Ch. 36..40: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 36-40
Chapter 36 Bay Sanders
Bay walked in silently and would have tiptoed to her room but she heard her mom’s voice. “And where did you sleep last night little girl?”
Bay turned and saw her mom sitting on the couch with a magazine high up in the air. “I.. I was at Jessica’s place last night.” She lied.
Mrs Sanders dropped the magazine and stared at her daughter. “I called Jessica last night…” She paused.
Bay clenched her fist. “And Jessica told me that she hasn’t seen you since the day before yesterday.” Mrs Sander completed.
“Now I am dead!” Bay said within
“Where were you last night, Bay?” Mrs Sanders demanded.
Bay cracked her head for the right words to say to her strict and overprotective mom but nothing came to mind. She is a dead meat if her mom finds out that she went clubbing last night and even slept with someone she doesn’t know.
“No! Drake Robert isn’t a strange man! I know him!” Bay said to herself.
Bay liked Drake almost immediately when she saw him on a business show. And ever since that time she did so many research about him and she has been trying so hard to get close to him. She made up her mind to search for him and get also to meet him.
“Listen mom, you don’t have to worry about where I slept last night. The truth is… I wasn’t at Jessica’s place… I lodged into an hotel because I was too tired to drive home.” Bay lied not minding if her words doesn’t make sense.
Mrs Sanders relaxed and Bay smiled seeing that the lies worked on her mom. “You should have at least called to inform me that you are the hotel and the driver would have come and pick you up.”
Bay cleared her throat. “I wanted to call but then again my phone battery ran down and I couldn’t charge at the hotel because I didn’t go along with my charger.”
Mrs Sander shook her head in understanding. “Okay. But please always move around with the charger of your cellphone. I was so worried about you last night.”
Bay rolled her eyes. “Oh come on mom, you don’t have to worry too much about me.” She felt the urge to remind her mom that she wasn’t kid anymore but even if she spilled those words out her mom won’t agree to it.
“I can’t help but worry about you.” Mrs Sanders shrugged.
Bay Sander is twenty three years old but her mom still treats her like she is sixteen years old. Mrs Sander go as far as even picking out her daughter’s dresses and also Bay needs to tell her mom about her whereabout and every move in town.
“Okay mom. I’ll just go ahead and take a shower.” Bay huffed.
“Okay.” Mrs Sanders discarded her with a hand gesture and she focused on reading the magazine again.
“Thank goodness she didn’t find out! She believed those sweet lies!” Bay said within as she rushed to her bedroom and crashed on the bed happily.
“I got what I wanted! Atlas! I met Drake Robert! We slept in the same bed and we had great sex. I can’t believe it!” Bay sang melodiously as she rolled on the bed.
“I should call Jessica and tell her about it! I can’t keep it to myself!” Bay picked up her phone to text her best friend via Instagram.
‘Are you there?!’ Jessica was online because the green signal was at her profile.
‘Right here.’ Jessica texted back.
‘Hello baby.’ Bay attached a love emoji to it.
‘Hi.’ Jessica added a yawning emoji.
‘Are you still asleep? I texted after seeing you online.’
‘I am still feeling sleepy because I slept late last night. Where on earth did you go?!’ Jessica sent an angry emoji.
‘Hey relax, don’t act like my mom.’
‘Well I choose to act like your mom today! Where were you last night? My phone kept beeping for hours due to calls from your mom!’
‘Sorry about that! I went clubbing!’ A dancing emoji was sent next.
‘What?! Bay! You went to club?!’
‘Yes! Stop sounding like I am too small to go clubbing!’
‘Oh well, I am just surprised because you haven’t clubbed in your life but you did last night after sneaking out of the house on your mom!’
Yesterday was Bay’s first time in a club. “Sounds so old fashioned.. but I am not anyways.” Bay huffed as she adjusted her position on the bed.
‘Fine.. yeah.. I went to the club but I didn’t go there to merry or dance. I went there to see someone.’ Bay texted.
‘See someone? Bay, when did you start seeing someone?’
‘Just last night.’
‘OMG! Bay! Don’t tell me you went to Tessa club to see Drake!’
Bay imagined how her best friend would scream and look at her at that moment. ‘That’s it Jess! I met Drake!’
‘What?! Bay, are you serious?!’
‘Yes, I met Drake Robert last night!’
Actually after much research about Drake Robert, Bay realized that to be able to see him then she needs to go to Tessa club and act like a random big girl in town.
‘Tell me about it.’
Bay sat up abruptly on the bed. ‘So I took the chance, went to the club and the night was so good to me. I saw Drake Robert. So all I did was to pay a girl to let me join their crew. Luck was on my side, Drake couldn’t take his eyes off me! He kept staring and finally asked if we could talk at first. And after that we went to the hotel to spend some time together.’
‘OMG! You went with him to the hotel!’
‘I just said sent that to you.’ Bay highlighted the message she sent explaining how she ended up meeting Drake Robert.
