned to face her and she noticed the colors on her rosy cheeks. ¡°Yes. But are you ready for it? I mean, there will be paparazzi waiting to take pictures of Mr Ian and you will be there with him.¡± ¡°Wait, are you saying that I¡¯ll walk the red carpet with Ian?!¡± Ria gasped out. ¡°Exactly!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise snapped her fingers. And is she ready for that?! Ria shook her head from side to side. ¡°No¡­ I think it is a bad idea epting the invitation.¡± She stood up from the stool abruptly. ¡°You know¡­. Actually it is not that bad.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°What? This is a disaster! I haven¡¯t walked on the red carpet before in my whole life! And what if people get the wrong idea about us?!¡± Ria paced the small area. She didn¡¯t realize how this big party would affect her greatly. ¡°What idea? You are only going there as his date.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Nothing bad about it.¡± She shrugged. Ria stopped pacing. ¡°Yeah, I am his date at the party. To the people of such caliber, being his date might means that I am the woman he is seeing at the moment but we are just business partners!¡± She emphasized. Ma¡¯am Elise rolled her eyes. ¡°If they think you are his woman so will you go about convincing everyone at the party that you are just business partners? I suggest you don¡¯t do it.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Look Miss Ria, Ian Bryant is every woman¡¯s dream. He is a billionaire. His business is rated top one in America. He has everything; striking looks, intelligence and riches. I am hundred percent certain that many women at the party will be dying to be by his side.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise showed her the search results of Ian Bryant on google. He has just been listed as the number one most handsome bachelor in Chicago on a site. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Ria asked in a low tone. ¡°What I am saying is that don¡¯t act like a business partner but act like a proper date!¡± Ria eyes widened. ¡°What?! Are you saying I should act like we are in a rtionship?!¡± She rified waving her hand in a vague gesture. ¡°Yes. It is either you act like a proper date or you watch somedies take him away from you tomorrow with just a drink or a dance.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demonstrated how it is likely to happen. ¡°No.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Then put on a better act!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise snapped at her. Ria pondered if she should consider what ma¡¯am Elise is trying to say? If someone wants Ian then she should be better off than her! She concluded. ¡°Hold up, are you thinking all this is still ssified under a business rtionship?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked in a serious tone. Ria shot ma¡¯am Elise a confused look and she raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Yes. It is a business Rtionship.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Well in my opinion, I think this is bing more than just business rtionship.¡± ¡°To who?¡± Ria asked. ¡°It could be more than just business to you.. or Mr Ian.. I don¡¯t know.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise itched the bridge of her nose. ¡°I need to wash the dishes.¡± She walked away. And the fact remains that Ria doesn¡¯t want to admit that Ian wanted something more than just being business partners or maybe she is the one over thinking! ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t want to be more than a business partner?¡± Ria bantered internally. But she recalled three weeks ago, the night he came to ask her to be his date. The way he had looked at her and even the kiss on the cheek! Perhaps is that how Ian rtes with his female business associate? Pang of jealousy surged through Ria at the thought of Ian kissing another female eve on the cheeks. ¡°What¡¯s going on with me?!¡± Ria pped her cheeks to stop the images that was starting to form in her head. What if Ian wants a proper rtionship? Can Ria go into a rtionship? ¡°I would have to be intimate with him and I am not ready! Not now! My body isn¡¯t ready toe in contact with any man!¡± She thought. Ria knew that fact about herself. She was still trying to get over what Lucas did to her. A part of her wanted more than just being business partners with Ian but since she wasn¡¯t ready so she won¡¯t think about it. Chapter 64 A late invitation IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LIMOS COMPANY ¡°Any news from Lint Corp?¡± Drake asked Alex who in turn checked the tablet in his hands to see if there was any mail from Lint Corp. ¡°No mail sir.¡± Alex replied.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Drake stopped the quest to sign a document and he dropped the ball point pen angrily. No mails from Lint Corporation? It has been weeks since the chief executive officer resumed back to work. Drake realized that it was now clear that Ian Bryant won¡¯t sign that deal until he ept to give in to forty five percent. And it only means that meeting Ian Bryant in person so they could talk is the best option! ¡°Alex, do I have any meetings tomorrow?¡± Drake demanded. Today was already gone. ¡°No meetings. But you have an invitation to a party tomorrow.¡± Alex answered. Drake arched his eyebrow. ¡°What party?¡± He waited impatiently for a response. Drake watched Alex as he clicked on the devise in his hands. He ced his hands together and contemted on possible ways to deal with Ian Bryant. ¡°It says BMW.¡± Alex answered. ¡°Oh! BMW!¡± Drake huffed. ¡°Yes sir.¡± Alex nodded. ¡°Why are you just telling me about it? You should do your job well by checking all my mails at all times!¡± Drake snapped at his personal assistant. ¡°I am sorry sir. I forgot to check the spam box while I was checking the rest of the mails.¡± Alex apologized. This is a chance to meet Ian Bryant. But will he at the party? Drake wondered. ¡°Alex find out the list of people that will be at the BMW party. Confirm if Ian Bryant is on the list now!¡± He said in amanding tone. Drake hoped that Ian would turn up at the party. Drake wasn¡¯t at the partyst year but he attended it two years ago. Then Frederick Robert was about to stepped down as the chief executive officer of Limos Company so he had used the party as a chance to introduce the next in line to all his business associates in Chicago. Alex moved away from the mahogany desk to put a call through to his close friend who is working as an assistant to the deputy president of the business men and women association. He got the information he needed from the person. ¡°Yes sir, Ian Bryant is on the VVIP list.¡± Alex informed him after some minutes. Drake bit on his lower lip. ¡°Okay. Book me the next avable flight to Chicago.¡± He ordered. ¡°Alright sir. Anything else?¡± Alex asked. ¡°I will need all the documents of the deal with Lint Corporation.¡± Drake answered. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Alex exited the office. ¡°How do I get Ian to sign this deal?¡± Drake stood up from the swivel chair and walked to the window pane. ¡°Should I talk to him at the party as a friend then maybe that can make him sign the deal after party?¡± Drake pondered deeply. Drake Robert was sure of one thing this time. He was not going to leave Chicago until Ian Bryant signs the deal. ¡°He should have a weak point.¡± Drake mumbled. He is determined to make Ian Bryant agree to his demands even if it involves doing some background check on him. ¡°I am certain someone like Ian Bryant must have a secret! Or maybe I should entice him with ady?¡± Drake thought. Whichever way it is, all Drake knows is that he must always get what he want! *************** CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION ¡®Hello Ziggy.¡¯ Ian greeted. ¡®Hey! What¡¯s up, Ian Bryant?¡¯ The voice boomed on a happy note. Ziggy Gray is Ian¡¯s old friend. They both went to the same college. Ziggy is a fashion stylist. He is an international model and one of the top most models in America. The only reason why Ian called Ziggy up is because he can help prepare Ria for the dinner party. ¡®I am cool. Did you get my text?¡¯ ¡®Text? What text?¡¯ Ziggy sounded confused. Ian heaved a sigh. ¡®I sent a text saying that I have a dinner party to attend and I want you to make my date into a member of high society.¡¯ ¡®Oh! It was you who sent the message?¡¯ Ziggy gasped. ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡®I am so sorry. One of my girls just read the text to me this morning and she didn¡¯t mention the sender. I apologize. So what do I need to do with your date?¡¯ Ziggy asked in an apologetic tone. ¡®Nothing much. I just need you to get her an entirely new wardrobe, new shoes, hair, make up and jewelry.¡¯ Ian stated. ¡®That¡¯s not a problem. When is the party?¡¯ Ziggy asked. ¡®The party is tomorrow by seven.¡¯ ¡®Alright. But it is going to take a lot of work to make your date into a high member of the society.¡¯ ¡®Oh! That reminds me, she is already has a dress to wear because she is a seamstress.¡¯ Ziggy did the tsk tsk sound. ¡®Ian Bryant, you know I don¡¯t work that way. I pick out the dress myself to match the essories, make up and hair too.¡¯ He reminded. ¡®Oh! Sorry I totally forgot! So now she doesn¡¯t have to wear the dress?¡¯ Ian asked. ¡®I don¡¯t need the dress. And what party is it?¡¯ Ziggy asked. ¡®Business men and women association party.¡¯ Ziggy gasped. ¡°Geez man! You would be spending a lot on your date for this party!¡¯ ¡®I have enough money so just do what I want.¡¯ ¡®Yeah, that¡¯s why you are Ian Bryant. So bring your woman over tomorrow by four.¡¯ Ziggy chuckled. Ian chuckled too. ¡®My driver will bring her over to your ce.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll be waiting to receive your payment after my girl sends the bill.¡¯ Ziggy blew kisses over the phone. ¡®Bye.¡¯ Ian disconnected the call. Chapter 65 Party Preparation CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Benjamin came over to Ria¡¯s home with a man who introduced himself as Brandon. Ian assigned them to take Ria to Ziggy¡¯s ce. Driving through the city, Ria watched as the car passed several streets and shops until they reach their destination. Every windows of the enormous building that could pass as a fashion house has a designer brand engraved on it. People of high ss walked in and out of the building. The car pulled over to the side of the street and parked close to a curb. Looking out the window, Ria saw glittery gown and silk dresses through the glossy window of the building. The name of the building was Maxwell. Brandon was quick to slide out of the car to help Ria out of it too and he followed her into the building. The inside was what Ria imagined. It was luxuriously decorated, clothing racks all filled with clothes in their abstract shapes and designs and colors. Brandon walked up to a man who Ria knew would definitely be a model. His figure was lean, tall and his skin tanned. He wore a designer outfit which was a red three quarter length shirt with a white vest in it and red pants. He also wore a silver ne and held a fancy fan in his hand too. ¡°Brandon.¡± Ziggy called as his eyes looked passed Brandon and onto Ria. ¡°Hi Ziggy.¡± Brandon greeted. ¡°So is this thedy Ian Bryant told me about?¡± Ziggy asked Brandon. ¡°Yes.¡± Brandon nodded. ¡°Oh.¡± They both turned their eyes on Ria. Ziggy seem puzzled. His eyes did a slow crawl on Ria as she waited for him to say something. ¡°Not bad.¡± Ziggy mumbled as he moved passed Brandon and motioned towards Ria. ¡°Ziggy Gray.¡± He held out his hand. ¡°Ria Robert.¡± She shook hands with him. ¡°Ian Bryant already told me about you. So let us see what I can do to your pretty looking face.¡± A smile formed on Ziggy¡¯s face. ¡°Come with me.¡± He pointed towards a direction. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria breathed out heavily. Ziggy walked over to a section of the store that has all the dresses and there were a lot. Two women were standing near a white couch in front of a set of mirrors. ¡°Mr Gray, what can we do for you today?¡± Ria watched Ziggy walk over to the women and he gestured to them to moved closer to him. The women did as he instructed and he dropped his arms around their shoulders. ¡°I need a dress for my friend here.¡± He said looking at Ria. ¡°And it needs to stand out. Something that says I am the best.¡± He emphasized. The women smiled at Ria. ¡°We have few things she can try.¡± One of the women replied. ¡°Alright!¡± Ziggy let them go. ¡°Let me see it!¡± He snapped his fingers. Both women walked towards Ria and introduced themselves as Cindy and Sophia. They grabbed her arms respectively and pulled her through the store. They threw clothes into each other hands as they walk by hangers. Ria tried checking the price tags and she couldn¡¯t help but gasp out at the prices-They are expensive outfits. ¡°Ian should have allowed me wear the dress I made.¡± Ria mumbled to herself. But she also knew that it wasn¡¯t Ian¡¯s fault. Ziggy had stated that he would be the one to pick out a dress for the party. ¡°She should try these ones out.¡± Cindy said after they finished picking out so many dresses. ¡°Try it out. Everything.¡± Ziggy looked at Ria as he pointed at the dressesying on the couch. He made Ria try all of the dresses the women had picked out. Heined some were awful, some were toorge, some were weird looking and even had bad color scheme. Even Ria also had question the fashion sense of some clothes designers in this time. She was in and out of dresses for almost forty five minutes and it was really tiring. ¡°Next!¡± Ziggy screamed out. Ria was trying on this dress when Ziggy said to the women. ¡°Oh! Take off that awful dress! I don¡¯t think Ian Bryant needs some Zombie as his date tonight!¡± Ria did her best to hold in theugh because the outfit was pretty funny. The women giggled. ¡°We still have onest dress to try.¡± Sophia said to him. Ria moved away from the pedestal and walked back into the dressing room. Thest dress was hanging on the door. It was a long bright crimson gown with a deep V neck cut and it had a strap around the neck. It was a open back dress because the back side was halfway down. Ria doubted if she would be able to wear such a dress to a party. She slipped into it and the fabric hugged every square inch of her body and beyond her thighs the dress opened up allowing for free flow. The open back side reached the end of her spine and somehow it managed to cover her whole ass. Ria liked the color of the dress but she hoped that the fashion stylist won¡¯t like it so she doesn¡¯t have to wear it. Ziggy, Cindy and Sophia practically froze when Ria walked out and their eyes were glued to her. Ria stopped on the pedestals in front of the mirror and waited for someone to say a word. ¡°Well, this¡­ is¡­ perfect.¡± Ziggy pped his hands in approval of the dress. ¡°Really? Is this dress not too revealing?¡± Ria asked with an arched eyebrow. One of the women walked around Ria. ¡°The dresspliments the right essories. No doubt, you will be the main attraction at tonight¡¯s party.¡± Sophia smiled brightly. ¡°Cindy, where is the diamond from Pe store?¡± Ziggy demanded. ¡°It is in the disy case on thest floor.¡± Cindy answered. ¡°Go and prepare it. We¡¯ll meet you on the floor soon.¡± Ziggy instructed. ¡°Sophia, go and get a pair of silver stiletto heels to go along with the diamonds.¡± Ziggy added. ¡°Alright.¡± Sophia and Cindy walked away in a hurry. ¡°We should move on to the next task. We have a lot to do in a short time.¡± Ziggy grabbed Ria¡¯s hand. ¡°What¡¯s on the next floor?¡± Ria asked as he pulled her along. ¡°Hair and make up.¡± Ziggy responded. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I change out of this dress before doing my hair and make up?¡± Ria asked again. ¡°Did you have a bathe before leaving home?¡± Ziggy asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So no need to pull off the dress plus Ian is buying everything.¡± He dragged her through the store Ria didn¡¯t like how Ziggy was dragging her along and how people stopped to stare at the dress on her body. ¡°You need to actfortable in this dress or else it would ruin the whole look.¡± Ziggy said finally and to make it worse for Ria, the elevator was filled with people. The next floor was a salon. All the employees were all dressed the same way and they all looked professional. They were six people Ria could see sitting at each station. Four women were getting their hair cut, one was getting her hair dried and thest one was getting her hair washed. ¡°Rita.¡± Ziggy walked the middle row to a woman who wasn¡¯t doing anything. Her hair was pure ck, cut in a sassy way and she has a setting green eyes. She was beautiful. ¡°She needs something topliment the dress.¡± Ziggy said. ¡°Alright.¡± Rita stepped closer and began pulling at the strands of Ria¡¯s hair gently. ¡°When was thest time you had a proper treatment and haircut?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± Ria replied sharply. She doesn¡¯t want to go down thene of when she was blind and she didn¡¯t have the chance to visit the salon. She just washed her hair in the shower. ¡°Once or twice a year?¡± Rita asked. ¡°Once.¡± Ria only said the word that came to her mind at that moment. ¡°Way too long. Not washing and treating it regrly has damaged the hair and it is also too dry.¡± Rita looked over at Ziggy. ¡°What is she wearing for essories?¡± She asked. ¡°Pe¡¯s diamond.¡± Ziggy asked. ¡°Very nice. I will start out with the treatment to bring the hair back to life. A few highlight and then a simple bun in the back.¡± Rita analyzed. ¡°That¡¯s cool.¡± Ziggy replied. ¡°You¡¯ll pay double the amount because this is a whole lot of work.¡± Rita smiled. ¡°Bills on Ian Bryant.¡± Ziggy shed her a wink. So this is what it feels to be dressed up by the foremost stylists. Ria thought as Rita took her over to the wash basin. She undid the braid and dunked her hair under water. Rita¡¯s fingers massaged Ria¡¯s scalp and hair. After some time, Rita wrapped her hair in a towel when she finished and led Ria to a chair. Ria sat while Rita mixed foamy items in a foil on her counter. ¡°Wait a minute, I hope this won¡¯t change my hair color?¡± Ria demanded as her eyes met the hair stylist eyes in the mirror. ¡°It won¡¯t change the color.¡± Rita replied. Shebed Ria¡¯s hair up and covered it with the mixed concoction. ¡°Alright you can seat here.¡± She moved Ria over to the hair drier. ¡°Good?¡± Rita asked. All Ria did was give a nod. After about two minutes, there were no words to describe how ufortable she felt because the drier was hot. Ria was sure that she looked like a scared young woman who is out of her mind. To be honest, she was also nervous about the party. Few minutes passed when Rita came around and pushed the drier up with a smile on her face. ¡°Now let us make you the best.¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± Ria forced a small smile on her face as they walked back to an empty station. Her hair was mostly dry but Rita grabbed the blow drier and finished it using a brush to straighten the hair out. looking into the mirror, Ria could see the wonders Rita was doing to her hair and she almost didn¡¯t recognize her hair. Ria felt like a Queen as they did things for her. She has never taken care of herself this way. Of course! She was a blinddy who never knew or cared about these things. And even now that Ria could see she was more concerned about the business, Phoebe and Phoenix too. She was more concerned about how she would pay bills, feed her children and necessary things needed to survive. But Ria felt refreshed by the makeover even though she knew this fairytale would onlyst tonight. So Ria decided that even if she wasn¡¯t living the rich life she wanted, she was going to enjoy the feel of it today. Rita put her hair up. She pulled the hair and twisted it back in a bun holding it in with a lot of bobby pins that jammed at her scalp. ¡°Does it hurt too much?¡± Rita asked. ¡°It hurts a bit.¡± Ria confessed. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll loosen it a bit.¡± Rita removed a pin and ced it loosely to hold a few strands of hair. She added hair spray for a finishing touch which made the hair glitter. ¡°I am done!¡± Rita announced. ¡°Wow! If I hadn¡¯t seen you earlier I would have thought you were another person.¡± Ria looked over her shoulder and there was Ziggy with Cindy and Sophia-The fashion trio! ¡°We still have enough time to turn you into the bestdy. All that is left is final touches and that nervous attitude of yours had better disappear by the time we get to the venue.¡± Ziggy looked at his watch. ¡°So what¡¯s next?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Make up is next.¡± Ziggy pulled out a big green box and set it on the counter. ¡°Are you doing my make up?¡± Ria raised her eyebrows in confusion. ¡°Yes. Five years of being an international model so I can do a woman¡¯s make up.¡± Ziggy grinned. ¡°You are a model. I knew it.¡± Ria mouthedContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Ziggy Gray is one of the best models in the state.¡± He said with boastfully. ¡°Please close your eyes.¡± Ria did as he instructed. Two newdies joined Ziggy as he did the highlights on Ria¡¯s face while they handed him the necessary things needed for the make up. Minutes clicked in silence and he said, ¡°Alright, I am done. What do you think?¡± Ria opened her eyes and she didn¡¯t know who she was looking at in the mirror! ¡°This¡­ is¡­ certainly.. not me.¡± She stammered. The woman in the mirror looked like she was born for a rich life! The Ria Robert she knows was born blind and poor but now she looks totally different! The new Ria Robert is beautiful with darker and thick eyshes, dark eye shadows sidelined with bright color on the side and a red lipstick. ¡°This is Ria Robert. Now try the heels.¡± Sophia set the box on the floor and pulled out a stunning pair of pure silver three inches stiletto heels. Ria slipped on the shoes and they fit in perfectly! ¡°How did you know what my size was?¡± She asked in a surprised tone. ¡°Who else? Ian Bryant told me. And I also checked your shoe while you were trying on the dresses. My client was right about your size.¡± Ziggy replied as he grabbed a small box from Cindy. ¡°Now for the diamonds. These are the Pe Bryant¡¯s diamond. Ian wants you to wear the ne and bracelet to the party. They are not to be lost because these are worth over twenty million dors.¡± Ziggy warned in a stern tone. ¡°What?!¡± Ria eyes widened and her jaw dropped too. Twenty million dors essories and they want her to wear it! ¡°Wait a minute! I can¡¯t wear it.¡± She rushed out her words. Ziggy rolled his eyes. ¡°He wants you to wear these essories on your outfit.¡± ¡°He paid for it?¡± Ria blurted out. Ziggy shook his head positively. ¡°Yes. And as a matter of fact it is thetest diamondbined essories in the country. Every woman is wishing to have it.¡± Why did he buy such an expensive essories?! These diamonds are worth twenty million dors because of a party! ¡°Just make sure that you don¡¯t lose it at the party.¡± Ziggy opened the box and it took her breath away. The diamonds are beautiful. There are diamonds in little heart shapes topped with blue sapphires draped in a ne. The earrings and bracelet were refined in a heart like shape of sapphires at the centre. Ziggy took the ne out of the case and sting it around Ria¡¯s neck. Cindy wore the bracelet for her while Sophia did the earrings. ¡°I think you are ready for the party.¡± Ziggy said as he reached his hands out to Ria Robert. Chapter 66 Ex-Girlfriend CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT BMW ASSOCIATION PARTY Benjamin drove Ria and Ziggy to the location of the association parry. It was a big fancy hotel. There was a long line of Limousines, Benz, BMW, Bentleys, Lamborghini trucks and other expensive sports cars. As Benjamin drove close to the entrance, she could see all the people walking in and she felt like she did not look like them. The fancy clothes and suits and shing lights from the paparazzi. ¡°Ziggy.. I.. don¡¯t think I can do this..¡± Ria said shakily. ¡°Ria just rx, I¡¯ll walk you to Ian Bryant. The party is not a big deal and all you have to do is smile, shake a few hands and look pretty for Ian Bryant because he is the main man.¡± Ziggy said in a calm tone. Look pretty for Ian? That sounded more like ma¡¯am Elise. Ria thought. ¡°I can do this¡­¡± She breathed out. Ria made the bold steps out of the car looking as graceful as possible. ¡°Wow! Who is she?!¡± ¡°She is so gorgeous!¡± ¡°Oh! Look it is Ziggy Gray!¡± ¡°She must be his date!¡± These were the handful ofments from the reporters around as they rushed to take pictures. Ria was blinded by Paparazzi camera shes. The bouncers tried to caution them as they were packed behind red ropes yelling and taking pictures. ¡°A minute please.. Ziggy Gray!¡± Ziggy waved at them in an elegant style with a smile stered on his face. He wrapped his arm around Ria as he led her through the blind lights. And she suddenly wished that it was Ian holding her. How do celebrities put up with the lights on daily basis? Ria mused. It took them more time to get to the door because the paparazzi kept asking Ziggy questions about the woman beside him. ¡°This is so annoying.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Be d it is me. You would have seen more drama if it was the most wanted bachelor in Chicago.¡± Ziggy whispered to her. Ria knew he was talking about Ian Bryant. The inside was over packed and crowded. People were hoarded all around and this was just the lobby. ¡°You did well Ria at least you didn¡¯t fall or trip.¡± Ziggymented. ¡°I couldn¡¯t do that not with a twenty million dor diamond hanging on my neck, ear and wrist.¡± Ria muttered but enough for him to hear her. Ziggy chuckled. ¡°The diamonds are enough to get rid of your nervousness. Huh?¡± And she is only doing this because of Ian Bryant. Ziggy led Ria to the nearest elevator and she started feeling nervous again because people stopped to stare at her. She found a few people whispering in each other¡¯s ears while staring in her direction. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ziggy asked. ¡°Yes¡­ I.. am.. fine.¡± Ria stuttered. ¡°Remember the diamonds.¡± Ziggy whispered in her ears after they walked into the elevator. ¡°I need to collect myself. I only need to act cool and calm if I am going to make it through tonight.¡± Ria bantered internally. The ride to the top floor was long. Ria did feel a little exposed in the dress and she worry that the back of the dress would slip down and her ass would be out in the open plus she wasn¡¯t wearing a bra under the dress. And the no bra dress added more to the nervousness. When the elevator dinged and the door opened Ria inhaled and exhaled a quick breath before they stepped out into the hallway. Ria grabbed Ziggy¡¯s arm again and they walked down the hallway. Few people were standing around and they stared and whispered at the sight of Ria Robert walking with the famous and top most model in the country. ¡°Her dress is too revealing.¡± ¡°Does she have a n to seduce all the men at the party?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°She must be crazy.¡± Ria heard people say behind her. ¡°I knew it.¡± She mumbled. ¡°If you let that get to you then you will never survive the night.¡± Ziggy said. All Ria could do was nod her head as she reminded herself that she was doing it for the man who has helped her life and is still helping her life. ¡°In addition, I am d Ian Bryant seems to have an understanding with a woman now. This is the first time he ising to this party with a date.¡± Ziggy added. ¡°Really?¡± Ria sounded surprised. ¡°Yes, you are the first woman. And I must say that Ian Bryant is lucky to have you by his side.¡± Ziggy let out a softugh. ¡°No! It is the other way round. I am lucky to have Ian Bryant by my side!¡± Ria countered within herself. Ziggy and Ria walked up to a set of door and two men opened the door when they got close. The room was filled with rich people of fancy million dors outfits, essories and services. White tables were set up at the side of the room and waiters roamed around the area and there was hardly any way to walk. ¡°Look, Ian Bryant is on the other side of the room.¡± Ziggy blurted out when he caught a glimpse of Ian. ¡°Where?¡± Ria asked while following Ziggy. She tried to look for Ian but she couldn¡¯t see him. Eyes were stered on Ria as Ziggy walked her through the room. All Ria did to avoid their stares was look down at the ground and followed Ziggy as if she was blind. ¡°You have to get used to it. You will be a star soon.¡± Ziggy said. ¡°What star?¡± Ria head snapped up at him. ¡°A fashion star or should I say Icon. Ian told me about your business.¡± Ziggy replied. ¡°He did?¡± Ria pouted her lips. ¡°Yes, he didn¡¯t stop talking about it while I gave him a sketch of how you would turn out tonight. So you have to learn to get through with events like this party.¡± Ziggy responded. Ria sighed. This was going to be a long night! Ria had a conclusion in her mind that she would still have to give this diamond back to Ian even though he bought it for her. Talking of Ian, Ria spotted him as they got closer. His brown hair sleeked back that it fitted his sculpted face perfectly. Ian was dressed in a ck suit which matched with a ck tie, shoe and light brown handkerchief folded with just a triangle point sticking out of his breast pocket. He was different! He looked more handsome with the champagne ss in his hand. His smile almost blinded Ria while he was talking to another man. As Ziggy and Ria walked closer, Ian gave a quick nce but had to quickly turn back for a second stare. His eyes opened wide just staring and moving them to look over every inch of Ria Robert. ¡°Ian! I brought your date as promised.¡± Ziggy said with a smug smile on his face. ¡°I present her to you.¡± He slipped his arm out from Ria¡¯s arm. Ian was still lost in trance. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. Ziggy went to him, balled his fist and gave him a smack at his back. Ian jumped all the way back to reality. ¡°Your date.¡± Ziggy pointed. ¡°Oh! Thank.. you.. Ziggy.¡± Ian stuttered. ¡°Anytime.¡± Ian leaned close and nted kisses on Ria¡¯s cheeks. She saw the look on the other man¡¯s face. He was amused as he stared at her! ¡°Your date is very beautiful Ian! It would be rude not to introduce us.¡± The man said. ¡°Of course! Harvey, this is Ria Robert. Ria meet Harvey Wesley the deputy president of the BMW association. He also owns thergest constructionpany in Chicago.¡± Ian introduced. Ria hesitated before sticking out her hand for him to shake it. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you.¡± Harvey grabbed the wrap of her fingers and slowly pulled them up to his lips and nted a kiss just above her knuckle. ¡°Meeting a beauty like yourself, the pleasure is all mine. You are beautiful.¡± Harveyplimented. Ria¡¯s immediate impression of this guy is that, he is a sweet talker and he better not get any silly ideas in his head. ¡°You tter me.¡± Ria forced a small smile on her face. ¡°A woman like yourself deserves much more than mere ttery. I mean my words.¡± Harvey grinned. Ria wasn¡¯tfortable with this guy. Ian sensed it too even as he was losing his mind over a simple dress and her new look. ¡°Harvey would you please excuse us, I would like to talk to my date alone.¡± Ian requested. ¡°Of course! It is almost time for my speech. Good to see you again, Ziggy Gray.¡± Harvey gave Ziggy a stern handshake before disappearing into the crowd. ¡°I¡¯ll also take my leave.¡± Ziggy said. ¡°Thank you once again.¡± Ian shook hands with Ziggy before he exited the room. Ria raised an eye brow at Ian when he covered the inch left between them. ¡°You look beautiful.¡± Heplimented and her cheeks flushed pink. ¡°Of course! I am wearing a twenty thousand dors dress, a ten thousand dors heels, a five thousand dors make up and a twenty million dors diamond all on my body.¡± She pointed out. Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°Stop being concerned about the money. And trust me, you will still look beautiful even without the essories.¡± And Ria realized she was blushing too much from hispliments so she shied away from it. ¡°I must admit that you are the prettiest woman here tonight. So be careful of the other women.¡± This man sure has a way of getting to her. Ria and Ian grabbed a few sses of champagne before the dinner party started. She was amazed at all the people Ian introduced to her. Ria got to meet a couple of people, famous business owners, oil tycoons and fashion designers some who admired the dress she made for Amber Foundation children. Some of the people Ian introduced Ria to had attended the event and they had received her cards while some watched the event on national television channels. Ria admitted that walking and talking around all these people was actually kind of interesting. And for the champagne, she has never had one before and it was pretty good but she didn¡¯t drink too much. ¡°Everyone¡­¡± A man on the stage said into the microphone. The spotlight came on him. It was the same guy, Harvey Wesley! ¡°I would like to start out by telling you thank you for attending the party. And on behalf of Amber Foundation, Madam Charity is saying a big thank you to everyone that attended thest party. And she is also using this medium to appreciate Ian Bryant for donating a sum of five million dor to the foundation.¡± A spotlight found Ian in the room. ¡°And BMW is saying thank you too for giving the sum of three million for today¡¯s dinner party.¡± Harveypleted. People turned to them and began to p. He donated such huge amount of money to the foundation and for the party too?! ¡°That¡¯s quiet generous of you.¡± Ria said to him. ¡°Well I do like helping others when I can.¡± Ian replied. The spotlight disappeared and reappeared back on the stage. ¡°Nowdies and gentlemen, I bring to you Charles Wird, the president of the association!¡± Harvey started the p and everyone joined in. An elderly man with white hair and wearing a grey suit stepped on the stage. ¡°Hello everyone.¡± He said. ¡°That man you are seeing up there is the richest man in Connecticut.¡± Ian said. ¡°Really?¡± Ria looked back at the aged man on the stage and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it feels to be the richest. ¡°I would like to start by thanking you all foring to this year¡¯s party. This association is still bent on making the country a better ce!¡± Everyone began to p again. ¡°And I hope you all enjoy the evening. Thank you.¡± They pped as the man stepped off the stage. Charles and Harvey disappeared below the crowd level. ¡°Let us grab something to eat at the table.¡± Ian said ¡°Thank GOODNESS! I am hungry!¡± Ria said to herself. They both turned towards the direction of where the table was but Ian stopped on track. Ria saw a woman standing in front to them. She was dressed in a skimpy red cocktail dress and if it was lifted higher she would be showing the world her ass. She was well toned like a model walking on a runway, her skin was tanned gold and her hair was blond and her chest wasrge too. ¡°Please tell me, this is your new woman right?¡± The woman said. Ian met her eyes and tensed up. ¡°Valeria.¡± He said. Immediately his arms came around Ria¡¯s waist ad he squeezed her closer. Her eyes turned away from him and stared directly at Ria. And Ria could see the woman sizing her up. ¡°Ian, don¡¯t be rude. You should introduce me to your new woman here.¡± She cracked a fake smile on her face. ¡°Darling, this is Valeria.¡± What?! Did he just call her darling?! ¡°And Valeria, this is-¡± Valeria interrupted Ian as she held out her hand for Ria to shake it. ¡°We used to date and you are?¡± Ria cringed at the word date and the fact that this woman standing in front of her is Ian Bryant¡¯s ex girlfriend! Well Ian hasn¡¯t told her anything about his past girlfriends or rtionships. Did she live with him when they were together? Did they go on these rich dates outside the country? How much did he loved her before the break up? Did he envision a future with this woman? Different questions flooded Ria mind at that moment as she tried to imagine Ian¡¯s rtionship with Valeria. ¡°Ria Robert. It is a pleasure to meet you.¡± She replied with a half smile. All of a sudden, Ria started to feel like Ian invited her to this party on purpose just to warn off his ex girlfriend! He called her darling and even squeezed her to his side when he saw Valeria. Harvey Wesley came up behind Valeria. ¡°Valeria, can I talk to you for a second?¡± He said to her. Valeria looked at Ria before giving Harvey a hard nod. ¡°Alright.¡± She mumbled reluctantly. Harvey winked at Ian before pulling Valeria along with him. Ian heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°I am -¡± ¡°It is ok.¡± Ria cuts him off quickly. Ian stared at her in shock as she bit on her lower lip and clenched her fist. ¡°Listen Ria, Valeria and I -¡± ¡°Ian, I said it is okay.¡± Ria interrupted him again. Pang of anger shot through her as she recalled the look on Valeria face while she was sizing her up. Perhaps was Valeria thinking Ria wasn¡¯t up to Ian¡¯s standard of women? ¡°Okay, let us grab something to eat.¡± Ian pointed to the table. ¡°I am not hungry.¡± Ria said. Ian closed his eyes. ¡°Ria.¡± He reopened his eyes but Ria looked around to avoid his gaze. She saw this man out of the corner of her eyes. He was searching the room as if looking for someone desperately. He was dressed in a brown suit, his ck hair wasn¡¯t gelled back, instead it fell naturally on his face. And Ria didn¡¯t know why he seems to hold on to her attention but he did. Chapter 67 Blood ties CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT BMW ASSOCIATION PARTY Ria saw this man out of the corner of her eyes. He was searching the room as if looking for someone desperately. He was dressed in a brown suit, his ck hair wasn¡¯t gelled back, instead it fell naturally on his face. And she didn¡¯t know why he seems to hold on to her attention but he did. Ria looked back at Ian who had a confused look on his face. He must be wondering why she changed her mind about the food. She balled her fist for some second and rx. She shouldn¡¯t make a scene out here because she met his ex girlfriend today. It shouldn¡¯t bother her! Ria drew in a deep breathe. ¡°I understand that you and Valeria used to be together.¡± She said. ¡°Listen Ria, it is not the way she-¡± ¡°Wow! Look what we have here!¡± A voice interrupted Ian.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Ria nced up and saw the man that caught her attention earlier on. ¡°I have been searching the whole room to find you, Ian Bryant.¡± He said before his gaze fell on her. His eyes did a slow crawl from her face to her feet and back to her face again. From his expression Ian knew he liked what he saw. A smile formed on his face. ¡°Drake-¡± He stretched his hands without waiting for Ian to do the proper introduction. ¡°Drake Robert, chief executive officer of Limospany.¡± He introduced. Ria¡¯s heart skipped beat at his words. Limospany?! It echoed in her head as she tried to figure out which Limos was hispany? Could it be the same Limos? Ian cleared his throat. ¡°Ria meet Drake Robert. He is one of the most sessful business men in Idaho.¡± He introduced. What?! Did he just say Idaho?! So this man owns apany named Limos and it is in Idaho! ¡°And Drake this is Ria Robert.¡± Ianpleted the introduction. ¡°Ria Robert? What a coincidence. I mean, Robert meeting another Robert. You must be a sessful business woman because all Roberts tend to have a great reputation and sess in whatever we set our mind on.¡± Drake winked although his hand still hanging in the air. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet a beauty like you.¡± He said. And slowly Ria took his hand. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± She said in low tone. Ria tried to put two and two together in her head. It can¡¯t be possible! This man can¡¯t be who she is thinking he should be? But she needed to be sure! Drake held Ria¡¯s hand for a bit as he stared at her. ¡°Perhaps Mr Drake are you rted to Frederick Robert?¡± Ria asked with a false smile. Drake shook his head. ¡°Yes. He is my father.¡± Ria withdrew her hand gently. ¡°Have you met him?¡± He asked. ¡°No¡­ no.. I only¡­ heard about him.¡± Ria stammered. Her knees became weak and it was as if she was going to hit the ground anytime soon. No! No! It couldn¡¯t possibly be happening right now! But it is happening. Ria¡¯s heart beat elerated at the realization that this man is Fredrick¡¯s son! Slowly she turned to Ian. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Her vision was getting blurry at the tears that threatened to spill anytime soon. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ian asked in a concerned tone. ¡°Yes.. I need to use the toilet.¡± She replied sharply. It was the most perfect excuse she could think of at that moment. ¡°Okay. Just go out the door -¡± Ria walked away at a close run before Ian could finish his statement. To be honest, Ria doesn¡¯t want to ept what her mind was telling her. She ran for about two minutes and people stopped to stare but she didn¡¯t care! What was going on in her mind was more than their stares! Finally, she managed to find the female toilet and luckily for her no one was inside. Hot tears burned down her cheeks as she looked at herself in therge mirror close to the sink. She clenched her fists tightly almost causing the knuckles to crack. Anger and fury roared within her and she screamed out when she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°No!¡± She ced her palms on her mouth to stop herself from screaming again. ¡°No.¡± Ria muttered. That murderer! The one who killed her parents was still doing so well! Frederick Robert has a son and she just met him! Ria sobbed and beat at her chest because of the pain that was going to rip her heart apart. She recalled that day. That terrible night those assassins killed her parents! And that monster sent them to kill her parents just because he wanted her father¡¯s inheritance! ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t take¡­ this anymore.¡± Ria sobbed. All those years she couldn¡¯t do any thing because she was a blind and hopeless girl! But now she could see. Over the years, Ria has been trying to find a way to get back at Frederick for what he did to her parents and for the pains he has caused her! Every mental images Ria formed with words of that night came to her and all she could think of was getting revenge on Frederick Revenge. ¡°I will make him pay for his crimes! I will inflict pains on him and watch him plead for his life! I will do all it takes to bring him down and Limos even if it means me takingw into my own hands!¡± Ria seethe her teeth in anger even as she said those words to herself. Soon Ria heard a tap on the door and she quickly grabbed a tissue and dashed it over her cheeks. Drawing in a deep breathe, Ria hope that she could bluff her way through the next minutes without Ian noticing the tears at the party. Ria opened the door and tried to keep her face shadowed. ¡°Ria.¡± Her head snapped up when she heard Ian¡¯s voice. He was standing at the door. ¡°I was worried that you won¡¯t be able to find -¡± His voice trailed off as he searched her face and all her hope of hiding the ravages of tears bashed. A tear strayed down her right cheek. ¡°Ria.¡± ¡°I was able to find-¡± Ian already stepped inside and the door closed behind him before she could finish her sentence. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± His hands reached out to her cheeks as he gently lifted her face. ¡°You have been crying?¡± ¡°No¡­ I am fine¡­ Believe me.. I wasn¡¯t crying.¡± She sniffled. Of course! Ria was a mess! And she wanted nothing more than to burrow into his arms and just lose herself until she regained self sufficiency but she wouldn¡¯t do it. She can¡¯t let him know anything! ¡°Ria talk to me, what¡¯s going on? Is it something about the party? Or is there anything you want? I can do it.¡± Ian¡¯s obvious sincerity made tears hover again but she blinked them back impatiently. She was not a crier but her hormones are just in a real mess for her to behave this way. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything.¡± Ria replied. Ian shook his head impatiently though this time he was to gently when he said, ¡°You must be really tired. Do you want to get out of thisme party?¡± Ria thinks it is best if she went home now. She doesn¡¯t think she can be able to survive the rest of the dinner when she knows the son of the one who killed her parents was in the same room with her. No wonder he had caught her attention! ¡°Yes, I want to go home.¡± Ria said to Ian. Ian removed his jacket and wore it around her. ¡°Let us go.¡± He held her hand and they stepped out to the hallway. Chapter 68 A vengeful mission CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT Ian has no idea what had gone wrong with Ria and he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it. Was it something he had done or said to her? It must be Valeria walking up to them and telling Ria that he used to date her. Ian concluded. But what was that sudden change after Drake Robert introduced himself? Ian doesn¡¯t know! And as much as it bugged his mind he can¡¯t even figure out why she had cried in toilet! And the problem was that Ria wasn¡¯t talking or even say a word since they left the party. Ian reyed everything in his mind to see if he had missed something. Ria¡¯s usually animated, expressive and approachable face was closed the moment she opened that door. Her expression was so distant! Even when he had tried to talk to her about the progress of her workce she had responded to the conversation over politely, cold and somewhat absent. Something was definitely wrong! The Limousine driver pulled into the private driveway in Ria¡¯s home. She got out of the car without saying anything and immediately Ian did the same too. He followed her to the front door still wondering what had made Ria change so suddenly. Ria stood at the entrance and expected Ian to say goodnight but again he didn¡¯t do what she expected. Instead Ian just stayed and his eyes studied her. Several seconds passed by in silence before he cleared his throat. ¡°I am really d that you attended the party as my date.¡± He said as if it was a confession. Still she didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Ria.¡± Ian leaned in closely and paused. Ian figured that it must be Valeria that triggered her mood swing this time. He med himself for not telling Ria about Valeria before she showed up at the party. He worked his courage before speaking up again. ¡°Ria, I want you to listen to what I have to say. The truth is, I have thought about you since the day we met at the park.¡± Ria definitely didn¡¯t want to talk about that day and not today. Although Ria knew how much she had started to think about him since he stepped into her life to help her but she didn¡¯t want to ept it. Especially not now that the air around them seemed to have taken a shift to intimacy. So instead she said. ¡°I should probably go in and rest. You should do the same too. It iste.¡± Ian ignored the exit line and just went on to looking into her eyes. ¡°It is almost like I have been carrying around a part of you since then.¡± And certainly Ria realized that she had been carrying around a part of him ever since she started suspecting that she might possibly be attracted to him too. But again, it is not something she wanted to say and she doesn¡¯t want to feel the effect of his words within her. ¡°Listen Ria.¡± He tried to hold her hand but she hid them behind her back. ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me, Ian.¡± She whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t do what to you?¡± He looked straight into her eyes. The stern look made it hard for her to maintain her train of thought. Did he have to look at her that way? ¡°Don¡¯tpliment me. Don¡¯t be too nice to me. Don¡¯t try to make me believe that-¡± ¡°What do you want me to do? Insult you?¡± Ian asked. ¡°That¡¯s not what¡­¡± Her voice broke off when tears was about to spill down her cheeks again. Ian leaned forward just slightly though. Was he testing her resolve? Was he wondering what she would do if he touched her? Or was he going to kiss her again? ¡°Let us just be business partners and¡­ nothing more.¡± It took her a lot of courage to say that to him Ian breathed out heavily. ¡°Is that what you want?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria said before she even decided which it was. But her own tone was almost a whisper because her resolve was really weak. And at that moment, her gaze attached itself to his lips but just as she thought he was going to close the inch and press his lips on hers, he took in her words and drew back. ¡°Maybe. You are right.¡± Ian said. There was actually a part of Ria that told her that no she wasn¡¯t right! A part of her that craved that almost kiss but it shouldn¡¯t be happening. So Ria drew back too and stood a little taller. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± Ian muttered. Ria removed the jacket hanging around her shoulder and she gave it back to him. ¡°Sleep well.¡± Ian turned back to his car while Ria slipped inside when the car drove away. Then Ria realized that she felt something for him! She was even more attracted to him now! But with what she just found out tonight, Drake Robert, Frederick Robert and the decision to get revenge there was no way she could give in to being attracted to Ian Bryant. She had too much at stake. Tears burned down her cheeks when she recalled the look on Ian¡¯s face when she had rified things. Business partner and nothing more. ¡°Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise called. Ria went to her quickly and wrapped her arms around her immediately. ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ Elise.¡± She sobbed. Riasted about two minutes in tears. Her hands were shaking when ma¡¯am Elise led her to the couch. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Ria took in a shaky breathe. The thought of her parents set the tears flowing again. ¡°Just rx and tell what happened at the party.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°I.. I.. met Frederick¡¯s son at the party.¡± She said. ¡°What?!¡± Elise jaw dropped. ¡°Hold up¡­ no.. wait¡­ which Frederick?¡± Ria stood up and paced the room. ¡°The same one that ordered the killings of my parents!¡± ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Ma¡¯am ced her hands on her mouth. ¡°This guy came to Ian and introduced himself as Drake Robert.¡± Ria cried. ¡°How sure are you that he is your uncle¡¯s son? I mean, he could be another Robert.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise scrunched up her face. ¡°He is the chief executive officer of Limospany in Idaho. And I even asked if he was rted to Frederick Robert. He said yes that¡­ Frederick is his Father.¡± Ria exined. ¡°Oh my God!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise gasped in shock. ¡°I was shocked too¡­ and I couldn¡¯t stand him.¡± Ria sobbed. ¡°Is he friends with Mr Ian?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise demanded. ¡°It seems Drake Robert is Ian Business Partner.¡± Ria answered. Ma¡¯am Elise stood up and went to her. ¡°At this point, I suggest you tell Mr Ian the whole truth.¡± She blurted out. ¡°What?! No!¡± Ria declined. ¡°Listen Miss Ria, it is the best option. Telling Mr Ian the truth will make things easier for you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise persuaded. ¡°No.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Why?¡± More tears flowed down her face. ¡°You don¡¯t understand? Ian is my present.¡± She sobbed. ¡°But you can let him know your past too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise suggested. Ria shook her head from side to side. ¡°No, I can¡¯t tell him. I don¡¯t want him to get caught in my past.¡± ¡°I understand what you are trying to say. But you know, if you exin things to him with Mr Ian¡¯s connection he could file in a case of reinvestigation on your parents death. You are a living witness which is enough to put Frederick Robert behind bars!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise tried to make Ria understand her points of view. ¡°No, I can¡¯t tell him about it. Ian already has too much to handle and I don¡¯t want him to know about it. I¡¯ll sort things myself.¡± Ria wiped her tears with the back of her hands. ¡°How?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Just wait and see.¡± Ria replied with a stern look on her face and she balled her fists in anger. Ma¡¯am Elise shook her head slowly when she saw Ria¡¯s expression. Revenge! A bloody one and it might get Ria in trouble in the end! ¡°I¡¯ll deal with Frederick Robert alone. I swear it, I¡¯ll destroy him.¡± Ria gritted.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Ma¡¯am Elise was quick to figure that Ria was willing to takew into her hands! And right at that moment, Ria swore that she would bring Frederick down when the timees! She was determined to destroy him even if she ends up dying after the fight! She would avenge her parents death and make him pay for his crimes! She concluded Deep down in Ria¡¯s heart, there was a great fear and it was not the fear of getting revenge or what would happen to her in the course of getting revenge on Frederick. But it was the fear of Ian Bryant finding out what she used to be eight years ago. What would he do? Would Ian Bryant reject her? She thought deeply. Ria shook her ahead slowly. The best way to avoid his rejection or distance is to hide her past! The thought of not seeing Ian again made the tears flow again and this time she couldn¡¯t control it. Ria motioned towards her room while Ma¡¯am Elise was lost in thought on how she could possibly change her mind on this quest for revenge. Chapter 69 Mr Responsibility CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT. Riay down on the couch staring at the ceilings above. ¡°Now tell me what¡¯s going on in that mind of yours?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said as she walked into the room from the room. ¡°Nothing.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Nothing? Or you don¡¯t want to tell me about it?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She answered. ¡°Then let me guess, you are thinking about Frederick Robert and the perfect n to destroy him.¡± Yeah! Ria was thinking about the perfect n to destroy him! ¡°So you still want to leave Mr Ian out of your vengeful ns?¡± Ma¡¯am demanded after she realized what was possibly going through Ria¡¯s mind. ¡°Yes, I am leaving him out of my ns and I am not changing my mind.¡± Ria sat up and was almost leaving to the sitting room when she heard her cellphone ringtone. She walked back to the couch to check the phone. It was Ian! Ria looked at ma¡¯am Elise suspiciously as she answered the call. ¡®Hello.¡¯ ¡®Hi Ria. Are you busy at the moment?¡¯ Ian asked. Ria looked away from ma¡¯am Elise. ¡®Not really.¡¯ ¡®Yes or no?¡¯ ¡®No.¡¯ ¡®Good. Benjamin is on his way to bring you somewhere.¡¯ Ria forehead creased. ¡®Where?¡¯ ¡®Ria, you and I both know that we need to talk.¡¯ Ian answered. ¡®Alright.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡¯ And then the line dropped. Ria frowned at ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Did you tell Ian?¡± She asked sternly ¡°About what?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°My past.¡± She answered. ¡°No. You already made it clear that you don¡¯t want him to know about it. So I don¡¯t have any right to tell him about it.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded with a shrug. Then Ria rxed. ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll just go ahead and change my clothes.¡± ¡°I promised to visit Loretta at her sister¡¯s ce whenever I am less busy so I will take advantage of the free time now to see her.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise made her way to the door ****************** The driver pulled up in front of an enormous steel gate. Benjamin pressed the car horn and the gate opened slowly at it will. Ria wondered where she was as she could hardly believe her eyes when the car drove into thepound. There was a medium sized house in it and with a beautiful garden which had a fountain at the center. Ben parked the car in the small garage. ¡°Mr Ian is waiting inside.¡± He said. Ria only gave him a short nod. She had tried getting Ben to tell her what was going on? And where they are headed but the young man couldn¡¯t say much. The only words Benjamin said was that Ian asked him to drive her to where he was and nothing more. Ria came out of the car and moved to the front door. She pressed the doorbell and Ian opened up with a bright smile on his face. ¡°Hi.¡± She greeted. ¡°Come in.¡± Ian stepped aside for her to walk into the house. Ria concluded that Ian had invited her to his house, where he lives! The house was neat and nicely furnished with modern interior designs to maintain a standard home. It was a luxury! A white marble floor, beautiful blue couches and ss table with aplete set of home appliances in a living room. Ian waited for Ria to stop ncing around before he said. ¡°How are you?¡± ¡°I am fine. And nice apartment you have in here.¡± Sheplimented. Ian shook his head in disagreement. ¡°I don¡¯t live here.¡± He tucked his hands in his pocket. Ria raised a brow. ¡°Who owns this ce?¡± She asked. But no response came from him. ¡°Ian, what¡¯s going on?¡± Her eyes scanned the area again. ¡°This is your new home.¡± Ian answered. Ria turned to face him sharply. ¡°What?!¡± Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened in shock and surprise. ¡°Since your ce is far from the workce and school so I put things together here. It is easier to get to those ces from here.¡± Ian responded. Ria was stunned. Ian waited for a response which never came from her until he said, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. You can check out the whole ce.¡± He walked out of the house. Ian felt that a moment without him there with her would bring Ria back to reality. He went to Ben to get the car keys from him. ¡°You can go ahead. I¡¯ll give you a call if I need you.¡± ¡°Alright sir Ian.¡± Ben bowed slightly before he walked away. Ria took a step forward. It was hard to hide her surprised look. Ian put up this ce for her?! And slowly she made her way to other parts of the house. It was a three bedroom apartment. The master bedroom was breathtaking! It had a king sized brass bed with an ornate scroll design on the head board and footboard as well as four tall posts that almost reached up to hold a fringed canopy. The mattress was covered in a hand stitched county quilt and stacked with four fluffy pillows covered in fur. It matched different patterns in the quilt. There was a drawer next to the bed and matching dressing table plus a fainting couch and two overstuffed chairs. Ria motioned towards the bathroom and as she did, she couldn¡¯t help marveling yet again at the room itself and the bathroom connected to it. The bathroom was so full of luxury, it has a navy blue marble floor, countertop shower stall and wainscoting halfway up the walls. It also had a sunken tub with a whirlpool she could switch on at the touch of a button, and an octagonal stained ss window on the wall behind it. Ria wondered about Ian. He was offering so much. And it means the world to her that he was willing to do so and not that she expected anything different from him. Considering everything she had learned about him, this is who Ian Bryant is even to the world. Ria was refusing to add to the burdens already in his life because she has never expected someone else to deal with her problems but Ian was always there anyways. ¡°Ria.¡± Ria heard his voice and she quickly wipe the tear that had strayed down her right cheek. She stepped out of the bathroom as the bedroom door opened and Ian popped his head in ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes.. yes.. everything is in good ce.¡± Ria answered. Ian studied her for a second. He stepped in and went to her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He tilted her face so Ria could look straight into his eyes but she avoided his gaze. ¡°Nothing is wrong. Ian, I am just-¡± He interrupted her sentence. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure about what you would like to have in your room. Tell me do you want me to fix something in here for you? Just name it.¡± ¡°No.. no¡­ Ian everything is in here is okay. And thanks for your concern.¡± Ria replied. Ian shook his head impatiently. ¡°Listen Ria, this is not just concern. The truth is I care so for you.¡± His voice low and gentle. Ria had to make an effort to keep her jaw for dropping again. Ian care for her! And what¡¯s with the tone in the way he said it? The man always find a way to break her resolve. When Ria didn¡¯t say anything, Ian tugged her into his arms to hold her tightly as he whispered into her hair. ¡°Ria, I care for you. And seeing you like this, with those tears you are trying to hide from me and I must admit that it is tearing me apart to see you hurting this way. And I wouldn¡¯t mind if you tell me what¡¯s going on in your mind. Please Ria, whatever it is we can talk about it.¡± Ian waited for her to say just one word but Ria clung on to him! And with Ma¡¯am Elise words ringing hard in her mind Ria fought that urge to cry and tell him everything. Ria snuggled closer as if he was going to run away from her. She couldn¡¯t tell him! Ian can¡¯t know about it! Things would change between them and it would happen drastically if he knows about it! He would reject her. Ria was sure of it. Ian Bryant would leave if he knew who she was when she was with Lucas! Any man would leave! And she wasn¡¯t ready to lose Ian, not now that she was beginning to ept her feelings for him. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of not seeing him again! So it is best to keep him out of it. He shouldn¡¯t know about her past or ns of revenge! ¡°Ian, I am just happy.¡± Ria managed to say as she blinked back the tears that sat at the corners of her eyes. Ian let her go. ¡°You are happy about this ce?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes I am happy about everything.¡± She replied with a half smile on her face. ¡°Then I am happy with the choice I have made.¡± He paused. ¡°You like it?¡± Ria nodded and that made Ian smile broader. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell about it?¡± She pouted. ¡°I wanted it to be a surprise.¡± Ian answered. ¡°And I must say that I am surprised.¡± Ria smiled. Ian chuckled. ¡°So have you checked the other rooms?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°One is for the kids and the other room is for ma¡¯am Elise. I just thought that she might want to move in with you and that would save her from paying bills from whatever you pay her.¡± Ian exined. ¡°Yeah you are right but I doubt if ma¡¯am Elise will agree to move in with us.¡± Ian held out his hand and she took it. ¡°Why?¡± He asked as they made their way back to the sitting room. ¡°I have persuaded her to move in with us once but she refused.¡± Ria answered. ¡°And she didn¡¯t give you any specific reason?¡± ¡°The reason is best known to her. I¡¯ll try to talk to her about it again.¡± She sank onto the couch and Ian settled beside her. ¡°There are some issues we have to discuss. So let us start with what happened at the party.¡± Ian sighed. Ria rubbed her palms together. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°I understand that you want things on business level and I am not going to push you hard on that. And like I said -¡± He stopped. There was a new glint of determination in his eyes that made Ria a little nervous. ¡°I care for you and I mean it.¡± He added. ¡°Ian -¡± ¡°Listen Ria¡­¡± Ian moved closer to cover the inches left between them and he caught her hands in his hands too. ¡°I know that I have a reputation for being mr responsibility. And I must admit that my obligations and full responsibilities to the corporation and my family have scared off a few women in the past.