Ch. 76..80: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 76-80

Chapter 76 She is alive!

Speedy took out the content in the envelope. They were pictures of Ria Robert and it took him extra effort to keep his jaw from dropping. Ria was alive! The little blind girl was now a grown woman. A beautiful woman! And the most surprising aspect was that she could see!

But Speedy wasn’t ready to admit to Frederick that the lady could be the same blind girl he knew eight years ago. “Did she resurrected from the dead?” He asked Frederick.

His pretense and silly questions were beginning to annoy Frederick Robert. “This is not Ria Robert. The one I know was blind and she died eight years ago.”

Frederick balled his fist under the table. He had thought of paying some officials in prison to torture Speedy until he tells the truth but he decided against it because doing that would expose his secret.

“She is the same Ria Robert.” Frederick said. He was certain she didn’t die years back.

“Can she sew?” Speedy asked.

“This lady in the picture is now the latest clothe designer in Chicago. She is super famous!” Frederick grimaced.

Speedy could hardly believe it! He was aware that Ria liked sewing! And she had even amended some of the workers clothes in the den. Lucas didn’t allow her at first because he was afraid that she would try to kill herself with a needle but Ria had promised him that she won’t try to do it. She claimed that she didn’t want to forget her mother’s trade and the things she learnt. Then he allowed her after the promise only when Andrea was around to watch her.

“The lady said it in an interview that she used to be blind before she had an eyes surgery done. And there is no doubt that she is the same Ria Robert. So tell me did Lucas kill Ria eight years ago?” Frederick demanded.

Speedy was silent and the silence was killing Frederick but he was willing to be patient with him.

“It could possibly be the same Ria.” Speedy clicked his tongue and shrugged at the same time.

It was pointless telling Frederick Robert that Ria was dead. And he also figured that Robert won’t leave until he tells him the truth.

He said after a long pause. “The truth is that… Lucas didn’t kill Ria that year.” Fredrick’s heart skipped beats. “Lucas liked her almost immediately and he wanted to take her right there until we heard the sirens. I mean, Lucas didn’t allow anyone to pull the trigger at her so we took her with us. Ria was in our den when you came that night.” He confessed.

“Why didn’t he kill her?” Frederick demanded.

“I just told you the reason. Lucas liked her. He fell for Ria Robert.” Speedy clarified.

“So what did he do with her in the den.” Frederick questioned.

Then Speedy explained everything to Frederick. “She became his favorite person. Look at this.” He showed Frederick his missing right index finger. “Lucas chopped it off when he found out I tried to force myself on Ria. Lucas was in love with her but he couldn’t confess it to her because of the type of man he was, stone hearted and stubborn. And Ria never gave herself to him willing. He forced himself on her every time and tried to teach her how to bend to his will. Practically Ria was Lucas sex toy or pet because he went to her anytime he wanted to pleasure himself.” He drew in a deep breathe.

“I am still amused that she survived and she is doing fine now. I have no idea how she left Lucas’s den after the gang’s downfall. To be honest Robert, she really suffered in Lucas’s hands.” He admitted.

“How long did she stay in the den?” Frederick asked again.

“Ria was in the den for about a year. And along the line Lucas became desperate to have a child with her. He never used protection because he felt safe since he was the one who took her virginity. Plus-”

“So did she get pregnant during those times?” Frederick interrupted him.

“Yes. But she had a miscarriage and that was before I tried to force myself on her.” Speedy answered.

“Did she know?” Frederick asked.

“Ria wasn’t aware that she was pregnant. No one knew about it until the day Lucas came to her to pleasure himself. Ria had refused him again and then he ended up beating her like he used to do and he punched the baby out. Lucas didn’t realized it until her maid told him that she was bleeding. It was a bloody scene. And it was the doctor that attended to her told Lucas that she had a miscarriage. Lucas felt remorseful that day but that didn’t stop him from going back to her. To cut the long story short, we went for an operation and someone blew our cover, the cops killed Lucas and two others. You know the rest of the story. And that’s all I know about Ria. I don’t know how she made it out of den.” Speedy completed.

And they both lapsed into silence for seconds. Speedy sat there staring at Ria’s pictures. And as he admired her the feelings of guilt washed over him! He recalled that day he had tried to force himself on Ria and what she went through the day he lied to Lucas that she tried to seduce him so he could get her out of the den. He did that to defend himself. He never knew a trusted worker heard everything he did to Ria in Lucas’s room.

The worker was disturbed whenever she was asked to give food to Ria and Andrea. She confessed to Lucas when she couldn’t bear it alone.