‘I can clearly see it! But why did you go to the hotel with him?!’
‘What is it, Jessica? Why can’t I go to the hotel with a man I love? You know how much I do love Drake Robert.’
‘Damn it! You don’t even know Drake Robert that well but you slept with him just like that?!’ Jessica sent a face palmed emoji.
‘Yes! We had great sex and it was fun Jessica! And guess what?! Drake said he likes me and that he enjoyed my body while we were making love.’ Bay smiled happily.
‘Did Drake know that last night was your first time?’
‘I don’t know if he knows about it but who cares?’
‘That’s bad.’
‘How is it bad, Jess? I don’t care if he knows or not but I got what I wanted in the end.’
‘Yes I know because Bay Sanders always get what she wants.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Drake Robert is a bad guy. I am still of the opinion that you shouldn’t have had sex with him. Bay, I told you about Drake Robert and who he is outside Limos Company. All Drake Robert does is chalk things up to one nights and flings. No commitment.’
“Jess, I dropped a note before leaving his room. He will definitely give me a call.’
‘Stop daydreaming. What was his first word to you when he woke up?’
‘Well he asked me why I was still in his bed. Actually Drake thought I was a night worker. He even paid me and then asked me to leave.’
After Jessica got the message, she switched to video call immediately. “Bay! What the hell have you done to yourself?! Drake Robert saw you in his bed, paid you for the sex and then asked you to leave. No doubt, he thinks you are a whore!” She emphasized.
“No! I made things clear to him while we were drinking that I am not really a night worker.” Bay countered.
“He probably doesn’t remember the conversation anymore that’s why he paid you and asked you to leave!” Jessica retorted.
“No, Drake is not a bad guy. He was very nice and gentle with me during the whole time.” Bay defended.
“Listen Bay, just because Drake was nice last night doesn’t mean he likes you. He just wanted to have you in his bed and then leave. And of course! He got what he wanted!” Jessica rolled her eyes with a disappointing look on her face.
Bay itched the back of her neck. “Oh Jess, I want to believe that what Drake and I shared last night meant something to him because it means a lot to me.” She bit on her lower lip.
“Bay Sanders, you have just landed yourself in a big trouble.” Jessica threw her hands up in surrender.
“The main point is I got to spend the whole time with Drake Robert. So let us just put that aside. What are you up to today?” Bay asked.
“Nothing.” Jessica replied.
“Let’s hang out today. I can craving Italian food!” Bay pouted.
“Will mom allow you because she sounded so pissed over the phone last night and I think she mentioned something about grounding you for life.” Jessica laughed.
“I need to move out of this house.. ASAP.” Bay cried out and feigned wiping of tears.
“Okay. Be here by two.” Jessica giggled.
“Okay.” Bay winked before hanging up the call.
She fell back on the bed. A smile formed on her lips when the images of last night flooded her mind. Hours had gone by like mere moments. Drake Robert had made her laugh. He was able to talk about himself more comprehensively and she had also flowed freely with him.
Last night had turned out to be the best night of Bay Sanders life. Drake had paid attention to everything she had to say and he made her feel as if she was the only woman in the world. They often say that Drake Robert is a bad guy but he had been a perfect gentleman to Bay Sanders.
They had finished an entire bottle of champagne when they kissed. It felt like a dream come true for Bay Sanders when Drake Robert kissed her. It was a long, passionate kiss that Bay had been dying to share with him too and of course she didn’t care if anyone was watching them kiss.
“Drake Robert is such a fine kisser! He could kiss so well!” Bay hugged a pillow and touched her lips.
When they got to the hotel, the way Drake held Bay was arousing all on its own to her. “I could feel the power in his arms and in his muscular body. It was leashed into gentleness and it made me feel cherished.” Her hand travelled down to her upper arms and every part Drake had touched her.
Drake and Bay were so turned on that she wanted to stay kissing him forever and she wanted to stay held in his arms forever. “I miss him.” Bay mumbled.
More than that Bay Sanders wanted to feel Drake Robert’s touch over her body again. “I hope that Drake sees the note I dropped.” She sat up on the bed again.
“Please call me, Drake Robert! Please call me soonest. Please. Please. I want to see you again.” Bay prayed as she hopped out of bed and motioned towards the bathroom.
Chapter 37 I’ll be waiting
Ian opened the bottle of water and gave it to Ria. “Here drink up to calm your nerves.”
Ria accepted it and drank from the bottle. They were waiting for Doctor Lui and team to come in and take Ria to the surgical ward. Ian brought Ria to the eye centre yesterday afternoon and they have both being here since with nurses around to attend to them whenever they needed something.
Ria looked nervous today and coupled with the fact she didn’t sleep well last night. Ian had to call ma’am Elise so Ria could talk to the kids maybe she would stay calm but the kids were already asleep. All Ria has been doing was stare into space while Ian worked on the system attending to an online business conference from the office.