¡± He sighed. ¡°And about Valeria, I met her at the partyst year. We did spend the night together and some other times too but she wanted something more than just spending time together. And the thing was I was never willing to make any drastic change with the women I have dated. Don¡¯t get me wrong by thinking I don¡¯t want to have a family. I have always wanted a family of my own but I only intended to wait until I found the right person.¡± Ian stopped still looking at her. He was waiting for her! He was certain of his feelings but telling Ria about it would scare her away and he wasn¡¯t ready to push her too hard. He doesn¡¯t have to make the big decision now. There was still enough time and when the timeses they would still get to that stage in the business rtionship. His reason for exining how he was to Valeria, his past with women and the mention of wanting a family of his own made Ria¡¯s hand jerk in anxiety. Ian squeezed her hand more tightly as he continued ¡°I am sorry it had seemed like Valeria and I were a big thing or that it looked like I used you to make her stay away. Please forgive me.¡± Ria gave a short nod. ¡°I am not mad at you anymore.¡± ¡°Anymore? So does that mean you were mad at me before now?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Not really. Although I didn¡¯t expect to see your ex girlfriend at the party.¡± Ria replied. Ian kissed their locked hands. ¡°I am sorry.¡± He apologized again. And then Ian expected her to tell him about herself too, maybe her past but he waved it off after a long moment of silence between them. ¡°You can start packing the things at your ce. I already arranged a truck that will move your belongings down here.¡± He said. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°How long will it take to pack up your stuffs? So I can give the movingpany a specific date.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t have much things to pack just clothes, the machines and the stuffs in the kitchen.¡± Ria answered.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°A day or two?¡± He asked. ¡°Two days.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Then let us kill two birds with one stone. The designers said that your workce will be ready in two days time so we can move the machines and some other things before bringing your loads down here. Or what do you think?¡± ¡°It is a good idea but will the truck driver agree to it?¡± Ria let go of his hand to itch the bridge of her nose. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him about it. If he agrees to stop by at the shop first before driving down here then that¡¯s good.¡± Ian responded. ¡°If thepany says no then we will have to pay extra.¡± Ria said. ¡°We will still have to pay extra if we move on different days. I think it is the same thing.¡± Ian retorted. ¡°Isn¡¯t that -¡± ¡°Too much?¡± Hepleted her intended statement. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I can handle it.¡± Ian stared intently at her. Theypsed into silence for about a minute and Ian interlocked their hands again. Ria cleared her throat. ¡°I am starting school next week.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Ria nodded. ¡°I already-¡± A beeping sound from Ian¡¯s pocket interrupted her. ¡°Excuse me.¡± He let go of her hands and reached for the phone in his pocket. ¡®What¡¯s up Ramsey?¡¯ ¡®I am at the printing house sir.¡¯ ¡®Is the work ready?¡¯ Ian looked straight at Ria. ¡®Yes I have the invitation cards and business cards.¡¯ ¡®Okay.¡¯ ¡®Should I take it down to the office?¡¯ Ramsey asked. ¡®Bring it to Ria¡¯s home, I¡¯ll meet you there.¡¯ Ian instructed. ¡®Okay sir.¡¯ Ramsey hang up the call. ¡°The cards are ready.¡± Ian stood up from the couch. The invitation cards are meant for theunching of ¡°Ria Robert Couture¡± and the new business cards has the designs of the brand name on it. Ian nned tounch her business and give out the card to some of his business associates and staffs. Mrs Pe is the party nner for theunching of Ria¡¯s business and she offered to give the cards to customers patronizing her store. Theunch party is in two weeks time! ¡°We should leave now. Ramsey is on his way to your house.¡± Ian said. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria stood up and followed closely beside him. ¡°You haven¡¯t given me any update on those dresses you are making for that day.¡± He held her hand again. ¡°Everything are almost ready.¡± Ria answered. Ian opened the door for her to slide into the car. ¡°And moreover have they supplied those materials I ordered?¡± He demanded. ¡°No until tomorrow. We will start working on the new designs as soon as they deliver the materials.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian shut the door before walking around the car to get into the driver¡¯s seat. He drove out of thepound and secured the gate with a remote while Ria filled him in about her new designs. Chapter 70 Dreams come true CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT TWO WEEKS LATER It was time! The day tounch ¡°RIA ROBERT COUTURE¡± after several weeks of setting up! The inside was what one could imagine as high decorations, white walls, windows and the huge ss entrance has Ria¡¯s designer brand ¡°RRC¡± engraved on it. Clothing racks filled with clothes, glittery gowns and silk dresses in different style and beautiful color schemes. These dresses were designed and made by Ria and with the help of her sewing team, ma¡¯am Elise, ma¡¯am Loretta, Cassidy, Phoebe and Phoenix. They had spent weeks working on each dresses to put it up for this day. Dresses over the whole sections. There were a lot of them. Twodies standing at each rack to attend to people. Due to the publicity and invitation that has been sent out, people showed up for the event. So many people walked in and out of the building most especially high and mighty people of high ss intelligence. It was a sight to bear! A dreame true for Ria Robert. ¡°This is incredible!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise screamed. ¡°Yes! I am super excited because people really turned up for theunch party!¡± Cassidy pped in excitement. ¡°Yeah. I think giving out the invitation cards really helped.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta added ¡°Hey, have you guys seen Phoebe and Phoenix around?¡± Ria demanded as she grabbed her dress from the single rack. ¡°They must be with Mr Ian.¡± Cassidy replied ¡°He is here?¡± Ria asked again as she stared down at her dress. She hasn¡¯t seen him since he left her new homest night. ¡°Yeah. I saw Mr Ian with his mother a while ago.¡± Cassidy responded. ¡°Well¡­ maybe he just came in because I haven¡¯t seen him too.¡± Ma¡¯am¡¯Loretta added. ¡°You should get dressed now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said to Ria. ¡°Oh yes! It is almost time for your speech.¡± Cassidy said as she checked her wrist watch. Ma¡¯am Elise steered Ria around after she wore the gown and she also helped to zip the dress open at the side. Ria stepped carefully into the centre and carefully shifted the gown into ce around her body. ¡°Did you add more weight in just few days?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise giggled as she zipped the dress properly. Cassidy and ma¡¯am Lorettaughed too. ¡°I think she did.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta said as she dropped down a beaded stiletto silver heels. Ria was excited over the dress she had made and everything that was happening today. Ria quickly put the five inches heels on that Mrs Pe had gifted her in the morning and she found them surprisinglyfortable. Cassidy also helped in wearing the essories on Ria. ¡°How do I look?¡± Ria swirled around for her team to see her. The dress was a shocking deep blue and strapless gown with a form of fitting bodice and it flowed out in stunning billowy waves of fabric to the floor. Her hair was styled elegantly into a bun sitting at the top of her head and tendrils wisps around her face. Her makeup has been wlessly applied too by a professional make up artist hired by Ian Bryant from Ziggy¡¯s agency. ¡°You look beautiful!¡± Cassidy pped with a bright smile on her face. ¡°I think we all looked beautiful in our stunning dresses!¡± Ria giggled. ¡°Now let us show Miss Ria to the world!¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta enthused. They all rolled intoughter and a soft knock sounded on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Ria replied. Ady stepped in and bowed slightly. ¡°It is time.¡± She said. ¡°Oh! We will be out soon.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said to thedy. ¡°Let us go.¡± Ria and her team filed out of the office. A rostrum was set up at the center part of the room that it didn¡¯t affect the racks around. They stepped into the crowd as Ria eyes searched the room for Ian. ¡°Look! He is over there!¡± Ma¡¯am Elise pointed towards a direction. Ria looked towards the direction and her eyes found him. Ian was taller than most of the men around him. He wore a custom tailored tuxedo that fit him perfectly like a groom about to walk down an altar. No doubt, this man seems to always connect with her on a new levels. He really does. Ian Bryant stood tall, looking so handsome, so sexy and so mischievously sweet on top of everything else. Ian was talking to his familiar business associates and then he came to an abrupt halt when his eyes saw Ria heading towards him as she greeted people along the way with the brightest smile on her face. Ian gasped lowly trying to take in Ria¡¯s beauty and her breathe caught at the same time when their gaze met. Damn! He loves every inch of this woman. Ian excused himself from the group and he walked few steps to meet up with her. ¡°Wow! You look so elegant and beautiful.¡± Heplimented. Ria¡¯s cheeks flushed pink. ¡°Thank you. And you look stunning too.¡± ¡°Oh really?¡± Ian shed her a bright smile. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Thanks for wearing the diamonds. I think it found the rightful owner.¡± Ian pointed to the twenty million dors diamonds he had bought for her. Few days after the business men and women party, Ria tried to give the diamonds back to Ian but he refused it saying that he had bought it for her. Ria declined the gift and stated that it was too expensive and that she couldn¡¯t own such valuable essories. Then Ian blew her mind away by telling her that she was more expensive than the diamonds! He was persistent. In the end, Ian managed to persuade Ria to ept it as a gift from him. Ria knew there was no point arguing with Ian since he wouldn¡¯t listen so she epted the diamond and with a promise that she would keep it safe and not lose it. ¡°I should be the one thanking you, Ian.¡± Ria held his right hand. ¡°For what?¡± He asked. ¡°Everything.¡± Ria said in a tight whisper. Ian leaned closer and whispered to her. ¡°Like I always say, I am happy with the choice I have made.¡± He nted a kiss on her cheeks before locking their hands properly. The gesture made Ria¡¯s heart heart skipped a beat at a time as she could feel her cheeks blushing. ¡°Hello everyone.¡± The famous master of ceremony said into the microphone as he stood on the rostrum. Everyone turned to face him. ¡°Shall we?¡± Ian asked her. ¡°Sure.¡± Ria nodded and she slid her arm into Ian¡¯s as they motioned towards the rostrum. ¡°We are all here for theunching of this new business in the state and to also celebrate with the owner.¡± The master of ceremony started his introductory speech and everyone pped. Ria exchanged pleasantries with Mrs Pe when she got to her side. Ma¡¯am Elise, Cassidy, Ma¡¯am Loretta and the kids were standing close too. ¡°Now let us wee thedy of the day! Thetest business woman in our state and also the newest clothe designer in the fashion world!¡± Everyone began to p. ¡°It is no other person than¡­ Ria Robert!¡± The master of ceremony called out and the pping increased. She walked to the rostrum with everyone taking in the beauty of Ria and the elegance of her dress. She could see everyone and everywhere from where she stood. Ria Robert didn¡¯t prepare any speech in a note but she is depending on her heart to deliver the words. The pping ended abruptly and Ria began. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to say but I have a few words to share with everyone present here today.¡± She paused to steal a nce at Ian and they made a close eye contact. He gave her a thumbs up urging her to continue with her unprepared speech. ¡°In life, you need to have steps to turning your dreams to reality but at the same time taking hold of those dreams isn¡¯t an easy task to aplish. And it is not about having a dream but it is about having the courage to act on it.¡± She stopped again. ¡°I was once a blinddy with a dream to bing a famous clothe designer. You might be wondering how possible that would be because of my disability. The truth is I was blind but I had a dream. At that point being disabled made that dream seemed like a burden to me because I was hopeless. Nevertheless, that dream I saw as a burden became a vision and that vision was so bigger than me. But along the line I wrote down my dreams and also ced it in my heart so I won¡¯t forget it.¡± Ria stopped to study the expression on their faces. Everywhere was surprisingly silent! She had everyone¡¯s full attention! Then she continued ¡°Being disabled is not an excuse to be a failure.¡± Ria blinked back tears as she shared the words of herte mother. She promised that she wouldn¡¯t shed a tear today because it was a happy day! And even if she was going to cry then it would be tears of joy! ¡°Those are the words of myte mother and I held on it promising her that I won¡¯t be failure.¡± She continued after a momentary pause. ¡°You know, God can do anything far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! And I am grateful to God and to the people in my life. To my greatestpanion-¡± Ria looked straight at ma¡¯am Elise who was now wiping tears at the corners of her eyes. ¡°She was my eyes when I couldn¡¯t see, my guardian and my support in hard and good times. And I don¡¯t know if there would be a Ria Robert today if you hadn¡¯t stepped into my life to help me. I love you so much, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria smiled. Everyone pped. ¡°We love you too mommy!¡± Phoebe and Phoenix screamed at the top of their voice from the crowd. ¡°I love you too.¡± Ria waved at them as she muttered. Then she continued after the pping ended. ¡°And to the one who I¡¯ll forever be indebted and grateful to-¡± This time she focused on Ian. ¡°I haven¡¯t said this to you before but I am confessing it now that you are nice, kind,passionate and the most wonderful man I have ever encountered. You brought the greatest joy into my life which is helping me and making my dreams into reality. Ria Robert Couture is in existence because of you and I am grateful for everything that you have done, Ian Bryant.¡± Everyone pped again. Ian couldn¡¯t control his emotions for Ria. He was joyful at this woman¡¯s words to him. He could hardly believe that Ria considered him as most wonderful man. ¡°A big thank you to my sewing team, ma¡¯am Loretta and Cassidy we worked together to make these dresses you all are seeing and I also appreciate Mrs Pe Bryant for her support. It is amazing to have such a motherly figure in my life because all she ever does is care and support me.¡± Mrs Pe shed her a smile from the crowd. She was happy to be a part of Ria¡¯s sess story. ¡°If you are discouraged and feel as though your dream is dying, don¡¯t give up! Don¡¯t give up too soon on your dreams! Keep going. Keep dreaming that dream God has put into your heart. I mean it is always too soon to quit and remember winners never quit and-¡± ¡°Quitters never win!¡± The crowd chorused. ¡°Thanks foring!¡± The people present pped as she disappeared below the crowd level. ¡°Congrattions on your business.¡± Ian gave Ria a bouquet which Ramsey brought to him not too long ago. He kissed her cheeks. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°And that was awesome Miss Ria!¡± Cassidy eximed. ¡°You didn¡¯t prepare a speech but I felt those words and Elise felt it too because she didn¡¯t stop wiping her face.¡± Loretta giggled. ¡°Those are deep words and they make me so emotional right now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sniffed. Ria moved to ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Now look at what you have done to these babies.¡± She pinched her cheeks gently. ¡°She is so emotional.¡± Cassidy pouted. ¡°Congrattions Ria.¡± Mrs Pe had a very bright smile on her expression. ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Come on ma¡¯am Elise! Today is a happy day!¡± Cassidy cheered. ¡°Yes I know. Trust me I am not sad¡­ these are tears of joy. I am just happy. Miss Ria, congrattions on fulfilling your dream.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sobbed. Then Ria hugged her. ¡°Thank you.¡± She whispered into her ear. It was only ma¡¯am Elise that could really rte to those words about Ria¡¯s dreams. Ma¡¯am Elise knows her whole story and how Ria has worked really hard to fulfill these dreams and also what she has been through in thest eight years. ¡°You deserve the best.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said to Ria after she calmed down. It was the best feeling! That joy of fulfilling your dreams! Ria blinked back tears again as she wished her parents were alive to see this day. Then she would have been the happiest person in the world today. ¡°Sir, the media houses are waiting.¡± Ramsey whispered to Ian. ¡°Mommy, can we share the candies and towels now?¡± Phoenix asked Ria. ¡°Yes my love.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Thanks mom!¡±N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°And a kiss too.¡± Phoenix added. Ria crouched down to their sizes and they ced kisses on her cheeks before racing off to the office to grab the items they want to give out to people. They had bought the candies with their savings. Phoebe and Phoenix both insisted that they would give out candies to people when Ria told them not to worry about it but she had to agreed in the end. ¡°Ria, it is time for the interview.¡± Ian said to her. Ria looked at Mrs Pe. ¡°Can you handle it?¡± Mrs Pe asked. Ria was silent. The representatives sent from the national TV were waiting patiently outside the building. ¡°I can tell them to leave if you don¡¯t-¡± ¡°No.¡± Ria cuts him off. It was already nned that she would be interviewed today. So telling them to leave without any good reason isn¡¯t a good idea. Moreover it is going to help the visibility of her new business. ¡°I will do it.¡± It is just an interview anyways but she was still a bit nervous about it. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian smiled. Ria drew in a deep breathe as she followed Ian outside the building. ¡°I know for sure that the interview on National Tv and few words to other media houses would help boost Ria Robert Couture poprity across the country.¡± Cassidy whispered to her aunt who nodded in agreement. Author¡¯s note: But little did Ria Robert know that her appearance on National Tv would bring destruction to another fellow. Chapter 71 Is she dead or alive? IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT FREDERICK ROBERT MANSION ¡°Darling.¡± Mrs Vivian Robert called at her husband as she stepped into the luxurious living room. Mr Frederick Robert sat on the couch with a newspaper high up in the air. ¡°What is it, Vivian?¡± He asked, bringing the newspaper down a bit to look at her. ¡°I am traveling to Chicago.¡± Mrs Vivian said. Mr Frederick dropped the newspaper and stared at her in shock. ¡°Why? When? You didn¡¯t¨C¡± He paused to study her expression. Vivian hardly makes a request to go on a vacation outside Idaho. Not that she hasn¡¯t been out of Idaho to other states or countries but she doesn¡¯t fancy traveling all around the world. She would rather stay back at home or spend time with her friends having dinners. ¡°I know you are wondering why I want to travel to Chicago.¡± Mrs Vivian sat next to her husband on the couch. Mr Frederick cleared his throat. ¡°Yes, I am surprised but don¡¯t get me wrong. I am not saying you shouldn¡¯t travel but I am only disputing the fact that you chose Chicago. There are better ces to go on a vacation.¡± Mrs Vivian let out a handful of breathe. ¡°I am not going on a vacation. Moreover, have you forgotten I said that I would only consider going on a vacation after I must have seen a grand child?¡± Oh yes! Mrs Vivian always says that too anytime her husband asks her to go on a vacation with him. ¡°I remember.¡± Mr Frederick shook his head. Thank goodness they would have a grandchild soon! ¡°Listen, at dinner yesterday my friends didn¡¯t stop talking about this new clothe store in Chicago because some of them even went to theunch party. I watched it online. Darling, you really need to see those stunning dresses in that store! Even the designer is currently famous on National Tv, billboards and fashion magazines.¡± Mr Frederick listened to his wife rattled on about the famous clothe designer and her store in Chicago. Mr Frederick wondered how on earth the store and clothe designer was his concern. Mrs Vivian came closer, she collected the newspaper and tossed it aside. ¡°Watch this.¡± She ced her iPad on his palm. ¡°You will be amazed.¡± She clicked on the screen and yed a video. Mr Frederick saw a big building with a designer brand of RRC engraved at the entrance. It was beautiful! The whole ce was crowded and there was barely any space for people to walk around. ¡°Whoever owns this business must be rich because the whole items used were of high standard.¡± Mr Frederickmented. ¡°Exactly!¡± Mrs Vivian snapped her fingers. ¡°This is theunching of the store. It took ce three days ago.¡± She added. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Jack Bryant¡¯s?¡± Mr Frederick pointed to Ian Bryant when he saw him. ¡°Yes. He is partnering with the clothes designer.¡± Mrs Vivian replied. ¡°Well maybe because his family is running a textilepany.¡± Mr Frederick shrugged. ¡°I guess so. My friends mentioned something about the clothes designer signing a partnership contract with Lint Corporation main textile branch in Chicago. Look Pe was there too. I heard she nned the whole event.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Mr Frederick arched his eyebrows in surprise. ¡°Yes. The whole ce was filled with famous business people in Chicago. There she is again.¡± Mrs Vivian pointed at Mrs Pe again.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. Then Mr Frederick saw Mrs Pe Bryant talking to a group of women. ¡°What is RRC?¡± He asked. He had to ask because RRC was engraved on the walls and windows and they even showed it on a dress tag a woman was holding. ¡°It is like a clothing brand. And it means Ria Robert Couture.¡± ¡°Ria Robert Couture?¡± Mr Frederick repeated. ¡°Look at her! She is the famous clothe designer!¡± Mrs Vivian screamed as she pointed at a beautiful and elegantdy on a blue gown. She was walking up to a podium. Mr Frederick swallowed hard. ¡°She is a beauty goddess!¡± Mrs Vivian eximed. Mr Frederick shifted ufortably on the couch as he stared at the image of thedy smiling so happily on the phone. ¡°Her name is Ria Robert.¡± Mrs Vivian said. The name echoed in Mr Frederick¡¯s head. She looked like someone he used to know but he was trying not to think she is the one! ¡°Thisdy has been through a lot in life.¡± Mrs Vivian sighed. ¡°How do you know?¡± Mr Frederick asked. ¡°She shared her life experience in an interview on national TV and even in this video. Listen.¡± Mrs Vivian increased the volume and clicked on the iPad screen to forward the video. The pping ended abruptly and thedy named Ria Robert continued. ¡°I was once a blinddy with a dream of bing a clothe designer. You might be wondering how possible that would be because of my disability. The truth is I was blind but I had a dream. At that point being disabled made that dream seemed like a burden to me because I was hopeless.¡± Mr Frederick heart beats rapidly at her words. Thisdy was once blind. ¡°Her life story has served as an inspiration to many women and young teenagers. She was blind but she still held on to those dreams. Isn¡¯t that wonderful?¡± Mrs Vivian asked but her husband didn¡¯t give an response. Mr Frederick was trying to put things up in his head. This Ria Robert was once blind but now she can see. He has known just one Ria Robert in his entire life and she was a little blind girl who happened to bete step brother¡¯s child. He didn¡¯t know much about the child though. It can¡¯t be possible. This Ria Robert can be the same Ria Robert he had gotten rid of years ago. ¡°I want to meet her too.¡± Mrs Vivian blurted as she stare at the devise. Mr Frederick heard just pping from the crowd now. He didn¡¯t pay attention to what his wife had said about meeting the famous clothe designer. He was lost in deep thought. ¡°Are you okay darling?¡± Mrs Vivian screwed up her face when she looked at her husband. Mr Frederick jolted out of thought. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am fine.¡± He stuttered. ¡°Are those sweats?¡± Mrs Vivian pointed out. Mr Frederick touched his forehead only to realize that he was sweating. ¡°Yes¡­ I am just feeling hot. It must be the weather.¡± He cleared his throat and gave the device back to his wife. ¡°But the air conditioner is on and it is not sunny today.¡± Mrs Vivian arched her brows in confusion. ¡°I¡¯ll just take a shower and rest.¡± Mr Frederick stood up from the couch. ¡°Okay. But can I go to Chicago?¡± A smile grazed her face. ¡°For what?¡± Mr Frederick stopped on track without turning to face his wife. ¡°I want to get dresses for myself, Bay and Serena from Ria Robert Couture.¡± Mrs Vivian answered with excitement in her tone. He closed his eyes at the mentioned of that name. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss itter.¡± He signed. ¡°Why not now?¡± Mrs Vivian frowned. Mr Frederick turned sharply. ¡°Are really going to do this to me? Chicago of all ces? Don¡¯t get on my nerves, Vivian.¡± He raised his hands up to silence her. Mrs Vivian stamps her feet on the floor like a child as her husband walked away to the bedroom. Mr Frederick Robert paced to and fro when he got to the bedroom. It is not a good idea for his wife to meet Ria Robert. If this Chicago famous clothe designer is the same Ria Robert then there is a big problem! But she can¡¯t be one. He pondered deeply. Mr Frederick remembered Lucas said that he had fun with the little girl in his car and threw her off a cliff. Ria Robert is dead. ¡°But what if Lucas had spared her life but lied to me?¡± He thought. No. No. No. Ria Robert is dead! Frederick was disturbed. He can¡¯t sit back now that he knows there is another Ria Robert in Chicago! ¡°And looking at her closely, she looks so much like Madison, Ria¡¯s mother and that her vibrant aquamarine eyes looks like that of my step mother¡¯s.¡± Mr Frederick bantered internally. He stopped pacing. ¡°I have to do something before things gets out of hand! I need to find out the truth!¡± He concluded. But how? Some minutester, it struck him that there was only one way to find out the truth about what happened eight years ago. *********** AT LIMOS COMPANY Drake sat at his desk. This time he wasn¡¯t handling any task neither was he signing off deals. He was staring at an image on the system. The image of Ria Robert! He met her at the BMW party and it was hard for him to take his eyes off her the moment his gaze fell on her. She was beautiful! Drake admitted that he hasn¡¯t seen any woman as beautiful as Ria Robert! At that moment he had set his eyes on her, he would have made his move on her but he couldn¡¯t do it because she was with Ian Bryant. She was his date. Drake had searched the room for Ian Bryant even as he greeted some business associates in Chicago but all thanks to Harvey Wesley who had told him where he could find Ian in the part of the crowded room. Harvey didn¡¯t warn Drake that he was going to see a beauty goddess with Ian Bryant so he wouldn¡¯t have drooled when he saw Ria Robert. At first Drake felt this happiness within him when he introduced himself to Ria. His first impression about her was that she was a business woman who was just talking to Ian Bryant so he thought that he would take the chance when she said Ria Robert. But she turned out to be Ian Bryant¡¯s date. Drake noticed something strange about her while he studied her carefully. Ria¡¯s smile had disappeared the moment Ian introduced him properly to her. Even though she had tried to maintain equanimity but she failed at it. ¡°Ria knows my father? No she said that she has heard about him. Of course! Everyone should know Frederick Robert the famous business tycoon in Idaho.¡± Drake sighed. But Ria had excused herself to use the restroom and it had soundedme to him. The surprised look after he confirmed that Frederick Robert was his father, the need to visit the restroom, and leaving at a close run. Perhaps was she too pressed at that moment? Was it what he had said? He mused. ¡°No I didn¡¯t even get to say too much just my name and position. Maybe it was the way I stared at her. Damn! It was hard to not stare. Still I shouldn¡¯t have stared too much but I couldn¡¯t control watching such beauty.¡± A slow smile crept on his face as he recalled that moment. Ria Robert must be the type of woman who doesn¡¯t like men staring at her and taking in her beauty. But that¡¯s impossible! She was irresistible! And her beauty was enough to cause traffic on highway! Ian didn¡¯t tell Drake too much about Ria when he asked who she was. ¡°She is my date.¡± Ian had rified but he also sounded like he was warning Drake to back off and not get silly ideas in his head. Chapter 72 The perfect plan IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LIMOS COMPANY FLASHBACK TO BMW PARTY Ria Robert must be the type of woman who doesn¡¯t like men staring at her and taking in her beauty. But that¡¯s impossible! She was irresistible! And her beauty was enough to cause traffic on highway! Ian didn¡¯t tell Drake too much about Ria when he asked who she was. ¡°She is my date.¡± Ian rified but he also sounded like he was warning Drake to back off and not get silly ideas in his head. ¡°Oh! Wow! You have a beautiful date, Ian Bryant.¡± Drakeplimented after Ria walked away at a close run. ¡°Thank you, Drake Robert.¡± Ian replied with a deep frown grazing his face. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t give me a frown. I am not going to steal your date away.¡± Drake chuckled. But well he could steal Ria Robert from Ian if he wanted to anyways. He thought. Ian didn¡¯t give any response. Sincerely, Drake didn¡¯t attend the business men and women association party to steal anyone¡¯s date. He came to Chicago strictly for business! ¡°Well I am yet to get a response on the shipping deal.¡± Drake said after a moment of stern stare contest. ¡°Forty five percent or no deal.¡± Ian replied as he ended the staring contest. Drake followed his gaze. It was on ady. She was dressed in a skimpy red cocktail dress. Her chest wasrge enough to drive any man insane except Drake Robert because he doesn¡¯t likedies with big boobs! Drake arched his eyebrows. Ian came with his date but was still staring at anotherdy. So he wondered how Ria would feel if she saw him staring at anotherdy. ¡°Too bad¡­ for Ria.¡± Drake mumbled. If he were Ian he would be faithful like an old dog to Ria Robert. He wouldn¡¯t need another woman if she was with him. Drake cleared his throat. ¡°Ian Bryant, why are you insisting on forty five percent?¡± He asked.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Why are you insisting on giving thirty percent?¡± Ian looked back at him. ¡°Would you have epted thirty percent if you were in my shoes?¡± He asked. ¡°No.¡± Drake replied sincerely. Ian screw up his face. ¡°But Ian Bryant, you can ept thirty percent and your corporation won¡¯t go bankrupt because of that fifteen percent difference.¡± He added. ¡°I don¡¯t run deals that way.¡± Ian replied. ¡°Woah! If Ian Bryant can give out three million dors for just one night party and millions to a Charity home then you can spare me that fifteen percent of the deal too.¡± Drake smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t run the corporation alone. Plus the millions I gave doesn¡¯t belong to the corporation. Look Drake-¡± ¡°Hello.¡± A soft voice interrupted Ian. Drake turned towards the voice and saw thatdy Ian was staring at earlier. He is sure thedy must have noticed him staring at her that¡¯s why she came to them. Now Drake thinks that someone is going to steal Ian from Ria Robert tonight. And if that happens Drake doesn¡¯t mind going home with Ria just for tonight. He would be willing to take Ian¡¯s ce. He thought. ¡°Valeria Diaz.¡± She introduced. ¡°Drake Robert.¡± He shook hands with her. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure.¡± Valeria shed Drake a seductive smile before turning to face Ian who now wore a concerned look on his face. He was distant with his gaze at the entrance. ¡°Where is your date Ian?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯ll just go ahead and look for my date.¡± Ian said facing Drake directly. And he was almost leaving when Drake grabbed his upper arm. ¡°We aren¡¯t done talking about the deal.¡± Drake gritted. ¡°Forty five percent or no deal. If you agree with the percentage then let¡¯s talkter and if you don¡¯t agree then have another shippingpany run the deal for you.¡± Ian jerked free and walked away. ¡°Still an asshole.¡± Valeria muttered. She was angry because Ian ignored her. Hearing Valeria calling Ian an asshole made Drake sense some connection between them. ¡°Perhaps do you know -¡± ¡°Yes we used to date.¡± Valeria blurted out before hepleted his statement. ¡°Really?¡± Drake huffed. ¡°Yes. We dated for quite some time.¡± Valeria replied with a bright smile. He could see it in her expression that she was proud to be Ian Bryant¡¯s ex girlfriend. Drake realized that Ian wasn¡¯t staring at her because he liked what he saw but because Valeria was once his woman. ¡°I met his date tonight and I told her about us. Poordy, he is just going to have her in his bed and give excuses of not wantingmitment.¡± Valeriaughed. Oh that¡¯s bad! It must have been a huge blow on Ria and Ian wasn¡¯t happy Valeria introduced herself to Ria Robert. ¡°So what about you? Did youe with anyone?¡± She asked. ¡°No. I am here to meet, Ian Bryant.¡± Drake answered. But now she has ruined everything! They were discussing business before she interrupted them. Drake was sure her presence made Ian leave too soon. Now Ian didn¡¯t agree as nned even though it seemed like he was about to give in to the demands. ¡°Same here.¡± Valeria opened her purse and brought out her card. ¡°You know, we can hook up some other time.¡± She said with an alluring smile. ¡°Sure.¡± Drake just doesn¡¯t want to be rude by rejecting her card so he epted it. His eyes did a slow crawl on her. Valeria wasn¡¯t bad too but not as pretty as Ria Robert. Valeria leaned in closely. ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting.¡± She whispered into his ear before kissing his cheek. Drake managed to stiff in augh. What is she thinking? ¡°Bye.¡± She walked away. ¡°That I will hook up with her? Never. She is not my type. Definitely far from from my ideal type of women.¡± Drake mumbled. He also hates women making the first move. But he can always call her up to warm his bed anytime he is in Chicago. ¡°No¡­ she isn¡¯t worth it.¡± He said. Drake waited to see if Ian would return back to the party but he didn¡¯te back. He tossed Valeria¡¯s card into the waste bin on his way out of the room. He concluded that he doesn¡¯t need her. Drake Robert has too many problems to deal with and he doesn¡¯t want anyone showing up at his parents home with a baby bump again. She is not his type so there is no need to hook up with her. Drake was angry that this night didn¡¯t turn out the way he nned it. He should have stick to the ns to enticing Ian Bryant or doing some background check on him instead of doing a peaceful persuasion. FLASH FORWARD A continuous beeping sound on the desk snapped Drake out of thought. It was his phone! He looked down at it and saw that his mom was the caller ID. ¡®Hello mom.¡¯ He picked the call. ¡®Hey Drake, how are you?¡¯ ¡®I am fine. What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ Drake asked after he noticed that she didn¡¯t sound the usual way. ¡®It is your dad.¡¯ Mrs Vivian sniffed. Drake leaned back in the swivel chair. ¡®Tell me about it.¡¯ ¡®He won¡¯t let me travel to Chicago.¡¯ She replied. ¡®Chicago?¡¯ ¡®Yes. I want to get some dresses in Chicago.¡¯ Drake rubbed his temples. ¡®Mom, you can get them here in Idaho.¡¯ ¡®You think I don¡¯t know where to buy a dress in Idaho? No! I want the dresses from Ria Robert Couture because her designs are beautiful and elegant. And some of my friends already visited the ce while some went to theunch party.¡¯ Oh! Drake never knew his mom was aware of Ria Robert Couture. He had also watched theunching on YouTube after he heard his staffs talking about this new fashion house in Chicago and how they would like to visit and get a dress there. Drake had typed RRC Launching and it turned out to be for Ria Robert, the woman he had met at the BMW party. And Drake wished he was there at theunching of RRC but he wasn¡¯t even aware Ria was a clothe designer until he watched some clips about her and even the interview on National TV. ¡®Have you heard about her too?¡¯ Mrs Vivian asked. ¡®Yes and I have met her once.¡¯ Drake responded. ¡®Really?!¡¯ She gasped out. ¡®Yes. We met at the business men and women party in Chicago.¡¯ ¡®Wow! She was at the party too!¡¯ ¡®Yes mom. She came with Ian Bryant as his date.¡¯ Drake added. And he didn¡¯t even get to see Ian till he left Chicago after a few days. Drake had tried all his best to see Ian but it was either he was in conference meeting or emergency meeting with board of directors or that he didn¡¯t show up at work. It was as if Ian purposely avoided Drake. And he was making a big issue out of this deal. Drake should have considered partnering with another shippingpany but partnering Lint corporation will fetch him more money at the local markets. A whole lot of money with an increase to thepany¡¯s funds if Ian agrees to at least thirty percent. The deal would be profitable to Drake if he can have seventy percent. ¡®Yes son. She is partnering with Ian Bryant. Lint Corporation is supplying her textiles and it seems like Ian is her backbone because she confessed that he has really helped her a lot.¡¯ Mrs Vivian sounded different now. No doubt, she was happy talking about Ria Robert. ¡®Yes I know mom. No wonder she turned up as his date. They must be really close.¡± Drake sighed. Mrs Vivian hummed a positive response. ¡®So mom, why did dad refused to allow you go to Chicago?¡¯ ¡®He didn¡¯t give me any reason.¡¯ She answered. ¡®Mom give him time. Maybe dad is thinking that he would be alone at home if you leave for Chicago. Don¡¯t worry, I am sure he will let you go.¡¯ ¡®You think so?¡¯ ¡®I will talk to him.¡¯ Drake replied. ¡®Alright son. And have you talked to Bay today?¡¯ Mrs Vivian asked. ¡®Yes we spoke earlier this morning. She is fine.¡¯ Drake responded. Mrs Vivian heaved a sigh of relief. ¡®I want to get a dress for her too. Isn¡¯t that a good idea?¡¯ ¡®It is a good idea.¡¯ ¡®Oh! I have to go now! Mrs Belinda is calling. Bye son!¡¯ She disconnected the call. Drake dropped the phone and tapped on the desk softly. After some minutes of thinking about the deal with Ian Bryant, an idea popped up in his head and it was best way to get Ian to sign the deal. Limos produces the best fabrics in United State Of America. He can offer to supply Ria Robert Couture at a lower price. He can bear the cost for the time being. ¡°Yes, this is it! I will make a deal with Ria.¡± Drake loosen his tie as he stood up from the chair. ¡°If Ian Bryant sees me with her¡­. I am sure he won¡¯t like it. If I am not wrong Ian Bryant seems to like Ria Robert. So he will feel insecure and concerned with me around Ria and he will have to sign the deal to make me stay away from his woman. Yes. Yes. This is the perfect n.¡± Drake chuckled. He just need to have a perfect n on how to reach Ria and talk to her. He will act on this perfect n. Chapter 73 Attraction or Love? CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE Ria heard the soft knock on the office door. ¡°Come in.¡± She said to whoever was at the door. Then Ian opened the door and popped his head in. ¡°Busy?¡± He asked. A smile crept up on her lips. ¡°Not really.¡± Ria dropped the pencil and stood up from the chair to meet him half way. ¡°Good morning.¡± ¡°Good morning.¡± She greeted cheerfully. Ian leaned in and ced a kiss on her forehead. He has been doing the kiss on the forehead a lot these days. The kiss gesture was limited to just her cheeks or forehead whenever they greet each other in the morning or whenever they are about to call it a day on Ria¡¯s porch. ¡°Good to see you. I brought coffee.¡± Ian raised the two in one coffee pack in the air. Actually, he has made it a custom that they always have coffee together every morning ever since Ria started working at the fashion house. They both have a cup of coffee before he drops her off at school. And Benjamin is always around to pick Ria up whenever she is done with sses because Ian is always busy with work at the office during middays. In a nutshell, Ian has been doing all he can to make sure Ria isfortable and not go through the stress of taking a taxi everyday. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria collected the coffee and drank from it. They settled on the couch. The coffee was refreshing and it tasted good. ¡°What time are you scheduled for sses today?¡± He asked. ¡°I have sses by twelve.¡± Ria answered. ¡°12? By that time I¡¯ll be in a meeting with an Italian investor.¡± Ian sipped his cup of coffee. ¡°It is fine. You can send Benjamin over to pick me up.¡± Ria smiled at home. Ian drew in a deep breathe with a sad look on his face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?¡± She demanded in a concerned tone. ¡°Yes, I am fine. It¡¯s just that Ramsey called me this morning and said that Benjamin tendered his resignation letter.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°Really? But why?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Ria, I don¡¯t know. But I will talk to him when I get to the office even if I will have to increase his sry.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Do you think he wants to resign because of the sry?¡± Ian locked their free hands. ¡°I have no idea. I am only suggesting that I will increase his pay if it is needed.¡± Well Ria doesn¡¯t think it is because of the payment. Benjamin¡¯s sry is good and better off than the normal driving payment. Ian do give him bonus and sometimes Ria tips him whenever he drops her off at school but most times she always have to persuade him to ept it from her. Now Benjamin wants to resign! Cassidy won¡¯t be happy because Benjamin won¡¯t being around anymore. They are pretty close now and ma¡¯am Elise already sensed a connection between them. It is possible that Cassidy is in love with Benjamin. Now what¡¯s she going to do? Ria wondered. ¡°I am thinking of something.¡± Ian said. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°If Benjamin insist on leaving, I¡¯ll allow him but at the same time I am thinking of asking him to teach you how to drive before he leaves finally. He is pretty good.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Oh! You want Benjamin to teach me how to drive.¡± Ian shook his head in agreement. ¡°Yes¡­ or don¡¯t you wanna learn how drive a car?¡± He asked. ¡°I want to learn how to drive.¡± Ria pouted. ¡°Good. It will make things much easier for us if you can drive a car.¡± Ian smiled. ¡°It is a good idea.¡± Ria said in an excited tone. ¡°I know you are busy but Saturdays and Sunday evenings will do. Is that okay with you?¡± ¡°Yes, it is fine. And I don¡¯t have sses on Wednesday too.¡± Ria responded. ¡°So if Ben says yes then he will teach you on Wednesdays and Saturdays and I will take you on Sundays.¡± Ian added. ¡°But won¡¯t he feel like you made the offer because you don¡¯t want him to go?¡± Ria screw up her face. ¡°I will pay him. Do you want to go to driving school instead?¡± Ian asked as their gaze met. ¡°Ian, I am too busy for the scheduler the driving school might give out.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Then Ben is our best option now.¡± Ian swallowed hard after having another sip of his coffee. ¡°Alright. Talk to him about it and get back to me.¡± Ian shook his head in understanding. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, I will work on how to get your driver¡¯s license when you can drive perfectly.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do a great job.¡± ¡°I trust you.¡± He raised their locked hands up in the air and Ria smiled brilliantly at him. ¡°So what are you up to?¡± ¡°School project.¡± Ria stood up from the couch and went back to the desk and picked up the big notepad and pencil. ¡°Making a new design?¡± ¡°Kind of.¡± Ria settled beside him while he set the coffee cups on the table. ¡°What design are you working on?¡± His arm snaked around her shoulder while she leaned in and rest on his chest. ¡°A wedding gown design.¡± Ria gave the big notepad to him as she soak in his sweet scent. ¡°Your lecturer asked you to design a wedding gown.¡± He examined the design. ¡°Yes. This is my first design.¡± She used the pencil to touch the notepad. Wedding gowns! The main reason she decided to attend a fashion school! The design she sketched on the pad was a white princess wedding dress, floral patterned with a draped off the shoulder neckline and a long, full skirted ball gown that has white bearings and a white veil. ¡°It is beautiful.¡± Heplimented. ¡°Really?¡± Ria looked up at him. Ian dropped the notepad on his thighs. ¡°Yes. What else do you have to do on the design?¡± He grazed his knuckles on her cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll make it look better than this when I want submit it. And I think we will have to make the sample too.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Wedding gown sses this week I guess.¡± Ian looked back at the notepad ¡°Yes. We are having the sses for three weeks.¡± Ria added. ¡°You can do this, Ria.¡± He ced a kiss in her hair. ¡°Yes I know. I can do it.¡± Ria giggled. ¡°So what else are you working on aside this one?¡± He intertwined their hands. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise and ma¡¯am Loretta are the ones working on the dresses for now. They want me to focus on school works.¡± Ria answered. ¡°That¡¯s right. What about the supplies from the textile branch?¡± ¡°They will deliver it today.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Everything is fine?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes Ian everything is fine.¡± She smiled at him. ¡°Okay. Do a great job at school.¡± He kissed her hair again before giving the notepad back to her. ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Ria asked when he nced at his wrist watch. ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t want to bete for meeting with the staffs.¡± He let go of her hand and stood up from the couch. Ria stood up too although she wanted him to stay for more minutes.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Ian noticed the smile on her face already faded. He covered the inch between them. ¡°I really want to stay too Ria. But¡­¡± He cupped her face. ¡°I have a lot to do at the office.¡± Ria mouth twisted as he studied his expression. ¡°I understand.¡± Then Ian ced his forehead on her forehead. ¡°Thanks for understanding. I will give you a call whenever I am less busy.¡± He kissed her forehead. ¡°Alright.¡± Ian stepped backward. ¡°Bye. Have a good day at school.¡± He walked out of the office. Ria¡¯s mind was spinning as she watched Ian leave the office. She was trying so hard to control her whirling emotions. ¡°What is this feeling?¡± Ria ced her hand on her chest and it was beating so fast. ¡®You are in love with him.¡¯ A voice whispered into her mind. ¡°In love? It couldn¡¯t possibly be! And how does it feel to be in love?¡± She wondered. Ria knew she was attracted to him but maybe not in love. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been enough time for me to think of how much I am attracted to him.¡± ¡®But maybe you have fallen in love with him.¡¯ She heard the soft voice again. ¡°In that ridiculously short time?¡± Ria said loudly. ¡®Short time? It has been months!¡¯ Ria sat back on the couch gently. Close to six months is not a short time. And thinking about it now, they have been together for months now. Is this how it feels to be in love? Ria heaved a sigh. Chapter 74 An old friend CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT RORY THOMAS INSTITUTE He sat in his car, holding an old picture in his hands as he alsopared it with thedy he had seen on screen. There was no doubt that she was the same person. He just wasn¡¯t sure how the sixteen years old girl in the picture had survived eight years ago. The cops confirmed her dead but they never showed her true body. And he had searched the whole town because he never wanted to believe that she was dead! He kept on searching, hoping to find a sixteen years old blind girl but he failed! Days turned into weeks and then time went by into months until he had to believe it even though it was really hard to ept that she was dead! Ria was talking to a man at the huge steel gate of the institution! The men in uniforms knew who she was-thetest clothe designer in Chicago. ¡°Alright. Bye.¡± She waved at the men in uniforms before walking away. Then she moved to the roadside to take a taxi to her workce. Benjamin already resigned but he agreed to teach Ria how to drive while Ian was busy at work. He nced up from the picture and saw Ria Robert trying to hail a taxi. She was alive! She didn¡¯t die like they imed. Immediately the feeling of guilt washed over him! He should have done better! He should have searched! He shouldn¡¯t have given up that way! The sixteen years old girl was now a fully grown woman. The dimple on her right cheek and long hair was still eminent enough to prove that she was Ria Robert and he had always teased her about the dent on her cheeks because it made her look cute. The same blind girl who had mended his clothes. The same Ria he had helped to school whenever he was less busy at work. Memories flooded his mind, images of how they used to y in the small garden in her family home. Now here she was after eight years! Would she recognize him? No Ria can¡¯t possibly know him because she was blind back then and she only identified people by their voices. But it isn¡¯t bad to try his luck and see if she would recognize him by his voice. He concluded. He started the car and drove closer to where she stood. He stopped the car right in front of her and rolled down the ss. Ria raised her brows at him while he stared at her. He took in her feature closely, cataloguing every changes from the sixteen years old girl he used to know. The silver patches on her eyes were gone and it was reced with a pair of vibrant aquamarine eyes which stared back at him intensely. Those eyes was just like the old woman¡¯s picture he used to see in her home ¨C Her grandma. Ria has the facial features of her mother. No, she was a striking image of herte mother just that her mom had a brown hair while hers was ck. She got the ck hair and nose from her dad. He recalled that he had promised that he would help her see the world and he had worked hard back then and gave the tokens he had made to her mother to add it to the savings for Ria¡¯s surgery. But he couldn¡¯t fulfill that promise because he found out she was dead. At first he didn¡¯t know what happened because he was out of town until he received the call that her parents were dead and she was missing. He wondered how she had left Idaho as blind girl and made it big in Chicago. Ria stared back at the man in the car. He doesn¡¯t look like a taxi driver and the car was a Mercedes Benz. ¡°This is definitely not a cab!¡± She said to herself. The man didn¡¯t say anything and he just stared at her. Ria moved away from the car. ¡°Where are the taxis in Chicago?¡± She mumbled. Ria heard the closing of a door and when she looked that way she saw that the man was already out of his car. He was tall and well built-in and she knew he would be a regr client at the gym center. He has a sunrise gold hair with some curls falling over his forehead. An Irish eyes that were flush with triumph from being sessful. A thick ck eyebrows, an aquiline nose thatplimented his prominent tight jaw and full lips. He was dressed in a fitting dark jean and a blue body hogging top that showed off his tight arms and well sculpted chest. He paired it with a dark vans. ¡°I don¡¯t need a free ride!¡± Ria said within. He must be insane to think that she would just go into his car like that because she couldn¡¯t get a taxi. Why isn¡¯t he saying anything? Why is he just staring at her? Men have no shame! Luckily for Ria, a taxi stopped in front of her and she entered it without looking back at the man. ¡°Where to ma¡¯am?¡± The taxi driver asked. ¡°RRC.¡± She replied and the taxi driver looked back at her and smiled. ¡°Ria Robert Couture.¡± Shepleted. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am, I know and it is really nice to meet you in person.¡± The taxi driver said before the car hit the road again. And Ria shed him a small smile. ¡°Perhaps ma¡¯am, can I get an autograph for my daughter? She wants to be a clothe designer like you.¡± He said some secondster. ¡°Oh really? How old is she?¡± Ria asked. ¡°She is just seven years old. She actually watched your interview on national TV where you had shared your sess story so since then she decided that she wants to be a clothe designer too.¡± The taxi driver responded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll give you an autograph.¡± Ria brought out a notepad and pen from her bag. She doesn¡¯t have an autograph so she just wrote down her name and signed on the paper. ¡°This is it.¡± Then she gave it to him. ¡°I would like to meet your daughter Mr -¡± she waited for him to tell her his name. ¡°Mr Maureen.¡± He said. ¡°Mr Maureen anytime you are ready just bring her to Ria Robert Couture with this note.¡± She replied. ¡°Oh! Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± Mr Maureen collected the paper from her. ¡°I am always less busy on Saturdays.¡± Ria added. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am.¡± He grinned happily. Ria cellphone buzzed and she took it out of the bag. It was Ian! ¡®Hello Ian.¡¯ ¡®Hi. I aming over to pick you up at school.¡¯ ¡®No. You don¡¯t have to drive all the way here because I am in taxi now.¡¯ He was silent. ¡®Since Ben resigned and I figured you would be busy at work so I took the taxi. I am on my way to the shop now.¡¯ Ian had called Ria around ten that he wasn¡¯t able to convince Benjamin to stay but he had asked him to teach her how to drive before leaving finally. The only reason Benjamin gave was that he wants to stop working as a driver and probably starts a small scale business with the money he has saved up. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Ian replied. Ria wasn¡¯t convince that he believed her words. ¡®Believe me, Ian, I am in the taxi.¡¯ ¡®Alright. I believe you. I¡¯ll drive to the shop. See you there.¡¯ ¡®Okay.¡¯ She mumbled before hanging up the call. ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am.¡± The taxi driver called out to her. ¡°Yes Mr Maureen.¡± Ria looked up from her cellphone. ¡°Do you know the owner of that car behind us? I noticed it has been following us since I picked you up.¡± He said. Ria looked back and saw the same car from earlier. What does he want from me?! She thought. ¡°I don¡¯t know whoever owns that car.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Should I call the cops?¡± Mr Maureen asked. ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me I am being stalked by some weird guy!¡± She bantered internally. Ria wanted to say yes but a part of her wanted to know the guy¡¯s identity. He can¡¯t be trailing her without a reason. ¡°No, don¡¯t call the cops. I want to know why he is trailing us.¡± She answered. ¡°Okay ma¡¯am.¡± Mr Maureen pulled off from the road and cornered into a quiet street. ¡°Don¡¯t worry we will still hit the highway soon. Let us see if the car will stille after us.¡± Mr Maureen said. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria huffed. At least she was in safe hands! But then she looked back and saw the car now making the same turn. ¡°He ising! Who is the hell is this man?! Mr Maureen stop the car.¡± Ria instructed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. She is not going to allow hime after them like they are on a chase. It is better she challenged him! ¡°Miss Ria, are you sure that you want to talk to him?¡± Mr Maureen demanded. ¡°Yes please. I won¡¯t take a long time.¡± Ria replied. Mr Maureen stopped the car. Ria looked back to see that the other car also stopped too and the man came out of the car. Ria was furious as she stepped out of the car too. She was ready tosh out harsh words at this man. ¡°Who are you?! Huh? Are you a stalker?!¡± Ria screamed at him. He didn¡¯t respond. ¡°If you don¡¯t have better things to do other than stalking women with your car then you might as well find a better job!¡± He stared at her. His Adams apple bobbling up and down his throat. This is so annoying! He is so good at just staring! ¡°You know what? You should consider a staringpetition. You might as well collect a medal for stalking women! Pervert! If you don¡¯t stop trailing my taxi, I¡¯ll call the cops on you!¡± Ria hissed and made an attempt to turn back towards the taxi. ¡°Ria.¡± He called. Ria heard his voice when she was three steps away from him. All of a sudden, her heart beats rapidly as she tried to trackback where she had heard that voice. It was familiar in her ears! It was like a voice that she was once used to hearing everyday! It couldn¡¯t possibly be the same person. Ria turned to face him. ¡°You are Ria Robert right?¡± The man took one step forward. ¡± I mean, Ria Robert, the child of Mr Nathan and Mrs Madison Robert.¡± He took another step. Ria¡¯s mouth opened slightly. He knew her parents names! ¡°Am I right?¡± He asked. There was only one person with this voice. Is this really him? When Ria was blind she recognized her parents and an only friend with her sense of touch and by hearing their voices. And she was very familiar with three voices, her dad, her mom and an only friend. His name was Ethan. And now this man¡¯s voice sounded so much like Ethan¡¯s and he even knows her parents names! What if he is Ethan? ¡°I once knew a blind girl named Ria Robert and she lived in Idaho. Her mother was a seamstress and Ria learnt the craft of sewing and she also used to help me mend my torn clothes. But I don¡¯t know if I am mistaken now or if I am right¡­ that the owner of RRC is the same Ria Robert I used to know.¡± His voice was shaky. He paused and drew a deep breathe. ¡°Please just tell me if I am right.¡± His voice pleaded in a tight whispered. This man is Ethan but she needed to be sure. Without thinking she moved closer and her hands reached out to his face. He wasn¡¯t surprised by what she was about to do. He stood still as her hands did a facial recognition with her eyes closed as if she was blind. When Ria was done, she stepped backwards with a shocking look on her face. ¡°Ethan?¡± She muttered. No doubt, he is Ethan with everything he just said about her. And a smile formed on his face. Ria can¡¯t believe this is happening now! ¡°Are you Ethan¡­ Dantes?¡± She asked shakily. ¡°Yes, I am Ethan Dantes.¡± He replied. Then without wasting time, like in a slow motion Ria went ahead and she hugged him. ¡°Ethan.¡± Her eyes became blurry. ¡°Ria. It is me.¡± His hands went around her to embrace her. Ria was so happy to see him! She was extremely d to see someone who knows so much about her. Anotherpanion who encouraged and stood by her when she was blind. Ethan was her childhood friend even though he was quiet older than her. Mrs Madison met Ethan when Ria was six years old. Mrs Madison took Ria to the store that day because she wasn¡¯t well enough to go to school. She had bought so many things and was finding it hard to carry the items coupled with the fact that she also had to hold little Ria. Ethan was barely up to twelve years old. He was nearby conversing with a friend when he spotted her, so he waved goodbye to his friend and offered to help her carry the load so she could hold Ria properly. Ethan followed Mrs Madison home and ever since then he would always drop by to help her buy materials from the store. And Ethan ran errands for Mrs Madison. He did things Ria wasn¡¯t able to do for her parents and was epted as a member into the family. Ria knew her parents loved him most especially her dad who liked the fact that Ethan was always willing and ready to help. Ria came out of the embrace and stared at him. ¡°Ethan.¡± The tears that clouded her vision had already flowed down her cheeks. ¡°Ria. I am sorry.¡± Ethan apologized. ¡°Sorry about what?¡± Ria noticed the drop of tear on his right cheek. Ethan sniffed. ¡°We need to talk Ria. I want to know how you survived.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. Yes, there is a lot of talking to do. Ethan wiped her tears with his fingertips. ¡°Can we do that now?¡± He requested. Ria looked around. They were standing on a lone street with barely anyone around. ¡°We can go somewhere else.¡± He said. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll just get my bag from the taxi.¡± Ria agreed. ¡°Alright.¡± He wiped his cheek with the back of his palm. Ria walked to the taxi. ¡°Miss Ria, is everything okay?¡± Mr Maureen demanded. He had been watching vigntly to see if the man would attack Ria or do something bad to her. ¡°Yes Mr Maureen. He is an old friend.¡± Ria took out some notes from her purse and gave it to him. ¡°Thank you, Mr Maureen. And I will be expecting you at Ria Robert Couture with your daughter.¡± ¡°Thanks ma¡¯am.¡± He smiled brightly because she had added more to his fee. He drove away while Ria walked back to Ethan. Meeting Ethan again was the answers to her prayers! Ria needed someone who was in Idaho around the time her parents died. Ethan must know what happened after the cops came around that night! He will give her answers to the missing puzzles! And there was one more thing Ria was more concerned about which was where her parents wereid to rest. Chapter 75 Dane Julio IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT IDAHO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION The prison warder came to a cell filled with six male inmates. ¡°Who is Dane Julio?¡± He asked. The man named Dane Julio looked at the warder but he didn¡¯t respond. It has been long since someone called him by that name. Dane Julio was his biological name before he changed his name after joining money make life gang. ¡°Hey man, aren¡¯t you Dane Julio?¡±An inmate pointed at him. The warder cleared his throat. ¡°Okay. Who is speedy?¡± He asked again. ¡°Right here.¡± Speedy came down from the bunk bed and went to the steel cell gate. ¡°What is it?¡± He asked the warder. ¡°Someone is here to see you.¡± The warder replied. Speedyughed. ¡°You are joking right?¡± Another inmate said to the warder. ¡°Do I look like a clown? Someone is here to see him.¡± The warder had a stern look on his face. ¡°But he has no family.¡± An inmatemented. ¡°Yes. You are right. I am a prodigal son but I never returned home.¡± Speedy joked and they allughed. The warder unlocked the cell. ¡°Hey speedy, maybe the old man is ready to get you out of here.¡± Another inmate said to him. The warder ced a handcuff on his wrist. ¡°It better be him because I have waited for too long and I am beginning to run out of patience.¡± Speedy grimaced in anger. ¡°And you can as well tell him to drop some cash before leaving.¡± The same inmate said to speedy before the warder took him away. Speedy saw Frederick Robert when he got to the waiting section. He came with a bodyguard. He was d and a glint of hope stirred within him. He walked closer to the chair and settled down facing Frederick directly. ¡°You have finallye to take me out of this hell hole.¡± Speedy said with a bright smile on face.