“Can I keep one of these pictures?” Speedy asked Frederick.

“Why?” Frederick arched his brows. He snatched the pictures from Speedy and gave it back to his bodyguard.

“I think I need to ask for her forgiveness. And I would be glad to meet her if I wasn’t in jail.” Speedy joked.

“Don’t even think about it. You want to meet her after everything you did to her? Do you think Ria will ever want to see you?” Frederick chuckled.

“I know she won’t want to see me but what about you? Robert, think of what Ria would do to you if she finds you. Ria was aware that you sent us. So Robert prepare yourself, you might be joining me in here soon because I know Ria won’t sit back and watch you. She will get revenge on you for killing her parents.” Speedy said in a tight whisper.

“That won’t happen anytime soon, Speedy.” Frederick Robert replied confidently.

He was sure of himself. Everything Speedy told him was enough to bring Ria down even before she thinks of getting back at him. Being a sex pet to an ardent criminal is enough to bring her down. He will act on it and reveal her secret to the world. She would feel humiliated and too weak to get back at him and she would end up giving up the fight. Frederick thought.

At that moment, Frederick decided that he has to destroy Ria’s relationship with the Bryant. If they ever find out what he did they would help her bring him down now matter what. He had done a good job at covering up his crimes but the Bryants have the strong connections to dig up the truth which he had buried.

“Confess your crimes, ask for her forgiveness and turn yourself in to the police. And don’t try to destroy or get rid of her again because she went through hell eight years ago. Ria Robert deserves everything she has now.” Speedy said.

Frederick stood up. “Thanks for the advice although I won’t be needing it anytime soon. Goodbye, Speedy.” He said with a croaked smile on his lips.

A warder came closer. “See you soon, Frederick Robert.” Speedy grinned as he followed the prison guard.

“Get rid of him.” Frederick mumbled to bodyguard when they got back to the car.

It was high time to silence Speedy from saying to much. “Okay sir.” The bodyguard replied.

Frederick chuckled softly. “Dear Speedy, you should be thankful that I am about to end your miserable life instead of staying in jail for life.” He bantered internally.

Speedy would be out of the picture soon and then he would have only Ria to deal with.

BACK IN THE CELL

The warder unlocked the handcuff and speedy walked into the cell. “Hey man, was it that old man?” An inmate asked.

“Yes. It turns out that old fool has been lying to me all this time.” Speedy seethed his teeth in anger.

“Rich people are bastards!” Another inmate snorted.

“He is coming to join us very soon.” Speedy chuckled darkly.

“Deep secrets right?” The first inmate asked.

“Yes. I have always known that the rich are the real criminals.” Speedy responded.

“You are full of secrets.”

“I worked with a first class assassin, Lucas. One thing is certain, nemesis will catch up with that old man soon.” Speedy chuckled as he removed the dollars from his boot.

“Did he give you all of that?”

“This is a whole lot of money!”

“I got it in change for the truth.” Speedy added.

“What truth?” The other inmates chorused.

“You will probably find out in the news soon. Very soon inmates.” Speedy shared the money and gave it out to them.

Chapter 77 Covered up and cleaned!

Ethan led Ria to the car and he opened the car door for her to go in. But before Ria settled down she saw an old picture on the seat. It was a picture of a boy and a girl. She held on to it and sat in the car still staring at the picture in her hands.

“When did we take this picture?” Ria asked Ethan whom also settled in the driver’s seat.

The girl in the picture was Ria. And she could recognize herself because right after she came back from China, she saw some pictures Andrea had saved up when she was alive. The boy in the picture looked so much like Ethan. They looked so happy like there was no worries in the world.

“It was on your fifteenth birthday.” Ethan answered.

Ria sat in front of a cake with a birthday cap on her head. Ethan stood behind the chair with a bright smile on his face. That year she remembered vividly, Ethan had brought a cake very early that morning. Mr Nathan and Mrs Madison couldn’t afford to buy their daughter a cake because there was not enough money. They only managed to buy her a few gifts. Mrs Madison made a dress for daughter which she wore on that day while Mrs Nathan bought her a new pair of sandals and a walking stick.

Ethan didn’t mention it the day before that day that he was going to buy her a cake. He just showed up with one that morning. Ria couldn’t see it because she was blind but she had tasted it. Ethan was about twenty years old that year and he worked as a Janitor in a commercial bank during the day and worked at a gas station in the night.

“Do you still remember that day?” He asked.

Ria nodded as she looked straight at him. “Ethan. Perhaps do you still have my parents pictures with you? I don’t have any and I haven’t gotten the chance to see their faces and how they looked since I had my surgery done.” She would appreciate just one! A picture of all of them together.