Ria only managed to sleep around ten o’clock p. m and she was already up around four o’clock am. Ian couldn’t figure out what was going on in her mind. It was so hard for him to read through her. So he just let her have those silent moments she wanted for herself.
“Thank you.” Ria whispered as she gave the bottle to him.
“Ria, you have to feel relaxed.” Ian said.
“Yeah I know.” Ria placed her hands on her laps.
“I want you to be rest assured that the surgery will go well. You believe right?” Ria nodded.
Ian sat at the edge of the bed and held her right hand in his hand. “Ria, be strong. Everything will be fine.”
Ria didn’t move his hand away. “Thank you, Ian.” She whispered
Ian looked up at Ria who bit on her lower lip. This was the first time Ria called his name without a Mr in it. The door opened and Doctor Lui came in with a nurse.
“It is time. My team are waiting.” Doctor Lui announced.
Ian caught a glimpse of the stretcher outside “Okay, Doctor Lui. It is fine, Ria.” Slowly he carried Ria in his arms and out of the ward. He placed her gently on the stretcher.
“Take her to the surgical ward. I will be there in a minute.” Doctor Lui said and the nurses nodded in understanding.
“Please be careful.” Ian added and they pushed Ria away on the stretcher.
“Doctor Lui, can I wait outside the operating room?” Ian asked.
“Sure you can-”
Ian followed the nurses even before the doctor could finished his statement. He caught up with them and held Rias hand. Ria in turn held him tightly and Ian thought he saw a smile on her face or maybe he imagined it. They stopped at a point and Ian looked up at the sign. “OPERATING ROOM TWO.”
It was time. Ian let out a shaky breathe before leaning close to Ria. “It is time to go in, Ria. I will be out here waiting for you.” He whispered into her ears.
“Alright.” Ria mumbled.
Ian held on to her hand tightly for a second and sighed. He signaled to the team after letting go of her hand. They pushed her into the ward and closed the door behind.
“It will work out! Ria will see again! And everything will be fine!” Ian leaned up against the wall and chanted in his head.
*****************
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Ian Bryant cellphone binged and he took it out of his pocket. It was a call from Ma’am Elise.
“Hello, ma’am Elise.”
“Hi, Mr Ian. How is miss Ria?”
Ian let out a shaky breathe. “She is still in the operating room. I am outside the ward waiting for the doctor.” He replied.
“Mr Ian, please take a break. Miss Ria will be fine.” Ma’am Elise said in a concerned tone.
“I can’t do that, ma’am Elise. I’ll just wait out here till I see the medical team.” Ian would only have a good rest once he is sure that Ria is doing okay.
“Okay, Mr Ian. Please take care.” Ma’am Elise replied.
“I’ll call you after I talk to the doctor.”
“Okay.” Ma’am Elise disconnected the call.
The door leading to the operating room opened and Doctor Lui walked out with a nurse. Ian rushed to them. “How is she? Did the surgery go well?” He questioned frantically.
“She is good. We were able to take out all the cataracts in her eyes and implant the stem cells.” Doctor Lui answered with a smug look on his face.
Ian let out a sigh of relief. “Can I see her now?” He demanded.
“Yes but not in the operating room. She will be transferred to a private ward soon.”
“Thank you, Doctor Lui.”
Doctor Lui and the nurse walked away while Ian waited for the medical team to bring Ria out of the operating ward.
Chapter 38 Awaiting Miracle
Ria was moved into a private ward that would enable Ian stay in the same room with her. A white band was over her eyes. When Ian asked about it, Doctor Lui stated that it was to keep germs away from her eyes so it won’t affect the healing of the stem cells.
“Ria, can you hear me?” Ian sat on a chair close to the bed. Ria nodded her head in response.
“How are you feeling?” He asked again.
“Sleepy.” Ria replied in a low tone.
Ian held her right hand in his hands. “Ma’am Elise called while you were still in the operating ward. She asked how you are doing and I told her everything.”
“How is Phoebe and Phoenix?” Ria demanded.
“They are doing okay. You should try get some rest.” Ian stood up and covered her body properly.
“Ian, did you wait outside the operating room the whole time?” Ria asked.
“Yes.” Ian replied.
Ria sighed. “You should rest too.” She whispered.
*********
It has been four weeks since the eye surgery was done but Ria was still yet to see. Doctor Lui assured Ian and Ria that everything was fine. He stated that stem cells treatment takes at least six to eight weeks or more to heal the patients eyes completely and results also shows that Ria’s eyes were getting better.
“Do you need anything?” Ian asked Ria as he filled the chair next to the bed.
“No, I am fine.” Ria replied.
Ian Bryant was just coming back from a meeting with an investor. Ian had to see the Chinese businessman because he had promised to visit him anytime he is in China.
“Aren’t you hungry? The nurse in charge called me over the phone and said you haven’t eaten since morning. So I bought food from the hotel restaurant.” Ian stood up to set out the utensils necessary for her to have a meal.
“I am not hungry.” Ria mumbled.