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Frederick Robert leaned forward. ¡°Look speedy, I am still working on it.¡± He replied. And speedy¡¯s smile disappeared almost immediately. He ced his locked hands in the table and leaned forward. ¡°Robert, it has been eight years and you are still working on getting me out of this ce.¡± He gritted. ¡°It is not easy. There is little I can do because of your criminal status.¡± Frederick Robert whispered. Then speedy realized Frederick hasn¡¯t been working on getting him out of the prison. He should have believed what his mind had been telling him for eight years now. The moment the judge had sentenced him to life imprisonment and also when they rejected his appeal in court. He should have epted his fate that day. But instead he had wrote a note and threatened to expose Fredrick¡¯s deep secrets. Frederick had assured speedy that he would get him out of prison even if it meant for him to frame his death and fly him out of his country but none of that happened. It was easier said than done. Eight years in prison and Frederick was still yet to frame his death and fly him out of the country. He hasn¡¯t evene around to check on speedy since four years now. He has only been sending money anytime speedy calls from prison. Frederick Robert should have gotten rid of speedy a long time ago because he was the only member alive among the money make life gang who knew his secret but he didn¡¯t want to get his hands stained again. He had given up killing people after he ended the life of his step brother and his family. But at the same time, Frederick was still thankful that he had spared Speedy life because he was the one that can tell him the truth about Ria Robert. ¡°You haven¡¯t showed up here since four years. You barely even answer my calls.¡± Speedy clicked his tongue. ¡°You have been sentenced. There is nothing I can do anymore.¡± Frederick Robert blurted. He saw no reason to lie to speedy anymore. Speedy nodded slowly. He tried to control his fury as he wished he could kill Frederick at that moment and just end everything. ¡°So why are you here?¡± He asked. Frederick leaned in closely again. ¡°I want you to tell me the truth about what happened eight year ago.¡± He whispered. ¡°Oh! From what I can remember, you ordered us to kill your brother and his family.¡± Speedy said loudly. ¡°Keep your voice down.¡± Frederick muttered and showed Speedy the bundle of dors in his suit pocket. He knew that was the onlynguage speedy understands. ¡°I will give you this money if you answer my questions. I want nothing but the truth.¡± And Frederick was ready to give out more as long as speedy was ready to tell the truth. ¡°And you want me to believe you?¡± Speedy shed him a croaked grin. Frederick removed the money and passed it under the table. Speedy looked around before feeling the notes. ¡°If you want the truth then slid the money into my boot.¡± Speedy instructed. Frederick gestured to his bodyguard to fix the money in his boot and he did it carefully so the warder won¡¯t know about it. Speedy stamps his feet on the floor. ¡°Good. Now what truth do you want, Robert?¡± Frederick didn¡¯t n to ask about his brother or the wife because he knew they were long dead. He was the one that arranged for their burials. ¡°That blind child.¡± Frederick said. ¡°What child?¡± Speedy arched his brows. ¡°My step brother¡¯s child.¡± Frederick replied. Speedy frowned. ¡°You mean Ria?¡± Frederick Robert shook his head in agreement. ¡°Yes. Tell me, did Lucas truly get rid of the girl that night?¡± Speedy shifted ufortably in his chair and remained silent. He had swore to Lucas that he would never tell Frederick that they didn¡¯t kill Ria that night. And he wasn¡¯t going to betray Lucas even if he was dead. ¡°Yes Frederick. We killed her. Although he didn¡¯t kill her at their home because we heard the sirens. We took her with us and Lucas had fun with her in the car. She died in his hands because Lucas went too deep with her then we threw her body off a cliff.¡± He repeated the same words Lucas told Frederick. Robert knew Speedy wasn¡¯t telling him truth. ¡°Why are you asking about Ria?¡± Speedy asked hoping Frederick would buy his false story. ¡°Ria Robert in Chicago.¡± Frederick responded. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Speedy chuckled. Then Frederick collected a brown envelope from his bodyguard and passed it to speedy. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Ria Robert is dead.¡± He insisted. Speedy thought Ria won¡¯t survive after Lucas¡¯s death. He had concluded that it was either Ria hadmitted suicide after she heard the news of Lucas death or she had died in the fire when the police burnt down Lucas¡¯s den. No, she can¡¯t die in the fire because they found no one in the den. Speedy took out the content in the envelope. They were pictures of Ria Robert and it took him extra effort to keep his jaw from dropping. Ria was alive! The little blind girl was now a grown woman. A beautiful woman! And the most surprising aspect was that she could see! But Speedy wasn¡¯t ready to admit to Frederick that thedy could be the same blind girl he knew eight years ago. ¡°Did she resurrect from the dead?¡± He asked Frederick. His pretense and silly questions were beginning to annoy Frederick Robert. Chapter 76 She is alive! IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT IDAHO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION Speedy took out the content in the envelope. They were pictures of Ria Robert and it took him extra effort to keep his jaw from dropping. Ria was alive! The little blind girl was now a grown woman. A beautiful woman! And the most surprising aspect was that she could see! But Speedy wasn¡¯t ready to admit to Frederick that thedy could be the same blind girl he knew eight years ago. ¡°Did she resurrected from the dead?¡± He asked Frederick. His pretense and silly questions were beginning to annoy Frederick Robert. ¡°This is not Ria Robert. The one I know was blind and she died eight years ago.¡± Frederick balled his fist under the table. He had thought of paying some officials in prison to torture Speedy until he tells the truth but he decided against it because doing that would expose his secret. ¡°She is the same Ria Robert.¡± Frederick said. He was certain she didn¡¯t die years back. ¡°Can she sew?¡± Speedy asked. ¡°Thisdy in the picture is now thetest clothe designer in Chicago. She is super famous!¡± Frederick grimaced. Speedy could hardly believe it! He was aware that Ria liked sewing! And she had even amended some of the workers clothes in the den. Lucas didn¡¯t allow her at first because he was afraid that she would try to kill herself with a needle but Ria had promised him that she won¡¯t try to do it. She imed that she didn¡¯t want to forget her mother¡¯s trade and the things she learnt. Then he allowed her after the promise only when Andrea was around to watch her. ¡°Thedy said it in an interview that she used to be blind before she had an eyes surgery done. And there is no doubt that she is the same Ria Robert. So tell me did Lucas kill Ria eight years ago?¡± Frederick demanded. Speedy was silent and the silence was killing Frederick but he was willing to be patient with him. ¡°It could possibly be the same Ria.¡± Speedy clicked his tongue and shrugged at the same time. It was pointless telling Frederick Robert that Ria was dead. And he also figured that Robert won¡¯t leave until he tells him the truth. He said after a long pause. ¡°The truth is that¡­ Lucas didn¡¯t kill Ria that year.¡± Fredrick¡¯s heart skipped beats. ¡°Lucas liked her almost immediately and he wanted to take her right there until we heard the sirens. I mean, Lucas didn¡¯t allow anyone to pull the trigger at her so we took her with us. Ria was in our den when you came that night.¡± He confessed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t he kill her?¡± Frederick demanded. ¡°I just told you the reason. Lucas liked her. He fell for Ria Robert.¡± Speedy rified. ¡°So what did he do with her in the den.¡± Frederick questioned.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. Then Speedy exined everything to Frederick. ¡°She became his favorite person. Look at this.¡± He showed Frederick his missing right index finger. ¡°Lucas chopped it off when he found out I tried to force myself on Ria. Lucas was in love with her but he couldn¡¯t confess it to her because of the type of man he was, stone hearted and stubborn. And Ria never gave herself to him willing. He forced himself on her every time and tried to teach her how to bend to his will. Practically Ria was Lucas sex toy or pet because he went to her anytime he wanted to pleasure himself.¡± He drew in a deep breathe. ¡°I am still amused that she survived and she is doing fine now. I have no idea how she left Lucas¡¯s den after the gang¡¯s downfall. To be honest Robert, she really suffered in Lucas¡¯s hands.¡± He admitted. ¡°How long did she stay in the den?¡± Frederick asked again. ¡°Ria was in the den for about a year. And along the line Lucas became desperate to have a child with her. He never used protection because he felt safe since he was the one who took her virginity. Plus-¡± ¡°So did she get pregnant during those times?¡± Frederick interrupted him. ¡°Yes. But she had a miscarriage and that was before I tried to force myself on her.¡± Speedy answered. ¡°Did she know?¡± Frederick asked. ¡°Ria wasn¡¯t aware that she was pregnant. No one knew about it until the day Lucas came to her to pleasure himself. Ria had refused him again and then he ended up beating her like he used to do and he punched the baby out. Lucas didn¡¯t realized it until her maid told him that she was bleeding. It was a bloody scene. And it was the doctor that attended to her told Lucas that she had a miscarriage. Lucas felt remorseful that day but that didn¡¯t stop him from going back to her. To cut the long story short, we went for an operation and someone blew our cover, the cops killed Lucas and two others. You know the rest of the story. And that¡¯s all I know about Ria. I don¡¯t know how she made it out of den.¡± Speedypleted. And they bothpsed into silence for seconds. Speedy sat there staring at Ria¡¯s pictures. And as he admired her the feelings of guilt washed over him! He recalled that day he had tried to force himself on Ria and what she went through the day he lied to Lucas that she tried to seduce him so he could get her out of the den. He did that to defend himself. He never knew a trusted worker heard everything he did to Ria in Lucas¡¯s room. The worker was disturbed whenever she was asked to give food to Ria and Andrea. She confessed to Lucas when she couldn¡¯t bear it alone. ¡°Can I keep one of these pictures?¡± Speedy asked Frederick. ¡°Why?¡± Frederick arched his brows. He snatched the pictures from Speedy and gave it back to his bodyguard. ¡°I think I need to ask for her forgiveness. And I would be d to meet her if I wasn¡¯t in jail.¡± Speedy joked. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. You want to meet her after everything you did to her? Do you think Ria will ever want to see you?¡± Frederick chuckled. ¡°I know she won¡¯t want to see me but what about you? Robert, think of what Ria would do to you if she finds you. Ria was aware that you sent us. So Robert prepare yourself, you might be joining me in here soon because I know Ria won¡¯t sit back and watch you. She will get revenge on you for killing her parents.¡± Speedy said in a tight whisper. ¡°That won¡¯t happen anytime soon, Speedy.¡± Frederick Robert replied confidently. He was sure of himself. Everything Speedy told him was enough to bring Ria down even before she thinks of getting back at him. Being a sex pet to an ardent criminal is enough to bring her down. He will act on it and reveal her secret to the world. She would feel humiliated and too weak to get back at him and she would end up giving up the fight. Frederick thought. At that moment, Frederick decided that he has to destroy Ria¡¯s rtionship with the Bryant. If they ever find out what he did they would help her bring him down now matter what. He had done a good job at covering up his crimes but the Bryants have the strong connections to dig up the truth which he had buried. ¡°Confess your crimes, ask for her forgiveness and turn yourself in to the police. And don¡¯t try to destroy or get rid of her again because she went through hell eight years ago. Ria Robert deserves everything she has now.¡± Speedy said. Frederick stood up. ¡°Thanks for the advice although I won¡¯t be needing it anytime soon. Goodbye, Speedy.¡± He said with a croaked smile on his lips. A warder came closer. ¡°See you soon, Frederick Robert.¡± Speedy grinned as he followed the prison guard. ¡°Get rid of him.¡± Frederick mumbled to bodyguard when they got back to the car. It was high time to silence Speedy from saying to much. ¡°Okay sir.¡± The bodyguard replied. Frederick chuckled softly. ¡°Dear Speedy, you should be thankful that I am about to end your miserable life instead of staying in jail for life.¡± He bantered internally. Speedy would be out of the picture soon and then he would have only Ria to deal with. BACK IN THE CELL The warder unlocked the handcuff and speedy walked into the cell. ¡°Hey man, was it that old man?¡± An inmate asked. ¡°Yes. It turns out that old fool has been lying to me all this time.¡± Speedy seethed his teeth in anger. ¡°Rich people are bastards!¡± Another inmate snorted. ¡°He ising to join us very soon.¡± Speedy chuckled darkly. ¡°Deep secrets right?¡± The first inmate asked. ¡°Yes. I have always known that the rich are the real criminals.¡± Speedy responded. ¡°You are full of secrets.¡± ¡°I worked with a first ss assassin, Lucas. One thing is certain, nemesis will catch up with that old man soon.¡± Speedy chuckled as he removed the dors from his boot. ¡°Did he give you all of that?¡± ¡°This is a whole lot of money!¡± ¡°I got it in change for the truth.¡± Speedy added. ¡°What truth?¡± The other inmates chorused. ¡°You will probably find out in the news soon. Very soon inmates.¡± Speedy shared the money and gave it out to them. Chapter 77 Covered up and cleaned! CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Ethan led Ria to the car and he opened the car door for her to go in. But before Ria settled down she saw an old picture on the seat. It was a picture of a boy and a girl. She held on to it and sat in the car still staring at the picture in her hands. ¡°When did we take this picture?¡± Ria asked Ethan whom also settled in the driver¡¯s seat. The girl in the picture was Ria. And she could recognize herself because right after she came back from China, she saw some pictures Andrea had saved up when she was alive. The boy in the picture looked so much like Ethan. They looked so happy like there was no worries in the world. ¡°It was on your fifteenth birthday.¡± Ethan answered. Ria sat in front of a cake with a birthday cap on her head. Ethan stood behind the chair with a bright smile on his face. That year she remembered vividly, Ethan had brought a cake very early that morning. Mr Nathan and Mrs Madison couldn¡¯t afford to buy their daughter a cake because there was not enough money. They only managed to buy her a few gifts. Mrs Madison made a dress for daughter which she wore on that day while Mrs Nathan bought her a new pair of sandals and a walking stick. Ethan didn¡¯t mention it the day before that day that he was going to buy her a cake. He just showed up with one that morning. Ria couldn¡¯t see it because she was blind but she had tasted it. Ethan was about twenty years old that year and he worked as a Janitor in amercial bank during the day and worked at a gas station in the night. ¡°Do you still remember that day?¡± He asked. Ria nodded as she looked straight at him. ¡°Ethan. Perhaps do you still have my parents pictures with you? I don¡¯t have any and I haven¡¯t gotten the chance to see their faces and how they looked since I had my surgery done.¡± She would appreciate just one! A picture of all of them together. ¡°I do. Actually I have a lot of them and that¡¯s why I said we have a lot to talk about.¡± Ethan replied. Happiness surged through Ria at Ethan words. Finally, she can see now and she has every chance to see how her parents looked before they both died. ¡°I would love to see those pictures.¡± Ria smiled brightly at him. Ethan started the car and it glided into motion. ¡°Remember I was out of town when -¡± ¡°The incident happened.¡± Riapleted his intended statement. Ethan left town that year just two days before the incident. He had always wanted to be a fashion stylist and a model. He picked up few ideas from Mrs Madison craft and he also worked on his body at the local gym center in Idaho. He had tight muscles, strong arms and well sculpted chest just like how he is now but he wasn¡¯t this big back then. Ria could tell every changes in Ethan¡¯s physical features because she knew what he looked like with her active sense of touch. The same way she had used to recognized her parents. Ethan didn¡¯t get the chance to further his education in college. He was raised by his aged grandma because his parents died in a car crash when he was seven years old and only him survived the crash. Back then, he worked two jobs at a time so he could save up for his tuition fee and also fend for his aged guardian. Ethan had no idea on how to be a first ss and international model. But one night, he visited Ria and inform her that his dreams was going toe true soon. He exined that a man came to the gas station and asked if he was a model. Ethan told him no but that was his dream. The man liked the fact that Ethan was fit and well built-in then he ended giving him his business card. And it happened that the man runs a modeling agency. Ethan couldn¡¯t express how happy he was when he came to Ria¡¯s home that night. And they were all happy that everything was working out for Ethan! He met with the man and in the end Ethan had to leave town to pursue his dreams of bing a model and a fashion stylist. Ria knew Ethan had achieved his dreams because he looked sessful coupled with the fact that he was driving thetest Mercedes Benz and his dress sense was top notch. He was dressed in designers wears. ¡°My grandma called and told me that your parents were shot and you were missing. I spoke with my boss and begged him to allow mee back to town. When I cane back to Idaho, my grandma couldn¡¯t exin what happened until I watched the news. A witness who called the cops told the police that she saw the truck outside your home and she also heard gunshots too. No one could tell what really happened but everyone in town suspected that it could be the notorious gang, money make life. I went to the station and spoke with the detective in charge of the case but he couldn¡¯t say much too. But the man was determined to find you and the whoever killed your parents. I worked with him secretly to find evidences in your home and it was then that I took out some pictures.¡± Ethan exined. ¡°So what did you find?¡± Ria asked. Ethan was silent. ¡°Nothing?¡± She said secondster. ¡°No evidence but I told Derrick what was on my mind.¡± Ethan responded. ¡°What?¡± ¡°The Inheritance. I exined to him and told him your dad¡¯s ns to take over the inheritance his father left him. And the call he had received from thewyer that he has the permission to process the entire funds. I suspected Mr Frederick because I remember your dad wasn¡¯t able to get a job because of his connection with thepanies in Idaho. Derrick reasoned with me and said Mr Frederick might possibly know about the death of your parents too. So he promised to tell his boss about his findings so they could summon Mr Frederick as a suspect.¡± Ethan answered. ¡°So they summoned him?¡± Ria asked again. ¡°No.¡± Ethan replied after a long momentary pause. ¡°Derrick got fired at work. I begged him to work undercover that I would pay him but he said he didn¡¯t want any more problems. And not only that, he said there was a strong force behind the case. I mean, someone who was ready to do anything to cover up the case but he didn¡¯t disclose the person to me. And I never saw Derrick after that day until two years ago when I travelled down to Idaho again.¡± ¡°Is that all? What happened to my parents corpses? The case got buried just like that?¡± Tears clouded Ria¡¯s vision but she blinked them back. ¡°No Ria. To my greatest surprise, Mr Frederick arranged your parents funeral. They were buried in the Robert cemetery. Then I knew Mr Frederick was somehow involved in the case. I had no doubt about it.¡± Ethan looked at her before focusing his attention on the road ahead. ¡°I searched Ria. I looked for you but couldn¡¯t find you. And few days after the funeral, the news had it that the cops found the body of a sixteen years old girl in the woods. It wasn¡¯t your body, I was sure of it but they confirmed it to be you. I have no idea how they managed to find another girl¡¯s body, an almost decaying body. I figured that they must have staged it because no one could recognize it but I did. I never believed them because I wondered how you made it to the woods alone and I was very familiar with your body-¡± He paused to swallow hard. And he continued. ¡°It wasme. Everything they said on the news wasn¡¯t true.¡± Ria wiped the tear that dropped down her left cheek. ¡°What happened after they found the decayed body of a sixteen years old girl?¡± ¡°A week after that day, they apprehended two men who confessed that they killed your parents.¡± Ethan answered. ¡°No reasons?¡± She furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°The leader said your dad refused to pay back the money he borrowed from him.¡± Ethan responded. Ria shook her head slowly. ¡°That wasn¡¯t true.¡± ¡°Yes I know because the Mr Nathan I know never borrowed any money. He was contented with the little he had.¡± Ethan nodded in agreement. ¡°And the cops believed them?¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria adjusted her sitting position to face him. ¡°But what about the witness that testified that she saw the truck, heard the gunshots and even called the police?¡± She demanded. ¡°Exactly Ria! The woman said she saw five people in ck outfits moving out of your house butter she confirmed it that it was those two men she saw that day. The witness imed that she wasn¡¯t really sure of the number. She changed the story to prove that those two people killed your parents. And the leader confessed that he took you away when he heard the siren and they killed you in the woods and left your body in the woods. They closed the case after the confession and no one knew what they did to those men.¡± Ethan stopped talking and waited for her to say something. More tears streamed down her face as she leaned back into the seat. Frederick¡¯s covered up his crimes neatly. ¡°Do you know the witness?¡± She sniffed. ¡°Yes. She was your next door neighbor.¡± Ethan replied. ¡°Mrs Glory?¡± Ria forehead creased as she looked at him. ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded. Mrs Glory lived next to Ria parent¡¯s house. She was a single mother of two kids. She was the witness, the only one who would have possibly heard everything that happened that night. But why did she change the narrative and twisted the whole truth? Ria couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Frederick had also paid her to tell lies. Probably he offered to pay her kids fees and provide for their needs. She thought. ¡°How did you find me?¡± Ria used the back of her palms to wipe her face. ¡°I watched your interview after everyone in my workce kept talking about the new fashion stylist in Chicago. I hardly believed it. At first, I thought it was mere coincidence that the woman I watched was your look alike. I became confused when you mentioned that you used to be a blind girl with a dream of bing a clothe designer. The Ria Robert I knew was blind and she had the same dream too. And also the new Ria looked like my Ria. The dimple, the smile and long hair, the way she talks, those things was enough to prove that she is the old Ria but in the grown up version. I was convinced that thedy in the interview I watched could be Ria Robert because she looked exactly like Mrs Madison. After much thinking, I realized that it couldn¡¯t be a coincidence so I decided to find out. I went to your store today and followed you to the institution and waited for you.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe to me?¡± Ria questioned. ¡°Ria, you were blind. You never saw my face and I wasn¡¯t sure if you would believe me if I had walked up to you and told you I was Ethan. And I was feeling guilty that I gave up on you easily. I shouldn¡¯t have given up on my search.¡± He nced at her quickly. Ethan would have never found her even if he didn¡¯t give up on his search. ¡°Ethan, don¡¯t feel guilty. I know you did your best. And you couldn¡¯t find me because I was locked up.¡± Ria was locked up by Lucas because she never stepped out of that room until the day Andrea saved her out of that den. ¡°Where?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know the location but I was in a den like they called it.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Tell me what happened, Ria.¡± Ethan requested. Ria shook my head slowly. ¡°You don¡¯t want to know, Ethan.¡± She blinked back tears. Ethan stopped the car. And when Ria looked around, they were in another lone street with few passersby. It was getting dark. Ria checked her wrist watch; the time was 6:00 p. m. ¡°Ian must be worried about me.¡± Ria said within herself. ¡°I want to know what happened eight years ago. Ria, what I really wanted back then was exposing Mr Fredrick¡¯s secrets because I know he was involved in your parents death. Tell me the truth Ria. If it was Frederick, we can still make him pay.¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°How? It has been eight years now.¡± Ria countered. ¡°I will tell you how we can make him pay for his crimes after you tell me your side of the story. Did Mr Frederick killed your parents?¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Yes Ethan. Frederick killed my parents.¡± She said. ¡°I knew it!¡± Ethan gritted as his hands tightened around the steering wheel. ¡°And he sent the money make life gang to do the job.¡± Ria added. Ethan looked at her. ¡°The money make life gang.¡± He repeated. ¡°Yes. And the witness was right. I was awakened by my dad¡¯s loud cry that midnight. I made my way to sitting room and I sensed five extra presence. They didn¡¯te for money -¡± Ria paused.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Then what?¡± Ethan demanded. ¡°They asked my dad to sign some paper works which contained the transfer of inheritance to someone. My mom was shot after Dad¡¯s refusal to sign those papers¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°The leader of the gang was Lucas. He told my dad to sign the papers to save me and along the line I figured Frederick sent them. I begged my dad to sign it and forget about the inheritance although I had thought signing it would make them leave but I was wrong. In the end, Lucas shot my dad after he signed those papers. And I almost got shot too but Lucas didn¡¯t pull the trigger at me. We all heard the sirens and while they debated among themselves on what they would do to me.¡± Ria stopped. That was thest thing Ria had heard before she felt a sharp pain on her head and she had cked outpletely. Chapter 78 How she escaped. CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA That was thest thing Ria had heard before she felt a sharp pain on her head and she had cked outpletely. ¡°I woke up in strange ce. I didn¡¯t feel at home and I couldn¡¯t ept that my parents were dead. Ethan, it was hard and I wished Lucas just killed me.¡± ¡°Where was that ce?¡± Ria sniffed and wiped the tears with her finger tips. ¡°Money make life den. Lucas took me with him to their hideout.¡± She paused. Ria wasn¡¯t sure if she should tell Ethan what Lucas did to her. ¡°Lucas kept you in his den?¡± Ethan said. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°That means he saved you and took care of you.¡± Ethan added. That¡¯s what he could think of. And Ria wished that was how things turned out. She wished Lucas had saved and took proper care of her without viting her existence. Their gazes met but Ria looked away quickly. Ria rubbed her palms together and tried to control the tears but it won¡¯t stop. The tears kept flowing over and over again. ¡°Ria.¡± Ethan ced his hand on hers. Ria withdrew from his touch and wiped her face. ¡°Tell me what happened in that den.¡± Ethan said in a tight whisper. ¡°Lucas saved me and took care of me.¡± Ria¡¯s answer was immediate. She concluded that Ethan doesn¡¯t have to know what Lucas did to her. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± She said in a low tone. ¡°No. That¡¯s not all. Ria, you are hiding some things from me.¡± Ethan muttered. ¡°I think I should head home now. It¡¯ste.¡± Ethan grabbed Ria¡¯s arm when she was about to open the car door. ¡°Tell me what happened in Lucas¡¯s den.¡± His voice was clear and his jaw tightened. Ria¡¯s heartbeat rapidly. ¡°There is nothing to talk about¡­ Lucas took proper care of me.¡± She said shakily. Ethan¡¯s didn¡¯t believe her. He was confused. He was curious about how things had turned out so well for her. ¡°Nothing? And you want to leave? Ria, look at me and tell me nothing happened in that den.¡± Ria shook my head but she couldn¡¯t look at him. ¡°Perhaps, did Lucas -¡± Ria swallowed hard and cut him off. ¡°Lucas saved me and took care of me.¡± She repeated and this time she looked at him. Ethan¡¯s hand dropped from her arm. She wasn¡¯t telling the truth. ¡°Okay. Ria, I guess the eight years of separation made us this way. You must be thinking that I appeared out of no where and asked about your past. I know-¡± ¡°No, Ethan, I just don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡± Ria cuts in sharply. ¡°I want to know.¡± Ethan said sternly. Then Ria heard the sound! Ethan locked the doors! ¡°And you are not leaving until you tell me about it.¡± Ria knew Ethan was stubborn and he hasn¡¯t change! Ethan was totally different from him-Ian Bryant won¡¯t have pressured her to tell him stuffs if she didn¡¯t want to share it with him. ¡°Ethan, open the car now.¡± Her forehead and palms became sweaty. ¡°No.¡± He declined. ¡°I want to go home!¡± Ria yelled. She was bing aggressive and she feared what she would probably do if Ethan doesn¡¯t open the car. It felt like her old self was about to resurface, a part of her that didn¡¯t want to be close to a man but she controlled herself and tried to calm down. ¡°Ethan won¡¯t hurt me. He is not Lucas.¡± She chanted in her head. ¡°Ria.¡± Ethan called in a soft voice. ¡°Please let me go.¡± She whispered. ¡°I know you want to tell me about it but something is holding you back. Please Ria, free yourself and open up to me.¡± He muttered in the calmest tone. And there was no arguing with him. Ethan won¡¯t let her go if she didn¡¯t tell him about the past. He reached out to hold one of her hands and she was trembling. ¡°Lucas¡­ Lucas came to-¡± She sobbed. ¡°You can do it. Ria, tell me about it.¡± He gave her hand a small squeeze. ¡°He came to me and¡­¡± She paused as more tears streamed down her cheeks. Ethan held her hand tightly. Ria¡¯s body trembled as she worked the courage to tell Ethan everything. ¡°He forced himself on me.¡± She muttered. Ethan tensed up but he still held her hands tightly. ¡°Just that day?¡± He asked. Ria cried. ¡°No Ethan, I was with him for several months and I became Lucas¡­ sex ve. He came to me every time he wanted to¡­¡± Her voice broke off. ¡°No¡­ no.. Ria don¡¯t call yourself a sex ve.¡± Ethan released her hands and he cupped her face in hisrge palms. ¡°Then what would call someone who was used by a bunch of criminals. A sex ve or a sex toy because it wasn¡¯t¡­ just Lucas.¡± And Ria can¡¯t possibly change that fact about myself. Lucas used her to pleasure himself, many times that she had lost count. That even Lucas once called her his sex ve and Speedy also said that she was Lucas sex pet the day he tried to force himself on her too. Ria wanted to tell Ian about her past too but she just can¡¯t do it. And each time she remembered being a sex ve to Lucas, it tears her heart apart. And she feels that Ian would hate her if he ever finds out about her past. That was why she said he deserved a better woman. ¡°You were not a sex ve.¡± ¡°Then what?¡± She demanded. Ethan was silent. ¡°Lucas girlfriend?¡± She snorted. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Ethan said. ¡°Sorry? It wasn¡¯t your fault so don¡¯t apologize. Even a prostitute was better off than me because you don¡¯t have to force it. It is their job so theye willingly as long as you are ready to pay for their services. Lucas didn¡¯t kill me but he used me to pleasure himself. I spent months in his den praying for death toe but it didn¡¯t. Lucas woulde to me every morning and night to pleasure himself. I was barely sixteen when he had raped me repeatedly. I begged Lucas to just kill me but he said that he was doing me a great favor by keeping me alive.¡± She sniffled. Lucas was a monster, a beast in human clothing who didn¡¯t deserved to live among humans but the jungle where his likes inhabits. ¡°He hired a maid to take care of me and he said I was paying him with my body for saving my life. That I should have been dead but he had made up his mind to take me in.¡± She sobbed. That wasn¡¯t a help or a favor-It was wickedness! And it made Ria regret ever being born into this world. She hated herself for being blind. She never saw the face of her parents while growing up. She has never see the face of the man who sexually vited her on several asions and the man who had made an attempt to do the same. She has only seen the face of the man who ordered the killing of her parents on the inte; Frederick Robert. One of Lucas men named Speedy came into Lucas¡¯s room one night while Lucas was away and he tried to rape Ria but Andrea the maid assigned to take care of her came in before speedy could do anything. She had received several punches from Speedy when she tried to fight him. Speedy threatened Andrea and Ria never to mention it to Lucas but one way or the other he had found out and things turned the wrong way for her. Speedy was able to defend himself by saying Ria tried to seduce him when he came into the room to pick up a sh drive. He lied that Ria offered herself to him so he could take her out of the den. They were all Lies! And that fool had believed what Speedy said because he was his right hand man! Lucas tortured Ria for wanting to leave him and for giving herself to his right hand man. Ria would have taken it all, she would have fine with just the beatings but Lucas had his way with her over and over again. Lucas went as far as sending his men the next day to do the same to her. Lucas never came back to Ria after the day he imed to teach her a great lesson. Ria was abandoned in his room, left to find my way and all locked up in the room. No one came in not even Andrea and she was scared of what lie Speedy would have said just to make Lucas punish her. Ria was starved for days, all she did was cry day and night ming herself for many misfortunes that had happened in her life. ¡°If only I wasn¡¯t blind then my dad wouldn¡¯t have thought of epting his inheritance. Frederick wouldn¡¯t have sent those men to us. My parents won¡¯t have died and Lucas won¡¯t have done those horrible things to me.¡± Everything Lucas and Frederick did to Ria made her hate men and all she did was think of getting revenge! Lucas destroyed her. He ruined everything about her, her body and her soul not minding the fact that she was a little blind girl. The horrible experiences had made Ria decide that she would never trust any man. She developed a phobia for men. ¡°How did you make it out of the den?¡± Ethan asked in a low tone. He was shocked by the revtion of Ria¡¯s past. ¡°When I saw no way out of that room and I remembered my mom¡¯s teaching about God that¡­¡± ¡°He is the only that can save one in times of trouble. All you have to do is talk or pour your heart to him.¡± Ethanpleted Ria¡¯s sentence. They were words Mrs Madison would always say just to encourage anyone. Ria shook her head. ¡°Yes. I started praying. Some dayster, someone started bringing my daily meal. Ethan, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into a month and I didn¡¯t stop praying until Lucas came back. He came to the room one day and apologized for what he did to me! It was a miracle for me and I was d God had answered my prayers and it was could be a sign of meing out of that hell soon. Lucas didn¡¯t touch me that day, he only apologized but that didn¡¯t take away the deep hatred I had for him.¡± Ria swallowed hard to get rid of the lump of tears that was forming in her throat again. ¡°Lucas said he brought a gift for me which I couldn¡¯t see but feel and hear. It was Andrea. He told her to continue taking care of me and I was a happy that she was safe. Andrea was my onlypanion, she was always ready to tend to me anytime I needed anything and ready to listen to me. Andrea was older than I am, ten years older.¡± Lucas pecked Ria for the first time that day and she thanked him with a fake smile on her face. ¡°He left promising that he would be back in two days time with more surprises. I found out the truth. Andrea said speedy lied that she was the one who advised me to seduce him. She was locked up in a dark room for weeks until she had confessed to Lucas truly that Speedy did tried to rape me. Andrea couldn¡¯t confess that all those times because Speedy threatened to kill her family. Another worker¡¯s confession made Lucas believe that we were innocent.¡± ¡°Were you in the den when the gang got arrested?¡± Ethan asked. Ria nodded. ¡°Lucas and his men went to rob a bank and it was an unsessful operation. The cops killed Lucas and his gang on the run. When we heard the news, Andrea helped me out of the den the next day. Every worker around left the den too because the cops would possiblye around to search the area. I stayed with Andrea¡¯s family for a few days and cautious of Frederick so he won¡¯t know I was still alive. A weekter, I and Andrea took the cheapest flight out of Idaho to Chicago.¡± She exined. All the bills were on Andrea, not that she was rich but she had used her savings to purchase the tickets to Chicago. Andrea was Ria¡¯s angel sent from above. Andrea was God sent who Ria never saw till she passed away about three years ago. Andrea had died from tumor in her brain. Though she is dead but she still remain in Ria¡¯s heart. And Ria only got to see Andrea¡¯s face through the pictures they had taken together. Her dad, her mom and Andrea would remain in her heart and memory forever. Mr Nathan was a diligent and hardworking man. Mrs Madison was strong and a woman of faith. To Ria, they will never be forgotten.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°So that¡¯s how I made it out of Lucas¡¯s den.¡± Ria sighed. ¡°I am so sorry. I should be med¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have left town.¡± Ethan had a remorseful and sad look on his face. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t your fault, Ethan. It would have happened even though you were in town.¡± ¡°But -¡± ¡°It was Frederick not you.¡± Ria saw the tears at the corner of his eyes before he leaned forward and embraced her. ¡°Even though, once when I was in Lucas¡¯s den I prayed for you to find me. And I never got mad at you because you didn¡¯t find me. You were good to me, Ethan and I am so happy to see you again.¡± Ria admitted as she withdrew from the embrace. ¡°Ria, I am sorry.¡± Ethan apologized. ¡°It is all right.¡± Ria wiped his tears with her fingertips and he did the same to hers too. Ethan drew in a deep breathe after they both calmed down. ¡°Frederick must pay for his crimes.¡± He seethed his teeth. ¡°Yes Ethan. But how? It has been eight years now.¡± ¡°Listen Ria, at this point you don¡¯t need to seek revenge but justice for your parents death.¡± He held her hand. ¡°How? How can I get justice?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Reinvestigation.¡± Ethan answered. ¡°Is that possible?¡± Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Yes, it is possible. We just have to hire a private investigator and possibly an attorney here in Chicago to reinvestigate the case because I don¡¯t trust the legal system in Idaho anymore.¡± Ethan replied. ¡°But the case has been filed and closed in Idaho.¡± Ria countered. ¡°We can reopen the case.¡± Ethan reassured her. ¡°I met Frederick¡¯s son weeks ago. His name is Drake Robert.¡± She informed him. ¡°I know him. I didn¡¯t stop checking on Frederick¡¯s profile.¡± ¡°And isn¡¯t there another way to get back at him?¡± Ria had a stern look on her face. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Ethan demanded. Ria heaved a sigh. ¡°Oh Ethan¡­ I wanted to kill him¡­ myself.¡± ¡°What?! That would cause problem for you. I mean takingw into your own hands. If you kill Frederick you will end up in jail too.¡± Ethan rified. Well Ria never thought of the consequences. If she ends up in jail what will happen to her kids, Ria Robert Couture and Ian? She may never get to see them again! What was she thinking? It was probably because the thought of revenge was foremost in her mind and it didn¡¯t allow her to think straight. ¡°You are already sessful, Ria. And you can¡¯t just let his death bring you down.¡± Ria shook her head in understanding. ¡°Yeah. You are right.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry the reinvestigation will work out.¡± ¡°But Frederick is so powerful in Idaho and I don¡¯t see myself winning against him.¡± ¡°I will check if we can request for transfer of case from Idaho to Chicago. Ria, I promise you, Frederick won¡¯t get away this time.¡± Ethan was so confident. Ria nodded as he grazed his knuckles on her cheek. ¡°And I am happy to see you again.¡± A small smile disyed on his lips. ¡°I am happy too, Ethan.¡± Ria smiled back at him. A half smile though. ¡°You still have to tell me the rest of the story. I want to know how you got to see again.¡± Ethan chuckled softly. ¡°It is a long story, Ethan.¡± She rubbed her palms together. ¡°I want to hear it.¡± ¡°It iste.¡± She giggled. ¡°Or someone is waiting at home?¡± Ethan asked. Ian is waiting for her at Ria Robert Couture. Ria nodded. ¡°Yes, someone is waiting for me at the store.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Ian Bryant.¡± ¡°We should get going.¡± Ethan looked away and nodded. He started the car and it glided into motion. ¡°You can still tell me the story on the way. We¡¯ll discuss the rest of it another day.¡± He said. Ethan hit the highway and Ria recounted the rest of the story! Chapter 79 Mission in progress IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ¡®How are you doing, Jack?¡¯ Frederick Robert said over the phone to Jack Bryant as soon as he picked the call. ¡®Oh! I am fine! Frederick, it has been so long! How have you been?¡¯ Mr Jack enthused. ¡®I am good.¡¯ Frederick feign a chuckle. ¡®Good to hear. So to what do I own this call?¡¯ Mr Jack chuckled. ¡®Well I just called to confirm the news that has been moving around like a wild fire in Idaho.¡¯ ¡®What news?¡¯ Mr Jack asked.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡®It is about this¡­ clothes designer in Chicago that-¡® ¡®You mean Ria Robert?!¡¯ ¡®Oh! Yes! Ria Robert. Do you know her?¡¯ Frederick questioned. ¡®Yes I do. But I haven¡¯t met her in person. I watched the news too and she is pretty famous now in our state.¡¯ Mr Jack replied. ¡®You don¡¯t know her that well? But I heard it that your family is solidly behind her.¡¯ Frederick cleared his throat. He wanted to know if they were supporting Ria to know his stand against her. If she is alone then it would be more easier to destroy her. Mr Jack rolled intoughter. ¡®Not all my entire family member, Frederick. It is just my wife and son. Ian is in love with thedy and he has done a lot for her.¡¯ Frederick shut his eyes on hearing Jack¡¯s words. His son loves Ria. And his wife is also supporting her. ¡®And don¡¯t you think Ria is just trying to extort from your son?¡¯ He blurted out. ¡®How?¡¯ Frederick didn¡¯t have to think deeply for an answer. He has a mapped out n of how to make Jack Bryant disapprove of Ria Robert and hate her in his head until he spreads it into his family members hearts too. ¡®I am just saying. Jack, you know how women can be so desperate and talking about these women that used to be poor and hopeless. They are opportunists and I see them as gold diggers. And who knows, Ria might be one of them. Don¡¯t be surprised if she ends up taking all of your son¡¯s money and use it to establish her business and then she will end up leaving him.¡¯ Mr Jack was silent. Frederick couldn¡¯t figure what Jack was thinking but he hoped that what he just said was enough to convince him that Ria Robert shouldn¡¯t be with his family. Mr Jack heaved a sigh. ¡®I don¡¯t think Ria Robert is that kind of woman. She is not bad and she can¡¯t be a bad influence to my son or whatever it is you are trying to say. Listen Frederick, I know my son, Ian won¡¯t fall deep in love with a deceiver and my wife is always quick to sense deception. I mean, she is very sensitive and a quite a good observer. Pe would have figured out by now if Ria meant any harm for my son.¡¯ He wasn¡¯t winning. ¡®Then what about you?¡¯ ¡®Me? Well I am not so concerned about Ria Robert. But as much as my son loves her then I don¡¯t have any choice. The thing is, I have never see my son so determined and concerned the way he is when ites to Ria. He has done so much for her than I expected which made me realize that he is truly in love and he wants something more with her so I have to ept her too. She is apart of our family now.¡¯ Mr Jack responded. Sincerity was evident in his tone. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Frederick muttered. He wasn¡¯t expecting Jack Bryant to ept Ria. It seemed like she already has all of them wrapped around her fingers. How long has she been with Ian? How much does Ian know about her? Frederick thought. And he couldn¡¯t stop wondering if the Bryant members all knows about her past. ¡®So what about that deal you told me about?¡¯ Mr Jack asked. Fredrick snapped out of reverie. ¡®Yeah. Your son is yet to sign the deal. Drake said Ian didn¡¯t give in to the percentage.¡¯ He replied. Jack Bryant chuckled. ¡®Let us stay out of it. I am sure both of them will handle the deal. But I will still try to talk to Ian about it.¡¯ Frederick hummed a positive response. ¡®Okay. We should have a drink soon.¡¯ Frederick feigned aughter. ¡®I¡¯ll give you a call, Jack.¡¯ He disconnected the call and threw the cellphone across the room and it hit the nearest wall. He shouldn¡¯t deal with Jack or his wife but Ian should be his main target. Realizing that Ian is in love with Ria only means that he must be willing to do anything for her just to win her heart. A part of Frederick Robert was sure that Ria hasn¡¯t told Ian about him and that¡¯s why he hasn¡¯te him yet. ¡°She must be hiding her past from him. So let us see if Ian Bryant will keep loving her after he finds out what she used to be. A sex pet to the most wanted criminal? No! I shoulde up with something that will ruin the rtionshippletely.¡± Frederick Robert grinned wickedly. Chapter 80 Introduction goes wrong CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE Ian paced Ria¡¯s office. The time was 7:20 p. m and she hasn¡¯t returned to the shop. Ria said she was in the taxi when he called around 4:45 p. m from the office to pick her up. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have believed her when she said she was in a taxi! Or was she stuck in the traffic?¡± He bantered internally. No! He had passed the same route and no traffic even the devise on his phone signified that there was no traffic on the highway. Ian stood up and walked out of the office. He shouldn¡¯t sit around and wait for her. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise.¡± He called. She was handling the supplies Limos textile branch had delivered a while ago while Loretta was taking stock of dresses with one otherdy. ¡°Yes Mr Ian.¡± She walked up to meet him. ¡°I will have to go and check on Ria at the institution.¡± He said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just call her?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise suggested. ¡°She is not picking up my calls when I called her earlier.¡± Ian replied. ¡°I tried calling her too but the line is switched off. And it is really unlike her toete to the store.¡± Ian nodded in agreement. ¡°Please let mee with you to the institution.¡± She added quickly. ¡°No. No. No. You don¡¯t have toe with me. Ma¡¯am Elise just finish up your work. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± He disagreed. ¡°Okay. Please give me call when you find her.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise responded. Ian motioned toward the huge ss door and stepped out of the building. Then he saw her. Ria was in a car that just pulled up in front of the shop. His forehead creased when he noticed that it wasn¡¯t a taxi. It was a Mercedes Benz. Ian frowned deepened when he realized that Ria lied to him again and most of all she was with a man! Pang of anger and jealousy shot through Ian as he watched her smile at the man in the car. Ria and Ian gaze met and she smiled at him but he didn¡¯t smile back at her. She turned to the man and said something to him. Ria came out of the car and the man did the same too. And Ian couldn¡¯t move from where he stood because different questions flooded his mind. Who is he? Why is she with him? Why is she in his car instead of a taxi? Why is she smiling at him? Why is she happy with him? It struck Ian that Ria must have been with this guy all along that was why she didn¡¯t want him toe and pick her up. ¡°Good evening, Ian.¡± Ria greeted when she came closer while Ethan stood behind her. Ian didn¡¯t respond to her greeting. All he did was just stared at her. ¡°My instincts better be wrong this time! I want to believe she must have a good reason for being with this man. And I hope it is not what I am thinking in my head.¡± He said to himself. ¡°Ian, meet my friend Ethan Dantes.¡± Ria introduced. Ian didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°And Ethan this is Ian Bryant.¡± She added. Ethan stepped forward and reached out his hand for an handshake. Ian looked at him. Friend? And when did Ria started having male friends? Ian¡¯s eyes did a crawl on him. He was well built in than him but they were of the same height. Ian shook hands with Ethan. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ian Bryant. Ria already told me a lot about you.¡± He smiled. Wow! And she even told this guy about him already?! For how long has she been meeting up with this guy? Ian had a stern look on his face. ¡°It is a pleasure.¡± His answer was sharp. It wasn¡¯t a pleasure to meet him because Ria has never mentioned this guy to him. Ian gave Ethan a stern handshake and they both stared at each other for seconds before Ethan let go of his hand with a smile. Ian gave him a half smile too. He was sure Ethan was wise enough to understand what the stern handshake meant. ¡°I should head home now, Ria.¡± Ethan turned to face her. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to meet my team and get to see my workce?¡± Ria arched her eyebrows. They had nned that she would introduce everyone to him and also show him around her store. Ian wanted him to leave as soon as possible but Ria wanted him to stay and introduce him to everyone. Ethan looked at Ian and then back at Ria. ¡°It is runningte. Let us do the introduction some other time.¡± He responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria said in a low tone. Ian studied her expression. She was disappointed. Ian tucked his hands in his pocket and clenched his fist. He was starting to sense some connection between them. ¡°Bye. Take care.¡± Ria waved him goodbye while Ethan entered his car and drove off. She watched him leave before turning to face Ian. Ian drew in a deep breathe and tried to rx. ¡°You told me you were in a taxi.¡± ¡°Yes, I was in the taxi when you called and-¡± chuckled ¡°And you still ended up in a Mercedes Benz. Now just tell me that the taxi broke down on the highway and Ethan offered you a ride. You epted and talk to him in his car and now he is your friend.¡± He interrupted her. Ria shot him a confused look ¡°No. None of that happened.¡± She said. ¡°Then what happened? How did you end up in his car?!¡± Ian tried to keep his voice down but it wasn¡¯t working. He was annoyed or maybe jealous to see her with another man. ¡°Why are you so mad at me?¡± She asked. ¡°Mad? Now you think I am mad at you. You didn¡¯t allow me toe pick you up at school but you let him drive you instead and now he is your friend.¡± Ian pointed to no one in particr. ¡°Ian, can you stop jumping into conclusions and give me a chance to exin.¡± Ria said in a calm tone. Ian rxed a bit. ¡°Who is he?¡± He demanded. ¡°Ethan is my old friend.¡± She answered. ¡°Old friend?¡± He snorted. Ria nodded. Now he is an old friend not a new one. Ian had to admit that he doesn¡¯t know much about Ria but he didn¡¯t expect her to have an old friend. ¡°Ethan and I grew up together in Idaho.¡± She added. Yeah he was aware her hometown is Idaho! But Ria never told him that she had a friend! ¡°So how long have you been meeting him?¡± He asked again. ¡°I just him met him today.¡± Ria answered. What? Today? Maybe he is just over reacting! Wait up, Ria grew up blind so how did she recognized him to be the same old friend? He pondered. And as if Ria had read his mind when she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t recognize him when he stopped his car right in front of me. I thought he was one of those men who always offer women free ride so I just ignored him. But he chased after the taxi and when I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore I went to him andshed out harsh words on him. I heard his voice and he also said some things that made it clear to me that he was my old friend.¡± She tried as much as possible to rify things so he won¡¯t misunderstand her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Okay. So you were with him all those times.¡± Ian removed his hands from his pocket. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria replied sincerely. She was telling the truth. He had over reacted even though he shouldn¡¯t have made a big issue out of it. He just couldn¡¯t stand her being with another man. Ian leaned in and held one of her hands. ¡°I was worried about you when I came to the store around five and ma¡¯am Elise told me that you were not in yet. And I should have called earlier before but I didn¡¯t want you to think I was monitoring you. I only called around past six and you didn¡¯t pick up.¡± He flicked her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. ¡°Yes I saw the missed calls but my phone went off when I was about sending you a text to inform you that I was with an old friend.¡± Ria stepped backward and brought out the cellphone from her bag. ¡°Look at it.¡± She pressed on the power button slightly and it didn¡¯t turn on. ¡°Yeah. Ma¡¯am Elise told me about it.¡± He mumbled. ¡°Ian, I am sorry. I should have called the moment I saw Ethaning after me.¡± She said in an apologetic tone. Ian covered the gap left between them and he pulled her in for an embrace. ¡°It is okay. I am sorry. I am sorry for over reacting and misunderstanding you. I was only surprised to see you with him.¡± He purred into her ears. ¡°It won¡¯t happen again.¡± Ria said in a low tone. She embraced him too and soaked in his scent. Ian doesn¡¯t want to think that Ethan might possibly cause problem between them. Ethan better not get ideas in his head because Ian is never going to let Ria go to him even if he is her old friend. Ian doesn¡¯t want them to be in a situation like this again. A situation whereby he would be doubting Ria or thinking that she is lying to him. Trust! That should be the major thing between them. Ria and Ian still have to learn to trust each other. Chapter 81 Drake鈥檚 Plans CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE THREE DAYS LATER Drake Robert stepped into Ria Robert Couture. It was a bit crowded on this day. He took in the beauty of the luxurious clothing store. Glittery clothes of all kinds of designs hanging on racks. No wonder his mom had insisted that she wanted toe to Ria Robert Couture to buy dresses. Drake had tried to talk to his dad into allowing her but he refused. Frederick said that she should be spending more time at Sanders family home to take care of Bay and their grandchild. Frederick remained adamant about it. And when Drake saw that his dad refused, he decided to keep his ns of striking a deal with Ria Robert a secret. He doesn¡¯t have to know anyways! Drake searched therge room to check out for Ria but he couldn¡¯t find her. He arrived in Chicago yesterday. Actually, he was in town to meet an Italian investor and he saw it as a chance to work on his ns. He came straight down to Ria Robert Couture after meeting with the Italian investor.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°Can I help you to pick out a dress, sir?¡± Ady in ck suit said to him. She had noticed the way he was looking around and concluded that he needed help. ¡°Oh! Yes please. But I don¡¯t need a dress.¡± He moved closer to her. ¡°What do you need, sir?¡± She asked. ¡°I want to meet the owner of this ce.¡± Drake answered. ¡°Oh! Miss Ria!¡± She mouthed. ¡°Yes Ria Robert!¡± He snapped his fingers. Thedy smiled brilliantly ¡°Miss Ria is in the office.¡± ¡°Can I meet her? I have a business deal for her.¡± Drake requested in a polite manner. ¡°Sure. Come with me, sir.¡± She pointed towards a direction. Drake followed her through a door which was connected to a hallway. He heard the sounds of machine wheels as they passed by a door. About few more steps then they got to another door. Thedy stopped and she knocked on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± They heard someone say. Thedy turned to look at him. ¡°What¡¯s your name sir?¡± ¡°Drake. So just tell her Drake Robert.¡± He answered. ¡°Okay. A minute please.¡± Then she opened the door and walked in. She came back secondster. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± She opened the door wide for him to step into the office. The door clicked close behind him. He turned and thedy was gone. Ria Robert sat at her desk with a pencil in her right hand. She was beautiful as ever! Drake stood where he was taking in her beauty. He couldn¡¯t help ncing downward to the front of her creme pleasant blouse. And since he happened to be looking that way, he lingered just a moment to admire the expanse of her creamy, glistening skin that revealed above the deep neckline and the deep shadow of cleavage. Ria cleared her throat snapping him out of trance. ¡°Um.. Mr Drake?¡± She stood up from the chair. ¡°Yes.¡± Drake said with an apologetic grin as he lifted his gaze away from that direction to look at her face. ¡°You are being bold, sir.¡± Ria sounded offended. Oh! Damn it! He shouldn¡¯t have done that but he just couldn¡¯t help it! Even looking at her sheen face made it hard for Drake to maintain his train of thought. But he need to think clearly! He shouldn¡¯t get enchanted by her beauty if he want the n to work! ¡°Pardon me.¡± Drake expression was meek and his tone was even apologetic. Ria stared at him. Her expression unreadable as she nodded slowly. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± she pointed to the set of couches in the office. Drake sank unto the couch closer to her desk. ¡°It is nice to see you again.¡± He said. ¡± I hate to see you again.¡± She wanted to say but she bit back her words and swallowed hard. ¡°How may I help you, Mr Drake?¡± Ria said after she settled back in her chair. ¡°Oh yes¡­ Ria -¡± Drake paused. He continued after taking in a deep breathe. ¡°Perhaps are you aware that mypany Limos produces the best fabrics in the country?¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°No. I only know Lint Corporation to be thergest textile industry in Chicago.¡± Drake nodded in agreement. ¡°So Lint Corporation supplies RRC right?¡± ¡°Yes. And that makes Ian and I business partners.¡± She replied. Good. Business Partners! Drake Robert would also be d to be her partner too! ¡°I have an offer for you.¡± Drake rested his back on the couch and crossed his legs. ¡°What offer?¡± Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°Limos can also supply fabrics to your store at lower prices plus silk andce if that is necessary too.¡± Drake stated. Ria was silent while he waited for her response. ¡°It is a sweet offer.¡± He added. ¡°At a lower price -¡± Ria paused. ¡°Yes. Absolutely low cost.¡± Drake nodded. ¡°And who will bear the cost of moving the supplies to Chicago from Idaho?¡± Ria asked. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it. We have a local branch here in Chicago. It is about four hours drive to this ce. Limos local fabric branch in Chicago can supply RRC with every materials.¡± He responded. But the drive from Idaho to Chicago is about twenty four hours and thirty eight minutes. That won¡¯t be easy. So the local branch is the best option. And Drake already spoke to the manager in charge of the branch in case Ria agrees to partner with thepany. ¡°Mr Drake, I didn¡¯t know Limos has a branch here in Chicago.¡± Ria feigned a small smile on her face. ¡°Yes. We have been running it for years now. We supply to some famous clothes designers and materials store owners too.¡± Drake grinned. ¡°At lower prices?¡± Ria chipped in sharply. ¡°Huh? No.¡± Drake answered sincerely. He decided to supply at lower prices because he doesn¡¯t want to lose the ten million dors deal with Ian. The n is to use Ria to get Ian Bryant¡¯s attraction. Ria forehead creased. ¡°So why do you want to supply Ria Robert Couture at lower price?¡± ¡°That¡¯s how Limos does to new clothes designers. It is like a charity scheme to support a growing business.¡± Drake answered. Well that¡¯s partly true! ¡°Oh really?¡± Ria mouthed as she toyed with the pencil trapped in between her fingers. ¡°We reach out to uing designers and help them with materials they need and also support the business.¡± Hepleted. Ria shook her head slowly. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°So are you epting my offer?¡± Drake demanded. ¡°No. I would have to talk to Ian about it before making any decision.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Is that necessary?¡± He screwed up his face although her response was like a breakthrough to his ns. ¡°Yes. The reason is Ian Bryant owns Ria Robert Couture. He invested a lot here. So I have to tell him anything going on here.¡± Ria replied. Well it is better for him! If she tells Ian about it, Drake was sure he would advise her against it and possible call him. If Ian calls then Drake would tell him to sign the deal if he doesn¡¯t want him to partner with Ria Robert. Mission sessful! Drake thought. ¡°But you own the brand, Ian being your business partner and being a major investor doesn¡¯t mean you have to-¡± ¡°Lint Corporation textile branch supplies RRC so epting your offer just like that will only make me a traitor. Don¡¯t you think?¡± Ria shrugged. ¡°Okay. I understand.¡± Drake stood up. He walked closer to the desk, removed aplimentary card from his suit pocket and gave it to her. ¡°Call me whenever you have a change of mind or if your business partner agrees to let you partner with me.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Ria collected the card. ¡°Yeah. It was really nice to see you again. Goodbye.¡± Drake made his way towards the door and walked out of the office. Ria heaved a huge sigh of relief as if she has been holding her breathe all along. Chapter 82 Will you tell him everything? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE Ria heard a soft knock on the door again few seconds after Drake left the office. She could hardly believe it when Liza said Drake Robert was here to see her. She had wondered why he was around to see her. Ria still feels offended that when he stepped right into the office that pervert had stared at her; herchest and it wasn¡¯t as if it was too exposed. He looked fixedly like how he did at the business men and women¡¯s party. She felt ufortable at his intense gaze and she was forced to snap him out of the silly ideas forming in his head. Plus she had only managed to act calm around him. The knock sounded again snapping Ria out of thought. ¡°Please¡­e in.