Ch. 111..115: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 111-115

Chapter 111 I am getting married

A week after Frederick was sentenced. Ian and Ria travelled down to Idaho to visit her parents graves on the actual date of their common 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 occasion. 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 intercom 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 and laid them in a good place.

“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 placed 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 dreams come 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 monetary 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 placed 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 CORPORATION

“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 I last saw you and you welcome 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 both laughed. 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 flaunt 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 congratulations 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 place 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 glad 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 becoming a mother. She is too busy with her studies and work at the store.

“Lorna… it is a bit complicated.” 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 relationship with Ria. But everything is fine now and they are all expecting Ian to get married.

“Get married.” Lorna repeated in a playful 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

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 Perla’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 the lady 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! Congratulations, Lorna.” Ria smiled.

“Thank you. Can you give me a tour instead of your workers?” Lorna requested.

“Sure. Please come with me.” Ria led her to the wedding gown section.

“Wow! So lovely!” Lorna gasped out. “I love this one in particular!” She pointed to an off shouldered wedding gown. “Can I try it out?”

“Sure.” Ria called at the two ladies 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.” Ria complimented.

“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 flaring 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 relationship.” 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 played 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 relationship. It was like an arranged marriage but Ian broke it off because he doesn’t have feelings for me.” Lorna explained.

Relief washed over Ria and it showed on her expression. “Oh! Perhaps did I scare you?!” Lora demanded.

“No.” Ria flashed 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 the large 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 relationship 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 time commitment.” 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 will come 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 dollars. “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 welcome. And thanks for dropping by.”

Lorna smiled. “See you tomorrow .”

Ria followed her to the entrance of the store.

*****************

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. Relax. And yes… I told Ria about our arranged marriage but don’t worry, I did a great job at explaining 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 to come up with the best way to propose to her.” Ian mused as he leaned into the chair.

Chapter 113 A trip to forever

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 was lay 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.

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 relax 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 flashed her a bright smile. “I wanted to propose to you.” He said.

“Ian, I was so scared of-”

He placed 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 me complete. 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 becoming 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 exclaimed.

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 and compelling. 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 welcoming 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 the lace 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 relax. 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 her completely.

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 go completely 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, laying 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 placed 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 her completely. 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

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!” He laughed 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 claimed 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.”

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 place.”

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 relating to Ria Robert most especially their pictures at Ria Robert Couture launch 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 mother completely and probably change their minds.

 

Chapter 115 Epilogue: A together forever

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 from last 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 splashed 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 way lately 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 balanced her feet gently on the ground. “Let us do the test.”

Ria studied his expression and a half smile played 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.

“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 clapped.

“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 plan life but all we can do is to be available for it. Life must be lived as a play. 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 become inevitable. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. All our dreams can come 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 become 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 so complete 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 – 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 – 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.