Ian sat next to at the edge of the bed and placed a spoon in her hand. Ria dropped the spoon. “I am not hungry.” She repeated.
“If you are not going to feed yourself then I am going to have to feed you myself.” Ian paused waiting for a reaction from Ria but she ignored his words and stared into space.
“Come on, Ria.” Ian held a spoonful of food right in her mouth. “Open up.” He prompted but she turned her head away to the side.
“You have to eat. Please Ria.” Ian didn’t give up so he brought the spoon closely to her lips
“I am not hungry!” Ria said in an unusually raised tone.
Ian concluded that it must be the mood swing attached to the conditioning treatment. He dropped the spoon and packed the food back in the boxes. “What’s the problem?” He asked calmly.
“Nothing.” Ria replied sharply.
Ian breathed out as he tucked his hand into the pockets. “Are you doubting the surgery?” He demanded and Ria froze immediately. He got the response to the question from her reaction. Ria is refusing to eat because she was yet to gain her sight!
“Listen Ria, we still have about four more weeks and anything could happen even before that time. So-”
Ria interrupted him. “What.. what if.. it doesn’t work? What if I can’t see the-” Her voice trailed off.
Ian took her small hands in his large ones. “It will work Ria. We have to believe. The treatment only needs time to heal your eyes completely. This is going to work out. You will be able see! I am sure that you are going to see soon. Remember Doctor Lui also said the result shows that your eyes are getting better.” He reassured her with his soothing words until she calmed down.
******
FIVE WEEKS LATER
The room was silent except for the constant beeping of a device that Ria couldn’t make out. Ria shifted on the bed as she regained consciousness slowly. She opened her eyes and was welcomed by darkness again. Ria heard a voice in the room which she recognized to be Ian’s. He was talking to someone over the phone.
Slowly everything became so blurry to her and it was as if she could see rays of light through the white band on her eyes. Ria reached the knot behind her head and it came off.
At first, Ria thought she was imagining things in her head in probably in a dream land. So she blinked rapidly and repeatedly until everything became so clear! She was in a room painted in white.
“Unbelievable! I can see?” Ria said within still not believing that her vision was clear.
Her eyes lingered to the window where she saw a well built man dressed in a faded jeans and top she couldn’t decipher and she sat up immediately. Ria’s mind was blank like a piece of white paper that doesn’t have any words written on it.
Ria glanced around the room once again to be sure if she was seeing things with her eyes. “I can see.” She mumbled.
“You are up?”
Ria turned towards the direction of where the voice came from. Ian walked closer to the bed. She could recognized Ian by his voice but it seems he didn’t notice that she could see him.
“Are you feeling better today?” Ian asked me as he took her hand in his hand.
Ria’s lips remained silent. She doesn’t even know what to say at the sight of him. “I can see him! I finally got the chance to see him!” She bantered internally.
This guy sitting right in front of her was the one who helped her. Ria had wondered what he looked like and now she could see him. He was here for her, he took care of her, fed me and encouraged her never to give up.
In the passed few weeks, she had ruined his expensive wears with vomits, yelled at him for being too persistent and he never complained or feel irritated. During the conditioning treatments, he was there, the sleepless nights, when she feeing so weak and covering her hair tight to stop it from falling off and also the morning walks around the hospital when she needed fresh air out of the ward.
Ian Bryant went there through those periods with her! And Ria have grown to admit that they have become so close over the past few weeks than she ever expected. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes as she looked straight into his eyes. The same man she had tried to push away turned out to be the most loving care giver.
“Ria, why are you crying?” Ian asked when the tears dropped her cheeks.
Ian stared at her with a furrowed eyebrow. “Wait, why did you take off the band?” He asked. “You should put it back on so your sight won’t get infected. Listen Ria-” She stopped him when he was about to fix it back.
Ian Bryant stared at her in shock. How did Ria manage to stop him in the right way? All of a sudden, his jaw dropped as if he knew her reason for refusing the band
“Can you… see me?” He stammered.
“Yes.. I can see you.” Ria nodded slowly.
“Really?” Ian demanded as he sat at the edge of the bed.
Ria reached out her hand to touch his thigh and she closed eyes to feel the material. “This is a Jean material.” She reopened her eyes.
“Yes! Yes! You are right, Ria! Yes I knew it!” The brightest smile broke out on his face. “I knew this would work!” Then Ian Bryant did the unexpected by hugging her!
Ria didn’t push him away instead she pulled him in tighter and sobbed in his chest. Finally! After all these years of waiting! Now Ria can see the world for the first time!
“I am so happy! You can see everything now!” Ian released her. The brightest smile was still on his face and it suite his handsome features perfectly.
“Let me get Doctor Lui.” Ian rushed out of the room and he came back with the aged man.
“Miss Ria.” The familiar voice she had registered in her head said with a smile.
Ria wiped her cheeks clean and smiled back at him. “I want to believe that you can see me now.” She nodded.
“How many fingers?” Doctor Lui raised his right hand up in the air.