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise walked in with a concerned look on her face. ¡°Miss Ria, I saw this man in the hallway when I was about stepping out of the work room.¡± She saw Drake! ¡°That was Drake Robert.¡± Ria said.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Drake¡­ Robert?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise eyes widened in surprise and shock. ¡°Yes¡­ that¡¯s Frederick¡¯s son I told you about.¡± She reminded her. Ma¡¯am Elise shook her head in understanding. ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­ I know the one you met at the business men and women dinner party.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Why was he here?¡± She asked. ¡°To make a offer.¡± Ria exined Drake¡¯s reason for showing up out of the blues. She clicked on the miniptop on the desk and searched for Limos local fabric branch in Chicago. ¡°Miss Ria, I can¡¯t believe this is happening.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise came to her side. ¡°Same here, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± The search engine brought out images of Limos fabric branch in Chicago. ¡°So what did you tell him?¡± ¡°I told I was going to tell Ian about it.¡± Ria sighed. ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise was trying to say that what would Ria do if Ian wasn¡¯t in the picture. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I am not not sure. I only know this is a chance to get to Frederick but ma¡¯am Elise I don¡¯t want Ian to feel like I am starting to turn against him. I mean, I don¡¯t want him to feel like I want to betray him after everything he has done for me. And since Lint Corporation supplies RRC I don¡¯t need Limos Fabrics.¡± Ria rubbed her temples. ¡°So you are willing to put revenge aside and think of Mr Ian¡¯s feeling.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stiffed back a smile that almost yed on her lips. Ria looked up at her. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I don¡¯t want to hurt Ian in anyway and I have given up on revenge.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise eyes widened again. ¡°You don¡¯t want Frederick to pay for his crimes anymore?!¡± ¡°He will definitely pay for his crimes but I won¡¯t be the one to end his life. I want justice. I realized that revenge will get me into trouble like ending up in jail if I kill him with my own hands. I have too much to lose if I end his life myself.¡± She sighed. ¡°So does that means you will go by my suggestion of reinvestigation?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise ced her hand on Ria¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Yes. Ethan told me reinvestigation is the best option.¡± Ria replied. She already introduced Ethan to ma¡¯am Elise and ma¡¯am Loretta when he came around yesterday. Actually Ria wasn¡¯t able to tell her everything she had discussed with Ethan just that he knows everything about her past. ¡°And I also think you should still try to consider telling Mr Ian what Frederick Robert did to you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise suggested. ¡°Yes. Yes. You are right. But I am-¡± ¡°You are afraid that he would leave if he finds out what you used to be to Lucas right?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rubbed her back gently. I nodded slowly. ¡°Well have you thought of how Mr Ian would feel if he finds out from another source? Or if he knows that you opened up about your past to an old friend whom you just met.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise¡¯s was calm. Ria became silent. She is right. But at the same time Ian won¡¯t find out from another source except if ma¡¯am Elise or Ethan discloses her past to him. Ethan is on the search for a private investigator they can trust. And he mentioned that they need a strong connection with the police and also someone who has strong connection in the Judicial system. Ethan asked if Ian knew about anyone but Ria made it clear that she doesn¡¯t want him to know yet. Still, Ethan concluded that Ian was the best option. Ria is not ready to tell Ian about it or maybe she wants to but she is just scared. She told Ethan not mention it to him. Although she didn¡¯t tell Ethan that she was scared Ian would reject her if he finds out about her past. Ria would be the one to tell him when the timees. She concluded. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try telling him about it first and see if he will leave you. To be honest, Miss Ria, I don¡¯t think any man in his right senses will turn his back on you because of what you went through in the past. I mean, it wasn¡¯t your fault. You were a victim of circumstance. And I want you to stop seeing yourself as Lucas¡¯s sex pet because all that is gone. Please try to put your past behind you.¡± Ria touched ma¡¯am Elise hand which was on her shoulder. ¡°I am trying. Believe me, ma¡¯am Elise, I want to put everything behind me and forget it. I want to tell Ian everything but-¡± Her voice trailed off. ¡°Listen miss Ria, time waits for no one. And your excuses will not slow down time neither will your indecisions dy it. What I am trying to say is that, don¡¯t waste your time in anger, regrets, hate and worries because time will not turn back and cry with you.¡± Tears clouded Ria¡¯s vision. ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Miss Ria, it is time to let go of the past. I am not saying you shouldn¡¯t avenge your parents death. But all I am saying is that the time is now. The time to make the right decisions.¡± Tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°You are right.¡± Ria turned and wrapped her arms around ma¡¯am Elise waist. ¡°You are right. Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± She sniffed. ¡°So will you tell him everything?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Yes! It seems Ian is the only one that can help her now! Ria needs his connections to be able to put that monster in jail. And her mind will also be at rest if she tells Ian everything. But if after telling Ian and he rejects her then she would have to ept her fate again and probably move on. Ria doubted it; the moving on. The mere thought of Ian rejecting her and not seeing him ever again set tears in her eyes again. ¡°I will tell him. I only need to work up the courage to tell him¡­ everything.¡± She mumbled. Chapter 83 Possessive Ian Bryant CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT APARTMENT IN THE NIGHT Ian pulled up in front of the enormous steel gate but he didn¡¯t press the spare remote control in the car to open the gate. He saw no need to drive in since he would be leaving soon. He just came around to say good night. Ian got out of the car and punched in the password to open the small gate and it did. He motioned towards Ria¡¯s front door and pressed the door bell. He knows the password to her home but it is not polite to press on it and just go in like that. The door opened. Ria must have seen him from the inte device inside. She can see and tell whoever was out here. ¡°Ian.¡± Ria greeted with a smile although she wasn¡¯t expecting to see him tonight. She opened the door wide for him to step into the house. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would still drop by.¡± Ria was dressed in a blue silk robe with her hair sitting as a loosed bun on her head. ¡°Sorry¡­ I amte. I was busy at work. And I dropped by at the store before driving down here.¡± Ian was surprised to see that it was closed. The time was 9:00 p. m and RRC closes at 10:00 p. m. ¡°Ian, I had called to inform you that we would close early at the store today so you won¡¯t bother driving to the ce again but you weren¡¯t picking up your calls. So I figured you were busy at work.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Ria, I told you that I forgot my phone at home this morning because I was rushing off to get to the office for an emergency meeting.¡± Ian reminded. Ria ced her hand on her forehead. ¡°Oh Ian¡­ I totally forgot that you left your phone at your ce.¡± She leaned in closely. ¡°Okay. And I am sorry for not driving you home today. It must been stressful for you to take a taxi.¡± He apologized. ¡°It is okay. Actually Ethan was at the store when we were about to close so he drove me home.¡± Ian tensed up at her words. Now Ethan knows her home! ¡°What was he doing at the store? And why was he there with you?¡± Ian demanded. Ria raised an eyebrow. ¡°Nothing. He just dropped by to say hi and-¡± ¡°And so he drove you home.¡± Hepleted her intended statement. ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded. Did she invite him for a drink? He wondered. He doesn¡¯t like Ethan one bit. ¡°We need to talk, Ian.¡± Ria whispered. Talk? What does she want to talk about? His heartbeats rapidly. Perhaps did she want to say that she is in love with Ethan? Or she was in love with him and now she want to work on loving him again? Did Ethan confess to her?! Series of questions flooded his mind at the moment. No, it couldn¡¯t possibly be! Ria is not in love with Ethan; he is just an old friend. Ian stop over thinking! He cautioned himself. ¡°What is it?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Please take a seat while I get a drink for you.¡± Ria was almost leaving but he grabbed her upper arm and whirled her to face him. To hell with the drink! He was more concerned about what she has to say. ¡°I am fine.¡± He said. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ian shook his head. ¡°Yes. Ria, I am fine.¡± He settled on the couch with Ria sitting close to him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He grabbed her hands in hisrge ones and squeezed it gently. ¡°Today¡­ Drake Robert came to the store.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Ian jaw dropped slightly. ¡°Why was he at RRC? To buy a dress?¡± He questioned frantically. ¡°He came to see me.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Why?¡± Ria exined Drake¡¯s offer to him. ¡°Drake Robert had so much gut! He knows that mypany is partnering with you. He is fully aware that Lint Corporation textile branch supplies RRC but he still went ahead to try to make an offer to you!¡± Ian grimaced in anger that he was trying so hard to hide from Ria. And Ian doesn¡¯t think this is just making an offer of supplying at lower prices. This is unlike Drake. He has always wanted the best part of a deal! ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it. I am turning down his offer. I don¡¯t need hispany supplying me any materials.¡± Ria interlocked their hands. Ian shed back to the dinner party. He remembered how Drake had stared at Ria. He had sensed that Drake liked what he saw and he was swept off his feet by her beauty. And Drake even asked about Ria when she left. Ian knew that he didn¡¯t say much to him other than emphasizing that Ria was his date. He had stated it clearly so Drake won¡¯t get any idea in his silly head. Could it be that Drake felt something for Ria too? And so he wants to use this chance to get close to her. ¡°I don¡¯t trust Drake Robert. And I think he is up to something.¡± Ian said finally. ¡°You think so?¡± Ian nodded. ¡°Yes Ria. I feel Drake wants to get close to you.¡± And if that¡¯s the case then how many men does Ian have to deal with just to have Ria? First, Ethan was in the picture and now Drake who came all the way from Idaho just to make ame deal. Ria rubbed his hands gently. ¡°Ian.¡± She called. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll talk to him and find out what he want from you.¡± He looked straight at her. ¡°No. Ian, it is not about -¡± Ian cuts in sharply. ¡°We can¡¯t ignore him. And I don¡¯t want him around you.¡± He sounded possessive. ¡°Ian-¡± ¡°Or do you want to ept his offer?¡± He interrupted her again. ¡°No!¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll talk to him. Let me be the one to deal with him.¡± Ian grounded out. ¡°He left his card.¡± Ria muttered. ¡°Call him up tomorrow and tell him you are not interested.¡± Ian instructed. ¡°I don¡¯t have any ns to strike a deal with him.¡± Ria replied. Ian decided that he would have to call Drake Robert tonight! He studied Ria¡¯s expression and he noticed that it was as if she was working up courage to say what was on her mind. Ian let go of her hand. ¡°Are you okay?¡± His hand reached out to tilt her jaw to look straight at him. Ria avoided making an eye contact. ¡°Yes. Yes. I am.. am¡­ fine, Ian.¡± She stuttered. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ria hummed a response.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°All right. I have to leave now.¡± Ian stood up and Ria did the same too. ¡°I will give you a call when I get home. Bye.¡± He would have turned away from her but she called his name. ¡°Ian. Wait.¡± And Ria leaned forward silently and hugged him. ¡°Thank you.¡± She said. The wordsing out in a tight whisper. Ian pulled her in closely and simply held her tightly. She was trembling and then he knew something was wrong! Ian closed his eyes tightly as he couldn¡¯t figure out what it was! Or maybe she just wanted to thank him for everything. He mused. Seeing her like this brought an ache to his soul but he was enduring it. Ria took in a ragged breathe. ¡°I mean it. Thank you, Ian.¡± And Ian wanted nothing more than to take away her pain. Her chin rested on bis chest. They were holding each other, and in that moment it was enough to just connect, to hold each other and be there for each other. Ian didn¡¯t know how long they stayed just hugging before he held her back with his hands on her shoulders. ¡°You look perturbed. Is everything fine?¡± His hands lifted to frame her face as he noticed the way she swallowed hard to be able to speak again. ¡°Ian, I am fine.¡± She answered. Ian nced at her lips before their gazes met again. God! This woman was driving him crazy. And he knew he had to leave before he does something they would both regret tomorrow. ¡°Let us talk tomorrow.¡± Ian murmured. Ria shook her head in agreement. ¡°Good night.¡± She whispered. Ian leaned in and ced a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Sleep well.¡± He added. Ian went out, closing the door quietly behind him. He kept thinking. And those thoughts went in confusing circles. Ria walked off quickly back to her room and searched for her phone. When she found it on the dressing table, she dialed ma¡¯am Elise number who picked on the second ring. ¡®Hello¡¯ ¡®Miss Ria.¡¯ ¡®Ma¡¯am Elise.¡¯ Ria stiffed back tears. ¡®Ian just left a while ago but I wasn¡¯t¡­ able to tell¡­ him about it.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise sighed. ¡®It is okay. I am sure with time you will be able to tell him everything.¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t think so, Maam Elise.¡¯ ¡®Why?¡¯ ¡®I was so scared!¡¯ Ria admitted. Her world was upside down. Ria had only managed to survive the tightness in her throat when she was about telling him the truth. She had imagined Ian¡¯s expressions after she told him she was Lucas¡¯s sex pet. He got mad at her and left saying that she didn¡¯t deserve to be with him. It was an imagination but it had looked real. If though she had imagined it, she doesn¡¯t deserve a man like Ian Bryant. ¡®Do you remember when I said you deserve the best?¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise asked as if she had read her thoughts. ¡°Yes.¡¯ ¡®It might be hard but I am sure Mr Ian will understand too.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise said. Ria sniffled. ¡®Ma¡¯am Elise, can¡¯t you tell him about it for me?¡¯ ¡®No. If it was the best option I would have told him a long time ago. But mr Ian will understand better if it ising from you.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise responded. ¡®Okay. You are right.¡¯ Ria muttered. ¡®Don¡¯t worry too much. For now just build up the courage to say the right words to him.¡¯ ¡®Thank you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡¯ Ria murmured. ¡®So did you tell him about Drake Robert?¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡®Yes. Ian thinks Drake has something up his sleeve too. He was angry. But we concluded that he would talk to Drake Robert.¡¯ Ria answered. ¡®That means Mr Ian doesn¡¯t want you to partner with Drake Robert.¡¯ ¡°Yes. So I will call Drake tomorrow and turn down his offer.¡¯ ¡®Okay. See you tomorrow.¡¯ Ma¡¯am Elise yawned loudly. ¡®I am sorry for disturbing your sleep. Please have a good night rest.¡¯ Ria apologized. ¡®No. It is alright.¡¯ The line dropped. Ria has to figure out what to do and how to say what she had to say. She got into bed and turned out the bed sidemp. Chapter 84 Jealous Ian Bryant CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT IAN BRYANT MANSION Ian went in search of his phone immediately he walked into the room. He found it under the pillow. There was fifteen missed calls from Ria, his mom, and two elder sister plus two messages from Ria. She had sent the first message around 7:30 p. m. ¡®Hi Ian, why aren¡¯t you picking up your calls? You are busy at the office right? I will be closing early at the store today and Ethan offered to drive me home so you don¡¯t have toe to the store. And I will understand if you decide to head straight home from work. Take care!¡¯ Oh! She had informed him that Ethan would drive her home. Ian clicked on the second message that came in about ten minutes ago. ¡®Are you home now?¡¯ ¡®Yes.¡¯ He replied. The cellphone buzzed again. Ria is still awake. ¡®Okay.¡¯ She typed. ¡®Still up?¡¯ ¡®Yes, I wanted to be sure if you have gotten home before going to bed.¡¯ ¡®I just came in not quite long. Thanks for waiting! And I saw the message you sent around 7:30 pm and the missed calls too.¡¯ ¡®All right. Have a good rest, Ian. See you tomorrow.¡¯ She added a drowsy emoji. ¡®Yeah. Bye.¡¯ Ian replied and no message came in from Ria again. Ian dialed Ramsey¡¯s number but he didn¡¯t pick up. He needed Ramsey to forward Drake Robert¡¯s number to him. His personal assistant had left the office by 6:00 p. m even before Ian finished his task around 8:30 p. m. Ian tried it again and luckily Ramsey picked on the third ring. ¡®Hello.¡¯ ¡®Hello.¡¯ He yawned out loud. ¡®Ramsey, I apologize for calling at this time of-¡® ¡®Oh! Mr Ian!¡¯ This time Ramsey¡¯s voice was clear. He didn¡¯t check the caller¡¯s identity before picking up the call. ¡®No sir. No sir. Thanks for calling. You don¡¯t need to apologize. I wasn¡¯t sleeping.¡¯ Ramsey bbed. Ian sighed. ¡®Rx Ramsey, I¡¯ll-¡® ¡®I am calm. What do yo need sir?¡¯ ¡®Did you go home with Lint tablet?¡¯ Ian asked. ¡®Yes sir.¡¯ ¡®Good. I need Drake Robert contact.¡¯ Lint Corporation tablet contains all of Ian¡¯s schedules, meetings, contacts of business associates and some other things rted to the corporation. ¡®Yes, it is on the tablet.¡¯ Ramsey replied. ¡®Forward it to me.¡¯ ¡®Okay sir. I will do that now. And any thing else?¡¯ Ian was silent. Then he recalled Ethan drove Ria home today. ¡®Call Ryan, tell him to hire a new driver for Ria.¡¯ Ian instructed. He doesn¡¯t want Ethan driving Ria in his car. The new driver would drive her anytime he is busy at work. ¡®Tell him to get a driver as soon as possible. That¡¯s all for now.¡¯ He added quickly. ¡®Okay sir.¡¯ Ian disconnected his call. The cellphone buzzed almost immediately. Ramsey sending Drake Robert¡¯s number disyed on the screen. He walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower. He wore his pajamas and settled on the bed. He copied the number and pasted it to the call log. ¡®Hello.¡¯ Drake said clearly on the phone.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡®This is Ian Bryant.¡¯ ¡®Oh! Ian Bryant! Wow! I knew you were going to call me as soon as Ria told you I dropped by at her store.¡¯ It happened as he had predicted. Ian clenched his free hand and balled it into a fist. ¡®What do you want from Ria?¡¯ Drake chuckled. ¡®Nothing much. I just want to be her business partner. What do you think?¡¯ Jealousy reced Ian¡¯s anger at the moment. There was more to Drake Robert wanting to be Ria¡¯s business partner. He thought. ¡®Just¡­ a business partner?¡¯ He frowned deeply. ¡®Yes. Business partners. Or what are you thinking?¡¯ Ian didn¡¯t responded. ¡®Oh!¡¯ The single word was followed by a deepughter from Drake which annoyed Ian even more. ¡®Ian, you are still thinking that I am going to steal your date. Well, I must admit that Ria Robert is a beautiful woman and I get ideas in my head each time I set my eyes on her. Take for an instance, today when I met her it was hard for me to think clearly because it seemed like her beauty was casting a spell on me.¡¯ ¡®So you are in Chicago because of Ria?¡¯ ¡®Isn¡¯t that obvious? The truth is I am drawn to that woman. No. I like Ria Robert.¡¯ Drake confessed. His words echoed in Ian¡¯s head; I like Ria Robert. Ian fought the urge to throw the phone across the room. He knew it! That cunning son of a bitch wanted to get close to Ria because he liked her. He had sensed it that Drake felt something for Ria! He wanted to use this offer to win her heart. But Ian can¡¯t let Drake win Ria¡¯s heart! Even though Ria had decided that she won¡¯t strike a deal with Drake, he still can¡¯t sit back and ept things this way. A man like Drake Robert would do all it takes to make Ria ept his offer and also win her heart in the process! ¡°I can¡¯t let it happen!¡± Ian said to himself. ¡®You don¡¯t need to think too much. I mean, you can stop me from getting close to your date.¡¯ Drake emphasized the word date. Ian hated to bargain with a cunning man like Drake Robert. ¡®What do you want?¡¯ Ian rubbed his forehead. ¡®Ian Bryant, agree to my percentage of deal and I will stay away from Ria Robert.¡± Drake stated confidently. ¡®No.¡¯ Drake declined. ¡®No?¡¯ Drake was shocked by the sudden response. ¡®You are offering too low in this deal. Drake Robert, forty percent and I will agree to sign that deal.¡¯ ¡®No, let us make it thirty five percent.¡¯ Drake bargained. ¡®Thirty eight percent or no deal at all.¡¯ Ian countered. ¡±Thirty seven.¡¯ Drake said after some seconds of silence. Ian was silent. If drake wants thirty seven percent then it is fine by him as long as he doesn¡¯te near Ria again. ¡°All right. Thirty seven percent and you will never go near Ria Robert or try to make any deal with her. Is that a deal?¡¯ Ian stated clearly. ¡®Ian Bryant, it will be deal when you sign the documents.¡¯ Drake responded. ¡®Bring it to my office tomorrow.¡¯ ¡®What time?¡¯ Drake asked. ¡®8:30 a. m.¡¯ Ian answered. ¡®8:30 a. m. I will be there. But the deal to not meet Ria Robert will get canceled if I don¡¯t see you by that time.¡¯ Drake threatened. ¡®I will instruct my personal assistant about our appointment. So I will be expecting you.¡± Ian gritted. ¡®Good.¡¯ Drake disconnected the call. Ian seethed his teeth in anger. He swore that if Drake Robert ever gets close to Ria after he signed the deal then he would teach him a great lesson. Chapter 85 Don of the prison IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN CELL SEVENTY A warder came to the cell and gestured to man called Scorpion. He had a scary looking scar that ran across his face. He moved closer to the gate at the call of the warder. ¡°How is it?¡± The warder whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have a perfect n man. But I just need the money to settle my boys.¡± Scorpion replied in a deep tone. The warder gave him a brown envelope. Scorpion smiled at the bulkiness of the envelope and his smile grew broader when he looked into it. ¡°The boss wants you to do a perfect job and no mistake.¡± The warder warned him. ¡°He will be dead by noon.¡± Scorpion smirked. ¡°Good.¡± The warder was about leaving but scorpion whistled and he turned back at him. ¡°You haven¡¯t told me who the boss is. I¡¯ll like to get to know him.¡± The warder frowned deeply. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know him. Scorpion, all you need to do is just get the job done.¡± He replied in a harsh tone. ¡°Okay.¡± Scorpion said with a deep frown on his expression too. The warder walked away. ¡°Did he disclosed it?¡± An inmate asked. ¡°No, the so called boss is hidden.¡± Scorpion threw the envelope to another inmate. ¡°Someone else ising keep it safe!¡± He ordered when he heard footsteps approaching. In a quick movement, the inmate kept it in a box under the bed. Another warder showed up at the entrance and opened the steel gate. The bell in the hallways jangled signifying that it was time to y out in the open field. Scorpion winked at his men and they all filed out of the cell. IN THE OPEN FIELD Scorpion eyes searched the basketball court in the field hoping to find his target but he wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Where is he?¡± He asked his men. ¡°Look! That¡¯s him over there! He ising.¡± One of them pointed to a direction. Speedy wasughing with his men. Scorpion was known to be the terror of Idaho prison. He is deadly and ruthless. History has it that he once worked with a mafia boss who got killed by a rival but he was framed for the death of his boss. Scorpion was feared by all the inmates except Speedy who once challenged him in a fight and he won. After the fight, Speedy took away Scorpion¡¯s title as Don of the Prison. Scorpion¡¯s deep hatred for Speedy made him agree to the warder¡¯s offer to kill speedy. He was desperate to be the Don of the prison again and make the inmates fear him and bow to him again. ¡°Now let us end this son of a bitch!¡± Scorpion muttered to his men. ¡°Yes boss.¡± They chorused. Scorpion spat to the ground and thought of what to do to attract Speedy¡¯s attention as he was now talking to some other inmates. He sighted an old man sitting alone on a bench. ¡°Come with me.¡± Scorpion instructed his goons. They got to the old man and Scorpion ordered one of his men to hit him and he did. The man groaned in pains. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± He cried out. Scorpio nodded at his goons and they started throwing punches at the old man. He tried to dodge the blows but he was too weak. His loud cries attracted Speedy¡¯s attention and he watched scorpion¡¯s men beating up an old mam.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Anger and fury surged through him and he called at his men too and immediately they followed him. ¡°Let the man go!¡± Speedy snarled. Scorpion turned to look at him. His n to lure Speedy to him had worked out fine. ¡°This is none of your business! Stay out of it!¡± He snarled back. Speedy stepped closer, standing face to face with his rival. ¡°And don¡¯t you ever get tired of bullying other inmates? You are an asshole, Scorpion!¡± Everything changed the moment he said those words to him. Scorpion¡¯s eyes glowed crimson and in no time his fist collided with Speedy¡¯s jaw and a fight broke out between the gangs. Some inmates around watched but couldn¡¯t get closer to them until they heard Speedy loud cry amidst the chaos. He slowly dropped to the ground and they all ran helter skelter when they saw blood and heard the sounds of whistles in the air. Scorpion and his men ran away too and some of Speedy¡¯s men. ¡°Speedy! Holy shit! Hang on.¡± His friend Matthew begged him. He ced his hands on Speedy stomach to stop the flow of blood. Scorpion had stabbed Speedy with a dagger pushing it too deep into his stomach at the slightest chance he got when Speedy was about to take a blow for his friend. ¡°Call the medical team!¡± Matthew yelled at the warders. Some of them stood wondering how Speedy got stabbed when weapons wasn¡¯t allowed in cells. Matthew helped Speedy up gently when the medical team came around to take him to the infirmary in the institution. Chapter 86 Is it love or mere attraction? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE ¡°You called for me miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said when she walked into the office. ¡°Yes, I called for you, ma¡¯am Elise.¡± Ria stood up from the swivel chair and went to the couch. ¡°Please sit down.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise settled on the couch adjacent to the one Ria sat on. Ria took the first easy breathe she could manage.¡±Are you okay?¡± She asked. ¡°I failed again. I didn¡¯t tell Ian when he dropped by this morning. He was just so concerned about Drake Robert.¡± Ria answered. Ma¡¯am Elise stood up and went to her. ¡°Miss Ria, just rx and don¡¯t push it too hard. You can tell him anytime you are fully ready to face him.¡± She squeezed Ria¡¯s hands gently. Ria nodded in understanding as she breathed out heavily. ¡°And is that the only reason why you called me?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°No.¡± ¡°So tell me what¡¯s on your mind? Remember I am always ready to listen to you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise smiled. ¡°Okay. I want us to talk about some things that has been bothering me for days now.¡± Ria said. ¡°Alright. Please tell me about it.¡± ¡°Cassidy added to a group for singledies and they have been talking about¡­ Love.¡± Ria paused to study ma¡¯am Elise Elise expression. She was attentive. ¡°The thing is I couldn¡¯t contribute much because I really don¡¯t understand it. And ady actually asked if we all believed in love at first sight? And you know -¡± Ma¡¯am Elise interrupted her. ¡°I know you don¡¯t believe in love let alone love at first sight.¡± Ria shook her head ¡°Yeah. You are right. But I think everything has changed now. To be honest, ma¡¯am Elise, I feel like I am different now.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise already knew where Ria was driving at in the conversation. Ria Robert feels something for Ian Bryant but she can¡¯t tell if she is deeply in love with him. ¡°Listen miss Ria, I must tell you love at first sight happens.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Okay. But what about loving someone? How can you tell if what you feel is love or mere attraction?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Can I ask you question?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked too. Ria nodded. ¡°Do you like Ethan? I mean, did you like him when you were in Idaho?¡± She demanded. Ria doesn¡¯t know why ma¡¯am Elise asked if she liked Ethan. Ria tried to think back to when she and Ethan were in Idaho. ¡°I liked him¡­ I like him but the feelings was kind of mutual because he was around every day. I mean, Ethan is really great, nice and ambitious. But-¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t love him though or do you?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked again to be sure. Ria was silent. She wasn¡¯t sure if what she felt back then in Idaho was love. ¡°I told you¡­ that I liked him back then but it was mutual.¡± Ria replied finally. ¡°So what about now?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise questioned. Ria was confused. Meeting Ethan again made her happy and she prayed not to lose him again but at the same time the feeling was just an excitement from seeing again after all these years. ¡°I consider him a friend¡­ and the big brother I never had.¡± Ria responded. ¡°I see.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise mouthed. ¡°You see what?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise shook her head. ¡°You would know if you are in love. Trust me, you won¡¯t be able to think of anyone else. You wouldn¡¯t want to be with anyone else.¡± She smiled slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you are feeling but one thing most people won¡¯t tell you, being in love is the most ufortable condition in this life. You will always feel nervous. You feel crazy. You feel off bnce and you will always be on edge but at the same time you don¡¯t want it to end.¡± Ria arched her eyebrows. ¡°Well that really sounds like a condition and.. not love.¡± She stuttered. ¡°I guess it is. But when it happened to me and Leo, I didn¡¯t care. Do you feel that way whenever Ethan is around you?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked with a grin. She didn¡¯t want to ask Ria any direct question that would lead to Ian Bryant. But she knew Ria was in love with Ian. And that she needed someone to tell her about love and break down the conditions of love to her. Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No.¡± She replied. And just like what ma¡¯am Elise just said; nervous, edgy, crazy and off bnce? That certainly described the way she felt around Ian Bryant. She thought. ¡°I think I feel that way around -¡± A beeping sound interrupted Ria this time before she could finish her statement. She stood up quickly and went to her desk. It was a message from Ethan! ¡®I found a detective and he wants to see you.¡¯ ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, Ethan found a detective that will work on the case!¡± Ria announced. ¡°Oh really?! That¡¯s good! Please call him up and ask for more details.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise rushed out her words. Ria dialed Ethan¡¯s number and he picked up immediately. ¡®Hello Ethan. I got your text.¡¯ ¡®Ria, are you busy right now?¡¯ ¡®No. Where are you?¡¯ ¡®I am with the detective. Actually, he is a friend of mine.¡¯ Ethan replied. ¡®Alright. Send me the address so I can meet up with you.¡¯ ¡®Okay. But can¡¯t I bring him to your store?¡¯ Ethan asked. ¡®No¡­ no Ethan I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea. Please just send me the address.¡¯ ¡®Okay. I will send it as soon as I drop this call.¡¯ Ria hummed a response before the line got disconnected. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, I have to meet up with Ethan.¡± Her phone buzzed again. ¡°Alright. No problem. We will talkter. Please go ahead and meet up with him.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise stood up from the couch and exited the office with Ria. ****************** IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT IDAHO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION Speedy opened his eyes slowly. The beeping sound of the machine woke him up. He looked around and realized that he was in the infirmary. He coughed and Matthew went to him immediately. He is alive! A smile formed on Matthew¡¯s face as speedy stared at him weakly. The pains in his stomach was unbearable. ¡°You made it man!¡± He eximed. ¡°Guess so.¡± Speedy mouthed. ¡°Scorpion stabbed you.¡± Matthew gritted. ¡°Yes I know. Where is he?¡± Speedy asked in a low tone. ¡°He is in the dungeon with his men.¡± Matthew answered. ¡°Come closer, Matthew.¡± Speedy said in a tight whisper. He waved his hand slowly and gestured to Matthew to bring his ear closer to his mouth. ¡°Someone¡­ want me¡­ dead.¡± He said. Matthew tensed up. ¡°Who? Scorpion?¡± ¡°No. It¡­ is¡­ Frederick Robert.¡± His words were slow. ¡°That same old man!¡± Matthew was surprised but he stayed still just to listen to his friend¡¯s words. ¡°Yes. And I am sure he won¡¯t stop until he sees me dead.¡± ¡°But why?¡± ¡°It is a long story that I can¡¯t tell now¡­ and it is quite possible that I won¡¯t be able to tell you anytime soon.¡± Speedy groaned in pain as he shifted slightly. ¡°So I need your help.¡± He muttered. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I know you will regain your freedom very soon. So I need you to help me find someone as soon as you get out of here.¡± Then Speedy said the words to Matthew. How to find the person and what to give to person when the timees. Matthew leaned up and stared down at him with a shocking look on his face. ¡°Promise me that you will help me. This is very important.¡± Speedy held Mathew¡¯s hands. ¡°I promise.¡± Matthew replied. The door opened and Matthew cleared his throat. ¡°I am happy to see you alive, brother man.¡± He feigned a chuckle. A nurse and a warder stood at the entrance. ¡°Mr Kelly, it is time for your medication.¡± The nurse announced. ¡°What medication?¡± Matthew asked with a raised eyebrows. ¡°Hey, you have to return to your cell now.¡± The warder said to Matthew.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. Matthew looked Dow at his friend. Speedy threw him a salute with a small smile on his face while Matthew replied with a short nod of his head before walking away with warder. ¡°Mr Kelly, how are you feeling?¡± The nurse asked as she prepare a needle and syringe. Speedy cringed when he saw the expression on the nurse face. ¡°I will be perfectly fine if you inject me and leave. That way I can have a good rest.¡± It was pointless trying to fight the female nurse from injecting him. He needed the peace of mind after all these years ofmitting so many attributes in the state. He closed his eyes when the needle prated his skin. ¡°Frederick Robert sent you right?¡± Her eyes widened in shock but she tried to hide it. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ what you are talking¡­ about.¡± She replied shakily. He chuckled softly. ¡°Tell him I wasn¡¯t afraid to die. I am not coward like him¡­ and tell him that I sent my greetings too. Let him know that soon-¡± Speedy¡¯s words trailed off when he felt a sharp pinch in his side. The nurse hurried out of the room. ¡°Soon. Soon Frederick.¡± He felt another pinch in his heart. This time the pain was horrid and his breathe cut. Darkness came over him. Chapter 87 The Right Guy CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ¡°Ria, meet Chad Efron the detective I told you about.¡± Ethan introduced. Detective Chad Efron is brown haired man. His hair was cut in a sassy style and a big chain dangling on his neck. Ria thought that this man really looked too stylish to be a detective. And not only that, she was meeting a detective in a bar and he was even the bar tender. So bar tenders wear chains at work? Everything looked awkward. What¡¯s going on? She mused. ¡°Nice to meet you-¡± He paused and stretch out his hand. ¡°Ria Robert. And it is also nice to meet you.¡± Ria shook hands with him before she gave Ethan a confused look. ¡°Oh well¡­¡± Detective Chad leaned on the countertop. ¡°You must be wondering why I am dressed this way even as a detective. I am on a mission.¡± He whispered. ¡°Oh.¡± Ria mouthed. No wonder! She rxed and shook her head in understanding. ¡°Private mission anyways. Some thugs around here won¡¯t let the customersing in to enjoy their drinks¡­ and sometimes they go as far as harassing thedies too.¡± Detective Chad exined the mission. ¡°So the owner of the store hired you to catch them?¡± Ria asked in a low tone too. Detective Chad nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± He dropped a ss on the countertop and poured a drink for Ethan. ¡°Want some too?¡± He asked Ria. ¡°No. No. I am fine. Thank you.¡± Ria responded. ¡°Alright. Let us talk about your case.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°It is about my parents.¡± Ria looked straight at him. ¡°Yeah. Ethan told me everything.¡± Detective Chad started drawing circles with his finger on the countertop. ¡°There is a killer present in Idaho. The one who ordered the killings of your parents and he is your uncle.¡± His eyes moved in their socket as they survey the bar room. ¡°You are right. He is my dad¡¯s brother.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Blood brothers?¡± Detective Chad asked. ¡°Not really. Step brothers actually.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Have you met him?¡± He asked again. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t met him. But I have met his only son.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Perhaps do you know if his son is aware that his father killed your parents?¡± ¡°I doubt. I mean, it is obvious he doesn¡¯t know anything. He doesn¡¯t know we are rted. And he even offered to supply my store with necessary materials to make dresses. I mean, like a deal.¡± Ria answered. ¡°I feel he won¡¯t have done that if he was aware that his father murdered my parents.¡± Ethan added. ¡°What if his dad had sent him?¡± Detective Chad reasoned. ¡°Well I don¡¯t know if Frederick is aware that I am still alive.¡± Ria mumbled. Detective Chad shook his head. ¡°Let us think about it this way, what if Frederick has seen you on television or news through one of your interviews done during theunching of your store?¡± Ria exchanged nces with Ethan. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know what to think at this moment. Frederick doesn¡¯t know me. I mean, I am not sure he met me when I was still with my parents.¡± Ria was sure that they haven¡¯t met and Frederick never came to their house in Idaho. ¡°Good. What if he senses some resemnce to your parents? Maybe your dad or mom?¡± Detective Chad asked. ¡°She looks more like her mom. I was able to recognize her too because her mom¡¯s face is engraved in my mind¡¯s eye.¡± Ethan said. Ria was silent. Could it be that Frederick now knows that she is alive? She bantered within. ¡°Have you noticed anyone following you around?¡± Detective Chad smacked his lips. ¡°No.¡± Ria cringed at the thought of it. ¡°At your store? Like someoneing to act like a customer under disguise.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°My workers would have informed me if there was such -¡± Detective Chad interrupted her. ¡°What I am trying to say is that¡­ there is a possibility that Frederick is aware that you are alive.¡± Ria heart beats rapidly at the thought that Frederick mighte after her again. ¡°Don¡¯t panic.¡± Ethan reached out to hold her shaky hands on herps when he noticed it. ¡°I will be traveling down to Idaho to gather some information and for now we have to work undercover.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°What do you need?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned about what I need. It should be what kind of people we will be needing to put Frederick Robert behind bars. We need¡­¡± He paused as his keen eyes looked around the room. And he continued after some seconds. ¡°An attorney and someone who was involved in the case eight years ago.¡± Hepleted. ¡°Getting an attorney isn¡¯t a problem but -¡± ¡°A detective.¡± Detective Chad cuts in. ¡°I mean, the detective that was in charge of the case and a good attorney who will file in for reinvestigation while I work in Idaho.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the detective who was in charge of my parents case.¡± Ria looked at Ethan. ¡°Ethan, can I get his information?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ But I don¡¯t know if he still lives in Idaho.¡± Ethan replied. ¡°I will find him. I have a few connections in Idaho that can help us.¡± Detective Chad passed a small notepad to Ethan. ¡°And the name of that witness.¡± Detective Chad added. ¡°Okay.¡± Ethan jolted the names down in the notepad and gave it back to him. ¡°Do you know if any of MML gang survived?¡± Chad asked again. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about what happened after thest operation.¡± Tears clouded her vision. Detective Chad stared at her. ¡°Tell me the names you can remember.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°One of them might be alive¡­ probably in jail or confined in a mental home.¡± Detective Chad answered. ¡°I only know that three members died in thest operation.¡± Detective Chad passed the notepad to her. ¡°Write down their names and anything you know about the gang.¡± Ria doubted it if anyone of the MML Gang was still alive. Lucas and two others died, probably Speedy or Kelly. She doesn¡¯t know. But she wrote down the names of the MML Gang. Five in number. A notorious gang of five. ¡°I will call you anytime I need any information.¡± Detective Chad took the notepad and slipped it back in his pocket. Ethan stood up and he helped Ria down from the high stool. ¡°Thank you very much, Chad.¡± ¡°Anytime.¡± Detective Chad waved them goodbye. Then Ethan and Ria walked out of the building. ¡°We didn¡¯t discuss the payment.¡± Ria said to Ethan when he drove out of the driveway to the road. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the payment, I will handle it.¡± Ethan replied. ¡°What about his feeding, flight to Idaho and amodation and-¡± ¡°Rx Ria, everything has been taken care of by me. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Ethan interrupted her. ¡°How much? Ethan, I don¡¯t want-¡± ¡°Let me be the one to worry about the expenses this time.¡± Ethan cuts in sharply. Ria phone beeped. It was Ian but she didn¡¯t make an attempt to pick the call. ¡°Won¡¯t you pick up your call?¡± ¡°It is Ian.¡± Ria rubbed her forehead. She doesn¡¯t want to lie to Ian about her whereabouts. And at the same time, she knows Ian won¡¯t be happy if she tells him that she is with Ethan. It is so obvious that Ian doesn¡¯t like Ethan. Ria has noticed that Ian gets mad each time she tells him Ethan dropped by at the store to see her. The phone stopped ringing the second time. Things would have been different if Ian knew about her past. ¡°Is he threatening you in some way?¡± Ethan asked Ria looked at him immediately. ¡°No. And why do you think Ian would do such a thing to me?¡± Ethan stole a nce at her. ¡°He seems very odd to me. I mean, like Ian doesn¡¯t want me around you. And for you, I also noticed that you don¡¯t want me to be at the store whenever Ian is around too.¡± He answered. ¡°You are mistaken, Ethan.¡± Ria mumbled. Maybe he is right! ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°Is Ian your boyfriend?¡± ¡°No. Not yet.¡± Ria muttered. ¡°Not yet?¡± Ethan figured there might be a possibility that Ria wanted a rtionship with Ian but her past was holding her back. ¡°Well Ria, I understand that you are still trying to get over what Lucas did to you. But what if the right guy came along would you let him into your life? Like will you let yourself love him?¡± Is Ria mistaken or was there a note of jealousy in his tone? ¡°Yes.¡± She answered honestly. ¡°If the right guy came along, I will let myself love him.¡± Riapleted. ¡°So what would make him the right guy?¡± Ethan asked. Ria thought about her right guy and the image of Ian came to her mind¡¯s eye. ¡°He would have to be down to earth, considerate, kind, level headed, ethical, honest, fun to be with, unselfish andpassionate.¡± She stated. ¡°That¡¯s sounds perfect to me.¡± Ethan chuckled lightly. ¡°Not really.¡± ¡°So if you find mr perfect perfect, you would definitely marry him?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes. I would consider letting him into my life.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Well¡­ it is good to hear that from you after everything Lucas did to you. At least you have a picture of a man in your heart.¡± Ethan heaved a low sigh. Ian made Ria change her mind. He changed her perspective about men. He was able to make her ept that all men are different. Ian Bryant¡¯s nice and kind nature towards Ria made her change her perspective about men. And along the line, she has realized that she doesn¡¯t tremble anymore around men. Ria wondered if she would have epted Ethan again if it was during that time she was terrified of being touched by a man. ******************* AT LINT CORPORATIONContent ? N?velDrama.Org. Drake made it to Lint Corporation before 8:30 p. m and Ian signed the deal. He was extremely happy that Ian signed the deal. But Drake was taken aback when Ian asked him to sign a promissory note. The note entailed that he would never go near Ria or even try to make a deal with her. He was taken aback when Ian insisted that he should sign the note. It wasn¡¯t hard for Drake to figure that Ian meant business and he was being too possessive of Ria Robert. Drake could tell that Ian was deeply in love with Ria Robert. For Ian Bryant to let go of a certain percentage in the deal just to make him stay away from Ria. In the end, Drake signed it. There was no need to be around Ria Robert since Ian was deeply involved with her and he also got the deal signed. And Drake wasn¡¯t ready to lose his business partner because of a woman. ¡°Come in.¡± Ian said when he heard a knock on his door. Ramsey walked in. ¡°Excuse me sir, a file was sent to you.¡± ¡°Check it.¡± Ian said without looking up at his personal assistant. ¡°It is from an unknown source. And it says that you should be the one to check it. It was sent personally to you.¡± Ramseypleted. ¡°Not business?¡± Ian asked. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look business like.¡± Ramsey replied. ¡°Let me have it.¡± Ian said. Ramsey handed him the tablet. ¡°You can go.¡± Ian said to Ramsey. ¡°Okay sir.¡± Ramsey bowed a bit before exiting the office. Ian clicked and opened the folder. And it wasn¡¯t what he expected it to be. ¡°What the hell?!¡± He said in tight whisper after checking out the file. Bile welled up in his throat. All the excitement he had felt after Drake signed the promissory note was all gone as if it had never been. He tossed the tablet on his desk, his pain so acute and he was afraid he could stop breathing soon. But he only kept on breathing. Ian took the tablet and transferred the file to his phone. He got out of the chair and rushed out of the office. He called to Ramsey that he was heading out. Then he headed out towards his car gripping the keys tightly that they almost cut into his palms. He drove out of the garage and hit the main road. It shocked him to know that it was all a lie! She was a lie! And even though he had never had her, his anger at what she hid from him stirred deeply. Keeping it to herself was uneptable. He gripped the steering tightly when he called her number and she didn¡¯t pick up. He has been trying to call her before now but she didn¡¯t answer his calls. It made him furious. Chapter 88 Her greatest fears CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE Ian waited patiently for Ria¡¯s return. She wasn¡¯t at the store when he came in and ma¡¯am Elise said she went out with Ethan and that made him even angrier. Ian was quick to conclude that Ria didn¡¯t pick up his calls because she was with Ethan. After a few minutes of pacing, Ian saw Ria walking into the store with Ethan behind her and despite everything, the worry, the anger, the betrayal just the sight of her created an ache in him. When Ria saw the look on his face, the smile on her face disappeared in an instant. Ian was sure that she wasn¡¯t expecting him to be here at this time. Without wasting time, Ian went to her without a word and caught her by her upper arm before she could think of what to say or do. Ian pulled her behind him but she didn¡¯t move that much. He looked at Ria and saw that Ethan was also holding her free wrist. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t -¡± ¡°Stay out of this!¡± Ian cut him off of his intended statement. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ethan.¡± Ria muttered and he let go immediately. Everyone stared at her as Ian dragged her along. ¡°Ian. What¡¯s wrong? Wait¡­ up-¡± Ian pulled Ria along into her office and closed the door behind them. He let her go and she looked up stunned at the change in the face of the man who has always being nice to her. Now Ian¡¯s eyes were cold and his expression was so tight. He could hear her breathing. He didn¡¯t want to hurt her so he pulled his hands back and pushed them into his pockets.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°We are going to talk right now. Right here.¡± Ian said. His voice barely above a whisper, low and rough. ¡°And I want to know who else knows about what we are to discuss. I want the truth. Nothing but the truth. Agreed?¡± Ria didn¡¯t even know what she was agreeing too but she nodded her head. ¡°Yes. Alright. Okay.¡± She stuttered. Ria would have reached out to make a contact with Ian but his words stopped her. ¡°Now tell me whatever it is you have been hiding from me.¡± ¡°What?¡± Her forehead creased. Ian already knew she won¡¯t open to him and he has had enough of it! He has waited long enough for Ria to loosen up with him and speak up about her past. But if she wasn¡¯t ready to tell him everything then he would dly help her out. ¡°Ian, I don¡¯t understand what you are trying to say.¡± Ian brought out his phone. ¡°Come on, tell me what¡¯s-¡± He silenced her with a finger pressed to his lips. And yed the file that was sent to him. It was a recording! The deep voice began. ¡°Good day, Mr Ian Bryant. I am sending this recording to share a few things I know about a woman named Ria Robert. I know you are pretty close to her but she is worth nothing at all. Why are you wasting your time helping an opportunist like her? Well I don¡¯t me you because it seems that you don¡¯t know who she really is. I mean her true colors. I will tell you who she is now so you will stay away from her or else you might end up losing everything you have; yourpany, your family and everything you worked for all your life. Ria Robert is capable of destroying you. She was the blind girl I used to know in Idaho when she was sixteen. Everyone knew Ria Robert the extraordinary blind girl. Smart, dangerous and very desperate to see the world like everyone else. Well her parents were quite desperate too, her father was a greedy and selfish man that wanted everything for himself. Her mother was the famous prostitute in town and her husband didn¡¯t mind as long as she brings money home for him to spend on booze. He borrowed lot of money from a loan shark and couldn¡¯t pay back so he had his daughter sleep with many men just to get the money. As if that wasn¡¯t enough, Ria worked for a criminal, a notorious criminal named Lucas. He is the gang leader of money make life gang. A gang of five. Her father sold her to Lucas and she became his personal sex toy. You know what it is to be a sex pet right? How did her father seeded in selling her out? Lucas offered to pay off his debt and also foot her eye surgical bills. She pleasured him despite her defect. She was with the notorious assassin for months as a sex toy. She even told Lucas to end the lives of her parents because she loathed them. Very terrible! That¡¯s not all. Ria had a baby for Lucas in the process. But she lost the baby. No she never wanted to have the child because it would stop her from so many things so she and Lucas agreed to abort the baby. In the end, Lucas was killed in a failed operation with his gang and somehow she ran out of town with another man and probably moved to Chicago. She should have been caught by the cops by now for working with the gang but she was fortunate that a man helped her out of town. Ian Bryant, I can go on and on to tell you more about Ria Robert. She isn¡¯t someone you should be with because she will ruin you. Ria Robert doesn¡¯t deserve someone like you. So I advise you stay away from herpletely. Don¡¯t get charmed by beauty. I am just trying to help you because I can see that you are a good man. Avoid Ria Robert.¡± Then the recording ended. She was someone¡¯s sex pet. She had a baby and aborted it. She gave herself to several men. She killed her parents. No wonder she didn¡¯t tell him about her past. Whoever sent this to him must know a lot about Ria. And he has no idea who sent it to him. Ian thought deeply. His heart sank as he looked into Ria¡¯s eyes. Her vision was clouded with tears and some of it had dropped while she was listening to the recording. This isn¡¯t true! Someone faked a story! And where did he get it from? Now Ian knows she was Lucas sex pet. And her worst fear has surfaced right in her presence. It was all her fault! She should have exined the whole story to him before he received the recording. Everything in that recording was a lie but will he believe her? There was no forgiveness. Ian won¡¯t understand her even if she tried to exin now. Ria bantered internally. She should at least try to exin things to him. But the mixed emotions in his eyes was clear; very clear and every bit of it was strong as he stared right into her soul. ¡°Can¡­ I¡­ exin?¡± She stammered. Ian uttered a profanity that rocked Ria and then he grounded out. ¡°Forget it! I don¡¯t need to hear more lies from you!¡± ¡°No. No. Ian. The truth. The story isme. I will tell you¡­ everything.¡± Her voice pleaded with him. ¡°Do you know Lucas?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Ian¡­¡± ¡°Do you know Lucas?!¡± He yelled. ¡°Yes.¡± Tears. More tears. She could feel more tears streaming down her cheeks and she couldn¡¯t stop them. ¡°Is everything in this recording true?¡± Ian asked again. Ria closed her eyes. She couldn¡¯t dare look into his eyes. ¡°Ian please¡­ Let me -¡± ¡°Is Ethan aware that you were with Lucas?¡± ¡°Ian-¡± ¡°Ethan! You just met him after eight years! Does he know you were with Lucas?!¡± He grabbed her shoulders. Ria reopened her eyes and she could see a tear that had strayed down one of his cheeks. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria answered sincerely. ¡°But Ian¡­ it is not -¡± ¡°Stop! There is no point in talking about this anymore.¡± He let go of her shoulder. ¡°It is worthless. After all, you never wanted me to know your past.¡± His words dropped to a tness that was almost as painful to hear as the anger had been the moment before. He left nothing in the wake. ¡°Ian, please try to listen to me.¡± Ria begged. ¡°No.¡± The single word was t but it jarred Ria all the way into her soul. He didn¡¯t want to hear anything she had to say. Ria felt the pain in her heart. It was harsh. It cut deep into her soul when she realized that Ian was leaving her. ¡°I am so sorry for not telling you.¡± Ria mumbled. But it was toote. Ian spun on his heel and left. He closed the door carefully; no m, no jamming action. It was just a shut. ¡°I¡­ am¡­ sorry.¡± Ria whispered to the closed door. It waste. She should have told him when she had chance. The door opened and the hope that Ian hade back was dashed when ma¡¯am Elise and Ethan stood there. And that terrified her even more. Ian was nevering back to her. ¡°What happened?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. She looked troubled. Ria doubted if they heard what she had discussed with Ian. She bit on lower lip to stop the tears but nothing worked. Ma¡¯am Elise moved closer to her. ¡°I heard Mr Ian snarling and then he left with anger on his expression.¡± ¡°Perhaps did he yell at you because you were with me the whole time he was waiting for you here?¡± Ethan demanded. Ria closed her eyes. ¡°Ian¡­ he found out¡­ about my past. He knows¡­ I was Lucas¡­ sex¡­ pet.¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± Ethan ran his free hand in his hair. ¡°How did he find out?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. Ria swallowed hard as more tears slipped down her cheeks. She bit her lip hard. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ he only yed me a recording.¡± And she managed to tell them what she heard on Ian¡¯s phone. ¡°Unbelievable! All of these things never happened! You didn¡¯t kill your parents, Ria. Your dad never owed anyone money and your mother was a respectable person in the area!¡± Ethan grimaced. ¡°I tried to exin to him that it wasn¡¯t true but he didn¡¯t give me the chance. He thought I was going to lie to him again¡­ and now he doesn¡¯t want to see me.¡± Ria sobbed. Ma¡¯am Elise embraced her tightly. Ria clung on to her like she was holding her mother who could make things right. But things couldn¡¯t be right. Nothing would be right. Ian hates her. ¡°It is okay. Everything will be alright.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said in a tight whisper. Ria withdrew from the embrace. ¡°No. it is not¡­ going to be okay this time. Ma¡¯am Elise¡­ he believed everything in that recording.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s it. He just believed it! And he never thought if it was possible for a blind girl to go around sleeping with men as if she could see. Or why your parents would have sold you out to a criminal?! The story is some but he can¡¯t even see it!¡± Ethan was trying to control his anger. ¡°You have been through a lot. I am sure you will get through this too.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise voice was calm. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I have never been through this my whole life. I mean, loving a man and seeing that he would slip away and I am not even able to do anything about it.¡± Ria said in a sniffle as she closed her eyes. She had certainly gotten herself into a mess this time. Ria drew in a shaky breathe still trying toe to term with the words from Ian. She had thought that she didn¡¯t need Ian in the picture, but she had totally forgotten how ustomed she had grown to having him in her life. She thought sadly. ¡°This is all my fault.¡± Ria muttered. ¡°No. You shouldn¡¯t me yourself.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise led her to the couch and made her sit on it. ¡°I should have summoned up the courage and tell him everything. Why was I even scared?¡± She sobbed. Ria was only concerned that Ian would leave her but she didn¡¯t think of how he would feel if he ever finds out that she was hiding things from him. And she had even told Ethan who she just met again about it. She had hurt his feeling terribly when he had been nothing but good to her. Now Ian Bryant was gone. He had looked disappointed, aggressive and sad. He had left without looking back. Ria could hardly me him for his decision. He must think of her as a whore or a slut. And what was wringing in Ria¡¯s heart in a painful spasm was the memory of his expression when he had looked at her just before he had walked out. And in addition to hiding her past, angering him, she was pretty sure and that she had hurt him. And that had never been her intention. ¡°I think¡­ I have to talk to Ian.¡± Ria opened her eyes and Ethan wasn¡¯t in the office anymore. ¡°I should talk to Ian¡­ I need to exin to me that everything in that recording isn¡¯t true.¡± She stood up from the couch. ¡°No. Give him some time.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°Time? How long?¡± Ria cried out. ¡°You can talk to him tomorrow.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied. Ria ced her palms on her face and made a promise to herself. No matter what happened, no matter how things went from now on, there would be no more secrets. She would talk to Ian tomorrow,y everything out and exin it to him. Ria would do everything to make him understand where the old Ria Robert had beening from. Ian would know who Ria Robert really is in the past. She won¡¯t hid anything from him anymore. And whatever happened after that was up to Ian. ¡°Okay?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise helped her sit back on the couch. Ria nodded. Chapter 89 Give me a chance CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT NEXT DAY ¡°You should eat something before leaving.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. She was holding a tray filled with bacon and egg. ¡°I am not hungry.¡± Ria replied. She had lost appetite ever since Ian left her office. Ma¡¯am Elise had even slept at Ria¡¯s cest night because she didn¡¯t want her to be alone. Ma¡¯am Elise cooked Ria¡¯s favorite dish but nothing tasted good in her mouth. And she had trouble sleeping too. ¡°Take a little. Or should I prepare tea for you?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise offered. Ria shook her head in disagreement. Ma¡¯am Elise dropped the tray on the table. Ria was concerned about Ian and she was ready to meet him and tell him everything. ¡°I called Mr Griffin and he said Ian didn¡¯te homest night.¡± Ria said. ¡°So you will check him at the office.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise sighed.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Ria nodded. ¡°I should go ahead now.¡± She hugged ma¡¯am Elise before walking out of the house. It is only fair that she talks to Ian. And Ria was aware of what his overdeveloped sense would be thinking of right now. And she also couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Ian not giving her a chance to exin when she gets to his office. ¡°I should probably prepare myself for Ian¡¯s decision.¡± Ria said within as she got into the taxi. But at the same time she hoped that Ian would really give her a chance and also listen to her. She prayed silently that he would give her another chance to make things right between them. ************* AT LINT CORPORATION ¡°Good morning, Miss Ria.¡± Grace greeted her cheerfully as soon as she stepped into the office. Ramsey wasn¡¯t around. ¡°Good morning, Grace. How is work?