Ch. 21..25: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 21-25
Chapter 21 CEO of 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 glass 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 glance 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 flashed 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 glass 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 the large 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.
“Welcome. Please take a seat, ma’am Elise.” Ian gestured to her to sit on the couch.
Ma’am Elise couldn’t stop looking around, taking in the beauty of the office until her gaze fell on the glassy 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 best company 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 dollars and it made him one of the richest successful 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 clasped 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.
They lapsed 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 glances. 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 placed the nylon last 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 it last 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 placing it in the right place.” 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 cravings last 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 workplace. So don’t worry they will come over to your place.” Ian responded as he shared a look with Cassidy. She is the brain behind this whole new plan.
“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 plan. “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.
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 successful company 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 violated 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 explained 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 accepted 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 plan 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 accept 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 dollars.” 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 according to the things Cassidy had planned 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 accept my offer.” Ian responded.
“No I will explain 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 welcome. 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 the company.
“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 accept such help.
“How do I convince her?” She mumbled. Images flashed 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
Ma’am Elise walked in using her own keys. Ria ears perked at alert when she heard the door click but she relaxed after she heard ma’am Elise humming a solemn gospel song.
“Welcome 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 is coming 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 just coming 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 big company 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 popular CEO Ian Bryant? He has just been listed on Forbes under the top 30 CEO section and he has million of dollars fortune!” She explained.
“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 dropping completely.
“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 accepting 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 accept 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.
“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 accept 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 becoming 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’t come from a man.” Ria gritted.
“But this time it is from a man and you have to accept it.” Ma’am Elise replied.
“No.” Ria declined.
“Miss Ria, you have to accept 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 replace. 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.
“Relax.. 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 violated by a man. I know how you feel.” She said shakily.
Ria tried to make sense of her sentence. “I was sexually violated 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 revelation.
“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 me completely. 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 explained 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 succeeded 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 accept 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 words comforted 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 the comfort 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 accept Ian Bryant’s help.
Chapter 24 She said YesIan Bryant clicked on the laptop to connect with Doctor Hawn through a video call. Doctor Hawn is the Bryant family doctor.
“Good day, CEO Ian.” Doctor Hawn greeted cheerfully.
Ian laughed 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 recommended.” Ian responded.
Doctor Hawn arched his eyebrows. “Well I thought you set up this meeting to complain.”
Ian nodded his head. “Doctor Hawn, I just want to ask if we can get an eye transplant 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 blind lady months ago so I recently offered to pay her medical bills.” He explained.
“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 that lady, her case might be Glaucoma, Cataracts or damaged nerve cells or other eye defects.” Doctor Hawn explained.
“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 transplant?” Ian demanded.
“CEO Ian, there is no such thing as a whole eye transplant. The optic nerves, which goes directly to the brain cannot be transplanted and this nerve is damaged for many that are blind. The eye transplant would not work without also transplanting the optic nerve. In some cases the eyes is not the problem but transplanting the optic nerve.” Doctor Hawn gave a clear explanation.
“So eye transplant doesn’t exist?” Ian asked.
“Yes.”
“So what’s the remedy for someone who was born blind?” Ian rubbed his temples.
“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 the lady 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 succeeds in persuading Ria to accept my offer.” Ian said to himself.
Some seconds later, 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 accept 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 you come to the hospital for a check up!” Ma’am Elise clapped 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 to come 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 accept 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
Ian looked wonderful in a casual and comfortable outfit. He was dressed in a fitting pair of pencil black 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 dollars!” The doorbell jangled. “I’ll get the door.” Ma’am Elise rushed to the door.
Ria opted in for a black large 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 to come 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 blind lady.
“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, please come in.” Ma’am Elise had the brightest smile plastered on her face.
Ria rose to her feet with her hands locked. She tried to relax 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 explain.
“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.
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 welcome 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 you coming with us?” Ria asked.
“I can’t come 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 plan. 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 succeeded 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 black 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 children comes 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 glass 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. The last 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 explained 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 glad 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 the last 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 explanation.
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. They lapsed 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. “When last did you check into an eye clinic?” He questioned.
“I haven’t checked in since the last four months.” Ria answered.
Ian was surprised. “Why?” He looked at Ria whose purse was now laying on her laps 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 the last 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 displayed 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 accept 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.