“Five fingers.” Ria replied.
And Doctor Lui went on and on like that to see if Ria could identify simple objects around and she did by just the description she has mastered in her head. Ian Bryant stood staring at Ria with a smile on his face.
“It is a good thing that you can see, Miss Ria.” Doctor Lui announced.
“What’s next now?” Ian asked.
“Few tests and some monitoring for a couple of days.” Doctor Lui answered.
“Okay. Thank you, Doctor Lui.” Ian shook his hands with the doctor before he exited the room.
“So will you like to go take a walk around the hospital?” Ian asked as he sat at the edge of the bed again.
“Yes! I want to see the world! Everything!” Ria exclaimed.
Ria Robert wants to see the world! She want to see it first with just one person-Ian Bryant! Ria wants Ian to be the one showing her world!
Chapter 39 Meeting her family
The limousine driver that picked Ian and Ria at the airport pulled up in front of her house. Immediately, Ria rushed out of the car ignoring Ian’s warning to be careful. She was really anxious to see her family. Ma’am Elise, Phoebe and Phoenix. Ria wanted to see them!
“Mom is back!” Phoenix screamed out when he heard the horn in the driveway.
Phoebe and her brother ran out of the building and Ria spread out her arms to accommodate them. “Mom!” They screamed.
Ria confirmed Phoenix look. He was a compact little thing with a dimple on his right cheek like her own too and his gold hair shimmered under the sun! Phoebe had her short black hair packed in ponytails. Her large cute brown eyes added beauty to her well sculpted heart shaped face. They are beautiful creatures!
“How are you doing, mom?” Phoenix jumped in excitement.
“I am fine.” Ria pinched his cheeks.
“Can you really see me?!” Phoenix asked again.
“Yes I can see my little man!” Ria smiled.
“Miss Ria!”
Ria looked up and saw ma’am Elise running down the small steps. She is a short and plump woman. Her brown hair was cut down in a fringe style, a pair of brown eyes, a pointed nose and a pouting lips. Ria had to admit that ma’am Elise looked wonderful in the knee length gown.
“Oh! Miss Ria!” She hugged the woman who has been a great help to her for years now. “I am so happy you can see now!” Ria noticed the stray of tears on ma’am Elise cheeks when she released her.
“Thank you for taking care of Phoebe and Phoenix.” Ria said sincerely.
“You don’t need to thank me.” Ma’am Elise sniffed.
“Mom! What color of clothes do I have on?” Phoebe demanded.
“A blue dress.” Ria giggled.
“Wow! How did you learn to identify color so fast?” Ma’am Elise gasped out as more tears followed down her cheeks.
Ria looked back at Ian. “He helped me out with most of the things I can identify and my therapy went well too.” She smiled.
“We should go inside.” Phoebe said to her brother and they dragged a box away together.
“Mr Ian, I don’t know how to thank you for taking good care of Miss Ria.” Ma’am Elise moved closer to him.
“No, you don’t have to thank me, ma’am Elise. I am glad to help.” Ian replied.
Ma’am Elise wiped her face clean. “God bless you. I’ll just take the boxes inside too.” She dragged the big box away leaving Ria alone with Ian. Phoebe argued with her brother for not handling the box with care on the porch.
“You don’t need to argue about it. Phoenix, let your sister handle it.” Ma’am Elise cautioned the kids. Phoenix let go instantly and made his way to the front door to open it.
“So what’s next now?” Ian asked before Ria could think of thanking him again.
“I will just see to the work we have on ground before deciding on what to do next.” Ria answered.
Ian leaned in closer. “Ria, I hope that you will give my offer a good thought.”
Ria nodded her head positively. “Alright.”
“I await a good response so just call me whenever you are ready.” Ian added.
“Okay. So where are you heading now?” Ria asked.
“To the office.” Ian responded.
Ria rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you go home and have a good rest?”
“I have to tend to some work at the office. It is important.” Ian replied.
Ria bit on her lower lip. “You should get enough rest after seeing to the work at the office.”
“Sure.” Ian nodded with a smile on his face. He liked the fact that Ria was sounding like she care about him.
“Bye, Ian.” Ria waved.
Ian entered the car and waved back at her before the car moved out of the parking space. “Take care.” He mouthed.
Ria walked back inside only to find her family searching through her stuffs. “Wow! So this is how my apartment looks like. This is more like a fashion house.” She giggled heartily.
“Mom, Phoebe and I will help you arrange your clothes back into the closet!” Phoenix said in excitement.
“Thank you little man.” Ria gave him a wink.
Ma’am Elise moved closer to her side quickly. “Is there something I need to know about the trip?” She said in a tight whisper.
“What are you thinking?” Ria mumbled.
“No.. nothing.” Ma’am Elise shrugged.
“Wow!” Phoenix screamed when he brought out a Superman toy from the box.
“That’s for you little man.” Ria’s eyes was scanning the whole area.
“What about me?” Phoebe pouted.