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Oh! Work is fine. Thank you.¡± Grace replied. ¡°You are here to see Mr Ian right?¡± ¡°Yes. I am here to see him.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°He is in a meeting right now. But I will just call him and let him know you are out here.¡± Grace had a bright smile on her face. ¡°No. No. No. You don¡¯t have to do that¡­ I¡¯ll just wait for him.¡± Ria declined. Grace shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No. Mr Ian said I should always call him anytime you are here to see him even if he was in meeting with the president.¡± Ria shed her a feigned smile. Things are different now. She doesn¡¯t think Ian would leave that meeting and attend to her. She hoped for good result but at the same time she couldn¡¯t help the feeling of being pessimistic. Grace was already on phone before Ria could say anything else or even try to stop her. ¡°I am sorry to interrupt your meeting sir but miss Ria is waiting -¡± Grace stopped and looked at Ria. The smile on her face disappeared almost immediately. ¡°Okay sir. I¡¯ll let her know.¡± She dropped the phone. ¡°Uhm¡­ Miss Ria, I don¡¯t think Mr Ian will be done with his meeting anytime soon.¡± Grace said. ¡°Okay. I will just sit around and wait till-¡± ¡°No. I am sorry. Mr Ian said that you shouldn¡¯t wait for him.¡± Grace said in a low tone. Ria shook her head slowly. ¡°Okay.¡± She replied after few seconds of silence. She nced at the door to Ian¡¯s office and felt the urge to go in and talk to him but she couldn¡¯t do it. He is in a meeting so she should respect his decision. Ma¡¯am Elise was right. Ria should give him some time. ¡°Are you okay, miss Ria?¡± Ria heard Grace¡¯s soft voice. ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded repeatedly. Grace arched her eyebrows. ¡°You are crying.¡± She pointed a finger at Ria¡¯s face. ¡°No¡­¡± Ria ced a hand on her cheek. It was wet. She didn¡¯t know that a tear already slipped down her cheek. Immediately she turned away from her and wiped it quickly. ¡°Miss Ria, I don¡¯t mean to prey but is everything okay with you and Mr Ian?¡± Grace asked. Her boss had walked into the office looking so sad and dejected. He didn¡¯t even bother responding to her greeting. It was her first time seeing Ian Bryant looking that way. And seeing him that way made her extremely worried. Ria turned to look at her. ¡°Yes. Yes. We are good. And i think¡­ there is a dirt in my eyes. Oh¡­ it is all gone now. I should take my leave now.¡± She bbed. ¡°Okay. I will-¡± Ria spun on her heel and walked away before Grace couldplete her intended sentence. She stiffed back a sob as she walked out of the building. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?! I am not a crier!¡± She said within. But why couldn¡¯t she stop her tears?! Ria had no idea how to get Ian to listen to her. How long would it take him to realize that she never meant to hurt him and that she was sorry for everything? She pondered. Ria wiped her face clean and started walking slowly. She could hardly me him! ¡°Ria, what have you done? This is all my fault.¡± She scolded herself. But, who on earth sent that recording to him?! Ria has no idea. And she has been stressing her brain out trying to figure out who could have sent that recording to Ian. She couldn¡¯t recognize the voice. She haven¡¯t heard it before. Who could it be? Who else knew that she was with Lucas eight years ago aside her, ma¡¯am Elise and Ethan? She thought deeply. The money make life gang? No, they are probably dead by now. Could it be someone from Idaho who has worked with Lucas? Probably one of those workers in the den? No. Most of them didn¡¯t know her true story except thedy assigned to care for her. ¡°Let us think about it this way, what if Frederick has seen you on television or news through one of your interviews done during theunching of your store?¡± Ria recalled Detective Chad¡¯s words. Could it be possible? She mused. And it struck her immediately! No. No. No. This can¡¯t be happening right now. Chapter 90 Evil ways IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT ROBERT MANSION IN THE STUDY ¡°Come in.¡± Frederick Robert said at the sound of a knock on the study door. David, one of his bodyguards walked in. Frederick studied his expression. It was tight. ¡°What is it?¡± Frederick Robert asked. ¡°Speedy is dead.¡± David informed him. A smile formed automatically on Frederick¡¯s lips. Now Speedy was out of the picture and Frederick doesn¡¯t care to know how they killed him. Finally he is gone! ¡°And the other one?¡± Frederick asked again. ¡°I sent the file to Lint Corporation and I already paid the man off.¡± David responded. ¡°And are you sure he won¡¯t tell anyone about it?¡± Frederick looked straight at his bodyguard. ¡°He won¡¯t spill a word to anyone.¡± David reassured him. ¡°How sure are you, David?¡± ¡°His family. I threatened to kill them if he exposes the secret to anyone. Sir, be rest assured that he won¡¯t say a word to anyone.¡± David replied. ¡°Good.¡± Frederick toyed with the ball point pen in his right hand. ¡°Anything else sir?¡± David asked. ¡°No. I will call you when I have a n.¡± Frederick dismissed him. ¡°Okay sir.¡± David bowed before exiting the room. Frederick yed the recording his bodyguard had sent to Ian Bryant. ¡± I am such a clever man.¡± A smug smile yed on his lips. ¡°I should probably be a writer. Wow! Look how I changed everything. No one would ever suspect me. And this is enough to make Ian Bryant stay away from Ria Robert without thinking if it was possible for a blind girl to do such a thing. Any man would be more concerned about her being a sex pet to a criminal. Good job, Frederick Robert.¡± He soliloquized. ¡°Speedy was dead which means that the past has been buried. Ian Bryant would avoid Ria Robert because he wouldn¡¯t want to lose his whole life. And Ria Robert would be alone! An easy target.¡± Frederick grinned wickedly at the images of Ria on his old desk. ¡°I should end this drama as soon as possible. But this time I won¡¯t hire anyone for the job. I will be the one to end Ria Robert.¡± Frederick concluded as heughed wickedly. ¡°Soon. Soon. Ria Robert.¡± Theughter echoed in the study room. *********** CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION Ian shook hands with the two new business associates from India. ¡°It is nice doing business with you, Mr Ian Bryant.¡± One of the business associates said. Thank you for trusting my corporation. I promise to deliver the best to yourpany too.¡± Ian replied before apanying them out of the office. He noticed that Ria wasn¡¯t in Grace office. ¡°My assistant will walk you back to your car.¡± He signaled to Ramsey to apany them. He needed to talk to Grace. ¡°This way please.¡± Ramsey led them out. She left without waiting. No! He told her not to wait anyways! ¡°Mr Ian.¡± Grace called when Ian was about walking back into his office. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ian asked. He noticed that his secretary looked concerned. ¡°Earlier on¡­ Miss Ria had cried before leaving¡­¡± She stopped. ¡°Actually Miss Ria wanted to wait but I told her¡­ she shouldn¡¯t wait for you.¡± Ian nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. Tell Ramsey to see me as soon as he gets back.¡± Grace stared at her boss with a shocking look on her face. She expected him to look worried or concerned but his expression was nk. Ian frowned at her. ¡°Okay¡­ yes¡­ sir¡­ I will tell him.¡± Grace stammered as she nodded repeatedly. ¡°Good.¡± Ian walked back to his office. She had cried? Why? Because he didn¡¯t want to see her? No it couldn¡¯t be for that reason. The truth is, it hurts Ian to be apart from Ria but it was best to stay away from her. He was not distancing himself because of everything said in the recording but he just wants Ria to realize what he means to her. And for Ria to build her trust in him just like how she did to Ethan. She only met him days ago but she already told him everything; her past. The door opened and Ramsey walked in. ¡°Sir.¡± ¡°Ramsey that file you received yesterday please try to find out the source and whoever sent it. The location, the motive¡­ just find anything and get back to me.¡± Ian instructed. Ramsey is aputer genius. Ian was sure that he would find something that would lead him to whoever sent that file. ¡°Okay sir.¡± ************ RIA ROBERT COUTURE ¡°Did you talk to him?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t get to see him. He was in a meeting.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Listen Ria¡­¡± Ethan covered the gap between them.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Ria blinked back tears. Ethan was close and his warm hand reached for her cheeks. ¡°It tears me apart to see you hurting this way.¡± Ethan mumbled. Ria looked up at him and his image blurred slightly by the tears. ¡°What do I do, Ethan? It hurts me to be apart from him and¡­¡± Her voice trailed off. Ethan pulled her in for a hug. ¡°Ian wille around. Don¡¯t worry too much about it.¡± He whispered into her ears. ¡°Well I hope hees around soon and I can¡¯t help but worry about this situation.¡± Ria muttered. Ethan stood back when she calmed down. He touched her face and wiped her tears with his fingertips. ¡°Just rx.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria sniffled. Ethan stepped backward and pushed his hands into his pocket. ¡°I talked to Chad this morning and I told him about the recording. And he said, there is a possibility that Frederick sent the file to Ian.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. She had figured that out earlier. If Frederick was aware that she is alive then he could be the one. But it was hard to figure how he found out she was the same Ria Robert he had tried to kill and why he sent that recording to Ian. She was confused. ¡°Did he find anything?¡± Ria asked Ethan. She was referring to Detective Chad. He already travelled down to Idahost night. ¡°Nothing much. He is till trying to find Detective Derrick.¡± Ethan answered. ¡°Ethan, if it was Frederick who sent that recording to Ian then how did he find out I was with Lucas? He wasn¡¯t aware that I was still alive back then because Lucas hid me from him.¡± Ethan nodded. ¡°I asked Chad the same question and he said that it is possible that one of the MML gang revealed the truth to him.¡± ¡°I thought they are dead.¡± Ria mumbled. And if they are not all dead, perhaps if this is the case then who told Frederick the truth? Who among the MML gang is still alive? She pondered deeply. ¡°I am certain that we will get to the bottom of this matter. Chad wants you to be careful and he suggested that you don¡¯t keepst nights and always lock your door and windows before going to bed.¡± Ethan listed out the instructions to her. That terrified Ria. Her heartbeat elerated at the realization that Frederick was after her life again. ¡°What about the Attorney?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°I am still yet to find an attorney.¡± Ethan replied. ¡°I have an attorney. The one who helped me get my kids adoption papers.¡± Ria said. ¡°Ria, we can¡¯t just take on any attorney.¡± Ethan declined. ¡°He is good.¡± Ria countered. Ethan ced his hand on her shoulders. ¡°I want the best attorney for this case. And I will find the best in the state who will help us. Trust me.¡± He pointed out. ¡°Ethan, we don¡¯t have much time anymore. Frederick will find me and -¡± ¡°No. He won¡¯t find you. And even if he finds you I am not going to let him hurt you again. I promise.¡± Ethan hugged her again and she clung on to him. And Ria suddenly wished it was Ian holding her in his arms. She closed her eyes and listened to Ethan¡¯s heartbeat. And she was d he was around tofort her. Chapter 91 She is hurting CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT LINT CORPORATION FEW DAYS LATER ¡°Is Ian Bryant in his office?¡± Ethan demanded as he stepped into the area.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yes sir. Do you have an appointment with him?¡± Grace asked with a raised eyebrow because she has never seen him around the office before. ¡°No. I don¡¯t have an appointment with him. But I want to see him this minute! Is that his office?¡± Ethan started towards the office. Grace stood up immediately and followed him. ¡°Sir, you can¡¯t go in. I will call the security on you. Please you can¡¯t go in¡­ sir¡­¡± Ian heard Grace voice and on queue the door opened and Ethan stood at the entrance with fury in his eyes. Grace rushed in to meet her boss. ¡°I am so sorry¡­ sir¡­ I tried to stop him froming in but he didn¡¯t listen to me.¡± She rushed out her words. Ethan sniffed and ran his hands into his hair. Anger surged through Ian at the sight of him in the office. Why is he here? Oh! To boast of the fact that he is Ria¡¯s old friend and she trusted him even though she only met him about a week ago. Ian snorted. ¡°It is okay, Grace. You can go.¡± Ian replied. Grace heaved a sigh of relief. She shot a re at Ethan before walking out. Ethan walked farther into the office. His stride was like that of an angry wolf ready to devour its prey. ¡°Why are you here? What guts do you have to barge into my office and act like you own this ce?!¡± Ian gritted. His tone was harsh and spiteful. Ethan let out a snort as he pointed his finger at Ian. ¡°Who do you think you are? Huh? Fine, you own thergest corporation in the state and your family is ranking first of Forbes chart. So what? Does that give you the right to treat Ria like she isn¡¯t worth anything?! You have no damn right to trample over Ria!¡± He seethed his teeth in anger. ¡°Get out.¡± Ian said almost standing up from the swivel chair. ¡°You sit your butt down in that damn chair! I am not going out of this ce until you listen to everything I have to say!¡± Ethan snarled. It was as if Ethan¡¯s tonepelled Ian because he sat back in the chair. He meant business but Ian was ready to face him. Ethan rxed a bit when Ian sat in the chair. ¡°You have no idea how hurts Ria is right now. She hasn¡¯t been feeling good, she couldn¡¯t eat properly and she is finding it hard to sleep. Why is that? You! She is still finding it hard to ept that you left her.¡± Ethan pointed at him. He let out a shaky breathe. ¡°And you left because you found out she was Lucas¡¯s sex pet? If that¡¯s the reason then you are a coward! You never gave her the chance to exin why she didn¡¯t tell you everything about her past. You have no right to judge her in anyway because you don¡¯t know what she went through eight years ago! And have you ever asked yourself after listening to that false recording, if it was possible for a sixteen years old blind girl to go around sleeping with men?! Does Ria look like a whore to you?! Haven¡¯t you seen her care for people? She even went as far as adopting two homeless kids despite her disability. So tell me; how could someone like that have ordered the killings of her parents?! And didn¡¯t she tell you she came to Chicago with her female friend?! Androphobia! I am sure you have witnessed her tremble from a man¡¯s touch! So tell me how someone like that can go about luring men into her life?! Well I am sure she told you a bit about her past but even at that you still believed that damn recording¡­ when that man said she left Idaho with a man!¡± He came closer to the desk and gripped the edge tightly. Ian saw anger and pain in his expression. ¡°That story isme. Ria never did those things. Her parents were the most amazing people I have ever seen and¡­¡± Ethan¡¯s voice trailed off. Ian noticed the tear that slid down his left cheek as he wiped it quickly. ¡°You have no idea what she went through¡­ and you really don¡¯t know¡­ what it feels to lose ones parents.¡± Ethan paused. He continued after swallowing the lump of tears that formed in his throat. ¡°Ria must have told you that she lost her parents but did you ever cared to ask how they died? Just take a look at yourself. You are sitting there grieving that Ria didn¡¯t tell you anything whereas you never cared to know¡­ but you were only concerned on how to fulfill her dreams so you could rule her world¡­ and be the main man!¡± Ethan mmed his hands on the desk aggressively. ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Ian yelled. ¡°Then what?! Huh? Tell me?!¡± Ethan demanded. Ian clenched his fists. ¡°I wanted to know everything about her past but she was never ready to tell me about it and I just didn¡¯t want to pressure her!¡± ¡°What about now? If you wanted to know about her past then you would have given Ria the chance to exin everything the day you listened to that damn recording!¡± He paused and continued. ¡°Eight years ago Ria lost her patents. It all started with her father processing his inheritance documents passed on to him by histe father. Mr Nathan had so many ns for his small family, get Ria¡¯s surgery done, establish his wife¡¯s sewing business and buy his dream house. All he ever wanted was a simple and peaceful life for his family. Unfortunately, the money make life gang, a notorious group of assassins showed up and killed her parents. That¡¯s where Lucas came into the picture, he took Ria away.¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was calm but one could sense that he was sad. Ian¡¯s heart sank. He listened to Ethan without interruption as he narrated Ria¡¯s story. ¡°She was with him for close to a year until the gang went for an operation but it failed. And it led to the downfall of the notorious group.¡± Ethan washed his hands over his face. ¡°What have I done?! Why didn¡¯t I remember that fear I had seen in Ria¡¯s eyes months ago? The fear of being touched by a man. Why didn¡¯t I reason that someone who sleeps around with men wouldn¡¯t have such fear!¡± Ian bantered internally. Ian realized that Ria¡¯s fears came from what Lucas did to her. And he never imagined that fear toe from something terrible like what Lucas did to Ria! He ced his palms on his face as guilt washed over him. ¡°Howe I believed that recording easily without thinking clearly?! It was a lie! A blind girl couldn¡¯t have done it! I didn¡¯t think about it!¡± Ian¡¯s mind was moving in circles and he was unsettled. ¡°Ria went through all that as a blind girl. And the most painful aspect of it is finding out that your uncle killed your parents because of a mere inheritance.¡± Ethan said. Ian looked up at him trying to make sense of his words. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± He asked shakily. ¡°Her uncle ordered money make life gang to kill them so he could take over the inheritance.¡± Ethan answered. Anger crashed over Ian and he clenched his fists. ¡°Who is this uncle?¡± ¡°You know him¡­¡± Ethan paused. Ian screwed up his face. He was confused. He has never discussed Ria¡¯s family and he was sure that he doesn¡¯t know anyone from her side. ¡°Frederick Robert. He murdered her parents.¡± Ethan blurted out. Ian¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What?! Frederick Robert? How? No¡­ I mean¡­. which Frederick Robert?¡± He shot him a confused look. ¡°Yes the same Frederick Robert who is Drake¡¯s father. He is Mr Nathan¡¯s half brother.¡± Ethan replied. Ian could hardly believe his words. Drake and Ria are rted. Ria met him at the party but she didn¡¯t say anything! She must have known that Drake is the child of the man who murdered her parents. Ian¡¯s mind recalled to the night at the party. ¡°No, Oh my God!¡± Slowly he stood up from the chair. ¡°That¡¯s it! That must have been the reason why she had cried that night! Yes¡­ I am sure of it. She asked Drake if he was rted to Frederick and he said yes¡­ saying yes changed her mood. She cried because she found out that Drake is the son of the man who murdered her parents!¡± Ian reasoned out loudly without minding if Ethan understood him. Fury and anger crashed over him. It was running marathon in his veins as his teeth ground together. He would tear Frederick Robert into pieces for what he has done to Ria. ¡°I can forgive everything but I will never forgive anyone that hurts Ria. Ian, if you truly love Ria then this is the time to prove it. Do all you can to put Frederick Robert in jail.¡± Ethan sounded resigned. He spun on his heel and left the office. Ian Bryant¡¯s world was upside down as his heart went out to Ria. He mmed his hand on the desk. ¡°What have you done, Ian?¡± He grabbed his car keys and rushed out of the office. His whole focus was on reaching Ria. Ian was feeling like he had added more to her pain by leaving her. He never meant to hurt her. He has made a mistake by believing that damn tape, by getting mad at her for not opening up to him just because he was jealous she told Ethan and for staying away from her. ¡°Will Ria forgive me?¡± Ian took in unsteady breathe. He realized that it wasn¡¯t pain that he was feeling at the moment but fear; the fear that he would never be in Ria Robert¡¯s world again. ¡°Don¡¯t let it be like that. I can¡¯t do without her. I have to be in her world.¡± Ian chanted. He has never been the type to pray frequently, but all the way down to Ria Robert Couture he said several prayers over and over again. Chapter 92 Box of evidences IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. He sat in his room thinking back to why he was jobless, why he had moved in to the slum, why his love had left him since he couldn¡¯t get a well paid job. He had wanted justice for that family and he turned in enough evidences to summon the culprit and they epted it but he got fired the very next day. And ever since then his life has been miserable for eight years now. Derrick wiped his tears as he gathered the paper works to burn them in a small fire ce. It was pointless keeping all the evidences he had put together eight years ago. The whole truth which they had fabricated. Derrick knew the whole truth but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it and the case was closed. He was about dropping the papers in the small fire ce in his home when he heard a knock on his door. Who could it be? He wondered. Derrick closed his eyes as he thought of the owner of the house standing outside his door with thugs ready to throw out his load. The knock came again. He stopped to think of what to do but then he realized that the knock was soft. The owner of the house doesn¡¯t knock that gently. He dropped the papers back in the box, wiped his face before going for the door. He peered through the small hole on the door. It wasn¡¯t the owner of the house. He saw a figure on hoodie. ¡°Have they finallye for him? To end his life?¡± He pondered. Immediately Derrick stepped backward and grabbed a mop and went back to the door. He peered again and the figure was still there. ¡°Detective Derrick, I know you are in there¡­¡± The voice whispered. ¡°Open up I don¡¯t have much time. We need to talk.¡± The figure knocked again. Derrick rxed a bit when he didn¡¯t sense danger. He grabbed the knob and waited for a few seconds before opening the door. No one walked in. No strange movement or attack. Derrick looked out and saw a guy there with his hands up in the air. He meant no harm. ¡°Can Ie in?¡± The figure asked. Derrick studied him and nodded slowly. He looked ahead suspiciously before closing the door and he locked it after the figure walked into his apartment. ¡°Who are you?¡± Derrick asked the guy who was scanning the room. He turned to Derrick. ¡°An ex convict.¡± He replied removing the hood in the process. ¡°No name?¡± Derrick asked. The figure stared at Derrick. ¡°Matthew Alley.¡± He answered. Then Derrick settled down on the old couch. ¡°Why are you here?¡± He asked. ¡°To give you something.¡± Matthew replied. Derrick raised his eyebrow. He has never seen this face. It was unfamiliar. ¡°What? And how did you find me?¡± He asked again. Matthew tucked his hands in the hoodie pocket. ¡°It is not hard. I have few connections in this area and I know Idaho like the back of my palms.¡± He waited for Derrick to offer him a seat. Derrick gestured for him to sit down feeling a bit embarrassed at the condition of the couches in his small apartment. They were old and worn out. Matthew brought out a devise from his pocket and exined things to Derrick. Matthew waited for a response after he finished exining his mission. ¡°I am sorry but I can¡¯t help you. I am not a detective anymore.¡± ¡°I made a promised to myte friend that I would find you and deliver it to you. He was murdered in jail by the culprit and this is hisst wish which is to make things right.¡± Matthew stood up and dropped the device and a note on the table. ¡°It is pointless now. I don¡¯t care about justice in this state anymore! As a matter of fact, if justice was a person then I am sorry to tell you that he died eight years ago!¡± Detective Derrick gritted. ¡°You can throw it out or burn it up in the furnace.¡± Matthew said before walking out of Derrick¡¯s house. He was lost in thought. Another evidence. The real evidence from the horse mouth which is enough to reveal the truth. But there was nothing he could do about it. The case has been closed for eight years now. He picked up the device, pressed the button on the device and it yed. He listened to it. ¡°She is alive?¡± He whispered. And everything he heard echoed in his head. He almost threw it in the fire but held back. ¡°This is the only chance to make him pay for his crimes.¡± A voice whispered at the back of his mind. He can¡¯t give it anyone. The old detective Derrick would have rushed off to the station to show his boss this evidence but the new Derrick had learnt his lessons in a hard way. They would kill him if he turned it in to the police. So he would wait for her to find him; hopefully fate would bring them together again. Derrick concluded. He stood up and dropped the stuffs in the box. Derrick grabbed his jacket and made his way out of the house. He would find out if that girl is truly alive. Chapter 93 When love wins CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE ¡°Miss Ria.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta called out as she looked for Ria around the ready made dresses section. ¡°Yes. I am right here.¡± Ria came into view. She looked up from the clothes rack she was checking out. ¡°Oh there you are¡­ Elise told me that you haven¡¯t eaten anything since the day before yesterday. Should I get you something to eat now?¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta had a pitiful look on her face. ¡°Thanks for your concern. I am fine. And I am also not hungry.¡± Ria feigned a small smile. ¡°You look pale. I can¡¯t see the bright color and cheerful Miss Ria that I once knew anymore.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta moved closer to her. ¡°I am fine. Thanks.¡± Ria mumbled as she led her to another visible spot. ¡°No. You are not looking fine to me.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta countered. ¡°Ma¡¯am Loretta, we can worry about meter. For now, let us focus on having our clients dresses delivered. We don¡¯t have much time left.¡± She changed the topic. ¡°You are right.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta heaved a sigh. Nothing is working out to make Ria Robert feel better. ¡°Can you help me check out the dresses on that rack? I think a hot blood outfit with a round neckline is missing.¡± Ria pointed to a rack at the far end of the room. ¡°Yeah. Sure.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta answered. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria replied with a half smile before she walked off. Ria wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk to her or anyone. Somehow ma¡¯am Elise had to tell ma¡¯am Loretta everything when she noticed Ian didn¡¯te around for the usual coffee mornings or to drop Ria off at school or home. The new driver hired turned in sick and asked for a one week leave from work. So Ethan has been the one driving Ria from home and to school and he always ensured that the door and windows are closed before leaving for his ce. Ria hired a nanny who would look after of the kids while she was at the store and she only leaves whenever Ria gets back home. There had too much work to do at the store and neither ma¡¯am Loretta nor ma¡¯am Elise has the time to babysit. Three days now and Ria haven¡¯t heard from Ian. She tried calling him but he didn¡¯t pick up his calls and she also sent him series of apology text messages but he didn¡¯t reply. She called Mr Griffin to check on Ianter in the night on the day she visited him at the office, but he said Ian was out of the country on an emergency business trip. Ria had no idea where he had traveled to because Mr Griffin didn¡¯t tell her the country or how to reach him or how long it would take him to realize that his phone was ringing and when he would stop avoiding her. Ria had envisioned this fall apart countless times but she didn¡¯t know it woulde too soon because she had nned to open up to him. It has happened so fast and she doesn¡¯t know what to do anymore. ¡°Ria.¡± A voice called her name few minutester. For a moment, Ria thought she was imagining Ian¡¯s voice in her head again. ¡°Ria.¡± Ria turned slightly to the sound again and Ian was there. Slowly she dropped the clothes back on the rack. Was she hallucinating his presence again? ¡°Ria¡­ can we talk?¡± He requested. Ian Bryant was there. His hair mussed as if raked by worried fingers and his keen eyes watched her. ¡°Yes¡­ sure¡­ let us go to¡­ my office.¡± Her voice was a mere rasp. Ian nodded in agreement and he followed her. Ria didn¡¯t wait for him to say anything when they walked into the office. ¡°Ian -¡± ¡°I spoke with Ethan.¡± Ian said cutting off her intended statement. Ria closed her eyes. ¡°He told me everything¡­ and¡­¡± His voice trailed off while Ria opened her eyes. His expression held pain and no anger. Theypsed into silence Ethan told him everything? When? Ria didn¡¯t expect Ethan to go to Ian and talk to him. But she should have suspected it that he wanted to meet Ian after he dropped by at the store this morning. Ethan wasn¡¯t happy that Ria had refused to eat and talk freely with him. He got mad at her for turning down the food he bought at the fast food close to the store. He knew she wasn¡¯t happy that Ian was away from her and in the end he left when Ria admitted to him that she was deeply in love with Ian and life without him was hopeless. Ethan didn¡¯t say a word after that. He just left. And with what Ian just said it was possible that Ethan went straight to Ian¡¯s office. Ria reasoned. ¡°Ria, I know everything about your past now.¡± Ian said. Ria felt weak beyond words and tears started to sting her eyes. ¡°Ian¡­ I tried to tell you. I really tried.¡± She murmured. ¡°I know.¡± Ian exhaled as he ran a hand roughly over his face. ¡°It wasn¡¯t true¡­ I swear.¡± Ria looked straight at him. Ian came closer. ¡°I know. Ria, I know.¡± He stared at her. ¡°I was scared. I didn¡¯t want you to hate or leave me if you knew what I was to Lucas. I couldn¡¯t bear that on top of everything else.¡± Ria tried to stop the tears but it was in vain. ¡°You thought I was going to leave you because of what you used to be to Lucas?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes. But still¡­ I should have told you everything before you found out from someone else.¡± She cried. Ian was close, bending over her, touching her and his hands on her cheeks wiping off the tears. ¡°Ria.¡± She looked up at him. His image blurred slightly by the tears ¡°I am so sorry.¡± She said to him. ¡°Don¡¯t be please. It is all my fault.¡± Ian replied in a tight whisper. He was starting to me himself. It shouldn¡¯t be that way. Ria had admitted that it was her fault! She had kept her past from him because she didn¡¯t want him to get caught in the mess but she was wrong! ¡°Ian¡­ please don¡¯t me yourself for anything. It is all fault.¡± Ria didn¡¯t realize that Ian could be of help to her. Or maybe she just didn¡¯t want to be a burden to him because he has so much to handle. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him making some big sacrifice for her sake again. She thought that she was capable of dealing with Frederick alone but she totally forgot that Ian was already in her life and ready to do anything for her. She had grew fond of having him in her life. ¡°You couldn¡¯t tell me about your past possibly because I didn¡¯t prove to you that I could be someone you could trust and be a shoulder you can cry on. I was only just concerned about making your dreamse true. Trust me, I have always wanted to know why you had fears, that fear of being touched by a man and I saw that the day I met you again at the hospital. But I didn¡¯t ask you all this time because I thought that sooner orter we would get pass that business level and you would trust me enough to tell me everything.¡± He paused. ¡°I trust you Ian and I am d that you are concerned about me.¡± Ria studied his expression. He was sad and remorseful. Ian shook his head impatiently. His tone was still when he said, ¡°It is not just concern or me caring for you anymore. Ria¡­¡± He stopped. His fingertips brushed away the tears on her cheeks. ¡°At this point, I have to admit that I fell in love with you the first time I met you and it didn¡¯t matter to me if you were blind.¡± Ria¡¯s mind was spinning. Ian was in love with her. He confessed it. Her mouth twisted wryly as she studied his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to blurt it out that way and I understand why you look stunned. You told me just business partners and nothing more but then I was already in love with you and I want a life longmitment. I can¡¯t pretend anymore. I can¡¯t hide my feelings anymore. I never expected it to happen to me but there it is, Ria.¡± His voice was soft and calm that it sent shivers down her spine. ¡°Ian-¡± ¡°Now I have scared you off, haven¡¯t I?¡± He shook his head. ¡°Ian.¡± He removed strands of hair from her face. ¡°I can¡¯t seem to do anything right where you are concerned. Falling in love with you at first sight despite being blind and also wanting to help you in every way¡­ this is all new to me.¡± Ria sniffled. ¡°I am sorry, Ian. It is all new to me too. This feelings. I have no idea of how this works.¡± She murmured. And something in her tone seemed to give Ian a renewed hope. ¡°Are you saying you have feelings for me too?¡± He asked. Ria sighed. She couldn¡¯t lie when asked a direct question. ¡°This passed few days that you weren¡¯t here with me, I felt so hopeless and helpless. I didn¡¯t know what to do to make have you back into my life. I am crazy about you, Ian.¡± She added quickly. Ian eyes closed as he drew in a deep breathe. Ria touched his face and felt reality under her fingertips. ¡°I am in love with you too.¡± She whispered. His eyes opened. He stared at her for few seconds. In a swift moment, he pulled her closer to his body and then he brought his lips down on hers. A fine tremor ran through Ria¡¯s body at the contact. He kissed her slowly and then deeper. His rhythm was purposeful, full of intent and she met him back eagerly. He nibbled on her bottom lip and she gasped for air in between kisses. ¡°I am addicted to you.¡± Ian said. Ria¡¯s heart raced as adrenaline ran a marathon through her body. His mmed his lips back on her mouth apparently and he expected a response from her. Ria hesitated trying to get most important words past the lump in her throat. All of a sudden, he slowed his motion and pulled back to look at her. ¡°Ian.¡± A whimper slipped through her lips. Ian grinned at her as his hands dropped down to her waist and then he turned serious. ¡°Ria about being Lucas¡¯s sex pet¡­¡± He paused. ¡°Really none of that matter to me because it wasn¡¯t your fault. You were a victim and I won¡¯t hate you or leave for that reason. I only desire you. I only love you.¡± He admitted. Ria stared at him with wide eyes as his words washed over her and she breathe out heavily. ¡°How can you still love me despite everything? I really don¡¯t deserve you.¡± A tear slipped down her cheek and she tried to wriggle out of his hold. Ian held on tightly and he smoothened a strand of hair from her face. ¡°I still love you very much. I didn¡¯t expect it but I know I can¡¯t live without you. Ria, if you want me in your life not just as a business partner but something more than that then I am yours.¡± Ria thought she might burst from happiness. She wants him too! ¡°Like I said¡­¡± Ria¡¯s voice trailed when he ced a finger on her lips. There was a new glint of determination in his eyes. ¡°Ria, we don¡¯t have to make any hasty decision now.¡± He said still looking at her rather anxiously. ¡°I understand that you are still trying to get over what Lucas did to you and even Frederick Robert. So while we work on putting Frederick Robert in jail, I will also work on courting you properly.¡± He added with an endearing smile. ¡°I will court you and convince you that we belong together. Ria no pressure at all but if you don¡¯t want us to be together then be ready for me. I will wage an all out campaign to win your heart until you finally say yes to me.¡± His smile grew broader. Ria believed so much in him! She tookfort in his words! Ian was assuring her that he wasn¡¯t rushing her and that there was plenty of time for their rtionship to progress before any big change as to be made. What big change? ¡°Ian, it means the world to me that you are always willing to do anything for me.¡± Ria said in a tight whisper. ¡°Ria, I am happy with the choice I have made so far.¡± He caught her hands in his now. ¡°And I am certain of my feelings for you and nothing is going to change my mind.¡± He squeezed her hands tightly but gently. Yes they still have time! Ria reminded herself. They don¡¯t have to make the big decisions right now. ¡°We have a lot of talking to do now that the cards are on the table.¡± He pulled her into his arms to hold her tightly. ¡°And the first of the cards is how to make Frederick Robert pay for his crimes.¡± Ria clung on to him. ¡°I will make him pay for hurting you.¡± Ian purred into her ears. She withdrew from the embrace and looked into his eyes. Then she leaned up and kissed him and he returned the kiss with a renewed surge of hope. No doubts and uncertainties! ¡°I am not going anywhere. I am not going to leave or hate you.¡± Ian said to Ria when he finally lifted his head. ¡°Unless you send me away.¡± He added. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have the courage or strength to send you away. I can¡¯t live without you.¡± Ria confessed ¡°I love you.¡± He said. It was the first time hearing those words. The first time a man confessed to her. The first time she had a true kiss; without being forced. The first time she was so desperate to taste someone. The first time a man was assuring her that he wouldn¡¯t leave her and she meant a lot to him. The first time she epted to be in love. ¡°I love you too.¡± Ria replied. The words was strange and new on her lips but somehow right. It was the first time she was saying those words. And Ian seemed to be her first in everything except with her body. But-It was the best feeling; that feeling to love and be loved back.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. Chapter 94 Stay safe for me CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE ONE WEEK LATER Ria looked down at her phone when it beeped. A message from Ethan. She picked up the phone and clicked on the screen to read the message. ¡®Chad found Derrick. And he is going to his ce to talk to him.¡¯ ¡®Okay. I will inform Ian about it.¡¯ Ria sent it back to him. She heard a knock on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± The phone buzzed again. Another message from Ethan. ¡®How are you doing?¡¯ She asked Ethan. ¡®I am fine. I can guess you are doing great too. Is Ian there with you?¡¯ Ethan texted back. ¡®He should be on his way.¡¯ Ria smiled at the mention of Ian. ¡°Chatting with someone?¡± Ria looked up and Ian was there.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Good morning.¡± Ria greeted with a bright smile on her face. Ian was holding the two in one coffee pack. She stood up and went to him. ¡°Good morning, my love.¡± He said. ¡°Good to see you.¡± Ria ced kisses on his cheeks. Ian frowned immediately. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked him. ¡°You know that I am never satisfied with kisses on the cheeks.¡± He wrapped his arms around her waist and and she hit his chest gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be -¡± He pressed his lips on her and cut off her words. Ria opened her mouth to his weing invasion and she was desperate to taste him too. Her body trembled as he kissed her slowly and then deeper. ¡°I missed you.¡± He slowed his motion and pulled back pressing kisses on her cheeks and then forehead. ¡°Now that¡¯s better.¡± He said. Ria smiled back at him. ¡°Let us have coffee.¡± He held her hand and led them to the couch. He sat on the couch and motioned to her to sit on hisps. Ria hesitated. ¡°What is it?¡± He questioned. Ria shook her head. ¡°Okay. You can sit on the couch if you don¡¯t want to sit on myps.¡± He said with a half smile. ¡°But no coffee for you.¡± He blurted out. ¡°That¡¯s not a fair deal.¡± Ria pouted. ¡°Of course! It is a fair deal.¡± Ian pulled her wrist and she fell on hisps. ¡°Well calcted. This is good. Now tell me what¡¯s going on with you?¡± He handed her a coffee. ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Nothing? You were smiling at your phone when I came in and didn¡¯t even look up to see who was at the door.¡± ¡°No. I wasn¡¯t smiling like that.¡± Ria countered when he opened all his teeth to show her how she was smiling. ¡°Of course! You smiled this way.¡± He rolled his eyes. ¡°Okay if that is it, then it is not called smiling.¡± Ria argued. ¡°So what is it called?¡± ¡°You are just showing off your teeth. I mean¡­ your prefect dentition.¡± Ria teased him. Ianughed. ¡°Well I was kidding. Now tell me what I need to know.¡± (Tell me what I need to know) Ria was used to those words now. The day after Ria and Ian confessed to each other, he always ask her what he needed to know. No more secrets. Ria had promised herself. ¡°I was chatting with Ethan before you came in.¡± Ian stared at her. ¡°You were chatting with Ethan.¡± He repeated. Ria nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°About¡­ what? Why were you texting with so much smiles on your face?¡± Ian asked. Was that jealousy in his tone? ¡°Come on, Ian, don¡¯t get too jealous.¡± Ria smiled. ¡°Oh! You think so? I am not jealous.¡± Ian countered. ¡°Really?¡± Ria asked. Ian avoided her gaze. ¡°Fine. I am jealous. Do you smile that way anytime I am texting you?¡± Ria giggled as she adjusted herself on hisps. ¡°I do more than smiling. Everyone around here always think I am crazy anytime Iugh out all of a sudden. You know that I am crazy about you.¡± Ian smiled broadly. He liked the fact that he was having a great effect on his woman. ¡°A kiss.¡± He touched his right cheek. ¡°You deserve it.¡± She gave him her coffee. She leaned in and pressed kisses to his cheeks and then forehead. ¡°It feels good. I should probably get jealous always.¡± Ian grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t make it a routine.¡± Ria cautioned him. ¡°Sure.¡± Then theypsed into silence. Ian gets jealous each time he sees Ria with Ethan, anytime she is on phone with Ethan and whenever she is chatting with Ethan. And that pisses Ethan off. Two days ago, Ethan blurted that Ian was being too possessive of her. And Ian on the other hand grounded it out that he was just trying to protect his territory; his woman and that it was none of his business. He even went as far as saying that Ethan should stay away from her. Ethanughed about it and told Ian to be a good boyfriend not a possessive boyfriend. Those two won¡¯t stop fighting at every chance they get! To be honest, Ian is always the one bringing up the fights most times. He can¡¯t seem to control his emotions especially jealousy anytime he sees Ria with Ethan. He still thinks Ethan would try to win Ria¡¯s heart and steal her away from him. And Ria had done a great job at telling Ian several times that her heart belongs to one man. His name is Ian Bryant. Ria sighed and drank her coffee. ¡°Ethan sent a message that Chad found Derrick. And I told him that I was going to inform you about it.¡± She said. Ian knows everything now and he is determined to make Frederick pay for his crimes. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian nodded. ¡°So what about the attorney?¡± ¡°We spokest night and she already filed in for reinvestigation. She is currently on the ne to Idaho to tender it.¡± Attorney Ava Powell is the best attorney in the state and she happened to be the Bryant¡¯s familywyer. Ria met her few days ago and exined her case to the attorney and she agreed to take it on. ¡°Will she be fine alone? I mean, very soon Frederick will find out that someone wants to reinvestigate the case and he might go after her.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about Ava. Two armed bodyguards apanied her to Idaho and she will meet Chad too. And I think three armed men is enough protection for her. Moreover she won¡¯t be there for too long. A day or two if Derrick agrees to work with us.¡± Ian exined. Ethan said Derrick has the evidences to the case from eight years ago although he hasn¡¯t heard him. And Ria hopes that Derrick agrees to work with them now. ¡°I gave Ava some money to give to Derrick in case he refuses to help.¡± ¡°Ian, do you think Derrick will ept the money? Ethan said he is an incorruptible cop.¡± ¡°Offering him money isn¡¯t corruption. I am just seeking his help to help us out on this case. I know money is thenguage we all understand. He won¡¯t decline it. But if he doesn¡¯t want to work on the case then we won¡¯t pressure him. We can always find other ways.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ria said to him. ¡°Ria, don¡¯t thank me. I am doing what I have to do to make sure that Frederick pays for what he did to you and your parents. And as matter of fact I hired two bodyguards for you too.¡± Ria¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Why?!¡± ¡°To protect you from Frederick. That bastard can show up anytime. He mighte after you. The bodyguards will be here anytime I am not around to watch you.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Perhaps will they move into my house too?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian shook his head. ¡°What?!¡± ¡°Rx Ria, not the male bodyguards. A female bodyguard will move into your home to watch you at night.¡± ¡°No.¡± She declined. ¡°Listen Ria, this is for your own good. I am doing everything to protect you and the kids too.¡± Ria stood up from hisps. ¡°I don¡¯t want any bodyguard.¡± Ian stood up too. ¡°Can you stand Frederick anytime he shows up at your doorstep?¡± He asked. Ria was silent. The question made her terrified and Ian noticed the fear in her eyes. He leaned in closely and his hands cupped her face. ¡°I am only trying to protect you.¡± He mumbled. ¡°I just don¡¯t want any bodyguard moving into my home to watch me at night. It is like intruding in my privacy.¡± ¡°What about during the day? They will only be around to guard the area.¡± He persuaded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria said reluctantly. The truth is Ria doesn¡¯t want anyone risking their lives for her or anyone getting hurt for her sake. ¡°Can I get a gun?¡± Ria blurted out. Ian eyes widened. ¡°A gun? For what?!¡± ¡°For protection during the night.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Can you fire a gun?¡± He asked. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then you don¡¯t need one.¡± ¡°But I can always learn to pull the trigger.¡± Ria said with a shrug. Ian rolled his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have a license to own a gun.¡± ¡°Well I can get the license. I mean, Ava can help.¡± He shook his head impatiently. ¡°You are not a mafia, my love. It is not that easy to get such license. And you don¡¯t need a gun because your bodyguards are fully armed.¡± He ced his forehead on hers. ¡°Ria, I don¡¯t want you to get hurt. I need you to be alive even after putting Frederick behind bars.¡± He ced a kiss on her forehead. ¡°That¡¯s reminds me¡­¡± He stepped backward. ¡°I stopped partnering with Limos Company.¡± He added quickly. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Why? I don¡¯t want to be associated with them after what Frederick did to you.¡± Ian responded. ¡°But¡­ what about your current deal with Drake? The one you signed.¡± ¡°I cancelled the deal.¡± Ian had told Ria about the deal with Drake and the promissory note he asked him to sign just to make him stay away from her. ¡°Ian, Drake will be mad at you. He mighte for me again¡­ and I don¡¯t want to see him.¡± Ria stuttered. ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned about Drake. He called me to ask why I cancelled the deal and I told him to ask his father.¡± Ian tucked her hair behind her ears. ¡°What if he sues you for breach of agreement, contract or deal? Why are you so calm as if nothing would go wrong?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°Nothing will go wrong. I have everything nned out. I am ready for him and I am sure he won¡¯t go to court after he finds out what his dad did to you.¡± Ian kissed their locked hands. ¡°Ian, this is business. And I don¡¯t want you getting into trouble with Drake. Ian, you can go on with the deal and-¡± ¡°Mypany is yet to ship the goods to Idaho. If Drake wants to go to court for it, the least they will ask of me is to give him sixty percentage payment of the deal.¡± Ria heaved a sigh. ¡°Ian, that¡¯s a whole lot of money.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my love. I can handle it. Please just stay safe for me okay?¡± He embraced her. Ria hummed a positive response as she sniffed in the sweet scent of him. Chapter 95 Deal canceled IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Derrick looked back for the fifth time but he didn¡¯t see anyone behind him. He had noticed the brown haired guy following him from the mini mart where he went to get a loaf of bread and coffee. He made a sharp turn at the corner just to get away from whoever was following him but to his surprise the brown haired guy appeared by his side and pinned him to the wall quickly causing the stuffs in his hands to fall to the ground. No one was passing by so Chad thought he could use this chance. He was a bit stronger than Derrick so it was easy to cage him to the wall. ¡°Who are you?¡± Derrick asked as he tried to fight him off. Chad ignored his question. ¡°Are you Detective Derrick?¡± He asked. ¡°No. What do you want from me?¡± He managed to push Chad away. ¡°Are you detective Derrick?¡± He asked again. ¡°No.¡± Derrick denied. He picked up his bread and left the empty coffee container and he started walking away. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Detective Chad caught up with him and brought out his ID card. ¡°I am Detective Chad Efron from Chicago.¡± He said in a low tone. Derrick didn¡¯t stop or respond to Chad¡¯s words. He was simply mad at Chad for attacking him unexpectedly and for spilling his coffee. And at the same time he wondered why a Chicago Detective was in Idaho. ¡°I am sorry for attacking you like that. You know, I asked of you from the people around here and most of them told me that you are quite a stubborn man and you won¡¯t talk to anyone. That was why I attacked to gain your attention.¡± Derrick walked on without responding and Chad followed him. ¡°A friend of mine told me that you were the detective in charge of a murder case eight years ago.¡± Derrick stopped on track. ¡°My friend¡¯s name is Ethan Dantes. The case was about a family that was murdered in one night, husband and wife, a missing child whose body waster found in the woods¡­ dead.¡± Derrick turned to face Chad immediately. He stepped closer to Chad and whispered. ¡°Why are you in Idaho?¡± Chad covered the gap left between them and bend over to whisper into his ears. ¡°I am a secret detective reinvestigating the case. That child is alive and she demands justice for the death of her parents. And I am-¡± ¡°Come with me.¡± Derrick cuts him off his intended sentence and he led Chad to his house. ****** AT FREDERICK ROBERT MANSION ¡°Son, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Mrs Vivian asked Drake when he stormed into the house. Drake ignored his mother and made his way to the study. ¡°Drake, you look worried. Is everything okay?¡± Mrs Vivian followed her son. He didn¡¯t bother knocking before going into the study. Frederick sat in his old chairpletely lost in deep thought. He had just received a call that an attorney from Chicago showed up at the station with a reinvestigation letter on the case that has been buried long time ago and she requested for the files of the case from eight years back. And it wasn¡¯t hard for Frederick to figure who sent that attorney. Ria Robert! She wants to reinvestigate her parents case! And he had been thinking of how to end Ria¡¯s life since the past one week. Trying to devise a way to get rid of her finally and silently without the cops finding out he did it. Things would get tough and rough now that she want to reinvestigate the case and even hiring one of the best attorneys in America. Frederick realized that after he searched attorney Ava Powell on his system. She meant business! Frederick knew that proper investigation would expose his secrets. So since Ava was in Idaho the options was to either eliminate her or do a background check on her thinking someone like her must have secrets. He thought. ¡°Dad now tell me what the hell is going on between you and Ian Bryant?!¡± Drake demanded. Frederick looked up at his son. ¡°Ian?¡± He muttered. ¡°Yes¡­ Ian Bryant!¡± ¡°Son calm down. Don¡¯t speak to your father that way.¡± Mrs Vivian cautioned him. ¡°Stay out of this mom! I have worked my butt off at thepany trying to seal off my first biggest deal and now it is a flop!¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Frederick asked in a low tone. ¡°Ian Bryant canceled a deal of close to twenty millions dor deal!¡± ¡°What?! Why?!¡± Frederick Robert screwed up his face. ¡°I don¡¯t know! I should be asking you and that¡¯s why I am here so you can tell me!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Frederick denied it. ¡°You don¡¯t know? Dad, what do you mean by you don¡¯t know? Ian clearly stated it that I should ask you. He said you clearly know the reason why he canceled the deal!¡± Drake was furious. He wondered why Ian canceled after making it clear that he won¡¯t go near Ria Robert. He thought everything was going to work out fine, it did. At least Ian signed the deal, he even got enough suppliers that were willing to sponsor his project but boom! The deal is off. Frederick was lost in thought again, trying to figure out what Ian meant by what he told Drake. Then realization hit him when he recalled the recording he sent to Ian. Questions flooded his already disturbed mind. Could it be that Ian found out he sent the tape? He was perturbed. And his overdeveloped sense told him that Ria could have exined everything to Ian and now he wants to get back at him. ¡°Drake¡­ don¡¯t worry¡­ I will talk to him.¡± Frederick said shakily. He couldn¡¯t contain the thought that he has possibly jeopardized his son¡¯s project. ¡°No! I need you to tell me what¡¯s going on?! Ian wasn¡¯t calm over the phone with me. He was spiteful.¡± Drake grimaced. ¡°Nothing. No¡­ it is probably because I¡­ refused to have dinner with his parents. You know I have been quite busy back here in the study.¡± Frederick mumbled. Drake looked around the study and there was nothing that showed that his dad has been busy like he imed except for the bottle of whiskey on the desk. ¡°This is unbelievable!¡± Drake uttered profanity before storming out of the study. And Mrs Vivian followed him immediately. She was confused and still mad at her husband for not letting her travel to Chicago.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Frederick picked his phone and searched through his contact list for Ian¡¯s number. He used to have it when he was still running thepany right before Drake became the CEO. He found it and dialed it. Ian picked on the first ring. ¡®Hello?¡¯ Ian said. ¡®Hello, Ian. It is me. Frederick Robert.¡¯ He said calmly. ¡°Well it has been long since I heard from -¡± ¡®Go straight to the point, Frederick. I don¡¯t have time to waste with you.¡¯ Ian¡¯s voice was stern and mean. Frederick clenched his fist but he managed to calm down. ¡®Drake told me that you canceled the deal you signed with him.¡¯ ¡®Yes I did.¡¯ His tone was confident. ¡®May I ask why?¡¯ Ian snorted. ¡®You sent me a recording. I figured it is you.¡¯ Frederick¡¯s heart beats rapidly. ¡®I know you sent it to make me stay away from Ria so she can be an easy target. Unfortunately your n only made me love my woman the more and it helped us moved a step ahead in our rtionship. I know everything now. Eight years ago youmitted a crime and covered it up. But for how long will you keep it covered? I am sure your spies must have called to inform you about the attorney that came around. Well, we are investigating the case. And don¡¯t you dare try to get rid of that attorney. This is not just Ria¡¯s fight alone. And don¡¯t you ever think ofing close to my woman because if you do, Frederick Robert, I swear it, I will be the one to end your miserable life.¡± Ian threatened and then the line dropped. Anger and fury crashed over Frederick Robert. He threw his phone across the room. Ian Bryant was solidly behind Ria Robert! His ns to make Ian stay away from Ria didn¡¯t work out. He didn¡¯t stay away from her! All of a sudden fear gripped Frederick Robert. The fear of being summoned by the police! He won¡¯t wait for them toe knocking at his door! He would get rid of them. All of them working on the case before they catch him. Frederick stood up and rushed to his room. He packed some clothes into a bag and searched for his passport. ¡°Where are you off to?¡± Mrs Vivian asked when she saw the bag on the bed. ¡°I am going on a vacation.¡± Frederick replied. Mrs Vivian raised her eyebrows in confusions ¡°What vacation? And why the sudden arrangement? Is everything-¡± Frederick went to her and kissed her possessively silencing her in the process. He stepped back and looked at her with a serious face. ¡°Don¡¯t go to Chicago.¡± He warned. ¡°For now, go to the Sanders ce. Go there right now and take care of our unborn grandchild. You can stay there still I return home.¡± He rushed out his words. It was a lie! Frederick knew that he won¡¯t being back to Idaho anytime soon! Mrs Vivian was confused. She couldn¡¯t utter a word as she watched her husband walked out of the bedroom. It would be a great battle! Someone must surrender to the other! Someone must die in the process! And Frederick promised himself that he won¡¯t be the one to surrender or die! Chapter 96 Evidences from the past CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE A soft knock sounded on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± Ria answered. Ma¡¯am Elise walked in with Detective Chad behind her and a box in his hands. Ria sat beside Ian while Ethan sat with Attorney Ava. ¡°Ma¡¯am Elise, please join us.¡± Ria said when ma¡¯am Elise was about leaving the office. She didn¡¯t want ma¡¯am Elise to feel left out in the n. ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise bowed her head slightly before settling down beside detective Chad. Ethan cleared his throat and performed the introduction. He introduced Chad to Ian and ma¡¯am Elise. Chad hasn¡¯t met them. ¡°So let us get down to business.¡± Detective Chad said as he opened the box he had brought in. ¡°This box contains all the evidences and files which detective Derrick gathered eight years ago.¡± ¡°So what about Derrick?¡± Ian asked. ¡°He is noting.¡± Detective Chad answered. ¡°Yes. Derrick doesn¡¯t want to work on the case. And he also rejected the money you sent to him.¡± Ava added. ¡°I will just tell you everything he told me.¡± Detective Chad said. ********** FLASHBACK IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA DERRICK¡¯S APARTMENT Derrick walked on without responding and Chad followed him. ¡°A friend of mine told me that you were the detective in charge of a murder case eight years ago.¡± Derrick stopped on track. ¡°My friend¡¯s name is Ethan Dantes. The case was about a family that was murdered in one night, husband and wife, a missing child whose body waster found in the woods¡­ dead.¡± Derrick turned to face Chad immediately. He stepped closer to Chad and whispered. ¡°Why are you in Idaho?¡± Chad covered the gap left between them and bend over to whisper into his ears. ¡°I am a secret detective reinvestigating the case. That child is alive and she demands justice for the death of her parents. And I am-¡± ¡°Come with me.¡± Derrick cuts him off his intended sentence and he led Chad to his house. ¡°So you work as a Detective in Chicago?¡± Derrick asked detective Chad when they stepped into his house. ¡°Yes.¡± Detective Chad nced around the small apartment. ¡°Don¡¯t mind the condition of my apartment. It is an eyesore.¡± Detective Derrick sniffed as he sat on the couch. ¡°I am on a private mission to find the truth about The Roberts case. Ethan Dante¡¯s already exined his part of the story to me, I mean when you both worked together to uncover the truth. Please tell me everything that happened right after you turned in the information you gathered.¡± Detective Chad requested. ¡°I lost everything. Everything I have ever worked for¡­ in my whole life. My job, my wife, my home, marriage¡­ everything.¡± Detective Chad arched his eyebrows. ¡°Who fired you at work?¡± He asked. ¡°My boss. He wanted to get promoted so badly so he felt that solving a first ss murder case would get him that promotion. So he asked me to work on the case. Unfortunately, he fired me after I told him the suspect and tendered the necessary information that could uncover the truth.¡± Derrick exined. ¡°Who was the suspect?¡± ¡°Frederick Robert.¡± Detective Chad shook his head. ¡°Oh¡­ well it is possible that Frederick ordered your boss to fire you in exchange of getting him promoted.¡± Derrick nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly. I figured that out a long time ago. Frederick Robert was the brain behind the case. He manipted everything, the assassination, fake body, false witness, false killers¡­ the whole case was falsified to hide the truth.¡± ¡°And the cops allowed it?¡± Detective Chad smacked his lips. ¡°You don¡¯t know Frederick Robert.¡± Derrick chuckled lightly. ¡°I know he is a murderer.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°Aside that¡­ Frederick Robert owns Idaho. He is ruling here and he is highly connected in the judicial system.¡± Derrick munched on the loaf of bread. ¡°How did you know Frederick manipted everything?¡± Detective Chad questioned. ¡°I worked on the case secretly even after I got fired at work. A colleague of mine provided me with every information I needed. I even talked to the witness and she admitted that she saw them that day¡­ I mean the money make life gang. The woman saw them when she came out to tend to her dog that won¡¯t stop barking. And even before that it wasn¡¯t hard to figure the killers. I knew it was the MML gang because I have worked on several cases which involved them. To top it all, Frederick imed the inheritance after they closed the case and then I found the truth. He covered up the whole truth so o one would ever trace it back to him.¡± ¡°Listen Derrick, I need to know every detail. Tell me about it.¡± ¡°Frederick sent the gang to get his brother to sign a transfer of inheritance paper and get rid of him and his family too.¡± Detective Chad snapped his fingers. ¡°Transfer of inheritance. That¡¯s it. The whole ns centered around this inheritance. So what did you do after finding the truth?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Derrick shrugged. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°There was nothing I could so since the case was closed and my life was already miserable by the time.. when my wife left me.¡± Tears clouded his vision. Detective Chad shook his head. ¡°I am sorry about that.¡± Derrick snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t feel sorry.¡± ¡°Ethan told me everything.¡± Detective Chad added. ¡°Yeah. He worked with me secretly. He was the one that gave me the idea of the inheritance. He hired you to reinvestigate the case?