“I do. Actually I have a lot of them and that’s why I said we have a lot to talk about.” Ethan replied.

Happiness surged through Ria at Ethan words. Finally, she can see now and she has every chance to see how her parents looked before they both died.

“I would love to see those pictures.” Ria smiled brightly at him.

Ethan started the car and it glided into motion. “Remember I was out of town when -”

“The incident happened.” Ria completed his intended statement.

Ethan left town that year just two days before the incident. He had always wanted to be a fashion stylist and a model. He picked up few ideas from Mrs Madison craft and he also worked on his body at the local gym center in Idaho. He had tight muscles, strong arms and well sculpted chest just like how he is now but he wasn’t this big back then.

Ria could tell every changes in Ethan’s physical features because she knew what he looked like with her active sense of touch. The same way she had used to recognized her parents. Ethan didn’t get the chance to further his education in college. He was raised by his aged grandma because his parents died in a car crash when he was seven years old and only him survived the crash.

Back then, he worked two jobs at a time so he could save up for his tuition fee and also fend for his aged guardian. Ethan had no idea on how to become a first class and international model. But one night, he visited Ria and inform her that his dreams was going to come true soon. He explained that a man came to the gas station and asked if he was a model. Ethan told him no but that was his dream. The man liked the fact that Ethan was fit and well built-in then he ended giving him his business card. And it happened that the man runs a modeling agency.

Ethan couldn’t express how happy he was when he came to Ria’s home that night. And they were all happy that everything was working out for Ethan! He met with the man and in the end Ethan had to leave town to pursue his dreams of becoming a model and a fashion stylist.

Ria knew Ethan had achieved his dreams because he looked successful coupled with the fact that he was driving the latest Mercedes Benz and his dress sense was top notch. He was dressed in designers wears.

“My grandma called and told me that your parents were shot and you were missing. I spoke with my boss and begged him to allow me come back to town. When I cane back to Idaho, my grandma couldn’t explain what happened until I watched the news. A witness who called the cops told the police that she saw the truck outside your home and she also heard gunshots too. No one could tell what really happened but everyone in town suspected that it could be the notorious gang, money make life. I went to the station and spoke with the detective in charge of the case but he couldn’t say much too. But the man was determined to find you and the whoever killed your parents. I worked with him secretly to find evidences in your home and it was then that I took out some pictures.” Ethan explained.

“So what did you find?” Ria asked.

Ethan was silent.

“Nothing?” She said seconds later.

“No evidence but I told Derrick what was on my mind.” Ethan responded.

“What?”

“The Inheritance. I explained to him and told him your dad’s plans to take over the inheritance his father left him. And the call he had received from the lawyer that he has the permission to process the entire funds. I suspected Mr Frederick because I remember your dad wasn’t able to get a job because of his connection with the companies in Idaho. Derrick reasoned with me and said Mr Frederick might possibly know about the death of your parents too. So he promised to tell his boss about his findings so they could summon Mr Frederick as a suspect.” Ethan answered.

“So they summoned him?” Ria asked again.

“No.” Ethan replied after a long momentary pause. “Derrick got fired at work. I begged him to work undercover that I would pay him but he said he didn’t want any more problems. And not only that, he said there was a strong force behind the case. I mean, someone who was ready to do anything to cover up the case but he didn’t disclose the person to me. And I never saw Derrick after that day until two years ago when I travelled down to Idaho again.”

“Is that all? What happened to my parents corpses? The case got buried just like that?” Tears clouded Ria’s vision but she blinked them back.

“No Ria. To my greatest surprise, Mr Frederick arranged your parents funeral. They were buried in the Robert cemetery. Then I knew Mr Frederick was somehow involved in the case. I had no doubt about it.” Ethan looked at her before focusing his attention on the road ahead.

“I searched Ria. I looked for you but couldn’t find you. And few days after the funeral, the news had it that the cops found the body of a sixteen years old girl in the woods. It wasn’t your body, I was sure of it but they confirmed it to be you. I have no idea how they managed to find another girl’s body, an almost decaying body. I figured that they must have staged it because no one could recognize it but I did. I never believed them because I wondered how you made it to the woods alone and I was very familiar with your body-” He paused to swallow hard.

And he continued. “It was lame. Everything they said on the news wasn’t true.”

Ria wiped the tear that dropped down her left cheek. “What happened after they found the decayed body of a sixteen years old girl?”

“A week after that day, they apprehended two men who confessed that they killed your parents.” Ethan answered.

“No reasons?” She furrowed her eyebrows.