“I couldn’t fine the type of diary you wanted in China. But don’t worry we’ll visit the mall this weekend to buy it.” Ria answered.
“Okay mom.” Phoebe smiled.
“You can pick some candy and chocolate now and put the rest in the fridge.” Ria instructed.
“Thanks Mom!” Phoebe and Phoenix said in unison. They rushed into the kitchen.
“So what do I get in place of goodies and the toys?” Ma’am Elise feigned a serious look.
Ria laughed at ma’am Elise remark. “I am sorry, ma’am Elise. I know your shoe size but it looked bigger than what I expected. I even got confused at some point.”
Ma’am Elise laughed. “It is okay. I understand.” She packed the stuffs back and closed the box.
“Let me put these boxes in your room.”
Ria pulled off her sandal. “Thank you, ma’am Elise.” She followed her into the bedroom.
“You should have a bathe first.”
“I am back to my small abode.” Ria let out a huge sigh of relief.
“And we have a lot to talk about.” Ma’am Elise added.
“Yes.” Ria nodded.
“I figured that out from the smiles on your face when Mr Ian was near you and excitement in your tone.”
“What smile? What tone? Come on ma’am Elise, I am just happy that can see you guys now!” Ria enthused.
“Yeah I know. But I am talking about Mr Ian.” Ma’am Elise reopened the boxes.
Ria rolled her eyes. “Let me freshen up so we can talk.” She slid out of the dress quickly and walked into the bathroom.
***************
LINT CORPORATION
Several of Lint Corporation staffs stopped to greet Ian as he walked into the building. He only waved at them without saying a word. Ian Bryant has been gone for close to ten weeks, away from most of the physical duties of work and just tending to few files through the system.
Grace and Ramsey greeted their boss cheerfully when he walked into their spaces. “Ramsey, Grace, how are you doing?”
“I am good.”
“I am doing okay sir.” They answered respectively.
“How was your trip to China sir?” Grace asked.
“The mission was a success.” Ian smiled.
“Mrs Perla Bryant is waiting for you.” Ramsey informed him.
“Okay. You can get back to work.” Ian opened the door leading into his office. Mrs Perla sat at the desk focused on the pile of files. He couldn’t help but wonder how she has been able to run things here together with the workload from her jewelry store.
“Hi mom.”
Mrs Perla stood up and met her son halfway. “Welcome son! I missed you so much!” She kissed his cheeks.
“I miss you more!” Ian replied with a laugh before settling on the couch and she did the same opposite him.
“How was the trip?”
“It was a success. I am so tired! Ria said I really need to have a good rest.” He smiled at the thought of how she had said those words to him.
“What about Ria?” Mrs Perla demanded.
“She is fine. I just dropped her off at her place before coming to the office.” Ian answered.
“Son, you don’t know how happy I was when I saw that Ria could see again!”
Mrs Perla made a video call with Ria while they were in China! She wanted to be sure if Ria could really see when Ian told her about it. Ian thought Ria would feel pressured because of that but she had agreed to talk to his mom without feeling reluctant.
“I am happy too mom!”
“And now you are feeling like the happiest man on earth.” Mrs Perla teased her son.
“More than being the happiest man. I feel fulfilled.” Ian admitted.
Mrs Perla laughed. “So what’s the next plan for Ria?”
Ian huffed. “Oh mom… just the same old plans I already shared with you.” He rubbed his forehead.
“Did you discuss it with Ria?” Mrs Perla asked.
“Yes I told her about my plans to setup her business and for me to invest in it. I was so careful with my choice of words when I stated that I wanted us to be business partners.” Ian answered.
“So what did she say?” Mrs Perla was so eager to know.
“Mom relax, Ria is yet to give me a response. I need to give her enough time to think about it.” Ian stood up from the couch.
“Ria will accept your offer.” Mrs Perla blurted out as she watched her son walk to the desk.
“How do you know? How can you sound so sure?” Ian asked.
“My instincts.” Mrs Perla replied with a shrug.
Ian arched his eyebrows. “Mom, really? Just your instincts?” She nodded.
He shook his head in disagreement. “I am sorry that won’t work with Ria.”
Mrs Perla stood up from the couch too. “Don’t doubt the instinct of a woman especially that of a mother.”
Ian looked straight at his mother. Those times they spent together after Ria was discharged from the eye centre were special moments to him. They had visited several places in China. Everything had looked new to Ria when he was showing her things and also telling her about some objects in China. Ian made sure that Ria saw everything, he thought her how to identify colors and even use a cellphone.
Ria was happy and excited that she didn’t stop smiling at everything she saw around her. Ian felt fulfilled even as he watched her smile during those moments. It was so beautiful. Ian and Ria didn’t discuss personal issues about the past but they talked about random things and he never wanted those moments with her to end because she was so free.
“Well I hope it works according to your instinct mom.” Ian sighed as he glanced down at the files on the desk.
“What do we have here?”
“Ian, you don’t have to start work today. Go home and rest for a couple of days.” Mrs Perla snatched the files from him.
