Ch. 31..35: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 31-35

Chapter 31 His gentle touch

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.

Ria’s eyes flare opened when she was placed in the car. “We are in China.” Ian said.

She looked around but was welcomed by darkness and she relaxed 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 black 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 relax 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 placed 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?” Lucas laughed 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 slapped Ria and ordered her to stay quiet. She heard laughter in the air like people were watching them and sob escaped her mouth. His hands now trying to pull at her skirt but she slapped 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 her last 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 accused 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 violated Ria that day with some of his men around to watch them. His insane plan was to prove to his men that he owned Ria and he could satisfy her only. And that seemed to be the last 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 slaps, beatings, tortures, blows that had destroyed every good part of her just because she couldn’t do anything to stop it. And that was the last 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 accelerated.

“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. “Relax.. 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 the last 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 accept 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 to comfort her. That sounds good enough. Ian comforting Ria without her pushing him away makes him happy.

Ian glanced 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 after laying 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

AT THE SUITE

The beeping sound of the alarm 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 night comforting 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 in last night and he hasn’t even showed her around.

“Mr Ian, is that you?” Ria asked.

“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 explained.

The lady is the care worker Mrs Perla 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 the lady earlier.” Ria answered.

“Okay. I’ll place 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 for last night.” She placed her hand on top of his hand accidentally.

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 blind lady, 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. The lady 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 flashed back to yesterday night. Ian was in her room, he helped and comforted 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 blind lady 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 placed 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 the last floor so just call me whenever you are done.”

Ria shook her head in understanding. “Okay. Thank you.”

“You are welcome. 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

A nurse Ian met at the reception led them to an office. An aged man with a glasses 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 Alisa last night. She already explained 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 implanting 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 transplants to heal and treat all sort injuries. And close to fifteen blind people have taken the stem cell transplant. Like a two years old girl was diagnosed of Septo optic Dysplasia, 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 explanation of the therapy.

“Doctor Lui, will she feel any sort of pain during the transplant?” 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 relaxed and feel no discomfort 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 glasses. “And also stem cell transplant patients will go through conditioning treatment which includes chemotherapy, mouth sore -”

“Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry moth, hair loss and breathing problems.” Ian completed the doctor’s intended statement. He already studied few things about the surgery.

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 place?” 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 our lab. So that’s what we have been working on ever since Doctor Hawn called me.” Doctor Lui explained.

“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 welcome. Mr Ian.”

Ian helped Ria up and they both walked out of the office with his hands clasped 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 places 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 placed 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 seconds later he came back and placed a glass in her hand.

“Thank you.” Ria drank from the glass 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 successful 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 place. “You just have to believe and overcome 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.”

They lapsed into silence for a few second until Ian spoke up again. “I will place 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 minutes later. 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

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.

“How come 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 placed 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 incoming 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 Perla smiled brightly.

“Hi mom, it is really late 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 Perla 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 Perla 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 Perla arched her eyebrows. “Which Robert?”

“Frederick Robert.” Ian answered.

“I thought Frederick Robert already retired from his company.” Mrs Perla said.

“Yes, he already retired. But his son, Drake Robert is the one managing the company. Drake has been the CEO for about two years now.” Ian responded.

“I didn’t know. Well I thought you stopped partnering with Limos company.” Mrs Perla 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 explained.

“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 Perla chuckled.

“Exactly! The Robert always want the best part of the deal!” Ian coaxed.

Mrs Perla 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 Perla demanded.

“She will be admitted at the eye center tomorrow for some treatments then surgery takes place the next day or in two days time.” Ian answered.

“It will be a success.” Mrs Perla 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 a lady in China. But you don’t have to worry, I already explained things to him… I mean how you feel about Ria.” Mrs Perla 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 Perla 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 to come after her because he wants me to marry Lorna.” Ian countered.

Mrs Perla 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.”

“Okay mom.” A bright smile beamed across his face.

“And check on Ria before going to your room.” Mrs Perla 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 bedside lamp 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

Drake woke up to someone pressing soft kisses all over his body. His eyes opened slowly to see the blond lady he brought in to the hotel from the club last 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 boss lady 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. Limos company is partnering with several other companies and industries in United State of America.

Frederick Robert is still the richest man in Idaho while Limos company is one of the most successful company 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 plans to take Limos to the greatest level in the business world. He wants to make Limos company the best in America. And for Drake Robert to achieve his goals, he has been partnering with successful businessmen in the country and over the world. Making deals, signing contracts and becoming major shareholders in some companies were part of his plans. It sounds good but can’t be easy to accomplish because there are several competitors in the business world.

Who is Drake Robert? The real Drake Robert outside Limos Company. Drake Robert is known to be a play 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 relationship or commitment 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.”

“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 Limos company.” 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 Perla 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 old lady 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 the company.” Drake instructed.

******

CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

AT RIA ROBERT APARTMENT

“Ma’am Elise, did mommy call you last night?” Phoenix grumbled.

“Yes she did but you were already asleep.” Ma’am Elise roughen his hair.

“Was the surgery a success?” Phoebe’s face lit up with excitement.

“They have not done it but I am sure it will be a success.” 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.