“The leader said your dad refused to pay back the money he borrowed from him.” Ethan responded.

Ria shook her head slowly. “That wasn’t true.”

“Yes I know because the Mr Nathan I know never borrowed any money. He was contented with the little he had.” Ethan nodded in agreement.

“And the cops believed them?” Ria mumbled.

“Yes.”

Ria adjusted her sitting position to face him. “But what about the witness that testified that she saw the truck, heard the gunshots and even called the police?” She demanded.

“Exactly Ria! The woman said she saw five people in black outfits moving out of your house but later she confirmed it that it was those two men she saw that day. The witness claimed that she wasn’t really sure of the number. She changed the story to prove that those two people killed your parents. And the leader confessed that he took you away when he heard the siren and they killed you in the woods and left your body in the woods. They closed the case after the confession and no one knew what they did to those men.” Ethan stopped talking and waited for her to say something.

More tears streamed down her face as she leaned back into the seat. Frederick’s covered up his crimes neatly. “Do you know the witness?” She sniffed.

“Yes. She was your next door neighbor.” Ethan replied.

“Mrs Glory?” Ria forehead creased as she looked at him.

“Yes.” He nodded.

Mrs Glory lived next to Ria parent’s house. She was a single mother of two kids. She was the witness, the only one who would have possibly heard everything that happened that night. But why did she change the narrative and twisted the whole truth? Ria couldn’t help but wonder if Frederick had also paid her to tell lies. Probably he offered to pay her kids fees and provide for their needs. She thought.

“How did you find me?” Ria used the back of her palms to wipe her face.

“I watched your interview after everyone in my workplace kept talking about the new fashion stylist in Chicago. I hardly believed it. At first, I thought it was mere coincidence that the woman I watched was your look alike. I became confused when you mentioned that you used to be a blind girl with a dream of becoming a clothe designer. The Ria Robert I knew was blind and she had the same dream too. And also the new Ria looked like my Ria. The dimple, the smile and long hair, the way she talks, those things was enough to prove that she is the old Ria but in the grown up version. I was convinced that the lady in the interview I watched could be Ria Robert because she looked exactly like Mrs Madison. After much thinking, I realized that it couldn’t be a coincidence so I decided to find out. I went to your store today and followed you to the institution and waited for you.”

“Why didn’t you come to me?” Ria questioned.

“Ria, you were blind. You never saw my face and I wasn’t sure if you would believe me if I had walked up to you and told you I was Ethan. And I was feeling guilty that I gave up on you easily. I shouldn’t have given up on my search.” He glanced at her quickly.

Ethan would have never found her even if he didn’t give up on his search.

“Ethan, don’t feel guilty. I know you did your best. And you couldn’t find me because I was locked up.”

Ria was locked up by Lucas because she never stepped out of that room until the day Andrea saved her out of that den.

“Where?” Ethan asked.

“I don’t know the location but I was in a den like they called it.” Ria answered.

“Tell me what happened, Ria.” Ethan requested.

Ria shook my head slowly. “You don’t want to know, Ethan.” She blinked back tears.

Ethan stopped the car. And when Ria looked around, they were in another lone street with few passersby. It was getting dark. Ria checked her wrist watch; the time was 6:00 p. m.

“Ian must be worried about me.” Ria said within herself.

“I want to know what happened eight years ago. Ria, what I really wanted back then was exposing Mr Fredrick’s secrets because I know he was involved in your parents death. Tell me the truth Ria. If it was Frederick, we can still make him pay.” Ethan’s voice was calm.

“How? It has been eight years now.” Ria countered.

“I will tell you how we can make him pay for his crimes after you tell me your side of the story. Did Mr Frederick killed your parents?”

Ria nodded. “Yes Ethan. Frederick killed my parents.” She said.

“I knew it!” Ethan gritted as his hands tightened around the steering wheel.

“And he sent the money make life gang to do the job.” Ria added.

Ethan looked at her. “The money make life gang.” He repeated.

“Yes. And the witness was right. I was awakened by my dad’s loud cry that midnight. I made my way to sitting room and I sensed five extra presence. They didn’t come for money -” Ria paused.

“Then what?” Ethan demanded.

“They asked my dad to sign some paper works which contained the transfer of inheritance to someone. My mom was shot after Dad’s refusal to sign those papers…” Her voice trailed off as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“The leader of the gang was Lucas. He told my dad to sign the papers to save me and along the line I figured Frederick sent them. I begged my dad to sign it and forget about the inheritance although I had thought signing it would make them leave but I was wrong. In the end, Lucas shot my dad after he signed those papers. And I almost got shot too but Lucas didn’t pull the trigger at me. We all heard the sirens and while they debated among themselves on what they would do to me.” Ria stopped.