“Couple of days?” He furrowed his eyebrows.
“Yes. At least for three days.” Mrs Perla answered.
“No, three days is a long time so I am resuming work tomorrow.” Ian countered.
“A day or two rest won’t cause the company any harm. Moreover you were gone for ten weeks and I handled things around here.” Mrs Perla closed the files so he won’t look at it.
“Mom, I know you are doing a great job here. But I am not talking about this company.” Ian tucked his hands into his pocket.
“Then what are you talking about?” Mrs Perla questioned
“I want to start working on my plans for Ria.” A slow smile crawled on his facial expression.
“Sound determined.” Mrs Perla sighed.
“Always.” Ian turned around and he could see the whole buildings far off right at that spot.
Chapter 40 A benefit of doubt
Ria sat at the countertop in the kitchen sipping a cup of coffee. She was waiting for ma’am Elise to finish washing the dishes. Ever since Ria came back home ma’am Elsie stopped her from doing anything. Phoebe and Phoenix helped Ria arranged the clothes back in the closet, and she couldn’t cook dinner for the children because ma’am Elise kept saying that she should save up her energy for the discussion later in the day after the kids must have gone to bed.
“Now we can talk.” Ma’am Elise wiped her hands clean on a napkin. She sat on a stool facing Ria directly.
“Where do I start from?” Ria mumbled.
“Tell me what happened after you regained your sight.” Ma’am Elise said.
“Well Ian was there for me.” Ria started off.
“Yes I know. You told me that on phone.” Ma’am Elise reminded her.
“Actually, we didn’t do much in China. We only went visiting to some places and Ian showed me so many things. He also helped me to identify objects and colors.” Ria repeated the same thing ma’am Elise already knew about the trip.
So?”
Ria stopped to study her expression. “Okay. Fine. I’ll tell you about it.” She huffed.
“I am listening.” Ma’am shrugged.
“Ian asked me what my plans would be if I get back home.” Ria paused.
“What are you plans?” Ma’am Elise arched her eyebrows.
Ria rolled her eyes. “Ma’am Elise, you already know my plans. I need to save enough money to enroll myself into a fashion school and getting a space for the business.” She stated.
“Yeah. I know you have always dreamed to have the business grow into something big. I want a bigger workshop for you too.”
Ria nodded. “Yes. Regaining my sight, I realized that the world is growing day by day. The things I learnt about sewing from my mom needs an upgrade. I want to be a professional in this sewing business.” Ria Robert knew that she still has a lot to do and learn about being a clothe designer.
“Wedding gowns, Suites, Ball gowns, Amazing designs for Halloween and I want to get to design a celebrity for the next METGala event.” Ria pointed out.
“You must have watched so many fashion shows in China.” Ma’am Elise commented.
“Yeah. Ian gave me his cellphone after tutoring me on how to use the internet. I want to learn how to make these trending clothes I have been seeing online. I need to learn and become a professional in this field.” Ria cried out knowing that she still has a long way to go in fulfilling her dreams to become a famous clothe designer.
“So you told Mr Ian about your plans?” Ma’am Elise asked.
“Yes I told him everything without leaving a detail. And ma’am Elise…” Ria paused. She wrapped her fingers around the handle of the cup.
“What is it?” Ma’am Elise questioned.
“Ian wants to help with sewing business again.” Ria answered.
“Wow! This is great news!” Ma’am Elise blurted out.
“You think so?” Ria frowned.
“Yes! Of course! This is great!” Ma’am Elise coaxed.
“This is a great news but I don’t like the idea.” Ria shook her head in disagreement.
“Why?” Ma’am Elise smiled dropped immediately.
“You know, Ian already spent too much on that trip to China and also for the surgical bills. And he is still kind of insisting that I don’t pay back whatever he spent on trip.” Ria bit her lower lips. “Now he wants to help me again.” She added.
“You can partner with him. I mean.. Mr Ian can be a major investor in the sewing business.” Ma’am Elise advised.
“But I still don’t have enough money to start the business the way we want it.” Ria rubbed her temples with her free hand.
“Then I suggest you just let him help you if he wants to do it. And from what I have learnt about Lint Corp, they produce textiles. You can partner with Mr Ian so they can supply our workshop with necessary materials. Come on Miss Ria, I don’t know if you understand what I am trying to say!” Ma’am Elise coaxed.
“Yeah. I understand. Ian also said the same thing too. But I still don’t feel comfortable about him helping me just like that because I keep having this thought that…” Ria paused to focus her attention on the cup just to avoid ma’am Elise gaze. “I feel like maybe one day Ian might demand for something in return.” She completed.
Ma’am Elise sighed. “Perhaps, did he make any advances while you were alone with him?”
Ria’s head snapped up to look at her. “No, he didn’t do anything. To be honest, Ian was so gentle and caring. I expected him to switch up on me during the conditioning process but he helped me through it all.”
“So what does that tell you?” Ma’am Elise asked.