¡± Derrick asked. Detective Chad nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Is really she alive?¡± Derrick asked again. He wanted to be sure about it. He had gone to the cyber cafe that night Matthew came around. He searched for Ria Robert on Google and he found her among the list of top Clothe Designers in USA. He found everything! He recognized her with the pictures he had taken from her home eight years ago. Her face didn¡¯t change but she was older now. It was hard for Derrick to believe that she was alive and he wondered how she had survived! ¡°Yes, Ria Robert is alive and she wants nothing but justice for the gruesome deaths of her parents.¡± Detective Chad replied. Derrick dropped the bread he was eating back in the nylon. He stood up and motioned towards the box close to the firece. ¡°You should go back with this box.¡± He gave it to Chad. Detective Chad opened it and saw some stack of papers, a white envelope and a small ck recording device. ¡°Everything you need is in that box. They are evidences from the past.¡± Derrick said. ¡°And this?¡± Detective Chad took out the recording device. ¡°A guy came around and gave me that device and envelope.¡± Derrick replied. Detective Chad looked up at him. ¡°Who is he?¡± ¡°Matthew Alley. He is an ex convict and a close friend to a former member of money make life gang.¡± Derrick responded. ¡°And about the money make life gang, do you have anything about them? I have been trying to find information about them. Are they-¡± ¡°They are all dead.¡± Derrick cuts in. Detective Chad screwed up his face. ¡°The five of them?¡± He demanded. ¡°Yes. Three died during the failed operation, one died in custody and thest one was sentenced. The only member that survived was in jail for eight years but he died a couple of weeks ago.¡± ¡°Darn it!¡± Detective Chad cursed under his breathe and he frowned deeply.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°His name is Dane Julio but was nicknamed Speedy. He did a recording and wrote that note before his death.¡± Detective Chad checked the writing on the envelope. It was directed to ¡°RIA ROBERT¡± and it was sealed. ¡°Do you know the cause of his death? Tell me all I need to know.¡± Derrick sighed. ¡°Matthew said that Frederick visited Speedy in jail few days before he died. He didn¡¯t know what they talked about but he suspected that there was a deep secret between them. And dayster Speedy had a fight with an inmate and was stabbed.¡± ¡°Perhaps was there a grudge between Speedy and that inmate?¡± Detective Chad asked. ¡°Yes. Scorpion used to be the don of the prison before Speedy took away that title. Speedy survived and at the infirmary he told Matthew that he needed him to find someone as soon as he regains his freedom.¡± ¡°Hold up¡­¡± Detective Chad raised a finger. ¡°Speedy asked Matthew to find someone when he gets out of jail? Did he know he was going to die?¡± He was confused. ¡°Yes. Speedy told Matthew that someone wanted him dead. He told him the ce to find the note and device and asked him to find me and deliver it to me.¡± ¡°And who wants him dead? He didn¡¯t say?¡± ¡°Who else?¡± Detective Chad raised an eyebrow. ¡°Frederick Robert.¡± He replied. ¡°Yes. Matthew went back to the infirmary the next day during lunch but was told that Speedy passed away during the night.¡± ¡°But¡­ why did Frederick have to kill Speedy?¡± ¡°You will find the answer in that recording.¡± Derrick itched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Everything you need to put Frederick in jail is in that box.¡± Theypsed into silence. Detective Chad was busy checking out the papers in the box. He saw several pictures. Two of the pictures were of Ria and her parents. ¡°I will advice you don¡¯t deal with Frederick here in Idaho and also get the best attorney to help you on this case.¡± Derrick broke the silence. ¡°Thank you. Derrick, the best attorney will be in town soon to request for the files. Ria isn¡¯t fighting Frederick alone.¡± Derrick rubbed his palms together. ¡°Good one. But I hope they don¡¯t tell her that the files are missing.¡± ¡°They won¡¯t do anything silly. Attorney Ava isn¡¯t an ordinary attorney. She has the right connections to fight this case and win.¡± Detective Chad closed the box. ¡°Then tell her to request for a transfer of case to Chicago because that will render Frederick powerless.¡± Derrick advised. ¡°Frederick is already powerless in this case. Ria Robert is not the hopeless blind girl people around here know her to be anymore. She is rich now. And she also has rich and powerful people helping her on this case. You know Ian Bryant?¡± ¡°Ian Bryant?¡± Derrick repeated. ¡°Yes. He is a business mogul.¡± Detective Chad said. Derrick nodded. ¡°I haven¡¯t met him but I have heard of his family history¡­ pretty famous.¡± ¡°The Bryant are the richest in USA. Ian Bryant is Ria Robert partner and he is determined to put Frederick in jail. And I can assure you that he won¡¯t get away this time.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be sure Detective. Frederick is smart. And as a matter of fact his spies at the station will call to him inform that an attorney tendered a reinvestigation note. I am certain-¡± He paused. ¡°Frederick Robert will leave town.¡± Hepleted after some seconds of silence. ¡°We will arrange for his arrest before he leaves town.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°We?¡± Derrick shot him a confused look. ¡°Yes. Me and you. Derrick, you are a detective.¡± Derrick shook his head in disagreement. ¡°No. I am not a detective in Idaho anymore and I don¡¯t want to work on the case. It is the reason I lost everything.¡± ¡°Ria Robert will be happy see you.¡± Detective Chad added. ¡°I am not interested.¡± Derrick spat. ¡°I can get you a job in Chicago. I am sure my team will be happy to have an incorruptible detective like you on our team.¡± Derrick was silent. It has been eight years since he got fired at his workce and he hasn¡¯t worked on any case so far. Detective Chad dropped his number on the table. ¡°Give it a good thought.¡± Detective Chad stood up and carried the box with him and walked out of the house. He sent Derrick¡¯s home address to Ava. Attorney Ava went to Derrick¡¯s house the next day she arrived at Chicago. She gave him the money Ian offered to give him but he refused it. Ava tried to convince him to join them to work on the case but he didn¡¯t say much. She had dropped her card and told him that she awaits his response. Derrick had a second thought. It was a chance to start his life again. To live a normal life and forget about his wife that had left him and also forget the miserable life he has been living in Idaho. Chapter 97 Forgiveness CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE FLASH FORWARD ¡°So have you listened to the tape?¡± Ethan asked Chad. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Detective Chad took out the envelope and gave it to Ria. Ian collected it and handed it to her. ¡°Speedy sent this to you.¡± He added. ¡°Can we listen to the tape first?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Sure.¡± Detective Chad took out the device and pressed the button. Dane Julio, Speedy. ¡®My name is Dane Julio but my gang called me speedy. I used to be a member of the money make life gang. Actually I was second inmand in the gang because I was the closest to the boss. Wow, what a life I have lived. I am making this recording as an evidence to be used against Frederick Robert in court because I am certain nemesis will catch up with him soon. He is a bad man. Frederick used us for dirty jobs. He ordered us to kill people and it was mostly anyone who tried to get in his way. Eight years ago, Frederick came to my boss named Lucas and told him to get rid of his step brother Nathan Robert. He gave us paper works which contained the transfer of inheritance to his name. He told Lucas to get Nathan to sign those papers and we should kill him and his family so no one would ever find out the truth. The inheritance was a lot of money, it was about twenty million dors and Frederick offered to give Lucas two percent of the money aside the payment of the job. We killed Nathan and his wife but Lucas took Ria away because he couldn¡¯t control his sexual urge after seeing her. He was a pedophile.¡¯ Ian held Ria¡¯s hands and gave it a small squeeze. ¡®Lucas took her to our den but lied to Frederick that he had fun with her in his car and she died and he threw her body off a cliff. Frederick believed him and left that day. He thought it was over until they dered Ria missing. He came back to the den and yelled at Lucas for not killing her in their home so the cops wouldn¡¯t have to look for her body. Then Lucas helped him devise a n, the perfect n to make everyone believe that Ria was dead. Frederick paid the assistant chief of police to fire the detective in charge of the case because he found the truth and was determined to put him behind bars. He got connections in the police force and manipted the whole case. Some of the cops were paid to present the false body of Ria Robert and those who didn¡¯t want to lose their job were threatened to stay quiet. To prove that Ria was dead, a mannequin was customized to make it look like she was really dead. It was made by the toy industry in Idaho. They designed it to look like the real Ria Robert back then and that was why there wasn¡¯t much cops at the ce they found Ria¡¯s so-called body. It was just the cops the assistant chief of police assigned to the woods. And when a witness showed up and said she saw us that night and everyone suspected us that we did it, Lucas sent out Kelly who was the only female in our gang to meet the woman. He asked her to go to the witness. She was a single mother of two and so Kelly threatened to kill her sons. And she ordered her to change her words whenever the press came around. And sheplied and admitted that the men they found are ones she saw that night. The truth was Frederick paid two thugs to act as the killers giving them the assurance that he would fly them out of the country after the case was closed. And they confessed that they killed Nathan and his wife because he refused to pay the money he borrowed from them and that they also killed Ria in the woods. It was the maniption Lucas and Frederick nned. Actually, we killed those men after they closed the case. Lucas was willing to protect Ria from her uncle because he was in love with her but my boss couldn¡¯t tell her. And in a long run, we went for an operation in a bank but someone called the cops on us. They killed Lucas and two other members. I was apprehended and thest member that was shot, treated and locked up didn¡¯t make it in custody. Python died few dayster leaving just me to face the wrath of thew. Frederick couldn¡¯t get me out of cell. I was sentenced to life imprisonment but that bastard promised to get me out of jail when I threatened to expose his secrets. Eight years passed now he didn¡¯t do anything. He came to jail weeks back and asked me to tell him the truth about Ria. He imed that she was alive and I told him the truth after seeing the pictures he gave to me. Then I told him to turn himself in to the police before he left that day. I knew Frederick won¡¯t spare me for saying that to him. He was so confident that Ria won¡¯t do anything to him. And I sensed that my end was near and I was d. It was better to die than stay in jail for life. I am recording this just in case Frederick orders someone to get rid of me just to conceal the truth. I don¡¯t want Frederick to get away with his crimes. And I am the only evidence Ria has to put him in jail. Detective Derrick, I am sure you are listening to me, you are the only one I can trust with this because I saw how determined you were back then to find the killers. Mr Derrick, find Ria Robert. She is in Chicago and now a famous clothe designer. Find her and help her get justice for her parents death.¡± Then the device beeped. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Ethan said in a low tone. Detective Chad nodded. ¡°We can arrest Frederick with these evidences.¡± He said. ¡°Yes and the transfer of case is in process.¡± Attorney Ava added. ¡°Mr Chad, do the necessary things.¡± Ian gritted. ¡°Sure I will turn in the evidences to my boss today and make a report. Attorney Ava, please I will like you toe with me to the station to talk to my boss about your trip to Idaho.¡± Detective Chad covered the box. ¡°Okay.¡± Attorney Ava agreed. They both stood up. ¡°Please kindly drop by at the station to make a statement.¡± Detective Chad said to Ria. ¡°Should I bring the letter along?¡± Ria asked. ¡°No, it is yours¡­ and whatever is in there must be personal.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°Okay.¡± Attorney Ava and Detective Chad exited the room. ¡°I think¡­ I will take my leave too. See youter, Ria.¡± Ethan said and walked out of the office. Ma¡¯am Elise went to Ria. ¡°Don¡¯t worry everything will be fine. Mr Ian, I will leave her with you.¡± She said. Ian nodded as he looked at Ria who was trying so hard to blink back tears. Ma¡¯am Elise exited the room. ¡°Ria.¡± Ian called as he squeezed her hands gently. ¡°I promise you that he won¡¯t get away this time.¡± Ria nodded as she picked the letter. ¡°Ria¡­ you know that you can read the letter some other time.¡± Ian muttered. ¡°No¡­ I will read now.¡± She sniffed. ¡°Are you sure about it?¡± ¡°Yes Ian. Please read it to me.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± And he read it to her. Dane Julio; Speedy. Dear Ria, I am d to hear that you are alive and also doing fine in Chicago. I heard that you are now a famous clothe designer. It is such a relief. To be sincere, Ria, you deserve the best after everything you went through in Lucas¡¯s den. I am so sorry for what I tried to do to you. My greatest regret in life is trying to force myself on you because I still dream of that day each time I sleep. It has haunted me for years. Ria, find a ce in your heart to forgive me for trying to force myself on you. I am using this medium to ask for your forgiveness for getting you into trouble with Lucas. I felt guilt for what Lucas and his men did to you. I wish we could meet again so I can apologize properly but I know that I am thest person you want to see. I know I deserve death and I will dly ept it. Please Ria, once again forgive me and the money make life gang for killing your parents and for causing you so much pain. It is only your forgiveness that can make us rest in peace. Please forgive us. Thanks in advance! And I wish you all the best in life, Ria Robert. Tears dropped down Ria¡¯s cheeks. ¡°He knew he was going to die.¡± She stood up and walked to her desk. ¡°Ria.¡± Ian went to her and pulled her into his arms tightly. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡± It didn¡¯t work. Riasted two minutes in tears and she couldn¡¯t stop them from flowing. ¡°And even after everything¡­ he shouldn¡¯t have died!¡± She sobbed. Ria should be happy that Speedy was dead but she was heartbroken. She felt bad that he was dead. Ian held on to her. ¡°Ria, that¡¯s enough.¡± He whispered. ¡°Everyone deserve a second chance¡­ you know no one deserves to die. He was bad though, but he thought of doing something that would help me. Now I feel bad that he possibly died because of me. And if he hadn¡¯t confessed the truth then he would still be alive and-¡± Her voice trailed off.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°No. Ria.. don¡¯t me yourself.¡± He shushed her. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that he gave up so easily. I forgive him¡­ I forgive them. All of these wouldn¡¯t have happened if Frederick didn¡¯t approach them.¡± She muttered. That was the best thing she could do to repay Dane Julio for preparing that evidence. Forgiveness was the only option left to take away the guilt she was feeling. And Ria promised that she would do everything in her power to make sure that Frederick Robert pays for all his crimes. Chapter 98 Lint Corporation on fire CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE THRE DAYS LATER Ria stood outside of the store waiting for Ian toe and drive her to school as promised. She was anxious. And she was beginning to lose patience. Ria had left her office and decided to wait for him outside. The time was now 10:30 a. m, passed the usual time and Ian was neverte for their coffee mornings plus he always calls if he couldn¡¯t make it down here due to emergency at work. But today was different, he didn¡¯t show up and no call. Ria was worried when she called his line and Ian didn¡¯t pick up. She was disturbed and started to feel that something was wrong. The transferring of case from Idaho to Chicago was approved the day before yesterday. And Detective Chad had gone out with his men to apprehend Frederick but no one was home except the maids. Detective Chad called Derrick to inform him that Frederick wasn¡¯t home and the an old woman at his home said that Frederick left home some days ago. Chad was quick to calcte the date the woman gave him and it happened to be that the day Frederick left home was the same day Ava turned in the letter of reinvestigation. Frederick Robert left town! Someone must have told him about the official letter. Coward! This made Derrick to join the justice team. He was now determined to find Frederick. And very soon they will dere him wanted. ¡°Miss Ria.. Miss Ria¡­ Miss Ria!¡± She heard ma¡¯am Elise voice behind her. Ria turned to face her. She looked troubled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Pleasee in¡­ and watch the news.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said shakily. ¡°The news?¡± Ria repeated. Ma¡¯am Elise nodded impatiently. Ria followed her back inside to therge television in the room. Her workers gathered around to watch the news too. Ria saw Lint Corporation textile factory on the screen and her eyes scrolled down to the breaking news; LINT CORPORATION TEXTILE FACTORY ON FIRE The news captured the building on fire. ¡®SEVERAL WORKERS INJURED AND CEO IAN BRYANT COLLAPSED IN FIRE.¡¯ The reporter stated. Ria¡¯s eyes widened in shock and her heart skipped beats when she saw the medical team pushing Ian out on a stretcher with oxygen on his nose into the ambnce. ¡°No¡­ no¡­ no¡­.¡± Ria muttered as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ma¡¯am Elise held her hand tightly. ¡°He will be fine.¡± Ria looked up at the big screen again. Firemen were trying to put out of the fire. What could have happened? She wondered. ¡°The victims are being rushed to the nearest hospital which is Ainsley Hospital.¡± The reporter continued. ¡°Ainsley hospital? I need to see him.¡± Ria murmured. ¡°I will help you change your bag.¡± Ma¡¯am Loretta offered as she collected the school bag from Ria and rushed to the office. Ria waited impatiently for her return. ¡°I aming with you.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise said. ¡°No. I will be fine¡­ please¡­ just stay at the store.¡± Ria stammered. ¡°Okay.¡± Ma¡¯am Elise replied reluctantly. The two bodyguards named Brian and Bret that Ian had hired followed Ria closely. ¡°I don¡¯t need you guys following me around!¡± Ria yelled at them and they stepped backward. To Ria it was so annoying having bodyguards to protect her. At school they almost followed her into the toilet and scared off thedies. They never left her side even in sses. And Ria already told Ian that she doesn¡¯t need any bodyguard following her around but he wouldn¡¯t let her have her way. Ria dialed Mrs Pe number and she picked up immediately. ¡®Hello?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t her voice. ¡®Hello. Please can I talk Mrs Pe?¡¯ Ria requested politely. ¡®Ria is that you?¡¯ The soft voice asked. ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡®Oh Ria¡­ it is me. Lauren.¡¯ Ian¡¯s second big sister. They have met before when she wanted to get a dress for her daughter Mia. She celebrated her 10th birthday two weeks ago. ¡®I just watched the news now¡­ and I am on my way to Ainsley hospital.¡¯ Ria rushed out her words. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Lauren mumbled. ¡®What about Mrs Pe?¡¯ Lauren heaved a loud sigh. ¡®My mom fainted after she received the news that Ian copsed in the fire.¡¯ ¡®How is she?¡¯ ¡®She is fine now. The doctors already attended to her.¡¯ ¡®Okay. I will be there soon.¡¯ Lauren hummed a positive response before disconnecting the call. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Oh my God! Let Ian be fine.¡± Ria said the prayer over and over again. ******* IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SANDERS MANSION Alexis went to the door when she heard the doorbell. ¡°Good afternoon. Please how may I help you?¡± Derrick who was now working as a detective in Chicago brought out his ID card and showed it to the maid. He came with two other cops. ¡°We are here to see Mrs Vivian Robert.¡± ¡°Alexis, is everything okay?¡± Serena came into view. Alexis opened the door wide for Serena to see their visitors. She walked closer to the door. ¡°Are you, Mrs Sanders?¡± Derrick asked. ¡°Yes. I am Serena Sanders.¡± She replied. Detective Derrick showed her his card. ¡°And Mrs Vivian Robert is here right?¡± Mrs Serena nodded. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes I just want to have a word with you.¡± Detective Derrick responded. ¡°Come in.¡± Mrs Serena invited them in. ¡°Vivian.¡± Serena called out. Mrs Vivian and Bay walked to the sitting room. They stopped on track when their eyes fell on the men in uniforms. ¡°Detective Derrick from police quarters in Chicago.¡± He introduced briefly. ¡°What¡¯s going on, mom?¡± Bay questioned with a raised eyebrows. ¡°Presently we are reinvestigating Nathan and Madison Robert case. And-¡± ¡°Nathan and Madison?¡± Mrs Vivian repeated. ¡°Yes. Mr Nathan was your husband¡¯s step brother and Madison was his wife..¡± Detective Derrick said. ¡°They are dead.¡± Mrs Vivian replied. ¡°Yes I know.¡± Detective Derrick cocked his brows. ¡°Where is Mr Frederick Robert?¡± He asked. ¡°My husband?¡± Mrs Vivian shot him a confused look. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°He is out of town¡­ on a vacation.¡± She stuttered. ¡°Where?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Mrs Vivian answered. ¡°Or you don¡¯t want to disclose his location.¡± ¡°My husband didn¡¯t give me a specific country or town? He only warned me not to go Chicago.¡± Mrs Vivian said with sincerity in her tone. ¡°Why?¡± Mrs Vivian exchanged nces with Serena. ¡°I told him some weeks ago that I would like to visit Ria Robert Couture to buy some dresses but he refused to let me go¡­¡± She paused. ¡°Why are you looking for my husband? And why are you reinvestigating a closed case?¡± ¡°For justice to prevail. After much investigation we found out that Mr Frederick Robert was deeply involved in the case.¡± Detective Derrick replied. All of their jaws dropped in shock. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mrs Vivian demanded. Detective Derrick ignored Vivian¡¯s question. ¡°It is obvious you don¡¯t have an idea of where we can possibly find your husband at the moment. Thanks for your time.¡± ¡°Hey¡­¡± Bay called out to him but he don¡¯t respond and then he left with his men. Detective Derrick figured Frederick¡¯s location from his wife¡¯s words. He had warned her not to travel to Chicago so it only means that Frederick is in Chicago! His phone beeped. It was Chad. ¡®Hello Chad. I just spoke to Mrs Vivian. She has no idea where her husband traveled to.¡± He told Chad what he found out. ¡°Frederick is in Chicago.¡± He said. Detective Chad was silent. ¡°Are you there?¡± Derrick asked. ¡°Someone set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire.¡± Detective Chad said finally. ¡°What?!¡± His mouth dropped slightly. ¡°Yes. And Ian Bryant also copsed in the fire.¡± Frederick is in Chicago, the textile factory was on fire, Ian Copsed in fire¡­ Derrick thought deeply. Then it struck him almost immediately. ¡°Chad, I think this is Frederick¡¯s doing.¡± He muttered. ¡°Yes I agree with you. Let us just assume that he wants to get rid of Ian Bryant to make Ria powerless. Ian said Frederick called him and he had told Frederick straight that he would put him in jail.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°Now I think we don¡¯t have to work in Idaho anymore.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ the search is in Chicago. We have to find him.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Perhaps did to tell his wife about it?¡± Detective Chad demanded. ¡°Not directly. I only said Frederick was involved in the case.¡± Detective Derrick replied.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell her?¡± ¡°Well it looked like the poor woman would copse if I told her Frederick murdered his brother. And I have too much work to do than rushing a woman to the hospital.¡± Detective Derrick responded. ¡°She will find out anytime soon ¡°Yes the press are already storming the police station here trying to find any information.¡± ¡°Well drop something for them before moving to Chicago.¡± Detective Chad instructed him after letting out a light chuckle. ¡°Sure.¡± The line dropped. Chapter 99 Suspects CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT AINSLEY HOSPITAL The rush to the hospital was in a bad way, hectic scene in the emergency room and this feeling she had felt before; The fear of losing Ian. The fear of not being in Ian¡¯s world again. ¡°Don¡¯t let it be. Let him be safe.¡± Ria chanted in her head. Ria pushed her way through the nurses and patients who were in her way and she ran towards the intensive care unit area. She met Lauren and Josie sitting in front of the intensive care unit. They stared at her as she stopped on track. Ria could recognize Josie from the pictures Ian had showed her on his phone. ¡°Ria.¡± Lauren stood up and came to her. ¡°How is he?¡± Ria asked her. Her eyes held a fearful look but with the hope that Ian would be fine. Nothing would go wrong! Ian would be fine! She prayed. A solemn look disyed on Lauren¡¯s face. ¡°We are not sure yet.¡± She said. On cue, Doctor Hawn exited the intensive care unit with a female doctor and a nurse behind him and the three of them turned all their attention towards him. ¡°How is Ian?¡± ¡°How is he doing?¡± ¡°Doctor is Ian okay?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. He is fine.¡± Doctor Hawn replied. Lauren, Josie and Ria let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It seems Ian didn¡¯t take his Ventolin inhaler to the factory that was why he copsed in the fire. The smoke must have been too much for him to bear that it affected his breathing.¡± Doctor Hawn said. Ria froze for a second as she tried to make sense of the doctor¡¯s words. Ventolin Inhaler echoed in her head. ¡°Will he fine? I mean¡­ his breathing.¡± Josie asked. Doctor Shawn nodded. ¡°Yes, he will be okay. He is currently on oxygen machine but he will regain consciousness soon.¡± ¡°Can we see him?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Sure but I am afraid that you can¡¯t go in yet.¡± Doctor Hawn responded. They all nodded in understanding. ¡°Please excuse me I will cheek on Mrs Pe.¡± He said and walked away with the women ¡°Josie, this is Ria Robert. She is Ian¡¯s girlfriend.¡± Lauren introduced briefly. Ria fiddled with her fingers. Josie was totally different from Lauren. She had a frown on her face and she shot Ria a disgusting look like she had shit on her body. In a nutshell, Josie knew Ian was seeing a blinddy who he had spent so much on. She concluded in her mind that Ria was an opportunist who is only using her brother to get the good things of life. ¡°It is nice to -¡± Josie cuts in. ¡°Lauren, I¡¯ll just go ahead and check on Ian.¡± She said coldly before walking away. ¡°I apologize on Josie¡¯s behalf. She is always like that anytime¡­ she is under tension.¡± Lauren said in an apologetic tone. Ria shed her a half smile. ¡°It is fine.¡± It doesn¡¯t matter to her. She was more concerned about Ian. ¡°Mrs Lauren¡­¡± Ria paused and swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what Doctor Hawn said about the Ventolin Inhaler.¡± ¡°Ian didn¡¯t tell you?¡± Lauren questioned. ¡°He has never mentioned something like that to me.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°Ian is asthmatic.¡± Ria¡¯s heart beats rapidly. ¡°I never knew Ian had health problems. He didn¡¯t mention it to me.¡± She replied.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Well maybe he didn¡¯t want you to worry about him. Actually he goes around with an inhaler. I feel you should know better now that Ian is pretty good at hiding his problems but does his best at making people around him happy.¡± Lauren shrugged. And Ria never noticed it. And why didn¡¯t she ever ask him if he had any health problem too? Such thoughts has never urred to her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ria, my brother is quite strong. I am sure he is going to be fine.¡± Lauren rubbed Ria¡¯s upper arm. Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°Do you want to see Ian first or check on my mom?¡± She asked. ¡°Your mom.¡± Ria replied. She doesn¡¯t want to stand on same spot with Josie Bryant. That woman¡¯s looks scares the hell out of her. ¡°Let us go.¡± She held Ria¡¯s hand and led her to a private ward. Ria heard Mrs Pe voice when they almost got to the entrance of the ward. ¡°This is all your fault!¡± She screamed. Lauren rolled her eyes. ¡°Family issues.¡± She muttered. At that point Ria knew that she shouldn¡¯t go in with her. She stopped. ¡°Mrs Lauren, you can go in and see what¡¯s going on. I want to call a friend.¡± Lauren stared at her for a second. ¡°Okay.¡± She nodded. ¡°If only you had monitored the factory seriously like the rest of your sisters did to thepany assigned to them then Ian won¡¯t be unconscious!¡± Mrs Pe voice boomed again. Lauren stepped in. ¡°You are ipetent Piper! And all of this happened because of you!¡± She yelled at Piper again. Ria wondered what had caused the fire at the factory. Her phone beeped snapping her out of brief thought. She took it out of her bag. It was Ethan! ¡®Ria¡­ I watched the news.¡¯ He whispered. ¡®Yes¡­ Lint Corporation was set on fire. Ian copsed in the fire too.¡¯ ¡®Where are you?¡¯ ¡®At Ainsley hospital.¡¯ ¡®So how is he?¡¯ Tears clouded her vision. ¡®Ian is unconscious but the doctor said he would be fine.¡¯ She blinked back tears as she exined Ian¡¯s health condition to him. ¡®He is asthmatic.¡¯ ¡®And he didn¡¯t tell you about it?¡¯ ¡®Ian didn¡¯t tell me he is asthmatic¡­ and I have never even noticed an inhaler with him.¡¯ She sniffed. ¡®Ria rx. Ian¡­ no maybe he didn¡¯t want you to worry about him.¡¯ ¡®But I would be d if he had told me about it. Finding out from the doctor and then his sister exining the whole thing to me makes me look like I really don¡¯t care about him.¡¯ Now Ria was feeling bad that she haven¡¯t been caring about him. ¡®Will youe back to the store anytime soon?¡¯ ¡®No, I will wait here. I want to be there for Ian whenever he regains consciousness.¡¯ This is the perfect time to repay Ian for taking care of her in China. ¡®Okay. Please just give me a call when he wakes up.¡¯ ¡®Okay.¡¯ ¡®Bye.¡¯ He hang up the call. Ria turned back with an attempt to go back to the intensive care unit but Josie was there standing right in front of her. And she didn¡¯t know what to say to her. ¡°The board of directors and shareholders of the factory would requests that you stepped down as the chaidy.¡± A masculine voice said. ¡°What?!¡± Piper gasped. ¡°Piper, you don¡¯t have to worry about them¡­ you can¡¯t step down if the major shareholder doesn¡¯t want you to step down and you know your mom is the major shareholder.¡± ¡°I want her to step down.¡± Mrs Pe said. ¡°Mom! You can¡¯t do this to me! After everything I -¡± ¡°You ruined thepany. Now we have no textilepany now!¡± ¡°Calm down mom.¡± Ria heard Lauren¡¯s voice. ¡°Darling, we can have a discussion without you yelling and we sort things out.¡± The masculine voice said again. Ria knew it must be Ian¡¯s dad. Josie held the door knob. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be eavesdropping on our family¡¯s discussion.¡± Oh yeah she was right! Ria knew it would be better for her to stay away since she is not part of the family. She would talk to Mrs Peter. Ria stepped away. The door opened and Piper came out with a wet face. She has been crying. She ran down the hallway as fast as her legs could carry her. Josie stepped into the ward and mmed the door on Ria¡¯s face. ¡°Darling -¡± ¡°That¡¯s my final decision and¡­ I am not changing my mind.¡± Mrs Pe interrupted him. ¡°Mom is this about Ian or thepany? You are being too harsh on Piper for no reason.¡± Ria heard Josie¡¯s voice. ¡°Please don¡¯t start Josie.¡± Lauren cautioned her. Ria wasn¡¯t ready to stay around and listen to their discussion. So she made her way back to the intensive care unit. She peered through the transparent ss on the door. Time ticked constantly, moving while Ria stood waiting outside the intensive care unit. She watched Ianying unconsciously in bed. There heid, his limp body on the bed, a bandage around his head and left wrist and a gauze on his nose. Ria was sure there was more under the hospital gown. He wasn¡¯t in a good condition. And all that¡¯s left is to wait till he regained consciousness. Her phone buzzed again. It was Ethan. ¡®Hello Ethan.¡¯ ¡®Ria.¡¯ He called out shakily. ¡®What¡¯s wrong Ethan?¡¯ She asked out of fear. Ethan drew in a deep breathe. ¡®Chad just called me now and he said that¡­ Frederick is in Chicago.¡¯ Ria¡¯s heart beat elerated. ¡®Don¡¯t let it be what I am thinking.¡¯ She murmured. ¡®And he said that¡­ it is possible that Frederick set the textile factory on fire. No evidence yet but they are preparing to check the CCTV in the factory. Some parts are not affected.¡¯ ¡®Oh my goodness.¡¯ Ria whispered. Tears. She could feel them dropping down her cheeks. If it was Frederick who set the textile factory on fire then he must have done that to get back at Ian. She was there the day Frederick called Ian to ask why he had canceled the deal and Ian told him everything; the recording and the case he tried to cover up. Realization hit Ria that all of this happened because of her. The textile factory got burnt because of her! Those workers in the fire, Ian and Piper getting dismissed at work. It was all her fault. ¡®Ria, are you there?¡¯ She dropped the phone from her ear and stared at Ian closely. Why was there a bandage on his head and wrist and the a gauze on his nose since he was only affected by the smoke? How did he sustain these injuries? She pondered. It was clear! If it was Frederick¡¯s doing then he was after Ian¡¯s life. He wanted to destroy Ian to make her powerless over the case. Frederick knew that Ian was solidly behind her and determined to put him in jail. And at the same time what if it wasn¡¯t Frederick but someone else? Who else could it be? Ria thought deeply. ¡®Ethan¡­¡¯ Ria ced the phone back on her ear. ¡®Yes Ria¡­ are you okay? You scared me.¡¯ ¡®What if it was Drake Robert?¡¯ ¡®Drake?¡¯ ¡®Yes¡­ the deal Ian cancelled. Drake must have done it to make Iane back to him. Remember he wanted to supply me Fabrics but I rejected his offer¡­ Ian made him sign a note to make him stay away from me but then the deal still got canceled. He could have¨C¡® ¡®Rx Ria. Please calm down. I understand what you are trying to say. I will call Chad right now and tell him about it too.¡¯ The line dropped again. Ria¡¯s mind was spinning. It could be Drake Robert. He must have thought that ruining the textile factory would make here to him for supplies so then he would use that chance to make Ian sign the deal again. And Ria could hardly believe what she was thanking! But somehow feelings of guilt washed over her. She wondered what would happen tomorrow and in the next few days. Chapter 100 It鈥檚 all my fault IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SANDERS MANSION ¡°Vivian! Vivian! Vivian!¡± Mrs Serena called out to her after receiving a call from a close friend. She rushed into the sitting room. Bay and Vivian looked at her with confused looks. ¡°Mom¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡± Bay asked as she rubbed her baby bump. ¡°You haven¡¯t watched the news?¡± Mrs Serena picked the remote and tuned in to a news channel. ¡°Vivian you should watch the news.¡± She looked troubled. Then they gasped few seconds after watching the news. The Headline was; FREDERICK ROBERT DECLARED WANTED. His picture was at the top right side of the big screen with WANTED in red letters. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s the man that came around here to ask for-¡± Bay arched her brows as she pointed to a man on the big screen talking to some reporters. It was Derrick. ¡°Yes¡­ he is the one.¡± Mrs Serena replied. Mrs Vivian was silent. Her mind was spinning dizzyingly and her world upside down. She could hardly believe what Derrick was saying to the press. ¡°Mr Frederick Robert is the suspect of a case from eight years ago. And we have enough evidences to charge Mr Robert to court for the murder of his step brother, Nathan and his wife, Madison Robert.¡± ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Mrs Vivian muttered and ced her hand on her forehead. ¡°What¡¯s all this mom?¡± Bay arched her brows. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Vivian, we should call Drake. Yes, I will just call-¡± Mrs Serena stopped when she noticed that Vivian wasn¡¯t moving on the couch. ¡°Vivian -¡± She called at her but she didn¡¯t respond. She went closer to Vivian and tried shaking her up but she was already unconscious. ¡°What¡¯s wrong mom?¡± Bay managed to get up from the couch. ¡°Bay¡­ Bay¡­ Call 911!¡± She screamed out startling Bay in the process but she rushed to the home line to call the emergency line. ****************** CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AINSLEY HOSPITAL Darkness. Complete darkness that¡¯s all he could see. He tried opening his eyes but they wouldn¡¯t budge to his will. His arms were doing the same, remaining limp by his sides. Finally, he managed to open his eyes, slowly, observing the surrounding through his blurred vision and his irises adjusted to the light in the room. ¡°Where am I?¡± He wondered sighing. Soon realization hit him when he heard the beeping sound of machine next to him and the walls were all covered in white colors. ¡°I am in the hospital?¡± He groaned at the slight pain in his head. How did I get to the hospital? He mused. ¡°Ian.¡± A soft voice called out to him. He turned slightly and saw his mom. ¡°Ian.¡± She called again. ¡°Mom.¡± Mrs Pe sat down at the edge of the bed and held on to his hand gently. ¡°What happened¡­ mom?¡± He asked. ¡°You copsed in the fire.¡± Mrs Pe answered. ¡°Fire? What fire?¡± He muttered. ¡°At the textile factory.¡± Ian closed his eyes and slowly memories flooded his mind¡¯s eye. ¡°Ian, how did you get caught in the fire? And why didn¡¯t you take your inhaler with you?¡± Mrs Pe questioned with a concerned look on her face. ¡°What about Ria? Where is she?¡± Ian said in a tight whisper ignoring her questions. Mrs Pe stared at her son. ¡°Is¡­ she¡­ okay?¡± Ian asked shakily. Mrs Pe was surprised that he was still concerned about a woman instead of questioning her about his health. ¡°Rx. Ria is fine. She just stepped out a while ago to get coffee for me.¡± She replied. Ian heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°For how long have I been at the hospital?¡± ¡°You have been out for more than twenty four hours.¡± Mrs Pe responded. ¡°A whole day? Now what have I missed?! Ria must be really worried.¡± Ian bantered internally. The door opened and he looked away from his mom to the door. Ria was there with a coffee pack in her hands. ¡°Ian.¡± She whispered. A small smile formed on his lips immediately at the sight of the woman he loves so much. Ria rushed to the bed and gave Mrs Pe the coffee. ¡°Thank you very much, Ria.¡± Mrs Pe said to her. Then Ria moved to the other side of the bed so she could have ess to touch him. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± She asked. ¡°I am fine.¡± Ian reached out to her first and she held his left hand. Ria sighed in relief as she nodded her head but didn¡¯t smile at him. At least she was d that he made it back alive. ¡°Mom, can you please excuse us? I want to talk to Ria alone.¡± Ian requested. ¡°Sure. I was about leaving too.¡± Mrs Pe stood up. ¡°I will inform Doctor Hawn that you are awake.¡± She smiled at him.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°Thanks mom.¡± Mrs Pe exited the room. ¡°Ria-¡± Ian tried to sit up on the bed. ¡°Hey. Rx. Let me adjust the bed so you can sit up.¡± Ria adjusted the bed rails and it came higher. And Ian satfortably on the bed while Ria settled at the edge facing him directly. ¡°Ian, I was worried when you didn¡¯t show up at the store and I called you but you weren¡¯t picking up¡­ until I watched the news. I was¡­¡± Ria¡¯s voice trailed off. Ian noticed the tears at the corners of her eyes. ¡°I was so scared¡­ and I thought I was going to lose you.¡± She admitted. Oh! Ria really thought something bad was going to happen to Ian and she was terrified at the thought of losing him. ¡°Ria¡­ I made a promise that I am not going to leave you and I am so bent on fulfilling it.¡± Ian reassured her. Then she moved closer and hugged him. ¡°I can¡¯t live without you¡­ so please stay with me.¡± She sobbed. Ian pat her back slightly. ¡°Yes Ria. I am going to stay with you.¡± He chuckled lightly. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you tell me about your health condition?¡± Ria came out of the embrace and stared intently at him. ¡°Ria-¡± ¡°I never knew that you have asthma and you didn¡¯t tell me about it. I felt bad when I found out about it from Doctor Hawn.¡± Ian reached out to wipe the tears on her cheeks with his fingertips. ¡°I am sorry.¡± He apologized. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you about my health condition because I didn¡¯t want you to worry about me. And to be honest with you, I haven¡¯t had an attack since I met you. I have been doing just fine.¡± He added. ¡°Still¡­ why didn¡¯t you take it with you? I mean the inhaler?¡± Ian smiled. ¡°I always leave the inhaler in the car. And I didn¡¯t expect the fire outbreak.¡± He held her hands in hisrge ones. Ria sniffed. ¡°I am d you are fine.¡± She embraced him again. ¡°Any news on the case?¡± He asked. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t worry about the case yet. Please get better.¡± Ria withdrew from the embrace and looked straight at him. ¡°I am doing just fine. And I can¡¯t be at peace knowing that Frederick hasn¡¯t paid for what he did to you.¡± Ian gritted. ¡°Ian-¡± ¡°Come on, Ria, just tell me about it.¡± He kissed their locked hands. ¡°Well about the fire¡­ Detective Chad and Derrick came aroundst night.¡± Ria said. ¡°Okay. So what did they say?¡± Ria sighed. ¡°Frederick is in Chicago.¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes he is in Chicago. And we all suspect that he might be involved in the fire outbreak at the textile factory.¡± Ian forehead creased. ¡°Wait¡­ you mean Frederick Robert possibly set my factory on fire?¡± Ria shook her head in agreement and exined her assumptions which might possibly be the truth. The reason for suspecting Frederick and Drake too. She told him everything he needed to know! ¡°Chad came around because he wanted to hear your side of the story too.¡± Shepleted. Ian nodded. ¡°Do I have to wait for them toe around before saying anything? Or we should meet them at the station?¡± ¡°I am sure they wille around soon. For now you need to rest.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Well did they mentioned it to my mom that Frederick and his son are the suspect of the fire outbreak?¡± Ian demanded. ¡°Yes. I am sorry, Ian I had to do it. I told her about it when she saw the news about Frederick being wanted. Actually Ian I had to admit to her that I was rted to him.¡± ¡°Ria, you shouldn¡¯t have -¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. I didn¡¯t tell her about Lucas yet.¡± She interrupted him. ¡°Is that possible? Ria, there is no way you will share your story without involving him.¡± Tears clouded her vision again. ¡°Yes. But she was only interested in knowing about Frederick. So I only told her that Frederick ordered the killings of my parents just to take over my dad¡¯s inheritance.¡± She wiped a tear that strayed down her cheek. ¡°And she didn¡¯t ask you how you survived alone?¡± Ria sniffled. ¡°Funnily enough, she didn¡¯t ask me. Your mom was so troubled after I told what Frederick did to me and she is even more concerned now about how to get him to pay for his crimes.¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have found out if not for the news.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°The news. Frederick is all over the news now.¡± Ian gave her hand a small squeeze. He didn¡¯t like to see her get hurt or shed a tear. It always tears him apart. ¡°Where are your bodyguards?¡± He asked. ¡°They are at the store.¡± She replied. ¡°Why the store? They should be here guiding you. I paid them to protect you and not sitting at the store!¡± Ian seethe his teeth in anger. ¡°Calm down Ian. Please rx, I told them not to follow me around.¡± Ian jaw dropped slightly. ¡°Why?¡± Ria was silent. ¡°Ria, tell me what¡¯s wrong? Are they giving any problems?¡± His voice was soft and it sent a cold chill down her spine. ¡°Or is any of your lecturer against bring your bodyguards to sses?¡± Ava already sent an official note to the institution authority and exined that Ria would being around with more bodyguards. She isn¡¯t safe with Frederick finding out that she is alive! ¡°No.¡± Ria nodded negatively. ¡°Then what? Tell me Ria. I don¡¯t want you moving around without the bodyguards. It is even more dangerous now that Frederick is in Chicago.¡± Ria avoided his gaze. ¡°Ian, it is just that I don¡¯t want anyone risking their lives to protect me. Look if Frederickes around he would take down my bodyguards first before taking me. They would get hurt for my sake¡­ and I don¡¯t want that to happen. So the only way to stop it and avoid losing them is to just¡­ stop them from following me around.¡± She closed her eyes. ¡°Look at you now, Ian, you are also in this state because of me.¡± More tears streamed down her cheeks. And she goes again putting all the me on herself! Ria thinks everything that happened was her fault! ¡°Ria, don¡¯t think things this way. I don¡¯t want you to me yourself. Plus we are not even sure if Frederick or Drake set the factory on fire and even if it is one of them please don¡¯t ever me yourself for it.¡± Ian believed she would takefort from being assured that it wasn¡¯t her fault even if Frederick or Drake was involved in the fire outbreak. ¡°But-¡± ¡°No more buts from you. Is that clear?¡± Ria nodded. ¡°What about the factory now?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the condition? Did everything get burnt?¡± ¡°No just the storage room and part of the main factory. The firemen were quick to quench the fire.¡± Ria replied. Ian swallowed hard. ¡°Don¡¯t be concerned about it. Last month mom and I discussed it that we would renovate the textile factory. So I am sure this is the right time to get things done.¡± ¡°Well Ian¡­ I am just happy that no worker died in the fire. Though some sustained minor injuries and they were all quick to get out of the building.¡± Ria looked at him. ¡°We willpensate those that sustained injuries. Please don¡¯t worry yourself too much.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°Your mom said the same thing too.¡± She stopped. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Oh Ian, I don¡¯t know if I should be the one telling you this¡­¡± Her voice broke off. ¡°Tell me what happened.¡± ¡°Actually, yesterday your mom agreed to the shareholders request.¡± Ria said. ¡°What request?¡± ¡°They want Piper to step down as the chaidy. It wasn¡¯t her fault but your mom also thinks Piper is ipetent of running the factory.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Yeah. She is right. I mean, they are all right about Piper. The truth is that she is the reason why I went to the factory. You see, Piper doesn¡¯t like the idea of sitting at the desk all day. She had always wanted to be model but our parents didn¡¯t agree to her choice. And so she was only trying to run the factory somehow¡­ with my help.¡± Ian exined. ¡°Okay. I just feel bad and guilty for her.¡± Ria murmured. ¡°We will sort things out. Is that all?¡± Ian asked. And Ria nodded but Ian feels she still has something to say. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Okay. Please can I get a smile now?¡± Ria shed him a half smile. ¡°Ian, this is not the appropriate-¡± ¡°Time to smile right?¡± Ianpleted her statement. ¡°Ria, I am alive and we are back together. So isn¡¯t that enough reason to smile?¡± Ria stared at him. ¡°Yeah. You are right. I am sorry. I didn¡¯t think about it.¡± She muttered. ¡°It is okay.¡± Ian rubbed her upper arm gently. ¡°Ian, how about you move in with us for the main time.¡± Ria said after a minute of silence that flowed by with both of them just staring into each other¡¯s eyes. ¡°Move in with you?¡± And Ian thought he didn¡¯t hear her words correctly. ¡°Yes move in with us after your discharge. You can stay with us till you get better. I want to take care of you.¡± Ria replied. ¡°No Ria. Mr Griffin is at home and I can take care of myself.¡± Ian declined. The truth is Ian loves the idea of staying with Ria but he doesn¡¯t want to be a burden to her. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to take care of you properly? Do you think I can¡¯t do a better job than Mr Griffin?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°I don¡¯t think it is a good idea.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Ria, you have too many work at hand. You have to take care of your kids, prepare them for school before their nanny arrives and as well as preparing yourself for the work at the store and for sses too. And offering to take care of me would only add to the work on ground. And I don¡¯t want to be a burden to-¡± ¡°Ian, you are not going to be a burden to me.¡± Ria cuts in sharply. ¡°And stop making it sound like I do thousands of work a day.¡± She added quickly. ¡°Listen you don¡¯t have to inconvenient yourself just to take care of me. I can take good care of myself.¡± Ian said. Ria stared at him for a second and nodded slowly. She didn¡¯t expect that he would turn her down so easily. ¡°I understand. It is fine if you don¡¯t want to move in with¡­¡± Her voice trailed off and she stood up from the end. ¡°You should rest now.¡± Ria said sharply as she adjusted the bed. Ian studied her expression. Ria wasn¡¯t happy that he turned her down. Ian would like to move in with her! He wants her to take care of him! He wants to wake up to see her first thing in the morning! But Ian was feeling like wanting all these makes him selfish. He has to think of the fact that she has many things to do. But at the same time Ria won¡¯t be happy if he doesn¡¯t say yes to her offer. She was already looking so sad for his rejection when all he wanted was to make her happy. Ian caught her hand before she stepped away from the bed to sit on the couch. ¡°Ria, are you sure? I mean about me moving in with you for sometime?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes Ian. I am sure but it seems you don¡¯t want me to take care you just like how you did to me.¡± Ria stopped and continued after few seconds. ¡°When I found out about your health condition, I felt really bad. It is as if I don¡¯t know you the way I should and that I don¡¯t care about you the way you care about me. And I am sorry I didn¡¯t take such steps. I had no idea of how to start a rtionship or how to maintain one. I know nothing about it-¡± She paused. ¡°I am sorry.¡± She apologized. Ian gestured for her to sit back on the bed and she did. ¡°So we can use this chance of staying together to get to know each other better. Huh? And remember I said I was going to court you properly.¡± Ria nodded. And Ian would have proposed to Ria the moment he confessed to her but he couldn¡¯t do it because he didn¡¯t have a ring and it was too early to propose without going to a rtionship first. But Ian has a n, they can make that decision after the end of Frederick Robert. ¡°We will have all the time.¡± Ian added. Then Ria leaned close and pressed her lips on his lips. ¡°Thank you, Ian.¡± Ria wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks amidst kisses when she pulled away. ¡°I love you.¡± She muttered. ¡°I love you too.¡± Ian smoothened strands of hair from her face. Chapter 101 Who set Lint Corporation on Fire? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT AINSLEY HOSPITAL The door opened up and Ian saw Detective Chad and Derrick at the entrance. Chad said few words to the men behind him before stepping in with Derrick. ¡°Good evening, Ian.¡± Ian acknowledge their presences by nodding his head. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Detective Chad asked Ian. ¡°I am fine. Thanks.¡± ¡°I am d that you are fine.¡± Detective Derrick said to him. Ian nodded. ¡°So what¡¯s up with Frederick?¡± He requested. ¡°We are yet to find him. But we are trying our best to find him. We have issued a warrant of arrest and even ce surveince everywhere just to find him.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°He can¡¯t hide for long. I am sure he will reveal himself to Ria soon.¡± Ian said. ¡°You need to tell us what exactly happened at the factory.¡± Detective Derrick requested politely. ¡°I received a call from the manager that morning that I shoulde around and check out the new machines they purchased. Though it was Piper¡¯s job to inspect it but she was busy at the office and she doesn¡¯t know much about machines too. I was just at the factory to inspect things as usual.¡± Ian exined. ¡°And did you suspect any unusual movement when you got to the factory?¡± Detective Chad asked. ¡°Everything was fine. I didn¡¯t suspect any unusual movement.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Are you sure? Ian, try to think about it.¡± Detective Chad. Ian closed his eyes and memories of that day flooded his mind. ******** FLASHBACK ¡°Good Morning, Mr Ian.¡± Sam the manager of the textile factory greeted cheerfully. ¡°Good morning, Mr Sam.¡± Ian replied ncing around the factory. Everyone was busy. ¡°Where are the machines?¡± He asked. ¡°We haven¡¯t installed the machines yet.¡± Mr Sam replied. ¡°So where are the engineers that will build them together? I was expecting that everything would be set by now.¡± ¡°The engineers are on their way.¡± ¡°Alright. Let me have a look at the machines.¡± Ian sighed. ¡°Pleasee with me.¡± Mr Sam led Ian to the room where the machines are kept. ¡°Mr Sam, are you sure everything is okay around here?¡± Ian asked as he checked out the machines. ¡°Yes sir. Everything is okay. We have been able to-¡± Mr Sam was interrupted by a loud spark in the corridor and then everywhere went ck. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Power outage I guess¡­¡± Mr Sam replied. Ian muttered profanity as he brought of his phone and switched on the shlight. ¡°Does this happen more often?¡± ¡°No sir. I will check out what¡¯s going on?¡± Mr Sam said and stepped out of the room. Minutes clicked by and he didn¡¯t return. Ian stepped out of the room too. He heard noises close by and he also caught a glimpse of a figure at the corridor leading to the main factory. Everywhere was still dark as the figure made a sharp corner to the factory. ¡°Mr Sam.¡± He called but no one responded. Ian coughed when he inhaled smoke after he came out to the opening. Workers were running helter skelter in the factory. He was confused. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He murmured. Ian ced his palms on his nose. Someone bumped into him and his phone fell to the ground. Everyone screamed loudly at another spark ripped through in the air! ¡°Fire! Fire! Fire! Everyone exit the building!¡± Ian heard Mr Sam¡¯s voice. He wanted to know what had caused the fire. He moved closer and noticed a cable was disconnected from a machine nearby. It sparked but he managed to turned away. He didn¡¯t know what to do amidst the chaos! ¡°Everyone move out!¡± Mr Sam barked out orders to the workers. Ian coughed continuously. His chest tightened and his breathe cut in his chest and he couldn¡¯t breathe well. He searched for his inhaler but he couldn¡¯t find it and then he recalled that it was in the car. He held the big box close by and he tightened his grip on it. ¡°Sir Ian! Please watch out!¡± He heard Sam¡¯s voice. He looked up and saw the box almost falling but he couldn¡¯t move off from that spot. The two loaded box fell down before he could dodge them. His eyes rolled to his head as the box hit his head and he hit the ground hard. ¡°Sir Ian! Somebody help!¡± Mr Sam screamed out. Two out of the security men guiding the workers out of the building came around. They ced Ian on the man¡¯s back and then rushed out of the building. Firemen made their way into the building to put out the fire. The medical teams were attending tooInjured workers when they carried Ian out of the building. They helped Ian on a stretcher into the ambnce as they tried to resuscitate him. ******* FLASH FORWARD ¡°So you saw a figure when you came out of the room where the new set of machines were kept?¡± Detective Chad asked. ¡°Yes¡­ and I thought it was Mr Sam.¡± Detective Chad and Derrick exchanged nces. ¡°But Mr Sam would have responded.¡± Derrick said. Ian nodded in agreement. ¡°Can you give a quick description of the figure you saw.¡± Detective Chad requested. ¡°Everywhere was dark.¡± ¡°But you had a shlight with you.¡± Detective Chad added. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Try to remember what he had looked like at that moment. And you can help with the direction of where you saw the figure.¡± Detective Chad persisted. Ria squeezed Ian hands gently. ¡°It was obviously a man since I assumed him to be Mr Sam.¡± Ian said as he closed his eyes. He thought deeply. ¡°He was tall¡­ about the same height with me-¡± He paused. Ian remember vividly that the figure he saw had a face cap on. ¡°And is Mr Sam about your height?¡± Detective Derrick asked. He reopened his eyes. ¡°No. it wasn¡¯t Mr Sam. The figure I saw was on a face cap.¡± Derrick and Chad exchanged nces. ¡°And it was like he wasing from the cable room¡­ the room that powers the factory. But he could be one of the operators in charge of power supply.¡± ¡°Well I don¡¯t think so.¡± Detective Chad brought out his phone and showed Ian an image of a man. It matched Ian¡¯s description of the figure. ¡°It could be him¡­ I don¡¯t know. I mean, I am not sure about what I saw because everywhere was dark.¡± ¡°We checked the CCTV at the factory and we found this man. He was in the cable room around the time the fire started.¡± Detective Chad said. He collected his phone and yed a muted video for Ian. Ian saw himself talking to Sam. Workers were working but his eyes caught a worker looking around also on face cap. ¡°And this is another one totally different from the one who was in the power room.¡± Detective Derrick said as he paused the video.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Ian queried. ¡°Two men were sent to destroy the factory.¡± Detective Chad yed the video again. The man was close to a machine and slowly he dropped something on the ground. Ian wasn¡¯t around at that time. The camera showed the man in the power room where he was checking some cables before everywhere became dark. ¡°One pulled out a cable and the other one started the fire.¡± Detective Chad added. They were both dressed in workers uniform but their faces hidden under the face caps. ¡°Killers under disguise.¡± Ian muttered. ¡°The question now is who sent them?¡± Detective Derrick said. ¡°Frederick Robert.¡± Ian spat as he clenched his fists. Ria rubbed his hands gently to calm him. ¡°We are not sure yet. This video is not enough evidence to decide that this is Frederick¡¯s doing or maybe Drake. We are looking for the culprits and also Frederick too.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°Make sure you find them.¡± Ian grimaced. ¡°Sure. And you guys have to be careful from now on. I don¡¯t mean to scare you, Ria, but you have to be prepared that Frederick might reveal himself to you soon.¡± Detective Chad said with a serious look on his face. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Her bodyguards will always be around to protect her. Please make sure to find Frederick Robert as soon as possible.¡± Ian gritted. ¡°I will give you a call if we find anything.¡± Detective Derrick said again before they stepped out of the private ward. Chapter 102 The lies he tells each time UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Frederick sat on the couch sipping champagne as he watched Lint Corporation textile factory on fire. Heughed wickedly when he saw Ian being pushed into the ambnce on a stretcher. The news was all over the inte especially the video of Ian Bryant being carried out of the factory in an unconscious state. Well Frederick didn¡¯t know Ian was going to be at the factory that day but his ns had ruined him too. ¡°What a good luck for me. Two stones on a bird.¡± Heughed wickedly. ¡°Sir.¡± Frederick heard Biggy¡¯s voice. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°The newspapers you requested.¡± Biggy replied. Frederick dropped the wine ss on the table and collected the papers only to find out that he was on the front page of every news papers in Chicago. He has been dered wanted which means that he couldn¡¯t move around freely! Now he is a fugitive! ¡°They want to cease my freedom and limit me from getting my ns done.¡± He murmured. But soon he grinned because Biggy would still be the one helping out with his ns. ¡°Any news about Ian Bryant?¡± Frederick asked. ¡°No news boss.¡± Biggy answered. Frederick was desperate to know if Ian survived in that fire. The men he had sent did a good job at ruining the textile factory. They worked ording to his mapped out ns. ¡°And when I am done with my ns, Ian Bryant would be left with nothing. Let us see if Ria Robert will be able to fight me in court without Ian by her side.¡± He thought deeply. Frederick cleared his throat. ¡°Biggy work on the next n.¡± He instructed. ¡°I want to end everything at once.¡± He added. ¡°Okay boss.¡± Biggy acknowledged. ¡°And be careful.¡± Frederick said before he walked out of the room. He picked up the small family portrait on the table. They couldn¡¯t reach him because he had changed his phone line. ¡°Vivian must be very worried about me.¡± Frederick mumbled as he dialed his wife¡¯s number and she picked on the second ring. ¡®Hello.¡¯ Mrs Vivian¡¯s voice sounded tired. ¡®Honey, it is me.¡¯ ¡°Frederick?!¡± She gasped out in shock. ¡®Where are you?! Where have you been?!¡¯ She demanded. Frederick was sure that his wife must have heard the news back home too. ¡®The police came around to find you.¡¯ ¡®I know. Vivian, you need to-¡® Mrs Vivian interrupted him. ¡®Is.. it true? I mean¡­ everything on the news.¡¯ She asked shakily. Frederick couldn¡¯t admit to his wife that he had killed Nathan and his wife. Confessing the truth would hurt his wife¡¯s weak heart. He wanted his wife to stay alive not for him though but for their unborn grandchild. ¡®No Vivian.¡¯ Frederick closed his eyes. ¡®It is not true. Ria Robert is only trying to frame me up. She and Ian Bryant conspired against me because I threatened him to sign the deal he canceled. I don¡¯t know anything about it. You know Ria died a long time ago and I have no idea what went wrong. The cops confirmed her dead right? It must have been a mistake on their path.¡¯ He lied. ¡®Frederick, please tell me the truth. The news says that you were involved in the case.¡¯ She said in a tight whisper. ¡®I am being framed for a crime I didn¡¯tmit.¡¯ Frederick countered. ¡°¡®f you aren¡¯t guilty of the crimes thene back home and defend yourself. We can go to court and win this case if you are innocent.¡¯ Mrs Vivian said in a persuasive tone. ¡®No I can¡¯t do that. I can¡¯te back to Idaho because I have been dered wanted. And no one will believe any of my words if I show up now.¡¯ ¡®But we can-¡® Frederick cuts into ¡®Listen.. I¡¯ll return home soon okay? I just need to settle some things and then everything will be fine again.