That was the last thing Ria had heard before she felt a sharp pain on her head and she had blacked out completely.

Chapter 78 How she escaped.

That was the last thing Ria had heard before she felt a sharp pain on her head and she had blacked out completely. “I woke up in strange place. I didn’t feel at home and I couldn’t accept that my parents were dead. Ethan, it was hard and I wished Lucas just killed me.”

“Where was that place?”

Ria sniffed and wiped the tears with her finger tips. “Money make life den. Lucas took me with him to their hideout.” She paused. Ria wasn’t sure if she should tell Ethan what Lucas did to her.

“Lucas kept you in his den?” Ethan said.

“Yes.” Ria nodded.

“That means he saved you and took care of you.” Ethan added.

That’s what he could think of. And Ria wished that was how things turned out. She wished Lucas had saved and took proper care of her without violating her existence.

Their gazes met but Ria looked away quickly. Ria rubbed her palms together and tried to control the tears but it won’t stop. The tears kept flowing over and over again.

“Ria.” Ethan placed his hand on hers.

Ria withdrew from his touch and wiped her face.

“Tell me what happened in that den.” Ethan said in a tight whisper.

“Lucas saved me and took care of me.” Ria’s answer was immediate. She concluded that Ethan doesn’t have to know what Lucas did to her. “That’s all.” She said in a low tone.

“No. That’s not all. Ria, you are hiding some things from me.” Ethan muttered.

“I think I should head home now. It’s late.”

Ethan grabbed Ria’s arm when she was about to open the car door. “Tell me what happened in Lucas’s den.” His voice was clear and his jaw tightened.

Ria’s heartbeat rapidly. “There is nothing to talk about… Lucas took proper care of me.” She said shakily.

Ethan’s didn’t believe her. He was confused. He was curious about how things had turned out so well for her. “Nothing? And you want to leave? Ria, look at me and tell me nothing happened in that den.”

Ria shook my head but she couldn’t look at him. “Perhaps, did Lucas -”

Ria swallowed hard and cut him off. “Lucas saved me and took care of me.” She repeated and this time she looked at him.

Ethan’s hand dropped from her arm. She wasn’t telling the truth. “Okay. Ria, I guess the eight years of separation made us this way. You must be thinking that I appeared out of no where and asked about your past. I know-”

“No, Ethan, I just don’t want to talk about it.” Ria cuts in sharply.

“I want to know.” Ethan said sternly.

Then Ria heard the sound! Ethan locked the doors! “And you are not leaving until you tell me about it.”

Ria knew Ethan was stubborn and he hasn’t change! Ethan was totally different from him-Ian Bryant won’t have pressured her to tell him stuffs if she didn’t want to share it with him.

“Ethan, open the car now.” Her forehead and palms became sweaty.

“No.” He declined.

“I want to go home!” Ria yelled.

She was becoming aggressive and she feared what she would probably do if Ethan doesn’t open the car. It felt like her old self was about to resurface, a part of her that didn’t want to be close to a man but she controlled herself and tried to calm down.

“Ethan won’t hurt me. He is not Lucas.” She chanted in her head.

“Ria.” Ethan called in a soft voice.

“Please let me go.” She whispered.

“I know you want to tell me about it but something is holding you back. Please Ria, free yourself and open up to me.” He muttered in the calmest tone.

And there was no arguing with him. Ethan won’t let her go if she didn’t tell him about the past. He reached out to hold one of her hands and she was trembling.

“Lucas… Lucas came to-” She sobbed.

“You can do it. Ria, tell me about it.” He gave her hand a small squeeze.

“He came to me and…” She paused as more tears streamed down her cheeks.

Ethan held her hand tightly. Ria’s body trembled as she worked the courage to tell Ethan everything.

“He forced himself on me.” She muttered.

Ethan tensed up but he still held her hands tightly. “Just that day?” He asked.

Ria cried. “No Ethan, I was with him for several months and I became Lucas… sex slave. He came to me every time he wanted to…” Her voice broke off.

“No… no.. Ria don’t call yourself a sex slave.” Ethan released her hands and he cupped her face in his large palms.

“Then what would call someone who was used by a bunch of criminals. A sex slave or a sex toy because it wasn’t… just Lucas.”

And Ria can’t possibly change that fact about myself. Lucas used her to pleasure himself, many times that she had lost count. That even Lucas once called her his sex slave and Speedy also said that she was Lucas sex pet the day he tried to force himself on her too.