Ria thought for a second. “I.. I don’t know. Ma’am Elise, I don’t know what to think about him.” She admitted.
Ma’am Elise stood up and moved closer to her. “I know you know it but you just don’t want to admit that Mr Ian is different from the type of men you know. He is not in your life for sexual pleasures just like Lucas did -” She stopped.
They lapsed into silence for about a minute. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned him.” Ma’am Elise placed her hand on Ria’s shoulder.
“It is alright.” Ria touched her hand. “I want to believe that Ian is different from Lucas.”
“You have to believe it. Mr Ian is nice and he wants to be part of that great dreams that you have for your life. He is only waiting for you to let him in and help you with whatever he can in growing the business.”
Ria relaxed in her gentle touch. “So what do I do?” She asked.
Ma’am Elise sighed and stopped patting Ria’s shoulder. “Go to your room.” She collected the coffee cup from her. “Think about Mr Ian’s offer to help. m you. Think about what we discussed. Think deeply and make up your mind once and for all. It is not bad to give the young man a benefit of doubt to prove himself.” She said calmly.
Ria agreed to ma’am Elise words on what she should do. Ria also agreed that she really needs to have a deep thought about her life, think about Ian’s deal and make up her mind.
Ria stood up from the stool. “Thank you for always being there for me, ma’am Elise.” She mumbled.
Ma’am Elise smiled. “And I will always here for you.” She hugged Ria.
Ria walked off to her room, crashed on the bed and pulled the covers over her body. “Ian Bryant of Lint Corporation.” She mumbled. Ian was extremely a good company to her in China. “He is calm and very intelligent. Ian is interesting and knowledgeable.” She turned on her side.
Ten weeks was enough to get to know the real Ian Bryant. Ria noticed that Ian was always interested in anything she has to say. He could be very funny at times and it was really nice to be with him.
“Ian might be a good man but I still don’t trust him.” At the same time Ria knew she felt safe and protected around him.
Ria has no idea what it means to feel protected around a man but she decided that she could actually give Ian a benefit of doubt. Who knows she might learn to change her perspectives about men for good through Ian Bryant.
“It is a big deal to offer such a help to a total stranger.” Ria thought.
And also allowing Ian to help her sewing business. Ria has waited for a miracle, a breakthrough to fulfilling her dreams and now it seems like she is having it on a platter of gold.
“It is not bad to let Ian Bryant into my life right?” Ria whispered to herself.
“If I was able to stay alone with him for more than eight weeks without him acting funny…” Ria paused to think.
Ian Bryant might be a good man. Different from Lucas. She concluded
*****************
LINT CORPORATION
A WEEK LATER
“Sir, I just received a call from an agent now.” Grace said.
“Does he have a bigger space now?” Ian looked up from the papers he was about to inscribe his signature on.
“Yes sir. He sent some pictures.” Grace handed her boss the company’s tablet.
Ian looked at the pictures in it. The images looked good but it isn’t the type of space he wanted for Ria’s sewing business. “I want the working space to be bigger than this part and then the personal office should be a bit bigger too.” He highlighted it on the tablet.
“Okay Sir. I will let him know.” Grace replied.
“What about Ramsey?” He gave the tablet back to her.
“He is trying to find the housing agent you requested sir.” Grace answered.
“Tell him to see me as soon as he finds one.” Ian instructed.
“Okay sir.” Grace exited the room.
Two days after they arrived in Chicago, Ria called to inform Ian that she was ready to be his business partner. She agreed that Ian should invest in her business. Ian doesn’t know what had changed Ria’s mind because it seemed she would never say yes when he made the offer in China. Ian felt that Ria would turn him down because he had insisted that she doesn’t refund the surgical bills. But when he received the phone call, he was happy that Ria agreed in the end. So ever since the day she said yes, Ian has been trying to find a good place for her sewing business. A big space that would attract rich people to come to her workplace.
“Mr Ian.”
He looked up from the system to see his personal assistant at the door. “Yes Ramsey.”
“I just found a place.” Ramsey walked further into the office.
“Let me take a look.” Ian collected the tablet from him and checked out the images.
“This is it, Ramsey!” Ian tapped on the screen. The image was exactly what I wanted for Ria! An image of what he had pictured in his head was a big space by the road side where people can get to see her work.
“This is what I want! And what about the house?” Ian asked.
“I am still working on it sir.” Ramsey responded.
“Okay. Call the agent and set up a meeting right now.” Ian ordered.
“Will you like to meet him today?” Ramsey asked.
“Do I have any meeting?” Ian demanded.
“No sir. Your schedule is clear for today.” Ramsey replied.
“Good. Tell the agent I want to meet him today. Do that immediately while I call Ria.” Ian said in a commanding tone but mixed with excitement.
“Okay sir.” Ramsey walked away.
“Relax Ian. Relax Ian. Relax Ian.” He chanted and breathed out heavily.
Ian picked up the phone and dialed Ria’s number but she didn’t pick up the call.