¡¯ ¡®At least tell me where you are Frederick I want to see you.¡¯ ¡®No. You can¡¯t see me. No¡­ I mean¡­ you will see me but not now, Vivian.¡¯ He stuttered. ¡®Then when?¡¯ Mrs Vivian demanded. ¡®I don¡¯t know, Vivian.¡¯ Frederick replied. She was silent. ¡®Don¡¯t go to Chicago or ever visit Ria Robert Couture.¡¯ He warned sternly. ¡®You know Frederick I don¡¯t want to believe that you murdered your brother and his wife or that Ria Robert is the same Ria that died years ago. I don¡¯t want to believe everything they said on the news about you.¡¯ She cried over the phone. ¡®Don¡¯t believe it my dear because it is not true. And I promise you that I will definitely clear my name and make them pay for ruining my reputation.¡¯ Frederick seethe his teeth. ¡®I will hold on to your promise.¡¯ Mrs Vivian sniffed. ¡®How is Bay and our grandchild?¡¯ ¡®They are both fine.¡¯N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡®And Drake? Perhaps is he aware of everything?¡¯ Frederick asked again. ¡®I don¡¯t know, Frederick. I haven¡¯t heard from Drake since he left home the other day.¡¯ She answered. ¡®Try calling him. He is probably angry because Ian Bryant cut off the deal with ourpany.¡¯ ¡®He is not picking up his calls and he is not at his apartment too.¡¯ ¡®Okay, I will try to reach out to him. And Vivian don¡¯t tell the police I called you and don¡¯t give this number to anyone if you still want to see me. Okay?¡¯ She was silent. ¡°Okay?¡± He repeated. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Mrs Vivian muttered. ¡®I love you dear.¡¯ Frederick said. ¡®Alright. I love you too.¡¯ Mrs Vivian heaved a sigh and then he disconnected the call. Frederick switched off the phone immediately. Chapter 103 Tuck me into bed CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA APARTMENT ¡°Mr Ian!¡± Phoebe and Phoenix screamed when Ian and Ria stepped into the house. Phoenix threw his arms around Ian¡¯s waist. ¡°Hey little man.¡± Ian greeted giving him a high five. ¡°Hello, Mr Ian. It is so good to see you again.¡± Phoenix shed him a grin. ¡°Likewise.¡± ¡°Mr Ian, how are you feeling now?¡± Phoebe asked. ¡°I am fine, Phoebe. Thank you.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Where is your Nanny?¡± Ria questioned as her eyes scanned the area. ¡°She is in the kitchen preparing dinner.¡± Phoebe replied. Ria already informed the kids that Ian would be moving in with them for sometime and they were so excited about it. ¡°Wee Ma¡¯am.¡± Dorris came into view when she heard the children voices. Ria looked straight at her. ¡°How are you, Dorris?¡± ¡°I am fine.¡± Dorris responded with a smile on her face. ¡°How are you doing now sir Ian?¡± ¡°I am very much okay now. Thanks for taking care of the kids.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Dorris waved it off. ¡°Are you done cooking dinner?¡± Ria asked. ¡°Almost done with it.¡± ¡°It is gettingte, Dorris. You can leave I will finish up in the kitchen.¡± Ria said. ¡°No ma¡¯am. I will finish-¡± Ria interrupted her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will finish the rest of the cooking.¡± ¡°Okay ma¡¯am. Let me just do the necessary things and I will get going.¡± Dorris walked back into the kitchen. ¡°Mommy, nanny Dorris packed our bags.¡± Phoenix said soberly. ¡°She said that we are going to stay at ma¡¯am Elise ce.¡± Phoebe added. They didn¡¯t want to leave because of Ian. He wanted to stay and spend more time with him. ¡°Yes. You will be staying there for sometime.¡± Ria affirmed. ¡°But why mom? I am really going to miss home.¡± Phoenix said with sadness clouding his features. Detective Chad suggested that Ria move the kids to ma¡¯am Elise ce for their safety. He said Frederick mighte for them just to get her. But Ria can¡¯t tell the kids what is going on. They are too little to understand anything and she already warned Dorris not to let them watch the news. ¡°I will be very busy in the next few days. So ma¡¯am Elise and Dorris will take care of you.¡± Ria said the perfect words that she could think of at that moment. ¡°Don¡¯t worry you will move back home very soon.¡± Ian assured them. Dorris came back to the living room. ¡°I will go ahead now. Goodbye children.¡± She waved. ¡°Bye nanny Dorris.¡± They chorused. ¡°Be careful.¡± Ria mumbled before Dorris walked out of the house. ¡°Mom, can I go with my video games?¡± Phoenix grumbled. ¡°Sure. You can take anything you would be needing.¡± Ria replied as she motioned towards the kitchen. The food was ready but she just needed to dish it. Ian and the children joined her in the kitchen. Ria settled beside Ian while Phoenix and Phoebe sat together. And sitting around a tableden with food with Ian, Phoebe and Phoenix, it gave Ria a glimpse of what a family could be. And her hands jerked at the thought of having a family with Ian Bryant. ¡°This is good.¡± Phoebeplimented. ¡°Not as good as mom¡¯s cooking.¡± Phoenix countered. ¡°Yeah. You are right.¡± Phoebe agreed. ¡°Your mom¡¯s cooking is the best.¡± Ian added with a thumbs up. Ria felt her cheeks heat up a bit. ¡°Yes!¡± Phoebe and Phoenix said in unison. ¡°Well keep down the praise.¡± Ria managed to say as she looked at Ian. ¡°You done?¡± She asked when he dropped the spoon. Ian had eaten only half of what he had on his te. ¡°Yeah I am done¡­ and it was good.¡± Ian murmured and looked down into his cup of orange juice. ¡°And I think I am done too.¡± Phoenix said. ¡°Same here.¡± Phoebe added. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria stood up and picked up the dishes. ¡°Let me help you.¡± Ian offered. ¡°No don¡¯t worry I can-¡± He picked up some dishes and took it to the sink. ¡°Just show me where to get the detergent and I will get the dishes started.¡± He said with a smile on his lips. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ria looked down at the bandage on his left wrist. Ian hummed a positive response. ¡°Phoebe help your brother to have his bathe and I will join you very soon.¡± She instructed. ¡°Okay mom.¡± Phoebe and Phoenix rushed out of the kitchen. ¡°I still don¡¯t think it is a good idea to do the dishes.¡± Ria pointed to his wrist. ¡°So why don¡¯t you just go and take a shower and rest in bed while-¡± ¡°While you stay out here and do the dishes.¡± Ianpleted her intended statement. Ria nodded. ¡°Ian, I am sure you are tired. So go and get ready for bed.¡± She moved his hand away from the sink. Ian moved closer and touched her cheeks, just one finger and one light touch and they could feel the electricity of feelings that jolted between them. She looked up at him. ¡°What were you saying?¡± He raised an eyebrow. Ria stepped away just enough to break the contact with him. ¡°I told you to get ready for bed.¡± She said in low voice. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian smirked and pushed his hands behind his back. ¡°I will just get my bag.¡± He started to walk away but soon stopped at the door and turned to face her. ¡°Which of the rooms should I settle in?¡± Ria looked at him. ¡°My room.¡± Ian looked absolutely stricken by her response and her stomach knotted. They are going to share the same room for the first time. He could settle in the room initially meant for ma¡¯am Elise but Ria doesn¡¯t don¡¯t want him to be alone thinking that Ian might need her help in the middle of the night. ¡°Are you sure you want us to sleep in the same room?¡± Ian teased. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria shrugged. ¡°People in rtionship share the same room and bed right?¡± She asked him. ¡°Yes. People in a rtionship share the same room and bed. Practically they do things together. Okay. I will settle in your room.¡± Ian said. And he was gone. Ria had the tes washed and rinsed. She worked to clean up the evidence of meal on the dinning table and then the whole area. ¡°Mom.¡± Phoenix trotted back into the kitchen. Ria turned to him. ¡°Yes baby.¡± She said softly as she wiped her hands on the clean towel. ¡°We are ready to go to bed.¡± Phoenix yawned. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria put the towel on a side rack before following him to their bedroom. ¡°Get in your bed.¡± Ria said to Phoenix before pulling the nket over his body and she ced a kiss on his curls. ¡°Good night, mom.¡± He whispered. Ria hummed a response and went to Phoebe¡¯s bed and did the same. ¡°Sweet dreams my princess.¡± Ria said as she pulled the nket over her body too and switched on the bed sidemp. Ria turned and Ian was there at the door. She found him watching her with a smile touching his lips. She smiled back at him. ¡°Good night.¡± Ian waved at the kids. ¡°Good night, mr Ian.¡± They replied before Ria turned of the light and closed the door. ¡°Sorry I wanted to see if you are done with the dishes.¡± ¡°I am done.¡± Ria said barely covering a yawn. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± She asked as they made their way back to bedroom. ¡°No thanks.¡± Ian was dressed in a ck short and white top. He went straight to the bed and sat on it. ¡°Won¡¯t you tuck me to bed too?¡± He pouted. Ria giggled at the childish look on his face and she went to him. ¡°Of course.¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. Hey on the bed and she pulled the bed cover over his body. ¡°Goodnight.¡± She whispered. And Ria was almost leaving when he held her wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t do that to me.¡± He pouted. ¡°Don¡¯t do what?¡± ¡°Saying good night without a kiss. I want a goodnight kiss too like the one you gave to the children.¡± Ria giggled. ¡°Alright.¡± She turned to him and kissed him quickly on his lips. ¡°Better?¡± Ian grinned sheepishly. ¡°Better.¡± He muttered. ¡°Go to sleep.¡± Ria cupped his face in her small hands. ¡°Goodnight my love.¡± Ian closed his eyes. Ria hummed a response before walking to the bathroom. She couldn¡¯t stop smiling as she stood in front of therge mirror in the bathroom. She wondered about Ian. He was in her bed and they are going to share the same bed tonight and in the next few days! And then Ria found herself picturing Ian in her bedroom with just a towel around his waist, his chest and muscr shoulders bare, his t stomach and maybe a line of hair from his navel downward-¡°Oh! That¡¯s not good! Stop it, Ria!¡± She scolded herself. Ria closed her eyes as if that would block the mental picture. She opened them again and came out of her clothes. But even in the shower she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about him. It was her first time sharing the same bed with a man decently. The first time she ever anticipated seeing a man close to her in bed. Her words struck her hard! A first for so much and it all centered on Ian. Especially the part of falling in love and wanting someone so badly. God knew she had never done that before. She loves Ian and could hardly breathe without thinking of him. She had even imagined them having a family together. And never in her life had she thought that she would ever wish to have a family with the kind she loathed the most. But she really wish to have a family with Ian Bryant. There was still a lot to do with him. He was right. They would spend this time of staying together on getting to know each other better. Chapter 104 Can true love heal her completely? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT FEW DAYS LATER ? Ian woke up from a deep and wonderful sleep to the rays of sunlight in the room and with Ria by his side. He never looked away from Ria each morning he wake up to see her by his side. They were alone in her home since the kids already moved in with ma¡¯am Elise home two days ago. They haven¡¯t heard anything about Frederick but the police are on the look out for him. Ria and Ian lived like a married couple. Having a quick kiss before getting out of bed in the morning, taking coffee and breakfast together and then driving to her store. Ian didn¡¯t want it to end. He wanted her all to himself. He wanted them to live together for the rest of their lives. He felt each breathe she took, her heart beating against his side and with her handying on his chest. Ian haven¡¯t had a good sleep in a while now but four nights with Riaying next to him gave him a good one. He could feel himself smiling in his sleep every night. And it struck him right then that finding Ria had brought him something he hadn¡¯t had with other women; peace and he felt a sense ofpleteness. He exhaled. And it was because of Ria Robert. It was simple and remarkable. Even though he haven¡¯t had her yet but Ria¡¯s way of touching his heart gave it life. Ria sighed softly and settled again. She was the first woman who could make him smile, she could make him feel lonelier than he ever thought if she left. The reason why he can¡¯t live without her and why he loves her so much. He feltplete. Ria looked lovely as shey next to him. Ian pressed a kiss in her hair and he felt her stir in his embrace. ¡°Are you awake?¡± Ian asked in a whisper. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ria shifted and moved slightly away from him. She raised herself on elbow, rubbed her eyes to get a clear vision as she look at him. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were awake.¡± Ian mouthed as he touched her cheeks with the tips of his fingers. ¡°Good morning.¡± Ria greeted. ¡°Morning my love.¡± Ian slipped his hand to the nape of her neck andced his fingers in her hair. He pulled her gently closer to him, found her lips and kissed her with as much need as passion. ¡°Did you get a good sleep?¡± Ian nibbled on her lips. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria muttered. ¡°What about-¡± Ian kissed her again to keep her words at bay. He trailed his touch along her cheeks. He caressed her cheeks with his thumb. He felt her heat mixing with his own heat as his tongue darted out to touch her lips. Ian didn¡¯t allow himself to think about anything except kissing her and this time he was doing it thoroughly. There was fire all around and a need that came out of nowhere. He wanted her badly. He left her lips with kisses trailing to her throat and to a sensitive hollow by her ear. Ria let out a soft moan as he bit on her neck making sure to leave behind hickeys. Slowly his fingers trailed down her belly and lowered between her thighs to push her legs higher and all of a sudden Ria trembled at his touch. ¡°Ian! No!¡± She pushed at his shoulder gently and that stopped him immediately. ¡°Please¡­ no¡­ no¡­¡± She whispered unsteadily. And Ian drew back to look into her eyes. ¡°Please¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ do¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as she took in shuddering breathe with her chest rising and falling. Then Ian saw it again; fear. It was clear in her eyes and her hands were also trembling. He sat up on the bed and stared at her. He couldn¡¯t hurt her not in anyway. ¡°Ian¡­ Ian¡­ I am¡­ sorry.¡± Ria apologized as a tear slid down her cheek. No Ian didn¡¯t want that! He didn¡¯t want her to cry! He understands that she was still getting over what Lucas did to her. ¡°Damn it! Why didn¡¯t I remember it before trying to make a move on her?!¡± Ian scolded himself internally. He wanted her but he totally forgot that she was trying to deal with her body. ¡°Ian¡­ I am really¡­ sorry.¡± She sobbed. Ian didn¡¯t want her to apologize either! It was all his fault because he started it. ¡°Ria.¡± He moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms. Ria was trembling. ¡°I am¡­ so¡­ sorry, Ian.¡± She said. ¡°No. Please don¡¯t apologize. It is my fault. I am sorry.¡± Ian murmured. ¡°Stay with me. Ian, please stay with me.¡± Ria held on to him tightly. ¡°I am right here with you. I don¡¯t have ns to leave.¡± Ria clung to Ian as he whispered soothing words into her ear. ********** ¡°Ma¡¯am, do you want to drop by at the mall?¡± Brian asked. He sat next to Bert in the front seat. Bert was driving. ¡°No. To the store please.¡± Ria replied.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. The time was 6:00 p. m. Ria just finished sses at the institution. She had nned to call at the mall on her way back home but she changed her mind. Ria was tired. Her phone buzzed. A message from Ian. ¡®Are you done with sses now? I am on my way to the store so I can drive you home.¡¯ Ian was at the textile factory. His friend Harvey Wesley was helping him with a new construction n. ¡®Alright. I am heading to the store too. I will be there soon.¡¯ Ria sent a text back to him. And as she expected a response from him, Ria recalled how she and Ian were living like a newlywed couple. They are so good together! Although they argued at some point because Ian always want to help with the dishes and cleaning the house and also doing theundry while Ria didn¡¯t want him to do anything. Ian was getting better now no more lump on his head but just his wrist still a bit swollen. Mrs Pe was happy that Ria had offered to take care of her son personally and she insisted that he shouldn¡¯t show up at work. He stayed at the store with her but Ian had to go to factory because today was the meeting with Harvey. ¡®Okay. How are you?¡¯ Ian responded. ¡®Cool. What about you?¡¯ His message came in almost immediately. ¡®I am not fine.¡¯ Ria became worried and was about calling him when her phone buzzed again. ¡®I miss you.¡¯ He added a love emoji. ¡®I miss you too sooooooooo much. I will be at the store soon.¡¯ Ria typed with a broad smile on her lips. ¡®I will wait a few minutes. I love you.¡¯ ¡®I love you too.¡¯ Ria sent it back to him. Ria let out a sigh as she remembered the morning incident. She felt really bad for what she did to him this morning. Ian had never made any advances, no pressure about sex from him since he moved in. She had expected him to crawl his hands into her night dress in the middle of the night like Lucas would do but he didn¡¯t make such advance. In fact they have never talked about having sex. But still, Ria couldn¡¯t bring herself to give in this morning. Though Ian touch was gentle but at that moment he slid his hands between her legs, it came back. The mental pictures from Lucas den crashed over her in seconds and she couldn¡¯t bear it. Her cries, pleads and the pains came flooding her mind, it was too much for her to bear and it made her stop Ian. She wasn¡¯t ready for it. Ria knew she has to work on herself and get over those fears. She should let go of her past even if she can¡¯t forget it all. Ma¡¯am Elise words echoed in her head. ¡°It is time to let go of the past.¡± Ria had texted ma¡¯am Elise about what happened and she suggested that Ria sees a psychologist or a therapist who can help her get over those fears. But Ria doesn¡¯t want to see a therapist. She never want to share that aspect of her life with anyone again. After she calmed down from crying so much, Ian had said that he was willing to wait till she was ready. But she can¡¯t keep him waiting for too long, it has to be soon. She thought deeply. ¡°Come on, Ria, Ian is totally different and you know it.¡± She bantered internally. Ria knows that everything Ian has done for her is enough reason to convince her that he is so different from Lucas. She has so much believe in their love. And she hopes that the true love she has for him would take away those fears with time and she would healpletely. Ria concluded. Chapter 105 The chase CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Ria noticed Brian whispering and exchanging nces with Bert. She didn¡¯t know what they were discussing but somehow it bothered her. Brian looked up into the rear mirror and he saw the red car that had been following them from the institution. All of a sudden, Brian brought out a gun from the car safe and loaded it with bullets. Ria was confused. ¡°Brian, why are you with a gun? And the bullets? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ria demanded. ¡°We are being followed ma¡¯am.¡± Brian answered. ¡°Followed?¡± She repeated. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Ria looked around. ¡°By who?¡± She asked again. Bert connected with detective Chad on phone to inform him about the situation. Ria shifted ufortably in her seat after she noticed the car behind. Bert sped up the car. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have gat you covered, Miss Ria.¡± Brian said. Ria was scared and his words weren¡¯tforting her. Then it was like a fast motion something hit the car behind. Ria screamed when she heard the sound of gunshots in the air. ¡°Get down!¡± Brian barked out. And she did as he ordered while her heart beats rapidly. A name echoed in her head. ¡°Frederick.¡± He hade for her. The red car hit their car again from the side, flinging Ria against the car door. She yelped in pain. ¡°Step on it Bert!¡± Brian screamed. Bert stepped on the gas petal to increase the speed. ¡°You can do better!¡± Brian pressed a button and the top of the car opened. Another shot hit the ss. Ria screamed again as shattered sses cut through her skin. She felt the blood tickling down her upper arm and the pain was sharp. Brian fired at back bringing down the main shooter in the red car. ¡°Damn it!¡± Bert muttered. He saw an oing truck heading straight at them. ¡°Darn it!¡± Brian fell back in the car. He was bleeding from his shoulder. ¡°Brian!¡± Bert screamed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ I am fine¡­ keep going¡­¡± Bert tried to maneuver to the other side of the road but they were trapped. Breathing heavily Ria reached for Brian. ¡°Miss Ria, are you okay?.¡± ¡°I¡­ will be fine.¡± She groaned in pain. She didn¡¯t want this to happen. This is the reason why she didn¡¯t want a bodyguard. She saw the truck and the cars next to them. Suddenly Bert let out a loud cry as he held his neck still trying to control the wheel. ¡°Oh no¡­ no¡­¡± Ria sobbed. He pressed the brake sharply and the car stopped. They have bee double crossed. A man in ck outfit and mask came out of the red car. ¡°Let go of me!¡± Ria kicked at her captor when he opened the door and grabbed her. Bert was unconscious while Brianzily reached for his gun that fell in the car. ¡°Come on mydy.¡± The deep voice said. ¡°No!¡± She screamed when another fired at Brian. It was chaos. They heard the distant sirens. ¡°Let us go! The cops are close!¡± The man barked at his men as he carried Ria into the limousine that came around. The sses was tinted. ¡°Somebody help! Let go of me!¡± She screamed. ¡°Keep it down!¡± He did his best not to hit Ria to make her stay quiet. He had been given the order not to hurt her but bring her alive. ¡°Let me go! You monster!¡± She wed at his face with her nails and he screamed in pain. She opened the door in motion but he was quick to hold her. He tightened his hold on her and ced a white handkerchief on her nose. Ria fought him as she inhaled it and sound of sirens reached her ears. They won¡¯t know she was in this car with the tinted sses and no one would suspect it. She knew her end hase. Frederick was going to put an end to everything today. She thought of Ian, ma¡¯am Elise and her kids and everything. How she had struggled in life, what she went through because of Frederick¡¯s greed and that was thest thing she thought before she cked out. ********* The man in ck walked into the small sized house with Ria in his hands. ¡°Here she is Boss.¡± The captor said. The man referred to as boss stood up from the couch and went to him. A smile formed on his lips when he saw Ria in his arms. Sheid unconsciously as if she was sleeping peacefully. He knew that he shouldn¡¯t be happy at the sight of her but he couldn¡¯t help it. He found himself smiling and caressing her cheeks with his knuckles.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. His gaze dropped to her upper arm. A white handkerchief was tied on it. It was bloody. Then he turned serious. ¡°What did you do to her?! I stated that she shouldn¡¯t get hurt!¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t stop fighting me so I made her inhale some stuff.¡± He gestured to the handkerchief. Immediately he collected Ria from him and ced her gently on the couch. ¡°I am not talking about her being unconscious! Didn¡¯t you see the wound?¡± He panicked. ¡°Boss, I saw it and that¡¯s why I tied that stuff on it.¡± He looked up at him. ¡°What happened to her?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know too much but I guess it is from the shattered sses of her car.¡± The captor exined. ¡°I told you to be careful.¡± He gritted. He hated the fact that she was hurt. ¡°You better pray that nothing happens to her or else I will end your life. Now get me a nurse!¡± He snarled. The man rushed out of the house. He went back to Ria and gathered her up in his arms again and carried her to the bedroom. He smiled. Finally. He had her for himself. He watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling gently. She looked beautiful even in her sleep. He was tempted to kiss her in that unconscious state or even do more than just kissing her but he held back. Ever since he met her again, he had imagined them sleeping naked in bed, with Ria drawing circles on his chest and begging for his touch. He could bring his imagination to reality right now by just taking her. He thought. Then he leaned in to kiss her lips but he stopped. No this shouldn¡¯t be happening. He couldn¡¯t hurt her! And it isn¡¯t right for him to take a woman against her will. He drew back from Ria and moved away from the bed. He would wait for her to regain unconscious. There was a lot of talking to do. He needed to know the truth. He pulled the nket over her body and waited patiently for the nurse. Chapter 106 Who abducted Ria Robert? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIA ROBERT COUTURE And ever since Ian received the call from detective Chad that Ria was being followed by some unknown men and now she was missing he couldn¡¯t stay calm. Ian was almost at the store when detective Chad¡¯s call came in and he couldn¡¯t help the rate at which his heart was beating. Detective Chad rushed into Ria Robert Couture. Brian had been shot on his shoulder while Bert was still unconscious. Earlier on the chase, Bert wasn¡¯t shot with a real bullet but a drowsy bullet that would make him sleep for a couple of hours. Brian was shot with a real one but the second one fired at him when he tried to shoot back at the captor was the drowsy bullet. They didn¡¯t know until Brian and Bert were rushed to the hospital. The one who sent the captors already told the men that they shouldn¡¯t kill anyone in the course of abducting Ria Robert. But they only fired at Brian because he fired their main shooter on his upper arm, a graze though. It was very easy for the shooter to hit Brian straight in the head but they didn¡¯t want to go against the boss orders. He doesn¡¯t want anyone¡¯s blood spilled because he wanted Ria Robert. ¡°Has anyone called you?¡± Detective Chad asked Ian. ¡°No¡­ and she isn¡¯t picking up her calls either!¡± Ian grimaced. He was angry. And he was mad that he had failed Ria. He had promised to protect her but now she was out of his reach. Ian regretted not listening to his mom¡¯s advice of hiring about ten bodyguards to safeguard Ria. If Ria had not persuaded him to not hire more bodyguards then he would have done it. ¡°I found it in her car.¡± Detective Chad brought out Ria¡¯s phone which he had taken from her car. He gave to Ian. The screen was broken. ¡°Did you find anything else?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Yes her bag is in my car.¡± Detective Chad responded. ¡°What about her abductors?¡± Ian screwed up his face. ¡°I am sorry, Ian. We lost them¡± Detective Chad replied in an apologetic tone. ¡°What?! What are you talking about?! You couldn¡¯t catch just one culprit?!¡± He snarled. ¡°I am sorry.¡± Detective Chad apologized. ¡°We just need more time.¡± Ian rxed a bit. ¡°So what are you doing now?¡± He questioned. ¡°Derrick is with the search team now. We are going to find her.¡± ¡°You better find her.¡± Ian pointed at the detective. ¡°If anything happens to Ria, I won¡¯t spare you.¡± Actually, he won¡¯t spare whoever abducted Ria. ¡°Don¡¯t worry we will find her.¡± Detective Chad reassured him. Ian couldn¡¯t sit back and wait for them to bring him news about Ria. ¡°I aming with you.¡± He said. ¡°No Ian, it is not advisable for you to work with us. You have to stay safe for Ria.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°I can¡¯t stay back knowing that-¡± A beeping sound from his phone interrupted him. It was his mom! Ian had called his mom immediately Detective Chad broke the news of Ria¡¯s disappearance. ¡®Hello mom.¡¯ ¡®Ian. How is everything over there?¡¯ ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Detective Chad waved him goodbye. ¡°Can Ie with you to get miss Ria bag?¡± Ma¡¯am Elise asked. ¡°Sure.¡± They walked out of the store to Chad¡¯s car. ¡°Please make sure he doesn¡¯t leave the store. We also have to protect him because we don¡¯t know Frederick¡¯s ns yet.¡± Detective Chad said after handing Ria¡¯s bag to her. Ma¡¯am Elise nodded slowly but she knew deep down in her mind that she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop Ian if he decides to leave and find Ria himself. Ian told his mom the situation of things and she was worried about Ria. ¡®What will you do now?¡¯ Mrs Pe demanded. ¡®I will try to call Frederick again.¡¯ Ian replied. ¡®I am sure he won¡¯t pick up his call. I can¡¯t believe this old rag is this wicked! How could he do such a thing and still show his face again?! Don¡¯t worry Ria will be fine and please call me if you have any news okay?¡¯ ¡®Sure mom.¡¯ Ian disconnected the call. He has been trying the line Frederick used in calling him the other day but it was switched off. Ian knew all this was Frederick¡¯s doing and he swore that he won¡¯t spare Frederick. And he would never forgive himself if anything bad happens to Ria. Tears stings at the corner of his eyes at the thought of losing Ria and not seeing her again. No! He wouldn¡¯t wait till the cops bring him news that she was dead! Ian passed Ria¡¯s phone to ma¡¯am Elise. ¡°Please take care of things around here. I will be right back.¡± ¡°Mr Ian-¡± Ma¡¯am Elise called at him but he was already out of the store before she could say anything. Ian wondered about Ethan too. He couldn¡¯t reach him too. Ian wasn¡¯t sure if Ethan was aware that Ria was missing if not he would havee to the store. Where could he be? Perhaps is he searching for Ria too? Is he searching for her alone? He pondered deeply. Ian had no idea of where to look for Ria but all he did was pray over and over again for her safety. ***** ¡°How could you make such a mistake?!¡± Frederick yelled as he threw the ss across the room. ¡°I am sorry boss.¡± Biggy apologized. ¡°Sorry?! Sorry for losing her?! Now someone else has her! And you were so foolish that you didn¡¯t even follow the abductor!¡± Frederick snarled at him. Fury crashed over him and he clenched his fists so hard that he could almost feel his knuckles cracking. He had sent Biggy and two other men to kidnap Ria without leaving a trace. He ordered them to bring her alive at all cost. He had hoped to see her and end her life once and for all but things didn¡¯t work out as nned. Biggy came with the sad news that someone else took Ria away. He had followed after Ria¡¯s car the moment she was leaving the store to the institution and same thing with the other gang. The one who took Ria in the end was quick to notice Biggy and it didn¡¯t take him much time to figure Biggy¡¯s purpose of following Ria and he was also smart enough to change his ns. He informed his men in the other car to distract Biggy from reaching Ria. Somehow they distracted Biggy and his car was far behind when they took Ria. When Biggy realized that he lost Ria, he came back to report to Frederick about it. ¡°The other party had more men.¡± Frederick gulped down the bottle of whiskey. ¡°Find her! I don¡¯t know how you intended to do so but bring me Ria Robert and make sure you bring her to me alive!¡± He snarled in amanding tone. ¡°Okay boss.¡± Frederick wondered who wanted Ria too. He thought deeply but nothing urred to him.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. Chapter 107 Frederick Robert is a murderer CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A pounding pain from her arm woke her up. She observed the surrounding through her blurred vision from waking up. ¡°Where am I?¡± She pondered. Ria was in arge room,ying in a king sized bed. She felt exposed and she looked under the bedcover only to find out that she was nearly naked beneath the materials. She was just on bra and panties. ¡°Who undressed me? What happened to me?¡± Ria tried to sit up on bed but the pain on her upper arm held her down. Soon her gaze fell on her upper arm and there was a bandage wrapped around it. ¡°How did I get here?¡± Ria murmured. She closed her eyes and memories flooded her mind. The chase, the attack on her bodyguards, the man who carried her into a car, she tried to get out and then he stopped her and he covered her nose until she slipped into unconsciousness. Ria became dizzy immediately as she thought of Ian and her family and it ended. A door opened and closed slightly. ¡°Are you up?¡± Ria eyes opened when she heard the raspy voice. She gasped in shock when she saw who it was. Drake Robert was there! He was dressed in a short. His chest was bare and his hair was wet. He walked closer to the bed. Ria held the sheet tightly to her body. And she didn¡¯t want to believe what was going on in her head. She woke up naked in bed and he wasing from the shower. No! Her heart beat elerated. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯te closer¡­¡± Ria stuttered. Drake stopped and raise an eyebrow. Ignoring the pain from her arm, Ria managed to sit up still holding the sheet around her body. Ria cursed under her breathe at the pain. ¡°You have to be careful.¡± Drake muttered. Anger welled up within her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to be careful!¡± She yelled at him as a tear slid down her cheek in the process. Drake stared at her in shock. ¡°What.. what.. did.. you do¡­ to me?¡± To even know that he was the one who abducted her made her really furious. And she was annoyed because she couldn¡¯t get out of bed to hit him. Ria was naked and she couldn¡¯t risk getting out of bed just to hit him without the sheet falling off her body. And how much had he seen? She mused. No! don¡¯t let it be that he touched her. Drake chuckled interrupting the train of her thought. ¡°Ria, what do you think? What do you think I did to you after waking up naked in my bed?¡± He pointed at her. Ria cringed at his words. ¡°I am close to being naked too and justing out from the shower. What message does that send to you?¡± He smirked. Ria couldn¡¯t utter a word. ¡°You are not a kid anymore, Ria.¡± He snorted. ¡°I know Ian would have had the best of it and I also wanted the taste a beautiful woman like you.¡± His tongue trailed over his lower lips with a devilish smirk ying on his expression. Ria couldn¡¯t believe his words but she heard herself saying to him. ¡°Drake¡­ perhaps did¡­ you-¡± Her voice trailed off and she clenched her fists. ¡°Come on, Ria, we had sex.¡± He spat. Ria closed her eyes. Her heart broke into pieces as she was weak beyond words. And she couldn¡¯t do anything but stare into space. Tears dropped and she couldn¡¯t control the flow. He did it. She wouldn¡¯t have slept with him if she was conscious. He took advantage of the fact that she was unconscious. ¡°Listen Ria, It is not a big deal. I am sure you are used to having men in your life. Mostly those who can¡¯t seemed to control that strong desire to get you in bed¡­ I am one of them. You know, ever since I met you I couldn¡¯t stop imagining stuffs like this¡­ I mean seeing you und in my bed. And I am so d that I got what I wanted.¡± Drakeughed. ¡°He forced himself on me.¡± Ria said within. Another Lucas in her life. She never thought of it that Drake was the real abductor. She had her mind on Frederick. ¡°How could he do this to me? Didn¡¯t he read the news? We are cousins!¡± She bantered internally. ¡°Well I abducted you to get back at Ian for cancelling the deal. He breached our agreement. You know I would have filed awsuit against him but I couldn¡¯t do anything about it. That deal was my life! I worked so hard to get him to sign that damn deal but what did he do in the end? He cancelled it! I was even more furious because it was pointless to sue him knowing that I may not be able to win against him in court. So I opted in for the perfect option; Ian Bryant¡¯s weakness which is Ria Robert. I decided toe for you. And I just thought of getting something from Ian¡­ just one thing that will make him feel troubled; You.¡± He seethe his teeth in anger. ¡°And¡­ you have no¡­ idea what¡­ you have just done.¡± Ria whispered. ¡°Tell me what I don¡¯t know.¡± Drake chuckled darkly. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Drake was silent for some seconds. ¡°I don¡¯t know? Maybe I really don¡¯t know what you are driving at.¡± He shrugged. ¡°You didn¡¯t read the news?¡± Ria swallowed hard. ¡°Damn the news.¡± Drake cursed under his breathe. ¡°I have nothing to discuss with you. I am going to keep you here for a very long time.¡± Drake started to walk away towards the door. He wants to lock her up just like how Lucas did to her. ¡°Wait Drake!¡± She stopped him. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything you need to know.¡± Drake turned around to look at her. She didn¡¯t want to be locked up in this room. The thought of it alone made her really sick and it almost brought back the days she had spent in Lucas¡¯s den. ¡°All my life I wanted just one thing; happiness. I didn¡¯t want anything else than to be happy. I was happy when my parents were alive. Despite being blind, nothing ever bothered me because I was happy and I had the best parents in the world. And never for once¡­ did they everin or¡­ say that I was a burden to them.¡± She wiped her tears. ¡°But it was just so sad that I lost my happiness the very day my parents died. Do you know what it means to lose a loved one? Or to watch your loved one die right in front in your presence and¡­ because of you and¡­ you couldn¡¯t do¡­ anything about¡­ it?¡± She cried. Drake didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t rte to what she was trying to say because he has never lost a loved one. ¡°No you don¡¯t¡­ know what it means. My eyes were gone and I was alone. And each time I try to be happy¡­ then my past keeps standing in the way. It reminded me of so many things today. It was horrible. A past filled with pain, guilt, sorrow and sadness and it also left me with a scar. A big scar and a fear. The greatest fear which I am still trying to ovee and¡­ I just want to forget everything.¡± Ria looked at up at him. ¡°And everything you and your father ever did was cause me pain¡­ too much pain. Frederick Robert was the architect of my horrible past!¡± Drake looked stricken. ¡°What do you mean?¡± He demanded with a serious face. Ria couldn¡¯t tell if Drake knew what she was talking about or he just wanted her to keep talking. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you haven¡¯t read the news or that you don¡¯t know who your father is!¡± Ria red at him. He was silent. ¡°Take me back home. I don¡¯t want to be locked up in here in like¡­. what happened to me¡­ eight years ago.¡± Ria whispered. ¡°What did he do to you? I mean¡­ my father. Tell me the truth.¡± Drake said. Ria sniffled. ¡°He killed my parents.¡± She blurted out. Their gaze met and no one looked away. ¡°You are joking right?¡± ¡°It is the truth. And I keep wondering why he had to go to such extent of killing my parents because he wanted my dad¡¯s inheritance.¡± ¡°No.¡± Drake covered the steps from where he stood to the bed. ¡°Stay away¡­ from me.¡± Ria moved away from him. ¡°Ria, I am not going to hurt you okay?¡± He said innocently. ¡°You are a bastard! Acting all innocent after you raped me! Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Ria gritted. She couldn¡¯t even touch him because she had to secure the sheet tightly around her body. There was nothing she could do to him. Even though she felt dirty at the moment the deed was already done. He had his way with her! ¡°Okay¡­ I won¡¯t touch you but I need you tell me everything.¡± Ria didn¡¯t want to talk about it with him. ¡°Find out from the news. I am sure you have lots of connections so you can call someone in Idaho to confirm it!¡± His presence irritated her so much. ¡°Ria-¡± ¡°Frederick Robert is a murderer. Your father is a criminal!¡± Ria grimaced in anger. Drake stood up from the bed. ¡°I want to believe you and everything I saw on the news. But this is so hard to believe.¡± Oh! So he read the news! ¡°You saw the news¡­ so why didn¡¯t¡­ you put things together to figure that we are cousins before¡­¡± Her voice broke and the tears flowed again. ¡°¡­ before you took advantage of me. I swear to you, Drake¡­ I will put you and your father in jail for many things if at all I ever make it out of this ce!¡± She threatened. Drake snorted. ¡°News sh; you are never going to make it out of this ce until you tell me the truth! Everything that happened eight years ago!¡± ¡°Believed it or not your dad killed parents!¡± Drake shook his head andughed out loudly. She noticed the tear that strayed down one of his cheeks. ¡°Unbelievable! I won¡¯t believe you!¡± He went to the drawer and picked up his phone. ¡®Dad. It is me. Drake.¡¯Content ? N?velDrama.Org. He was calling his father and then her heart skipped beats. Ria realized that Drake could be working for his father. What is he going to do her again?! She couldn¡¯t hear what Frederick was saying on the other end. ¡®Drake, how did you get this number?¡¯ ¡®Mom gave me your number. I will give you detailster. Can we meet up now?¡¯ Drake said. Ria thought of what to do at the moment. No idea! ¡®No son¡­ we shouldn¡¯t meet up here in Chicago. I have to stay in hiding.¡¯ ¡®You don¡¯t want to meet me?¡¯ He paused and looked at her. ¡®But what if I say I have Ria Robert with me?¡¯ ¡®Are you trying to y me?¡¯ Ria looked at him as their eyes met. ¡®I am serious.¡¯ ¡°Drake, were you the one who abducted Ria Robert?!¡¯ He demanded. ¡®Yes. I hired some men to do the job.¡¯ Drake responded ¡®What do you think you are doing Drake? You shouldn¡¯t get involved in this case!¡¯ ¡®Toote. I am involved in it now. I can send you pictures of her in my bed.¡¯ ¡®Let me see her.¡¯ Ria closed her eyes. He was going to take her to his father. She drew in a deep breathe and she had no idea why she suddenly became calm. She heard shes as Drake took pictures of her and soon he was back on the phone. ¡®I will bring her to you but on one condition.¡¯ Drake stated. ¡®What is it?¡¯ ¡®I will be there with you while you do everything you want to do with her.¡¯ He sniffed. ¡®This is very dangerous. You shouldn¡¯t-¡® ¡®Quit the lecture dad. I am in and I am not backing out now.¡¯ Frederick sighed. ¡®Alright. I will send you a location.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯ll bring her to you¡­ alive.¡¯ And Drake ended the call. Ria refilled her lungs with fresh air. She wasn¡¯t afraid to meet Frederick anymore. ¡°You are taking me to him right?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes. He is my father and I can¡¯t turn my back against him no matter what.¡± Drake answered with a cold stare. ¡°But¡­ I will advice you do the right thing.¡± Ria murmured. ¡°Which is returning you back home to your family? No! Ian Bryant won¡¯t spare my life. I lost everything! Mypany went down just in few days. Every partner in Limos stopped partnering with me, shareholders withdrew their shares and protesters stormed my office asking me to bring out my father.¡± Drake¡¯s eyes held pain. ¡°One thing I hate most in the world is not getting what I want. But look at me now, I failed! I have nothing and I can¡¯t take this anymore.¡± He whispered thest few words. ¡°Well I went through worst fate than that¡­ for months. I have been in pains for more than eight years now.¡± Ria said. ¡°So let us end everything. Let us all die together.¡± Ria shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No¡­ I can help you Drake. I can persuade Ian to let things go and I can make him sign that deal again.¡± She rushed out her words. ¡°No.¡± Drake looked determined to take her to his father. Tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°Okay. Take me to your father and let us end everything.¡± Ria whispered after a minute of silence. She hate to say those words herself but she has no choice. There was no way to save herself. She was going to meet Frederick. But before he kills her, Ria would make sure he tells her why he killed her parents. Over time, Ria knew it wasn¡¯t just the inheritance there was something more. She doesn¡¯t want to ept that he did that because of the inheritance. She sensed there was more to it. Drake grabbed a top from the single couch nearby and wore it. He threw Ria¡¯s clothes at her and moved away from the bed. ¡°Change up and don¡¯t try anything funny.¡± Drake said and turned his back at her. Why did he turned away when he had seen her body while she was unconscious? And what he did pierced her heart the more. He wasn¡¯t different from Lucas. It was pointless fighting him. She was already tired of this fight. So it was better to end things. ¡°Done?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria replied. Drake went to the drawer again and brought out a robe and tied her hands behind her back. Whatever happens in the end doesn¡¯t matter to her anymore even if she dies in Frederick¡¯s hands. She concluded. But a part of her remained hopeful that nothing was going to happen to her and that she wasn¡¯t going to die. And again she still doubted it. Chapter 108 Who is guilty? BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND EIGHT THEME: Who is guilty? CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The drive to the location was silent. Ria sat at the front seat next to Drake with her hands tied to the front now. She was lost in thought of Ian. She knew how worried he would be knowing that she was missing. Drake didn¡¯t say anything even as he pulled up in a site. It was an abandoned house on an open field. No one would ever think ofing to this ce to rescue her! Ria thought. He came out of the car and opened the door and dragged her out of the car. Ria surveyed the surrounding. Thend was more like a dessert. He took out his phone and dialed his father¡¯s number. ¡®Hello dad.¡¯ He said over the phone. ¡®Where are you?¡¯ ¡®We are here dad¡­ at the location.¡¯ Drake responded. ¡®Bring her into the building.¡¯ Frederick instructed. ¡®No dad, I am not bringing her into the building. I suggest you step out from wherever you are and let us get things done once and for all.¡¯ Drake declined. Ria could hear Drake¡¯s responses and she couldn¡¯t help but wondered why Drake insisted that he doesn¡¯t want to go into the building. ¡®Alright. I¡¯ll be out soon. Make sure she doesn¡¯t get away.¡¯ ¡®Sure. She is going no where.¡¯ Drake ended the call and she watched him type the time away on his phone before dropping it in his car. They waited for about four minutes in silence before she heard him say, ¡°Dad.¡± Ria¡¯s head snapped up immediately and she saw Frederick Robert made his way towards them with a well built up man behind him. He was quite older than the man in the pictures that she has seen. He has stubbles around his jaw that showed that he hasn¡¯t shaved in a while. Her gaze fell to his hand and her eyes widened, he was holding a gun. Ria breathed out heavily when Frederick finally stood in front of her. ¡°Wow! Who do we have here? Ria Robert, the surviving child of Nathan and Madison Robert. This is my first time seeing you in person¡­ and I can¡¯t say that it is nice to meet a rtive of mine.¡± Frederick spat as he pointed the gun at her. ¡°Dad¡­ hold up¡­¡± Drake muttered. ¡°What? Are you trying to stop me now?¡± Frederick demanded without looking away from Ria. ¡°I am not trying to stop you. As a matter of fact, I want all of this to be over so I can sail to somewhere far away and never return.¡± Drake replied. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Frederick dropped his gun and looked at his son while Ria heaved a sigh but not of relief but frustration. ¡°I am leaving the country and¡­¡± Drake looked at Ria this time. ¡°I can help you escape too. The airport isn¡¯t the perfect ce for you but we can leave the country on a ship and never return until things die down.¡± Hepleted. Ria knew Drake had everything nned out. They would end her life, bury her in a shallow grave or let her body rot under the sunlight for the vultures to feed on and they would leave the country on sea and never return until everybody has forgotten about her case. A tear streamed down her cheeks at the thought of not seeing Ian Bryant and those that she loves again. ¡°Good n son! Good n! You got the smartness from me. But I already have a n too. And you are right. We should end everything.¡± With these words the gun was back at Ria. ¡°Wait dad¡­ you didn¡¯t kill her parents right? And everything on the news is not true. She and Ian framed you up after you threatened him for canceling the deal right?¡± Drake asked his father. Frederick must have lied to his son! ¡°I told your mother via texts that they just want to destroy me for threatening Ian Bryant to reconsider the deal. I did nothing wrong! I was just trying to protect everything we have ever worked for my son!¡± Frederick replied. No wonder Drake didn¡¯t believe Ria¡¯s words! ¡°He lied to you.¡± Ria said. There hasn¡¯t been enough time. As far as she know Drake only just called his father today since he attested that he got the number from his mom. Was he texting his father the whole time they were waiting? She mused. The truth is Frederick lied to his family. ¡°You stay quiet before I blow your head up! You should save up your energy for the afterlife.¡± Frederick snarled at her. But Ria wasn¡¯t ready to stay quiet. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything!¡± He said again without dropping his gun. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of killing people? Innocent people!¡± Ria yelled back at him. Frederick was surprised by her outburst. ¡°My parents, those false killers, Speedy-¡± ¡°It is none of your business! And don¡¯t you ever talk back at me rudely! I get rid of whoever I want to!¡± He fired the gun in the air causing Ria to scream out. She was terrified. ¡°I kill whoever gets in my way!¡± He blurted out. Frederick didn¡¯t realize his words until he remembered that his son was close by¡­ very close to him. ¡°What?!¡± Drake gasped out. Ria nced at him. He was shock! Surprised to find out his dad was a serial killer only that he has goons doing the dirty jobs. ¡°What are you saying dad?!¡± Drake demanded. ¡°Stay out of this son!¡± ¡°No! You have to tell me what¡¯s going on! I didn¡¯te this far to find out that you did those things you were used of on the news!¡± Drake stepped right in front of Ria. ¡°Step aside son.¡± Frederick said in a low tone. Drake didn¡¯t move an inch. ¡°Did you really murder¡­ those people she mentioned? Did¡­ you kill¡­ her parents?¡± He asked shakily. ¡°Yes! So what?! Huh? I killed my step brother!¡± Frederick confessed. More tears slid down Ria¡¯s cheeks as she recalled the night her parents were murdered. Drake couldn¡¯t believe his ears. He was trying to protect his father since his mom clearly stated that he imed that he was being frame and he didn¡¯tmit those crime. At first it didn¡¯t make sense to him that his dad would stay in hiding if his ims of being innocent was true. But he had his reason, no one would believe his words. So he wanted to protect his father so badly with the hope that he was truly innocent. ¡°Why? Why¡­ did¡­ you-¡± Drake voice trailed and Frederick noticed the tears that rolled down his cheeks. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± Hepleted. The same question Ria has always asked herself. The reason why she didn¡¯t fight Drake but agreed to meet his dad. She wanted to know. Ria stood in front of Drake. ¡°I want to know why you did you.¡± She said. Frederick stepped backward with his finger on the trigger again. He was ready to shoot her. Drake stepped right in front of Ria again. What is he doing standing in front of her like this? ¡°Move away from her!¡± Frederick yelled. ¡°No! You have to tell me the reason why you killed her parents? Your brother! I didn¡¯t believe her at first¡­ but I should have¡­ and you did it because of inheritance right? Is that it?!¡± Drake demanded. Frederickughed wickedly but soon he turned serious. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just because of inheritance. I have always wanted to get rid of that fool¡­ Nathan!¡± ¡°Why?¡± Ria whispered behind Drake. ¡°That bastard never regarded me as his own brother! He and his mother referred to me as the illegitimate one even though he was younger than I was and he still had the guts to call me names.¡± Frederick gritted. ¡°That¡¯s not enough reason to kill your own brother.¡± Drake said in a low tone. ¡°I have one million reasons to end his life. And I would do it over again if he were alive! Nathan said I wasn¡¯t going to inherit anything from our father and he degraded my being as a mistress child. And I hated him for that and promised myself that I was going to do better than him in life. And I did. The illegitimate one became the greatest one¡­ and I also did my best to ruin Nathan. When I found out that my dad left him a huge amount of money I decided to stop him after I realized that Nathan was surely going to do well with the money¡­ so I killed him. Disregarding me is enough reason to kill him! And everything would have remained a secret if that fool didn¡¯t spare her life!¡± He was referring to Lucas. ¡°Is this really you? Dad?¡± Drake mumbled in a tone that expressed disappointment. Everything Frederick said is never enough reason to murder her parents. He had allowed his anger and hatred towards his brother to take the best part of him. ¡°You should turn yourself in to the police.¡± Drake blurted out. Ria could hardly believe his words. He was advising his dad to surrender to the police. Frederick busted intoughter. ¡°Never¡­ I won¡¯t surrender! I want to end her life too! Nathan¡¯s offspring doesn¡¯t deserve to live because I swore at my mother¡¯s grave that I would destroy him.¡± ¡°No! I won¡¯t let you do anything to her!¡± Drake countered. Ria realized that Drake was on her side! Unbelievable! ¡°Then why did you bring her to me?¡± Frederick asked. ¡°I wanted to know the truth. I know you won¡¯t see me if I don¡¯t bring Ria along and that¡¯s why I abducted her. But to be honest dad¡­ I should have believed her! It is even more shocking that you don¡¯t even feel remorseful after everything you did to her!¡± Ria sobbed behind Drake. ¡°Remorseful?¡± Frederick snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t understand you! Dad, I am so disappointed. How could you do such a thing? You want to end her life even after killing her parents?!¡± Drake was furious to find out that his dad was really a murderer. He thought it was being unfair that his dad was being degraded by the news. But to find out that his dad was exactly the same the news had painted him to be hurt him so badly. ¡°Yes I want to end her life! Now step aside¡­ I don¡¯t have much time!¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°Drake step aside!¡± ¡°No dad!¡± ¡°Drake don¡¯t make me do what I don¡¯t want to do you!¡± Drake pushed Ria behind him so his big frame would hide her. ¡°What will you do?! Kill me like you killed your brother?! Come on fire it!¡± He coaxed. ¡°Come on, Biggy, bring her to me!¡± Frederick ordered the man behind him. He didn¡¯t want to hurt his son. Drake reached his hand behind his back and brought out a gun. The man stopped on track. Ria eyes widened again because she didn¡¯t know Drake had a gun with him the whole time. ¡°Take another step and I will bury this in your head!¡± Drake threatened. Frederick was surprised. ¡°Bravo! Drake, so you came with a gun!¡± Drake shook his head. ¡°Yes¡­ I just felt like I was going to need it to protect her.¡± He answered. ¡°Protect me?¡± Ria thought of the way he said those words. He intended to use the gun to protect her. ¡°So you were never on my side.¡± Frederick said. ¡°I just wanted to know the truth.¡± ¡°Son put down the gun. I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± Frederick sounded sincere. ¡°No.¡± Drake disagreed. Then Ria heard it. The distant sirens. Someone called the cops. Drake looked back at her with a smile of relief on his lips. ¡°They made it here.¡± He murmured. Drake Robert called the cops! Ria was confused. Drake wasn¡¯t on anyone¡¯s side but he just wanted to know the truth? She doubted it. There are other ways to find out the truth rather than abducting her and bringing her to his father. She remembered that he was typing away on his phone after he called his dad. Was he texting one of the detectives?! She pondered deeply as a glint of hope welled up in her. ¡°You called the cops on me?¡± Frederick was disappointed that his son had betrayed him. ¡°Yes dad¡­ it is toote now. So please surrender. Let us stop it now¡­ and admit to your crimes. You can¡¯t escape your punishment anymore.¡± Drake pleaded with his father. ¡°You betrayed me!¡± Frederick seethe his teeth in anger. And Ria heard the gunshot. She thought Frederick fired it into the air again but she was wrong! Drake groaned in pain but he still didn¡¯t hit the ground. He stood firmly to block his father from shooting at Ria. ¡°Drake.¡± She mumbled. Drake couldn¡¯t pull the trigger because he doesn¡¯t know how to shoot a gun plus there was no bullet in it. ¡°Run.¡± Ria heard him say. She tried to untie her hands but it seems impossible. Frederick lowered his hand when he saw that he had shot his son. ¡°Drake¡­¡± Frederick called out to him as the gun dropped from his hand. ¡°Boss, we should get out of here! We can still leave!¡± Biggy pestered. Drake pointed his gun to his father but he couldn¡¯t shoot at him. The sound of sirens grew louder. Ria doesn¡¯t know if she should be happy the cops are here. ¡°Drop your guns and your hands behind your head!¡± A voice barked out. It was a familiar voice. Detective Chad! The huge man with Frederick uttered a profanity. Immediately Drake heard the voice he hit the ground while Ria crouched down next to him. He was bleeding from his stomach. Biggy tried to run but a cop fired a shot at his leg and he stood immobile but soon fell on his kneels. ¡°Ria, are you okay?¡± She heard detective Chad¡¯s voice next to her. Ria nodded as more tears flowed down her cheeks. The cops came around to apprehend Frederick and Biggy. Detective Chad untied her hands. ¡°Drake.¡± She held him. ¡°I¡­ am.. fine.¡± Tears slid down his cheeks as he forced a small smile on his face. He had taken a bullet in her ce. And she could hardly believe that Frederick shot his son¡­ his own blood. ¡°Please don¡¯t die¡­¡± She whispered. ¡°Son¡­¡± Ria looked up and saw Frederick. His face was wet. Drake didn¡¯t even pay attention to him as Detective Derrick took him away. ¡°We should get him to the hospital before it is toote.¡± Ria rushed out her words as her eyes pleaded with the detective. Detective Chad helped Drake into his car. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you at the station.¡± Chad said to Derrick before he drove off. Drake groaned in pains and Ria couldn¡¯t stop crying. Detective Chad told her what to do to stop the bleeding. She was putting enough pressure on the wound. Drake¡¯s head was on herps and she pleaded with him to stay alive. ¡°I¡­ am¡­ sorry.¡± He mumbled. ¡°No¡­ no¡­ please¡­ don¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°Try to have a conversation with him so he can stay conscious. We can let him slip into unconsciousness.¡± Detective Chad said. ¡°Drake.¡± She sniffed. ¡°Ria.¡± Drake reached out to hold her one of her hands while she was trying to put pressure on his wound. ¡°Ria, I must admit that you¡­ do have a good heart. You didn¡¯t yell at me for being the son of the one who killed your parents¡­ the first time we met. You knew who I was right?¡± Ria nodded. ¡°And even the second time when I came to your¡­ store¡­ you didn¡¯t try to¡­. get back at me for what my dad did to you. How did you manage to stay calm¡­ after¡­ everything he did to you?¡± Left to Ria she didn¡¯t want him to say anything but save up his energy to stay alive. ¡°And even when I said¡­ we had sex¡­ I know it hurt you so bad knowing that we are rted¡­ but the truth is we didn¡¯t do anything.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ I didn¡¯t touch you. After I read all the news I figured that we were cousins¡­ but I wanted to be sure if everything was true that was why I abducted you. I clearly know that you wouldn¡¯t want to see me¡­ so that was my only option. I had to find out the truth. And I figured that you would pour out your mind to me if I said we had sex¡­me right?¡± ¡°Drake are you¡­ sure we didn¡¯t-¡± He interrupted. ¡°I swear it¡­ I didn¡¯t touch you. It was the nurse one of the men hired that changed you when she wanted to treat your wound. Even though I was tempted to touch you but I resisted it because it wasn¡¯t right¡­ and I didn¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± ¡°Drake.¡± She sobbed. ¡°That¡¯s not all. I¡­ I prepared for it. I nned¡­ everything. I sent an anonymous text to the cops¡­ even though I didn¡¯t believe your words. I¡­ didn¡¯t want to believe that my dad could do¡­ such a thing to his family. There was never¡­ an escape n¡­ because why would he be in hiding if he was innocent? Because no one would believe him? That¡¯s¡­ bullshit. I was confused¡­ I didn¡¯t know¡­ what to do¡­ but I wanted to end¡­ it all. So the location dad sent to me¡­ I forwarded it to the cops just in case I find out everything is true.¡± Ria cried. ¡°Drake¡­ I thought you were working for your dad.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°No¡­ I haven¡¯t seen him since the news broke out. I just wanted to know the truth. And I was determined to turn him in myself if he was the killer. It was¡­ all pretense¡­ my attitude is enough to convince you that I was on his side¡­ but no¡­ even if I am a bad guy-¡± He chuckled. ¡°I still know the right thing to do. My mom is aware of my ns¡­. and she is in support of me to turn my dad in. My mom has been in contact with him trying to find out his location but¡­ he was so tight lipped. She didn¡¯t believe him when he called and said that you and Ian framed him because he threatened Ian. She sensed it that there was more than that¡­¡± He winced in pains. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Ria said. ¡°I never would have imagined that my dad is a killer. But please¡­ I hope you find it¡­ in your heart to forgive my dad.¡± ¡°Drake¡­¡± ¡°Promise me that you will someday forgive him.¡± More tears streamed down his cheeks. He was feeling the excruciating pain. Ria inhaled and exhaled. Her chest was so tight as if she was slowly losing her breathe. ¡°I will forgive him. I will forgive him.¡± She doesn¡¯t care about what Frederick did to her anymore since he is going to pay for him crime. Right now, she was concerned about Drake. Frederick has been apprehended and would be charged to court. ¡°Ria.¡± ¡°All I want is justice¡­ I just want him to pay for his crimes then I will forgive him.¡± Drake held her tightly with a small smile forming on his face. ¡°He will¡­ you have enough evidence right?¡± Ria nodded. ¡°I have one too.¡± He let go of Ria¡¯s hands and slowly reached into back of his jean pocket. ¡°Take this¡­¡± He gave her a ck recording device. ¡°You can use this against him in court. It has the recording of everything he said to us.¡± Ria epted the device and gave it to detective Chad who was driving at a high speed. ¡°Thank you for deciding to forgive¡­ my dad.¡± He whispered. Ria sensed Drake losing consciousness. ¡°No¡­ no¡­ hang on¡­ Drake¡­ please don¡¯t die! Step on it Chad!¡± ¡°Mount pressure on his wound so he can stay conscious!¡± Detective Chad yelled back. Ria was confused. ¡°Please Drake¡­¡± On an impulse, she gave him a hard blow on his shoulder, then a hard push on his abdomen and his eyes opened slightly. ¡°Please don¡¯t die on me.