Ria wanted to tell Ian about her past too but she just can’t do it. And each time she remembered being a sex slave to Lucas, it tears her heart apart. And she feels that Ian would hate her if he ever finds out about her past. That was why she said he deserved a better woman.

“You were not a sex slave.”

“Then what?” She demanded.

Ethan was silent.

“Lucas girlfriend?” She snorted.

“I am sorry.” Ethan said.

“Sorry? It wasn’t your fault so don’t apologize. Even a prostitute was better off than me because you don’t have to force it. It is their job so they come willingly as long as you are ready to pay for their services. Lucas didn’t kill me but he used me to pleasure himself. I spent months in his den praying for death to come but it didn’t. Lucas would come to me every morning and night to pleasure himself. I was barely sixteen when he had raped me repeatedly. I begged Lucas to just kill me but he said that he was doing me a great favor by keeping me alive.” She sniffled.

Lucas was a monster, a beast in human clothing who didn’t deserved to live among humans but the jungle where his likes inhabits.

“He hired a maid to take care of me and he said I was paying him with my body for saving my life. That I should have been dead but he had made up his mind to take me in.” She sobbed.

That wasn’t a help or a favor-It was wickedness! And it made Ria regret ever being born into this world. She hated herself for being blind. She never saw the face of her parents while growing up. She has never see the face of the man who sexually violated her on several occasions and the man who had made an attempt to do the same. She has only seen the face of the man who ordered the killing of her parents on the internet; Frederick Robert.

One of Lucas men named Speedy came into Lucas’s room one night while Lucas was away and he tried to rape Ria but Andrea the maid assigned to take care of her came in before speedy could do anything. She had received several punches from Speedy when she tried to fight him.

Speedy threatened Andrea and Ria never to mention it to Lucas but one way or the other he had found out and things turned the wrong way for her. Speedy was able to defend himself by saying Ria tried to seduce him when he came into the room to pick up a flash drive. He lied that Ria offered herself to him so he could take her out of the den.

They were all Lies! And that fool had believed what Speedy said because he was his right hand man! Lucas tortured Ria for wanting to leave him and for giving herself to his right hand man. Ria would have taken it all, she would have fine with just the beatings but Lucas had his way with her over and over again. Lucas went as far as sending his men the next day to do the same to her.

Lucas never came back to Ria after the day he claimed to teach her a great lesson. Ria was abandoned in his room, left to find my way and all locked up in the room. No one came in not even Andrea and she was scared of what lie Speedy would have said just to make Lucas punish her.

Ria was starved for days, all she did was cry day and night blaming herself for many misfortunes that had happened in her life.

“If only I wasn’t blind then my dad wouldn’t have thought of accepting his inheritance. Frederick wouldn’t have sent those men to us. My parents won’t have died and Lucas won’t have done those horrible things to me.”

Everything Lucas and Frederick did to Ria made her hate men and all she did was think of getting revenge! Lucas destroyed her. He ruined everything about her, her body and her soul not minding the fact that she was a little blind girl. The horrible experiences had made Ria decide that she would never trust any man. She developed a phobia for men.

“How did you make it out of the den?” Ethan asked in a low tone. He was shocked by the revelation of Ria’s past.

“When I saw no way out of that room and I remembered my mom’s teaching about God that…”

“He is the only that can save one in times of trouble. All you have to do is talk or pour your heart to him.” Ethan completed Ria’s sentence. They were words Mrs Madison would always say just to encourage anyone.

Ria shook her head. “Yes. I started praying. Some days later, someone started bringing my daily meal. Ethan, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into a month and I didn’t stop praying until Lucas came back. He came to the room one day and apologized for what he did to me! It was a miracle for me and I was glad God had answered my prayers and it was could be a sign of me coming out of that hell soon. Lucas didn’t touch me that day, he only apologized but that didn’t take away the deep hatred I had for him.” Ria swallowed hard to get rid of the lump of tears that was forming in her throat again.

“Lucas said he brought a gift for me which I couldn’t see but feel and hear. It was Andrea. He told her to continue taking care of me and I was a happy that she was safe. Andrea was my only companion, she was always ready to tend to me anytime I needed anything and ready to listen to me. Andrea was older than I am, ten years older.”

Lucas pecked Ria for the first time that day and she thanked him with a fake smile on her face. “He left promising that he would be back in two days time with more surprises. I found out the truth. Andrea said speedy lied that she was the one who advised me to seduce him. She was locked up in a dark room for weeks until she had confessed to Lucas truly that Speedy did tried to rape me. Andrea couldn’t confess that all those times because Speedy threatened to kill her family. Another worker’s confession made Lucas believe that we were innocent.”

“Were you in the den when the gang got arrested?” Ethan asked.

Ria nodded. “Lucas and his men went to rob a bank and it was an unsuccessful operation. The cops killed Lucas and his gang on the run. When we heard the news, Andrea helped me out of the den the next day. Every worker around left the den too because the cops would possibly come around to search the area. I stayed with Andrea’s family for a few days and cautious of Frederick so he won’t know I was still alive. A week later, I and Andrea took the cheapest flight out of Idaho to Chicago.” She explained.

All the bills were on Andrea, not that she was rich but she had used her savings to purchase the tickets to Chicago. Andrea was Ria’s angel sent from above. Andrea was God sent who Ria never saw till she passed away about three years ago. Andrea had died from tumor in her brain. Though she is dead but she still remain in Ria’s heart. And Ria only got to see Andrea’s face through the pictures they had taken together. Her dad, her mom and Andrea would remain in her heart and memory forever. Mr Nathan was a diligent and hardworking man. Mrs Madison was strong and a woman of faith. To Ria, they will never be forgotten.

“So that’s how I made it out of Lucas’s den.” Ria sighed.

“I am so sorry. I should be blamed… I shouldn’t have left town.” Ethan had a remorseful and sad look on his face.

“No, it wasn’t your fault, Ethan. It would have happened even though you were in town.”

“But -”

“It was Frederick not you.” Ria saw the tears at the corner of his eyes before he leaned forward and embraced her.

“Even though, once when I was in Lucas’s den I prayed for you to find me. And I never got mad at you because you didn’t find me. You were good to me, Ethan and I am so happy to see you again.” Ria admitted as she withdrew from the embrace.

“Ria, I am sorry.” Ethan apologized.

“It is all right.” Ria wiped his tears with her fingertips and he did the same to hers too.

Ethan drew in a deep breathe after they both calmed down. “Frederick must pay for his crimes.” He seethed his teeth.

“Yes Ethan. But how? It has been eight years now.”

“Listen Ria, at this point you don’t need to seek revenge but justice for your parents death.” He held her hand.

“How? How can I get justice?” Ria asked.

“Reinvestigation.” Ethan answered.

“Is that possible?” Ria furrowed her eyebrows.

“Yes, it is possible. We just have to hire a private investigator and possibly an attorney here in Chicago to reinvestigate the case because I don’t trust the legal system in Idaho anymore.” Ethan replied.

“But the case has been filed and closed in Idaho.” Ria countered.

“We can reopen the case.” Ethan reassured her.

“I met Frederick’s son weeks ago. His name is Drake Robert.” She informed him.

“I know him. I didn’t stop checking on Frederick’s profile.”

“And isn’t there another way to get back at him?” Ria had a stern look on her face.

“What are you thinking?” Ethan demanded.

Ria heaved a sigh. “Oh Ethan… I wanted to kill him… myself.”

“What?! That would cause problem for you. I mean taking law into your own hands. If you kill Frederick you will end up in jail too.” Ethan clarified.

Well Ria never thought of the consequences. If she ends up in jail what will happen to her kids, Ria Robert Couture and Ian? She may never get to see them again! What was she thinking? It was probably because the thought of revenge was foremost in her mind and it didn’t allow her to think straight.

“You are already successful, Ria. And you can’t just let his death bring you down.”

Ria shook her head in understanding. “Yeah. You are right.”

“Don’t worry the reinvestigation will work out.”

“But Frederick is so powerful in Idaho and I don’t see myself winning against him.”

“I will check if we can request for transfer of case from Idaho to Chicago. Ria, I promise you, Frederick won’t get away this time.” Ethan was so confident.

Ria nodded as he grazed his knuckles on her cheek. “And I am happy to see you again.” A small smile displayed on his lips.

“I am happy too, Ethan.” Ria smiled back at him. A half smile though.

“You still have to tell me the rest of the story. I want to know how you got to see again.” Ethan chuckled softly.

“It is a long story, Ethan.” She rubbed her palms together.

“I want to hear it.”

“It is late.” She giggled.

“Or someone is waiting at home?” Ethan asked.

Ian is waiting for her at Ria Robert Couture.

Ria nodded. “Yes, someone is waiting for me at the store.”

“Who?”

“Ian Bryant.”

“We should get going.” Ethan looked away and nodded. He started the car and it glided into motion.

“You can still tell me the story on the way. We’ll discuss the rest of it another day.” He said.

Ethan hit the highway and Ria recounted the rest of the story!