¡± She pleaded. ¡°I¡­ I will¡­ be fine¡­¡± Ria leaned down and held his head to her chest. And she prayed silently. She prayed over and over again. Chapter 109 Dropping all charges BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND NINE THEME: Dropping all charges CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SAINT ANTHONY HOSPITAL It all seems too familiar but all in a bad way. It was the same rush to the hospital. Detective Chad and Ria made it to the nearest hospital and Drake was taken into the operation room to get the bullet out of his system. All thanks to the fact that detective Chad had his identity card as a detective with him and he briefed a doctor about the case. Detective Chad and Ria waited outside the operation room. ¡°Don¡¯t worry he will be fine.¡± He ced his hand on Ria¡¯s shoulder gently to stop her from trembling. ¡°Ria!¡± She heard Ian¡¯s voice. Ria looked toward the direction and Ian was there with Ethan walking towards them. ¡°Ian.¡± Immediately she stood up from the bench and ran to him. Ian hugged her tightly and she sobbed in his chest. ¡°I am d that you are safe my love.¡± Ian heaved a huge sigh of relief. He hasn¡¯t been himself since she went missing. Although it was up to twenty four hours but he couldn¡¯t stay calm when his n to search for her failed. There was no possible ce he could think of that could be Frederick¡¯s hideout. He drove down to the hospital immediately he got a text from Detective Chad that Frederick has been apprehended and Ria was safe. ¡°He was shot because of me. What do I do? What if he doesn¡¯t make it?¡± Ria knew she would carry that guilt for the rest of her life if Drake dies. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Rx.¡± He whispered. Riasted few minutes in tears before she came out of his embrace. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°I am fine.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°What happened?¡± Ian questioned. He wanted to know everything. ¡°Can we talk about itter?¡± Ria requested. Ian shook his head in agreement. ¡°What happened to your arm?¡± A deep frown grazed his face. ¡°Drake did this to you? He hurt you right?! I am going to throw that guy in jail!¡± He gritted. Ria could see the anger in his eyes. ¡°No¡­ no¡­ it is not Drake.¡± She stuttered. ¡°Then who? Frederick?¡± Ethan demanded. ¡°No. It was the shattered sses from my car during the chase.¡± Ria replied. Then Ian and Ethan rxed a big. ¡°You should see the doctor.¡± Ian suggested. ¡°I am fine. Drake hired a nurse to treat it.¡± Ian led her back to the bench so she could sit. His eyes kept screening her body to see if she was hurt anywhere. After like an extra hour of waiting a surgeon existed the operation room with a nurse behind him. They all turned towards him. ¡°How is he doing? Is he okay?¡± Ria rushed out her words as her expression held a pleading look. And deep down in her mind she prayed that everything was fine. ¡°He lost a lot of blood due to internal bleeding and the pration of the bullet already damaged the spleen.¡± The surgeon replied. Ria felt something shatter within her. ¡°What are his chances?¡± She questioned frantically. A sad smile formed on his lips. ¡°We took the bullet out and had to remove the spleenpletely so it won¡¯t cause a rupture. The patient will be fine and can survive without a spleen. If he gets better we will tell him more about how to live healthily.¡± Ria let out a sigh of relief although she wasn¡¯t happy that a part of his organ was removed. ¡°Can I see him?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes but that will after he has been transferred to the intensive care unit.¡± The surgeon replied. ¡°Thank you doctor.¡± Detective Chad said before the doctor walked away with the nurse. ¡°I will call his mom with his cellphone to let her know about the situation.¡± He added. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°And Ria we already filed a charge against whoever abducted you. We didn¡¯t know it was Drake and that he would save you from-¡± ¡°I am dropping every charges against them.¡± Ria said. ¡°What?!¡± They all gasped out. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Detective Chad responded. ¡°I am talking about Drake. Are you saying Drake will have to go to court despite being shot in my ce? He called the cops on his dad and took a bullet for me.¡± Ria stated. ¡°He abducted you.¡± Ethan countered. ¡°Yes I know¡­ but he just wanted to know truth¡± Ria said in a low tone.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°You can only drop charges against Drake but not with Frederick. Remember this case is not only about your parents death but also Dane Julio and two others that were involved too. It is more like a national case now.¡± Detective Chad said in a calm and soft voice. ¡°Leave Drake out of the case.¡± Ria nodded slowly. ¡°Ria, are you sure?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°Yes I am dropping every charges against Drake Robert.¡± It is the best she can do to repay him for rescuing her and taking a bullet for her. If it weren¡¯t for him Frederick would have abducted her and kill her and even get away with it. ¡°Okay I will tell Ava about it.¡± ¡°So what will happen to Frederick now?¡± Ian asked. ¡°Frederick Robert is guilty so he will be going to court.¡± Detective Chad answered. ¡°Chad, what if the judge ims that Speedy¡¯s recording is an arranged statement?¡± Ethan requested. ¡°It won¡¯t happen because we have enough evidences against Frederick. Firstly, Drake gave of a recording of his father admitting to the crimes. Secondly, Derrick found Matthew Alley and he is ready to witness against Frederick in court if he has to. Lastly a friend of mine who works in Idaho correctional institution as a warder rendered his help too, he looked into the case and Scorpion confessed that someone ordered him to kill Speedy. A warder and a nurse at the infirmary are involved in Speedy¡¯s death too. Frederick paid them and currently they are in police custody in Idaho. We are bringing everyone of them to court with Frederick Robert.¡± ¡°And why didn¡¯t you tell us about it all this time?¡± Ian asked. ¡°We were working on it. There has to be enough evidences before giving out the information. That¡¯s how we detectives do our jobs because we don¡¯t work on facts alone.¡± Detective Chad responded. ¡°Okay.¡± Ria sighed. ¡°I wille around some other time to check on Drake and make sure you see a doctor before leaving too.¡± Detective Chad said to Ria. She nodded in understanding. ¡°Thank you, Chad.¡± She sad sincerely. ¡°You are wee.¡± ¡°Can Ie along with you? I came in Ian¡¯s car.¡± Ethan requested. ¡°Well I am using Drake¡¯s car but I can give you a ride.¡± Detective Chad replied. ¡°Thank you. Take care Ria.¡± Ethan hugged her. ¡°Bye Ethan.¡± Ria waved as he left with the detective. ¡°Ria, I was so worried about you.¡± Ian said as he pulled her in for a tight embrace. ¡°I was afraid that I would lose you.¡± Ria soaked in the sweet scent of him. ¡°I was scared that I won¡¯t see you again.¡± She admitted. After a few minutes, Ian let go of her and graze her cheeks with his knuckles. ¡°I am d you are alive.¡± ¡°Ian, what about Bert and Brian? They were shot and-¡± Ian interrupted her. ¡°They are both fine.¡± He exined things to her. The drowsy bullet used on Bert and Brian was rushed to the hospital by cops. Ria was happy that they are fine if not she would have med herself if it was the other way around. ¡°You are safe now.¡± Ian kissed her forehead. Ria nodded in agreement with relief rushing in her system. Frederick was out of the picture so she was safe. She embraced Ian tightly. Chapter 110 Justice Prevail BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND TEN THEME: Justice Prevail CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SIX WEEKS LATER The Supreme Court of Justice in Chicago, Illinois was full of reporters, jurymen and spectators attracted by the sensational nature of the case. Today is the day Frederick Robert would receive his punishment for every crimes he hadmitted. He was charged for so many things with seven others. Drake Robert was doing fine now after being shot by his own father. And it left Mrs Vivian Robert with a great shock that she could hardly believe that her husband had shot their own son. And Ria never knew Drake was going to be a father until his baby mama. Bay Sanders showed up at the hospital with her mother Serena. They all came to the hospital with Mrs Vivian Robert the day after the incident. Mrs Vivian couldn¡¯t stop apologizing to Ria on her husband¡¯s behalf. She was innocent just like her son, Drake. Though Mrs Vivian was present at Ria¡¯s parents funeral but she never knew Frederick had killed them to take over the million of dors inheritance. Several weeks has passed since the incident at the abandoned site. And while in police custody under strict surveince and even during trial, Frederick requested to see Ria. Ian was against it but she had been the one to plead with him to let her go to Frederick. And Ian only agreed on the condition that a cop would be around to watch them have the discussion. Ria went to see Frederick in cell and all he did was ask for forgiveness. Ria stated that she has forgiven him since the day he shot his own son who had tried to save her. And Frederick admitted that his hatred and anger towards Nathan made him do everything he did. And to be honest, Ria concluded that it wasn¡¯t Frederick¡¯s fault. Histe mother, Antonia should be med. Frederick said that his mom told him that he won¡¯t gain anything if Nathan was more closer to their father. He confessed that his mom rified that he didn¡¯t have a chance against Nathan because he was an illegitimate son. Antonia poisoned her son¡¯s mind against Nathan but it is so sad that she isn¡¯t here to witness everything. The hatred and grudge that has been deep rooted in Frederick caused his downfall. Ria felt pity for Frederick and she wished that there was something she could do. Ava said he has no chance for redemption and that his sentence would either be death penalty or life imprisonment. Ria doesn¡¯t want a death penalty for him. She made it so clear which prompted Ava to say that if the judge gives Frederick a death penalty, then the attorney in charge can file in for an appeal immediately and for court to reduce his sentence. But the chances of them epting the appeal is very low. Amidst mor and heated discussion going on in the court, the chief of court and six other judges walked in. ¡°Order! Court!¡± The usher announced. Everybody stood up and remained standing until the judges took their seats. ¡°Call the case.¡± Chief of Court, Hannah Brooks said. A female registrar stood up. ¡°Case of state versus Frederick Robert and seven others.¡± The case was no longer Ria¡¯s because Speedy and two other deaths are involved. The seven other used are; the prison warder, the nurse, Biggy, David, the currentmissioner of police who used to be Derrick¡¯s boss and the two men that set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire. Three cops lead the eight used persons in and made them sit in front of the Jury. Frederick was asked to remain standing while the Registrar reads the charges. ¡°That you, Frederick Robert, on 13th of April 2014 ordered the killings of Nathan and Madison Robert and their only child. That you, Frederick Robert, illegally manipted the evidences by paying aw official, threatened a witness and killed two suspected killers, an act which is contrary to thew. That you, Frederick Robert, recruited themissioner of police, a prison warder, two bodyguards and a nurse and conspired to kill Dane Julio. You also recruited two thugs to set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire. And an attempted murder on Ria Robert and your own son, Drake Robert. Guilty or Not Guilty?¡± The Counsel of Defense, a tall young man on wig stood up. ¡°Not guilty.¡± The Counsel of Prosecution, Ava, stood up and bowed to the seven judges. ¡°Guilty.¡± ¡°What are the facts?¡± Chief of court Hannah Brooks requested. ¡°Your lordship and members of the Jury, the facts are these; Mr Frederick Robert paid thete money make life gang to forcefully get his step brother to sign the transfer of inheritance papers and kill him after signing it. And it was discovered that indeed Mr Frederick effectively covered up the case with thete gang members and the captain turnedmissioner of police who was supposed to be the custodian ofw. A situation which has made it impossible for thew to take it normal course on this man and his aplices. But now thew has finally catch up with them.¡± Ava stated other facts pertaining to the case. ¡°My lord with your permission I shall now call a witness to confirm these facts and I call the first witness, Detective Derrick.¡± ¡°Detective Derrick!¡± The usher said loudly. Detective Derrick went into the witness box. The court clerk walked to the front of the box. He asked for his religion and Derrick answered. The court clerk handed a bible over to him. Detective Derrick took the bible in his right hand and repeated after the clerk. ¡°I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.¡± The court clerk went back to his position. ¡°What is your name?¡± Ava asked. ¡°Derrick Thompson.¡± ¡°upation.¡± ¡°A Detective in the Criminal Investigative Department of Chicago Police force.¡± Derrick replied. ¡°Look at that man over there, can you justifiably say that you know him?¡± She pointed to themissioner of police. ¡°Yes.¡± Detective Derrick answered. ¡°What is your rtionship with him?¡± Ava asked. ¡°He was my boss when I worked as a Detective Inspector in the Criminal Investigative Department of the Idaho Police Force. And he assigned me to work on the Robert case.¡± Ava shook her heads ¡°Mr Derrick during that time, did you make a report to your boss at any given time or date against Frederick Robert?¡± ¡°Yes I did. At first my boss told me to investigate the case properly so along the line I met a young guy named Ethan Dantes who is a close friend to the deceased at that time. He told me about Mr Nathan¡¯s inheritance and how he suspected that his brother might be involved in the case.¡± He stated his own facts to the Jury. Everything he and Ethan did and how he got fired at work after turning in evidences that Fredrick Robert was involved in the case. The box containing evidences that he had gathered eight years ago was also presented in court. Though the Defense Counsel tried to object his words but the chief of court ordered him not to question Derrick because everything he gathered wasn¡¯t illegal. ¡°My lord, I have finished with the detective and he may step down.¡± Ava said. Detective Derrick stepped down from the witness boss. ¡°My lord, may I call in the next witness, Matthew Alley.¡± Ava requested and the chief of court shook her head in agreement. ¡°Matthew Alley!¡± The usher said loudly. He went into the witness box. The court clerk came to him and he repeated what he did with Derrick. An oath to only speak the truth. ¡°What is your name?¡± Ava asked. ¡°Matthew Alley.¡± He answered.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ¡°Look at that man and all of the people with him. Can you justifiably say you know him or them?¡± Ava pointed at the used. ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡± Matthew said referring to Frederick. ¡°But I know the prison warder and the nurse. They came to the ward the day before Speedy died.¡± He added. ¡°Please tell us what happened on that very day.¡± The Defense counsel stood up immediately. ¡°My lord, objection my learned colleague is going beyond the case in hand.¡± ¡°Objection overruled. Please go on.¡± Chief of court Hannah Brooks said. ¡°Thank you my lord, now young man please go on.¡± Ava said with a serious look on her face. ¡°Myte friend was stabbed by another inmate but before that day he told me about Frederick Robert. Not too much just that he used to work for him when he was with his gang and that Frederick promised to get him out of jail and fly him out of the country. Mr Frederick came to the prison that day and Speedy thought he was there to take him out. At that time, I didn¡¯t know what they talked about but when he was in the infirmary he told me that someone wanted him dead.¡± Matthew recounted. ¡°Did he tell you who that person was?¡± Ava asked. ¡°Yes. He said Mr Frederick Robert. And he also gave me some stuffs to deliver a detective as soon as I get out of prison.¡± He rted the story to Derrick and how he had searched for him. ¡°My lord, permit me to y the recording to shed more light to what he just said.¡± Ava yed Speedy¡¯sst recording to the Jury. The Defense Counsel stood up and objected the tape. ¡°My lord, this is an arranged statement to frame my clients. There is no true evidence that the deceased recorded it.¡± Ava smirked. ¡°My lord, certainly that is a very cruel thing to say by my learned colleague. The deceased knew who Frederick was and he was aware that sooner orter Frederick woulde after him to cover up the truth. He recorded the tape as an evidence and wrote a note to Miss Ria Robert.¡± She tendered the note. Ava did the necessary things by submitting all evidence to prove Frederick guilty and even the recording device Drake tendered that had the words of his father confessing to his sins. The Defense Counsel called Frederick into the box and also tried to defend him. But the look on Frederick¡¯s face was that of defeat. There was no way he was going to win the case with all the evidences gathered against him. Then the prosecution counsel stood up gently with grace. Ava bowed to the judges and then to the jury. ¡°My lord, gentlemen of the jury, Imend my learned friend for cleverly weaving the evidence of the prosecution to confuse this court. I shall not waste time by going over the evidences because the issues are clear and raise no doubt. If the used had notmitted the crime as alleged, why should the deceased produce a tape? Why did Mr Derrick gets fired at work? Why did the used set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire? Why did he try to stage an abduction? The issue is clear and needs no further debate. Again, when the used were questioned, they each confessed that Mr Frederick ordered them tomit those crimes alleged. My lord, so what other evidence does this court need again to convict these dangerous people? The issue before the court are quite clear, the used and cohorts must suffer the due penalties of thew.¡± She bowed before settling down. ¡°Gentlemen, the holy book of God tells us that the wages of sin is death. Members of the jury remember that justicees first. You have heard the evidence of the prosecution and that of the used. The defense counsel imed that the evidences was fabricated. If you have no doubt in your mind that the used didmit the offense for which they are being charged here today then you find them guilty but if the usation is false and fabricated then you find them not guilty. Again do not let their status or sympathy get to you and just reach your verdict.¡± Chief of court, Hannah Brooks paused. ¡°You may retire.¡± She said to the counsels. She stood up to leave with the other judges. ¡°My love, are you okay?¡± Ian asked as he weaved his hand tightly with Ria¡¯s hand. They were sitting close to each other. Ria sniffed as tears clouded her vision. ¡°I am fine.¡± She answered. Just a little more time and everything would be over soon. ****** ONE HOUR LATER The usher screamed again when the judges entered the courtroom again. Everybody stood up and remained standing as the judges entered until they were all seated. Registrar stood up with paper in her hands. ¡°Members of the jury, you have agreed on your verdict?¡± She asked. ¡°We have agreed on a verdict.¡± They replied. ¡°Is it guilty or not guilty?¡± ¡°Guilty.¡± The registrar addressed the used persons. ¡°Suspects at the bar, you stand convicted of murder, bribery, abuse of public office, theft and thuggery. Do any of you have anything to say for yourselves why the court should not give you judgement ording tow?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ please be lenient with me and tamper justice with mercy! I have a two years old son that needs me by his side! Show mercy, my lord.¡± The nurse cried out. She has been in tears since her arrest. ¡°For the atrocities which you stand convicted, I find you Frederick Robert guilty as charged and therefore sentence you to life imprisonment with hardbour. In addition, you are to refund the sum of fifteen million dors to the deceased child, Ria Robert. As for you,missioner of police all I can say is that you are a disgrace to our noble profession, greed and love of money and power blinded you against the demands of the profession. You are sentenced to thirty five years imprisonment with hardbour for conspiracy, bribery and abuse of public office. To the nurse, ording to your noble profession you are to save lives but you havemitted a grievous crime with the warder to kill Dane Julio, you are both sentenced to twenty five years imprisonment with hardbour. The rest of the used persons you have alsomitted a grievous crime which convicts you. I therefore sentence you to twenty two years imprisonment with hardbour. Imend Detective Derrick for trying to expose a crime, I am strongly of the opinion that this country must be protected against unscrupulous public officers, who abuse their positions and betraying the confidence reposed in them.¡± Chief of Court, Hannah Brooks looked sternly at the used persons. ¡°And I condemn you all for others to learn.¡± Chapter 111 I am getting married BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN THEME: I am getting married IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT THE ROBERT CEMETERY TWO WEEKS LATER A week after Frederick was sentenced. Ian and Ria travelled down to Idaho to visit her parents graves on the actual date of theirmon birthdays and anniversary. That date fell on the same day. Her parents shared the same birthday dates and they even got married on that same date. FLASHBACK Ria had a bouquet of flowers made for the asion. She and Ian picked it up at the florist before driving to the cemetery far on the outskirts of the town. She has seen their faces in some of the pictures Ethan gave her and she also realized that she looked more like her mother. She has even made a big frame of them in her home. ¡°Careful.¡± Ian said as they both made their way to the graves. Ria stared at the headstone for a while as if it is an inte connecting her to her lost parents. She didn¡¯t speak. She only just reminisced about some things she remembered when they were alive. Most especially those things they did as a family. Ria touched the marble stone as she decorated each graves with flowers. Ria was at least grateful to Frederick for one thing; he gave her parents proper funerals andid them in a good ce. ¡°Mom. Dad.¡± Ria said as she decorated their graves. ¡°Happy birthday and happy anniversary.¡± All of sudden, tears fell down her cheeks. ¡°It is so sad that you both are not alive today¡­ and your deaths keeps hurting me so much but what can I do? Nothing. You are both away from this world forever.¡± She wiped her tears with her fingertips and ced it on the graves. ¡°Justice prevailed in the end. Frederick was sentenced and he is really sorry for everything he did to us. He asked for your forgiveness. Dad, I have a lot to say but I can¡¯t put them in words. But mom, I want you to know that I did it¡­ I mean¡­ your dreams¡­ our dreams. I am now a clothe designer, pretty famous in the country now. It was what you wanted for me right? I know¡­ dad¡­ I know you must be really proud of me now too. I miss you. I really do and if I was given a chance to make a wish then it would be¡­ turning the hands of time just to see your faces and be with you till the very end.¡± Ria stood up and held Ian¡¯s hands. ¡°I want you both to meet the man of my dreams. His name is Ian Bryant. He made my dreamse true and that¡¯s why I call him the man of my dreams.¡± Ria smiled at him. ¡°I achieved a lot with his help and words can¡¯t describe how much I love him.¡± She stopped. Ian spoke up. ¡°Mr Nathan and Mrs Madison Robert, Ria told me a lot about you. Good stuffs and I must admit that you have the best daughter in the world. She has a good heart¡­ a heart of gold.¡± He squeezed her hand gently. ¡°No gift or money in the world is enough to buy her because your daughter is priceless and I promise to take care of her.¡± He paused. And continued after a mary pause. ¡°And also love her forever till death do us apart.¡± Ria looked up at him with tears blurring her vision. ¡°Forever?¡± She repeated. Ian ced his hand on Ria¡¯s shoulder and drew her closer to himself. ¡°Forever.¡± He muttered. ***************** CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA ONE MONTH LATER AT LINT CORPORATIONContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. ¡°Wow! Lorna! Well¡­ thank God I didn¡¯t have to rush out of my office this time around.¡± Ian said jokingly when Lorna walked into his office. ¡°Come on, it has been ages since Ist saw you and you wee me with such remark.¡± Lorna giggled. ¡°Good to see you again. How are you?¡± Ian asked. ¡°I am fine. Thanks.¡± Lorna replied as she settled on the couch. Ian stood up from the swivel chair and went to her. ¡°So what¡¯s up with you?¡± He grinned. ¡°Good vibes.¡± Lorna answered. They bothughed. Then Lorna opened her bag and he noticed a ring on her finger. ¡°Lorna, are you married?¡± Ian questioned. She smiled with her fingers dancing in the air to unt her ring. ¡°No. I am engaged.¡± She replied. ¡°Really?¡± A broad smile broke out on his face. ¡°Lucky me. Huh? Where did I drop it?¡± Lorna mumbled as she searched her bag. ¡°Found it!¡± Then she brought out an invitation card. ¡°Is that your wedding invitation?¡± Ian chuckled. ¡°Yes. You are invited.¡± Ian collected the card from her. ¡®Lorna weds Mason.¡¯ It was boldly written on the card. ¡°You are getting married to Mason in a month time.¡± Lorna shook her head. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Good¡­ I mean congrattions to you, Lorna.¡± Ian stood up and walked back to the desk. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will be there.¡± ¡°I am getting my wedding dress from Ria Robert Couture.¡± Lorna said. Ian turned to face her. ¡°The woman you love owns that ce right?¡± She smiled sheepishly. ¡°Yes.¡± Ian nodded. ¡°I was out of the country and I missed the whole drama of she and her evil uncle but I followed up on the update about the case on news. I am d he got what he deserves as a murderer.¡± She seethe her teeth. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would be interested in such a case.¡± Ian cleared his throat. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it too¡­ but maybe I felt bad for her. So are you still together?¡± Lorna asked. ¡°Always. We can never be apart.¡± Ian responded. ¡°But Ian don¡¯t you wanna get married?¡± She blurted out. ¡°Of course¡­ I want to get married.¡± He replied with a shrug. ¡°So what¡¯s stopping you? You love her right?¡± Lorna questioned frantically. ¡°Yes. I love Ria so much than you can ever imagine. I can¡¯t do without her.¡± Ian answered. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you propose to her? Ask her to marry you.¡± Ian was silent. He would have proposed to Ria a long time ago but he is have this feeling it would scare her away. And Ian is not sure if Ria is ready for a big change like getting married and bing a mother. She is too busy with her studies and work at the store. ¡°Lorna¡­ it is a bitplicated.¡± Ian said. ¡°How?¡± ¡°We are both working on some important stuffs right now that is taking most of our time.¡± Ian replied. Lorna stood up. ¡°Well that shouldn¡¯t stop you guys-¡± She stopped. ¡°Or are you having a slight issue on how to propose to her? I can help if that¡¯s the case.¡± She offered. ¡°No¡­ that¡¯s not the problem. As a matter of fact, there is no problem at all.¡± ¡°Then get married!¡± Lorna pointed out. ¡°Now that sounds like my dad.¡± Ian chuckled. They have been pressuring Ian to get married. Most especially Josie, actually she was mad at Ian for not introducing Ria to her first. Lauren got to meet Ria first, so Josie was mad about it and she took it out on Ria at the hospital. Actually, Josie meant no harm to Ria, she was just jealous of Lauren¡¯s close rtionship with Ria. But everything is fine now and they are all expecting Ian to get married. ¡°Get married.¡± Lorna repeated in a yful tone. ¡°Okay.¡± Ian replied. Lorna giggled. ¡°I will see you some other time.¡± ¡°Bye Lorna.¡± He waved. Ian should propose to Ria or talk to her about it? Maybe they can make the big change now. But is Ria ready? Is her fears gone? He thought deeply. ¡®Propose!¡¯ A voice screamed in his head. Yes! That¡¯s it! It is worth the risk! ¡°And if she rejects me¡­¡± His voice trailed off. No Ian wouldn¡¯t be able to handle such rejection. Chapter 112 Make me a dress BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND TWELVE THEME: Make me a dress CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE ¡°Excuse me.¡± Ria turned to the soft voice and Lorna was there! Ria recognized her even though she had only seen her once. ¡°Hi.¡± Ria greeted. ¡°Lorna Simmons.¡± Lorna said as she stretched out her hands. Ria shook hands with her. ¡°Ria Robert.¡± She replied. ¡°It is nice to see you again. Do you remember me?¡± She asked. ¡°Yes. I saw you at Mrs Pe¡¯s store months ago.¡± Ria answered. ¡°I am guessing that you never forget a face.¡± Lorna said with a bright smile on her face. Now she was different from thedy Ria had met the other day. That Lorna looked at her so disgustingly but now she was smiling at her. ¡°I am getting married in a month time so I need a beautiful wedding gown.¡± ¡°Oh! Congrattions, Lorna.¡± Ria smiled. ¡°Thank you. Can you give me a tour instead of your workers?¡± Lorna requested. ¡°Sure. Pleasee with me.¡± Ria led her to the wedding gown section. ¡°Wow! So lovely!¡± Lorna gasped out. ¡°I love this one in particr!¡± She pointed to an off shouldered wedding gown. ¡°Can I try it out?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Ria called at the twodies in charge to help Lorna with the dress. She went into the changing room and came out with the wedding dress on her. ¡°You look beautiful.¡± Riaplimented. ¡°You think so?¡± Lorna arched her eyebrows. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Me or the dress?¡± Lorna asked. ¡°Both.¡± Ria answered. ¡°Such a relief.¡± Lorna giggled. She stepped on the pedestal and whirled to see the dress properly. The white fabric ring out of her waist to extend to a long train. ¡°It looks perfect.¡± Lorna said. ¡°The dress suits you perfectly.¡± Ria moved closer to her. ¡°Perhaps did Ian tell you about us?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t quite get what you are trying to say.¡± Ria cocked her brows. ¡°I mean about our rtionship.¡± She said. Ria realized that Lorna could be Ian¡¯s ex girlfriend so she frowned immediately. Ian didn¡¯t mention it that Lorna was his ex girlfriend. ¡°No. Don¡¯t get me wrong. I am not his ex girlfriend but we were supposed to get married.¡± Lorna added quickly as soon as she noticed the frown that yed on Ria¡¯s face. ¡°Ian¡­ ahmm¡­ he didn¡¯t tell me anything.¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°I guess he didn¡¯t tell because it wasn¡¯t important. You know how rich parents do¡­ they want their kids to end up with their business partners offspring just to strengthen the rtionship. It was like an arranged marriage but Ian broke it off because he doesn¡¯t have feelings for me.¡± Lorna exined. Relief washed over Ria and it showed on her expression. ¡°Oh! Perhaps did I scare you?!¡± Lora demanded. ¡°No.¡± Ria shed her a half smile. Actually, it is a yes. Lorna scared her. And for a split second, Ria thought Lorna was going to say she was getting married to Ian! ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. We are just friends and like I said Ian wasn¡¯t interested in me.¡± Lorna added. Ria nodded slowly. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°And Ian told me that he loves you.¡± Ian told her about us?! What else did he say to her? Ria pondered. ¡°Ria, can I ask you question?¡± Lorna requested in a polite tone. Their eyes met in therge mirror when Lorna stepped down from the pedestal. ¡°Sure.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Will you say yes if Ian propose to you?¡± Lorna asked as she turned to Ria with a serious face. ¡°I know that it is none of my business but I am just concerned about my friend. It seems like Ian is doubting if you will say yes or not if he propose to you.¡± To be honest, Ria has been waiting for his proposal. She thought Ian wasn¡¯t ready for the big change in their rtionship too. He has been really always busy with work. ¡°You love him right?¡± Lorna asked. ¡°Yes I do.¡± Ria response was sharp and immediate. ¡°And you are ready to start a family? I mean¡­ like settle down for a life timemitment.¡± Lorna emphasized. ¡°Yes.¡± Ria answered. Lorna shook her head. ¡°Please can you help me out of the dress?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Ria zipped down the dress and Lorna went back into the changing room. ¡°I am taking it.¡± Lorna said when she stepped out.¡±But can I take a picture of it first and send it to my mom?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ria wore the dress on an empty mannequin and Lorna took pictures of it. ¡°I wille around tomorrow so we can talk about the bridesmaids dresses. You can help me with that right?¡± Lorna asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Lorna checked the price tag of the wedding dress. It costs four thousand dors. ¡°Affordable.¡± She smiled. ¡°Please give me your number.¡± She gave Ria her phone. ¡°Here.¡± Ria gave the phone back to Lorna after punching in her number. ¡°Thank you, Ria.¡± ¡°You are wee. And thanks for dropping by.¡± Lorna smiled. ¡°See you tomorrow .¡± Ria followed her to the entrance of the store.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner. ***************** AT LINT CORPORATION Ian phone beeped and he looked down at the device. It was Lorna. ¡®Hello Lorna.¡¯ ¡®Hey Ian¡­ I just came out of Ria Robert Couture.¡¯ Lorna said. ¡®So did you get to meet Ria?¡¯ ¡®Yes and I got the perfect dress. But why didn¡¯t you tell her about us?¡¯ Lorna asked. ¡®Us?¡¯ Ian murmured. ¡®You and I. You didn¡¯t tell her that we were supposed to get married.¡¯ Lorna stated. ¡®What?! So did you tell Ria?¡¯ He demanded. ¡®Calm down. Rx. And yes¡­ I told Ria about our arranged marriage but don¡¯t worry, I did a great job at exining things her. Ian, I advise you don¡¯t waste time anymore. It seems Ria is waiting for your proposal.¡¯ ¡®How do you know?¡¯ ¡®Well I asked some questions about saying yes and starting a family.¡¯ Lorna replied. ¡®What did she say?¡¯ Ian asked anxiously. ¡®Ria loves you so much. She didn¡¯t waste time in saying yes to all my questions. So my dear friend, propose to your girl and take her to the altar. I want to see you get married in two months time. Bye!¡¯ She hang up. Lorna sounded so assertive. How did she get Ria to flow with her like that? Oh! Lorna is an actress so she must have put up an act. No more fears Ian! Propose to Ria. ¡°But how? How do I propose to her? I am sure she won¡¯t like me to do it in the presence of so much people. I need toe up with the best way to propose to her.¡± Ian mused as he leaned into the chair. Chapter 113 A trip to forever BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN THEME: A trip on forever CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT IAN BRYANT MANSION Ria drove down to Ian¡¯s house in a rush. Mr Griffin called her and said that Ian had slipped and fell in the bathroom. All he could do at the moment wasy in bed due to body pains. ¡°Good evening, Miss Ria.¡± A maid greeted her. ¡°Where is Mr Griffin?¡± Ria rushed out her words. She looked really disturbed. ¡°Mr Griffin just stepped out just now.¡± The maid responded. ¡°What about Ian?¡± Ria asked again. ¡°Sir Ian is in his room.¡± She replied. The maid didn¡¯t act like anything was wrong.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. Ria rushed up the stairs leading to Ian¡¯s room. She knocked but no one responded. ¡°Ian.¡± She called. But still no one responded. She twisted the knob and opened the door. ¡°Ian?¡± Ria said softly when she entered the area. The room was dark. ¡°Where did he go? Why is the room so dark?¡± She walked in farther. Suddenly Ria felt something snaking around her waist and she jumped and screamed out in fear. ¡°Easy honey¡­ it is me.¡± ¡°Oh my goodness! Ian! You startled me!¡± Ria tried to rx when she heard Ian¡¯s voice. ¡°I am sorry.¡± He apologized. ¡°What were you doing behind the door? And why is your room so dark?¡± Ria expected him to be in bed. ¡°Mr Griffin called me. He said that you slipped and fell in the bathroom. You should be in bed resting but-¡± ¡°Close your eyes.¡± Ian whispered. ¡°What?¡± His hands left her waist and he stood in front of her. ¡°Close your eyes.¡± ¡°Why?¡± She asked. ¡°No questions babe¡­ just do as I say.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Ria replied reluctantly. ¡°Closed?¡± Ian mumbled. ¡°Yes eyes closed my love.¡± Ria felt him behind her again and his hands wrapped around her again. ¡°Don¡¯t open your eyes yet.¡± Ian ordered. Ria hummed a response with her eyes closed. She heard a soft beeping sound but it ended abruptly. ¡°Now open your eyes babe.¡± Ian whispered into her ear. Ria opened her eyes slowly and the light was on. ¡°What do you see?¡± He pointed to the king sized bed. Ria gasped in shock and her heart beats rapidly. ¡°WILL YOU MARRY ME?¡± It was formed with rose petals on the big bed. Right on cue, Ian put up a shinning diamond ring right in front of her eyes. ¡°Ian¡­ you didn¡¯t slip and fall on the bathroom right? Are you okay?¡± She demanded. ¡°I am perfectly fine.¡± Ian stood in front of Ria again and shed her a bright smile. ¡°I wanted to propose to you.¡± He said. ¡°Ian, I was so scared of-¡± He ced his finger on her lips to silence her. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything yet but just pay attention to what I have to say.¡± Ria shook her head in understanding. ¡°Listen Ria, since the day I saw you at the park, and when I met you again I knew it was fate telling me something. I feel like a god whenever you are with me. To be honest, Ria, you make me no longer lonely. You make meplete. And you are my perfection.¡± Ian paused. A tear slid down her cheekbone as he went down on one knee. ¡°I know that I can¡¯t live without you. Ria, I want it all. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So please Ria give me the honor of bing my wife.¡± He was grinning again. ¡°This is the first time I am asking anyone to be my wife¡­ and to be in my future.¡± He added. Ria shifted and moved closer. ¡°Ian, I want it all too. I want you. I want a marriage with you or no one else. I want a future with you.¡± She said. Ian seemed satisfied with her response as he smiled brilliantly. ¡°Will you marry me?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes Ian!¡± Ria eximed. Ian chuckled as he slid the ring into her finger. He stood up and his voice grew lower and a bit unsteady. ¡°I love you and I promise that I will love you for the rest of my life.¡± He said. ¡°I will hold you to that promise.¡± Ria replied. The kiss was instant and binding, deep andpelling. Ian kissed Ria slowly and then deeper. Ria¡¯s heart raced when he pulled back to look at her. ¡°Ian.¡± A needy whimper slipped through her lips as she slid her hands up to the back of his neck. ¡°We can give it a trial now.¡± She wanted to be close to him. ¡°Oh Ria¡­ I have never wanted someone so much like I want you but are you sure about it?¡± A sense of desperation filled Ria. ¡°Ian¡­ I want you.¡± She whispered. Ian didn¡¯t said a thing before she found his lips and he opened his mouth to weing her invasion. His hands tangled in her hair, each breath he took seemed to draw her breathe out and it mingled with hers. Ria wasn¡¯t sure if she was ready for love making but it was a risk she was willing to take. Ian wrapped his arms around her, she yearned towards him and she felt that need she always feel every time he got close to her. Desperate to make the contact, Ria tucked at his shirt and he moved back to strip off his shirt. Then Ian touched her and pulled Ria¡¯s top over her head and tossed it somewhere. Ria faced him and thece of her bra was the only barrier left. Slowly, Ian moved the bra strap off her shoulder. Ria held her breathe, trembling when his hands moved to her back and undid the fastener. His graze dropped to her breasts and without touching her, her nipples responded, hardening the nubs and the ache grew heavier. ¡°Oh my God.¡± Ian whispered. He touched her and she gasped when his hands cupped her breasts. ¡°Ian.¡± Ria¡¯s legs were weak, her breathing was rapid and she swayed towards him. She lifted her face to his and the kiss was immediate and burning. It seared into her soul and she felt whole for the first time in her life. Ian lifted her and then together they were on the bed, legs and arms twined. Ian¡¯s hands were everywhere, touching and caressing and building pleasures in her. Ria¡¯s jeans were gone and his fingertips were torturing her stomach until his fingers moved under the band of her panties. Ria lifted her hips, letting him slid the material off and he found her center. Then the fear grew but she tried to rx. She wasn¡¯t going to fail Ian this time. Ria found his lips and kissed him to distract herself from the fears that were trying to well up within. She wasn¡¯t going to panic. His hand pressed against her and slowly she moved against him. Sensation building up, knotting in her middle and threatening to explode. He entered her, one finger and she raised up her back and then two fingers, instinctively pressing into his touch, needing it more and more of the friction. She heard him smack his lips and then Ian was gone. Ria opened her eyes and Ian was above her. He already had his shorts off. Ria found him and circled him until she heard him groan roughly. Ian was hers. He moved his legs between her legs and she felt his strength against her thighs. She heard him whisper her name and slowly he entered her until he filled herpletely. Ria lifted her hips and he gasped when he initiated the first stroke. Deep then again and again and she matched him. The sensation grew, higher and higher freeing her in a way she has never thought. She soared higher and higher. She arched her back upward willing to let gopletely to give everything to Ian and she did. Nothing she held back. The world around her exploded when she heard Ian saying her name. ¡°Oh fuck¡­ Ria¡­.¡± He moaned. Ria heard a sob. Her sob. Her own tears. Ian slowed down his pace to watch her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He looked concerned. ¡°Yes¡­ Yes¡­ I am fine.¡± She dug her nails into his back urging him to deepen the pace. And he did. Ian thrusted in deeper and deeper hitting her g-spot that she cried out his name in pleasure and no form of pain. She enjoyed every stroke and thrust and climax that came with making love with Ian Bryant. Then Ria was in Ian¡¯s arms,ying with him and she held onto Ian. His arms around her and she closed her eyes tightly. He pressed a kiss in her hair then she ced her cheeks against his heart. Ria tried to make cognizant sense of her overwhelmed thoughts. Ria breathe hesitantly. She raised herself on an elbow to look at him. ¡°Ian. I have no idea¡­ how to tell you this but¡­ I have to say it. Thank you for everything.¡± She hesitated again trying to get the words past the lump in her throat. ¡°In every way you make me feel treasured and I had worried that my inexperience won¡¯t be enough for you.¡± Ian frowned and began to speak. ¡°Ria-¡± She silenced him with a finger in his lips. He waited and she continued. ¡°But you gave me the confidence to do everything that was new to me¡­ and more than any of that¡­¡± A tear slid down her cheek. ¡°Ian, you have given me back my long lost happiness and you connected us in a way that I don¡¯t even have words for.¡± Ian captured her lips possessively and pushed her down to himself. Then he whispered in a deep satisfaction. ¡°I will love you forever.¡± Ria didn¡¯t even try to hold back the tears of happiness as she mumbled, ¡°I will love you too forever.¡± Then Ria was there, she kissed him with an urgency, she touched him and stroked him. Ian gasped as she circled his cock with her hands and he ached desperately for the contact. Her kisses on him was drawing at his soul. He wanted her and wanted to be in her. He didn¡¯t want her to stop. Ria shifted to get over him and straddle his hips. Then as his hands spanned her waist, she eased herself down on his cock until he filled herpletely. And everything stopped. Ria was connected to him, each breathe she took echoed in his own. Her hands were braced on his shoulder and he had a sense of her totally surrounding him. Then Ria moved, slowly at first pushing passion that threatened to consume him. Hearing her moan softly with each stroke, only stirred fire of pleasure in him. Ian heard his own voice whispering her name over and over again. ¡°Ria.¡± They both rolled onto their sides still holding each other as he quickened them pace of each thrust. ¡°Fuck!¡± She was close and he held her even tighter. He wanted her all along and now finally she belongs to him. And Ian wouldn¡¯t let her go, not now and not anytime soon. This is a deal of together forever! Chapter 114 To love and be loved BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) EPISODE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN THEME: To love and be loved CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT IAN BRYANT MANSION THREE YEARS LATER Ian lifted Phoenix up on his shoulder and whirled him in a fast motion. ¡°Wow! I feel like I am on top of the world!¡± Heughed happily. And Ian dropped him on the couch gently when he heard Ria approaching. He knew that she was going to scold them for noise making. ¡°Sorry¡­ honey.¡± Ian apologized when he saw the deep frown on her face as soon as she walked in to the living room. Ria ignored him while Phoebe went to her. ¡°Mom¡­ look I made another design.¡± She said. ¡°Let us do this some other time Phoebe.¡± Ria said in a cold tone. Ian forehead creased at her sudden change in attitude. Ria stared at Phoenix and then back to Phoebe before she made her way back to the bedroom. Something was wrong! So Ian followed her immediately. Ria was pacing the room when Ian walked in. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Ria stopped pacing. ¡°Yes.¡± She replied without turning to face him. It was so obvious that she wasn¡¯t happy! Three years has passed since she got married to Ian but she was yet to conceive. She was yet to carry Ian¡¯s child in her womb. And Ria feared that she won¡¯t be able to have a child. Ria thought of her days in Lucas den when she had miscarriage and wondered if it had affected her in some ways. No child of her own and now the mother of the children she had adopted suddenly showed up. Everything was giving her concern. A woman came to Ria Robert Couture two weeks ago and imed to be Phoebe¡¯s mom and named Mrs Lawson. And truly Phoebe admitted that the woman was her mom. Now she is desperate to have her kids back but they don¡¯t want to be with their mom. And Ria is really sad that she would be left with nothing if she let the kids go back to their mom. Ian whirled her to face him then he saw the tears. ¡°Ria, what¡¯s going on?¡± She has been crying. Ria moved away from him. ¡°Nothing¡­ Ian¡­ really I.. am fine.¡± She swallowed hard and wiped her tears. Why was she the different one?! Drake is happy with Bay and his son named Nathan. Drake named his child after Ria¡¯s father. Ethan is also happily married to Ava and she is heavily pregnant. Ma¡¯am Loretta is also getting married to detective Chad in two weeks time. Ma¡¯am Elise is also happily married to detective Derrick and they are expecting a baby soon. She sent Ria a test strip picture two weeks ago. Lorna and Mason are doing good too. Everything happened to fast in the space of three years. Everyone seems to be happy except her. ¡°No something is wrong and I want you to tell me about it.¡± Ian pestered. ¡°Everything¡­ is¡­ fine.¡± Ria said shakily. Ian ran his hand over his face. ¡°Is this about us? You are like this because you are not pregnant right?¡± Then the tears flowed again and she couldn¡¯t control it. Ian leaned in closely to her. ¡°I am sorry¡­ so sorry.¡± Ria apologized unsteadily. ¡°Sorry? Ria, you are not the maker of children. And even the doctors said we are both fine. We just have to be patient.¡± Ria sniffled. ¡°I know but it hurts me Ian. No child and now Mrs Lawson wants her children. And it will be so selfish of me to keep them away from her. She is their mother¡­ not me.¡± She sobbed. Ian hugged her. ¡°Don¡¯t think about it. We will have a child.¡± ¡°When? I am so sick and tired of waiting.¡± Ria admitted. ¡°Soon baby¡­ please don¡¯t give up just yet.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Ria sobbed. ¡°And about the kids¡­ let us go by Ava¡¯s suggestion.¡± He released her and tilted her chin to look at him. ¡°Mrs Lawson doesn¡¯t have any right over her kids because you already adopted them legally.¡± Ria nodded in agreement. ¡°They regard you as their mother and you clearly know that they want to be with you and not her. So you call Mrs Lawson and tell her that you can¡¯t let them go but you can only give her the privilege to see them during weekends that¡¯s if they want to see her.¡± He stopped. ¡°Or what do you think?¡± He wiped her tears with his fingertips. ¡°I will talk to the kids first.¡± Ria replied. ¡°Can we do that now and get over it?¡± Ian requested. Ria nodded. Ian bent over her and kissed her lips quickly before leading her to the living room. Phoebe and Phoenix sat quietly on the couch with sad looks on their faces. They didn¡¯t like the fact that Ria has been so cold towards them. And it made Ria feel bad immediately . ¡°Phoebe, I am sorry for not paying attention earlier.¡± She apologized. ¡°And-¡± ¡°It is okay mom.¡± Phoebe cuts in calmly. ¡°Can we talk?¡± Ria asked and they nodded in unison. ¡°It is about your mom.¡± ¡°We are not going back to her.¡± Phoebe said sharply. ¡°Yes mom. We don¡¯t want to leave you.¡± Phoenix said. Ria noticed the tears in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you like us anymore?¡± He sobbed. ¡°I like you. I really do.¡± Ria went to him. ¡°Please don¡¯t get me wrong. I love you¡­ both of you.¡± ¡°Then why are you so willing to let us go?¡± Phoenix asked. Ria heaved a sigh. ¡°I am just concerned about your mom. She loves you more.¡± ¡°But she left us.¡± Phoebe countered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t her intention to leave you in the first ce.¡± Mr Lawson was a violent man! He was always beating his wife at every chance he gets. When he lost his job, his wife saw it as a chance to leave him for good before he ends up killing her but he didn¡¯t let her take the kids when she was leaving. She looked for them for years but then she found them in an articles rting to Ria Robert most especially their pictures at Ria Robert Coutureunch party. ¡°Listen, you guys won¡¯t be moving in with her permanently but just give her the chance to see you during weekends or -¡± ¡°Three times a month.¡± Phoebe said. ¡°Thrice?¡± Ian repeated. ¡°Yes she lost us so there is no need for her trying to make things up to us. What if Phoenix had died? What if you didn¡¯t take us under your wings? You are our mother, you took care of us and you did things she was supposed to do. She left so she shouldn¡¯t expect too much.¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°Okay¡­ so I suggest we take things slowly then.¡± Ian said. ¡°Please forgive your mom.¡± Ria pleaded. ¡°We have nothing against her. She left us but you found us and raised us as your own and we are not leaving until you tell us you don¡¯t want us and you push us out of the house.¡± Phoenix cried. ¡°Come on, Phoenix¡­ I can¡¯t do that to you.¡± Ria became teary at their words. They moved closer to her and she hugged them. ¡°I can¡¯t do it. I don¡¯t think I have the guts to push you away.¡± Ria said. ¡°So tell her we agree to see her three times in a month.¡± Phoebe added. ¡°Okay.¡± But Ria knew with time they would forgive their motherpletely and probably change their minds. Chapter 115 Epilogue: A together forever BLIND BILLIONAIRE BRIDE (They call it madness but he calls it love) FINAL EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN EPILOGUE: A together forever CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT IAN BRYANT MANSION SIX MONTHS LATER It was at the wee hours of the day. Ria¡¯s eyes shot open and she headed straight to the bathroom when she felt bile rose up from the back of her throat. She poured the content fromst night into the toilet. ¡°Honey, are you okay?¡± Ian popped his head into the bathroom. When Ria didn¡¯t respond so he stepped in and held her hair up for her. Tears sting her eyes as she emptied more content from her belly. He switched on the tap to keep it running and he sshed water over her face. When she calmed down, Ian passed her some papers from the toilet roll. She staggered a little but Ian held her quickly. ¡°Careful. How are you feeling?¡± He mumbled. ¡°I feel so dizzy and weak.¡± Ria replied. Ian carried her up in his arms to the bedroom. ¡°You need to see the doctor but before that let us do a home test.¡± He dropped her gently on the bed. ¡°What test?¡± Ria questioned. Ian opened the drawer nearby and brought out a pregnancy test strip pack. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Pregnancy test strip. I looked up some symptoms of early pregnancy online so since you have been feeling this waytely we should run a test on you.¡± Ian responded. ¡°Where did you get it? When did you get the whole pack? Do I really need to run a test?¡± Ria questioned frantically. ¡°Don¡¯t question me too much. It is just to run the test.¡± Ian carried her back to the bathroom. Could it really be that she is pregnant? Ma¡¯am Elise had the same symptoms at early stage of pregnancy! But what if was just a fever symptoms in her own case? She thought. Ria heart beats rapidly. ¡°Ian, I don¡¯t think we should do a test.¡± She argued. Ian bnced her feet gently on the ground. ¡°Let us do the test.¡± Ria studied his expression and a half smile yed on his lips. It even scared her the more. ¡°Pee on the tube.¡± Ria did as he instructed. She was scared of what Ian would do, how he would feel if the test turns out negative. She tried to imagine his expression-He would be so disappointed! They waited for three minutes and those minutes were the longest minutes of her life. She prayed silently for good result. ¡°Time up.¡± Ian announced and picked up the strip. He frowned deeply and immediately Ria closed her eyes. It was negative. She thought. ¡°We are having a baby.¡± He blurted out and she reopened her eyes ¡°What?¡± Ria¡¯s jaw dropped. Ian snaked his arms around her waist. ¡°You are pregnant.¡± He said. ¡°Really?!¡± A tear slid down her cheekbone as she checked out the visible lines on the strip. ¡°Yes honey, it is positive!¡± ¡°Oh my God !¡± Ria screamed in happiness as she hugged him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Happy now?¡± Ian smiled. ¡°Of course! This is what I have always wanted!¡± ¡°Me too.¡± Slowly Ian brought his lips on hers. A fine tremor ran through her body at the contact, she met him back eagerly and gasping for air in between kisses. He slowed his motion and pulled back. ¡°Now I am happy! Ian Bryant Jr is growing inside of me!¡± She said excitedly. ¡°Ian Bryant Jr?¡± He repeated. She nodded. ¡°How do you know it going to be a boy?¡± He asked. ¡°My instinct.¡± ¡°So what about Ria Robert mini? Or better still let us make it even. Ian Junior and Ria mini at the same time.¡± Ian said. ¡°Like having two babies at once?¡± He nodded. ¡°Sweet!¡± Ria pped. ¡°Now don¡¯t be naughty babies and don¡¯t make your mom sick in the morning. Okay?¡± Ian talked to her belly. Then Ria captured his lips possessively when he straightened up. ¡°I love you.¡± She muttered. ¡°I love you too.¡± ¡°Forever?¡± ¡°Yes. Forever.¡± He repeated. ********* Life is a mixture of sorrow and happiness. We can¡¯t n life but all we can do is to be avable for it. Life must be lived as a y. The purpose of life is a life of purpose, and life is worth living we can say it is what we make it. And life is never easy for those who dream. So many of our dreams at first seems impossible, then they seems improbable and then when we summon the will, they soon be inevitable. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. All our dreams cane true if we have the courage to pursue them. He who have no faith in himself can never have in God. Doubt sees the obstacle, Faith sees the way, Doubt dreads to take a step and Faith soars on high. Doubt questions, ¡°Who believe?¡± Faith answers, ¡°I.¡± If you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can be it. There is no mistake as great as the mistake of not going on. Forgiveness is a funny thing, it warms the hearts and cools the sting. Life is an adventure in forgiveness. No revenge is soplete as forgiveness. Forgiveness began when you recall those who hurt you and you feel the power to wish them well because ¡®To err is human, to forgive is divine.¡¯ We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Reach all the way for people and God will reach down to you. Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. Love is a battle Love is a war Love is always bestowed as a gift freely, willingly and without expectations. We don¡¯t love to be loved ¨C we love to love. And the moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed. Some days are just bad days, that¡¯s all. But remember that you have to experience sadness to know happiness. And there is only one happiness in this life which is ¨C TO LOVE AND BE LOVED! ***** AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE It is a very unique experience to create a story very dear to my heart and get to share it with you! I enjoyed writing Blind Billionaire Bride because the story really inspired a lot of things. And it is didactic in nature. And I am sure you guys learned from it some ways. Thanks for reading. Expect more stories from me. Chapter 116 NEW STORY ALERT!! A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE This is a sneak peek of the story BLURB Christopher Crawford is the perfectbination of good looks and wealth. He is the rightful heir to Crawford Corporation but to im his possession, he had to do one thing ¨C Get married. It was easy, he had a girlfriend. The love of his life, so he thought. But she turned his proposal down thus crushing his soul. He vowed not to love again, but still needs to get married in order to get thepany. Desperate and eager, he heeded an advise from a friend. A simple and easy contract marriage. Raven McKenna is a smart, hardworking, ambitious and kind single mother of one. She loves two people more than herself ¨C her mother and seven years old son. She loves them and can go any extent for them. So what could a poor twenty six years old single mother offer to a thirty years old corporate heir? Raven has to get married to a stranger because she needed money. She sold herself to a rich heir to save her son¡¯s life. She signed six months of her life to help him im his possession. Raven never knew a deal with a billionaire would change her life forever. Can he bring himself to love her after being burned so badly by his ex girlfriend? Can a marriage based on contract ever survive orst forever? And what happens when they have to battle rivals from their past? Will their love be what is worth fighting for? Find out in this story about love, heartbreak, betrayal, misunderstandings and drama. EPISODE ONE After a long night of love making filled with confessions of love and promises, Christopher and Jessica went to bed cuddling each other. At 3:00 a. m just few hours into their sleep, Jessica phone rang and she turned away from Christopher to reach out for the cellphone on the bedside drawer. An iing call from Sir Antonio disyed on the screen of her cellphone. Jessica got out of bed to answer the call, the sharp turns she made got Christopher half woken. It was strange for ady to be called at that hour for work but it was surprising how Christopher wasn¡¯t moved. He seemed unbothered that his girlfriend was being called thatte by a man. It wasn¡¯t the first time and it might also not stop anytime soon.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Hello Jessica, sorry for calling you at this time of the night.¡± Mr Antonio apologized. Jessica yawned. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You won¡¯t be calling at the time if it isn¡¯t important.¡± Jessica replied, trying to keep her voice low. ¡°I got some connections from an old friend. So I need you to be here as early as possible. We have to visit some local areas.¡± Mr Antonio said. Jessica sensed the excitement in his tone as he briefed her about the new connections and ideas he got from an old friend who was once a governor in Illinois. And she listened attentively to his words. Jessica Campbell, a tall, leggy and strikingly beautiful twenty five years old woman. She happens to be the campaign manager of Mr Antonio. Mr Antonio Sanchez, a one time Senator dered his aspiration to be the next governor of Idaho. Although faced with strong oppositions one of which is the present governor of Idaho who intends to run for a second term in office. But Antonio knew his chances were not so limited because he is one of the most popr and loved senator in Idaho. Still yet, a lot needs to be put to work to kick out an incumbent governor. Thises with the cost of Jessica¡¯s avability at all times, receiving calls at early hours of the day andte nights and also traveling around several cities in Idaho. ¡°I have a strong feeling these ideas would help me win the position and the people will love me more.¡± Mr Antonio ended. Jessica heaved a sigh, everything he had said wasn¡¯t so bad at all. ¡°I want you here at least by noon.¡± Mr Antonio added. ¡°Alright sir.¡± Jessica answered before hanging up the call. She nced back at Christopher who was soundly sleep. She set the rm to 6:00 a. m and hurried back to the bed into the arms of her lover. Time clicked by quickly and Jessica was the first to rise to the beauty of dawn. She leaned down to ce a kiss on her boyfriend¡¯s cheeks to wake him up. ¡°Hey love, wake up. It¡¯s morning.¡± She mouthed and he stirred in his sleep at the sound of her voice. The handsome looking Christopher opened his eyes slowly, yawned as he met his girlfriend¡¯s gaze. He found out that she was all dressed causing him to sit up on the bed abruptly. ¡°Babe, where are you going?¡± Christopher rubbed his sleepy eyes. Jessica sat down at the edge of the bed. ¡°Mr Antonio called me few hours ago so I have to head back to Idaho.¡± She answered. ¡°No.. no.. babe, you are not going back to Idaho. You just got here about two days ago after being away for close two months and now you are leaving again.¡± Christopher arched his eyebrows and scrunched up his face. ¡°Listen love, I know¡­¡± she paused to study his expression. He wasn¡¯t happy. ¡°I know I nned to stay for a week but you need to understand that my boss needs me and -¡± Christopher interrupted her. ¡°I need you too, Jess.¡± ¡°I am sorry. But I promised that I¡¯ll be with you soon.¡± She leaned in and kissed his lips. Christopher made an attempt to deepen the kiss but his girlfriend pulled away from him. ¡°I have to go now.¡± Jessica threw kisses all over his face while he grumbled. ¡°Take care of yourself. And always remember that I love you so much.¡± There was nothing he could do or say to stop her from going to Idaho. ¡°I love you too. Give me a call when you reach Idaho.¡± Christopher forced a smile on his face. Jessica stood up from the bed. ¡°Bye.¡± She grabbed her handbag and then exited the room. Christopher sighed. He hopped out of bed to prepare for work. ***** If you like reading contract marriage stories, single mothers, escape while being pregnant then you have to read this book. Trust me, just like my other books that you have read, you will enjoy this too and stay glued. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!