Chapter 79 Mission in progress

‘How are you doing, Jack?’

Frederick Robert said over the phone to Jack Bryant as soon as he picked the call.

‘Oh! I am fine! Frederick, it has been so long! How have you been?’ Mr Jack enthused.

‘I am good.’ Frederick feign a chuckle.

‘Good to hear. So to what do I own this call?’ Mr Jack chuckled.

‘Well I just called to confirm the news that has been moving around like a wild fire in Idaho.’

‘What news?’ Mr Jack asked.

‘It is about this… clothes designer in Chicago that-‘

‘You mean Ria Robert?!’

‘Oh! Yes! Ria Robert. Do you know her?’ Frederick questioned.

‘Yes I do. But I haven’t met her in person. I watched the news too and she is pretty famous now in our state.’ Mr Jack replied.

‘You don’t know her that well? But I heard it that your family is solidly behind her.’ Frederick cleared his throat. He wanted to know if they were supporting Ria to know his stand against her. If she is alone then it would be more easier to destroy her.

Mr Jack rolled into laughter. ‘Not all my entire family member, Frederick. It is just my wife and son. Ian is in love with the lady and he has done a lot for her.’

Frederick shut his eyes on hearing Jack’s words. His son loves Ria. And his wife is also supporting her.

‘And don’t you think Ria is just trying to extort from your son?’ He blurted out.

‘How?’

Frederick didn’t have to think deeply for an answer. He has a mapped out plan of how to make Jack Bryant disapprove of Ria Robert and hate her in his head until he spreads it into his family members hearts too. ‘I am just saying. Jack, you know how women can be so desperate and talking about these women that used to be poor and hopeless. They are opportunists and I see them as gold diggers. And who knows, Ria might be one of them. Don’t be surprised if she ends up taking all of your son’s money and use it to establish her business and then she will end up leaving him.’

Mr Jack was silent. Frederick couldn’t figure what Jack was thinking but he hoped that what he just said was enough to convince him that Ria Robert shouldn’t be with his family.

Mr Jack heaved a sigh. ‘I don’t think Ria Robert is that kind of woman. She is not bad and she can’t be a bad influence to my son or whatever it is you are trying to say. Listen Frederick, I know my son, Ian won’t fall deep in love with a deceiver and my wife is always quick to sense deception. I mean, she is very sensitive and a quite a good observer. Perla would have figured out by now if Ria meant any harm for my son.’

He wasn’t winning. ‘Then what about you?’

‘Me? Well I am not so concerned about Ria Robert. But as much as my son loves her then I don’t have any choice. The thing is, I have never see my son so determined and concerned the way he is when it comes to Ria. He has done so much for her than I expected which made me realize that he is truly in love and he wants something more with her so I have to accept her too. She is apart of our family now.’ Mr Jack responded. Sincerity was evident in his tone.

‘Okay.’ Frederick muttered.

He wasn’t expecting Jack Bryant to accept Ria. It seemed like she already has all of them wrapped around her fingers. How long has she been with Ian? How much does Ian know about her? Frederick thought. And he couldn’t stop wondering if the Bryant members all knows about her past.

‘So what about that deal you told me about?’ Mr Jack asked.

Fredrick snapped out of reverie. ‘Yeah. Your son is yet to sign the deal. Drake said Ian didn’t give in to the percentage.’ He replied.

Jack Bryant chuckled. ‘Let us stay out of it. I am sure both of them will handle the deal. But I will still try to talk to Ian about it.’

Frederick hummed a positive response.

‘Okay. We should have a drink soon.’

Frederick feigned a laughter. ‘I’ll give you a call, Jack.’ He disconnected the call and threw the cellphone across the room and it hit the nearest wall.

He shouldn’t deal with Jack or his wife but Ian should be his main target. Realizing that Ian is in love with Ria only means that he must be willing to do anything for her just to win her heart. A part of Frederick Robert was sure that Ria hasn’t told Ian about him and that’s why he hasn’t come him yet.

“She must be hiding her past from him. So let us see if Ian Bryant will keep loving her after he finds out what she used to be. A sex pet to the most wanted criminal? No! I should come up with something that will ruin the relationship completely.” Frederick Robert grinned wickedly.

Chapter 80 Introduction goes wrong

Ian paced Ria’s office. The time was 7:20 p. m and she hasn’t returned to the shop. Ria said she was in the taxi when he called around 4:45 p. m from the office to pick her up.

“I shouldn’t have believed her when she said she was in a taxi! Or was she stuck in the traffic?” He bantered internally. No! He had passed the same route and no traffic even the devise on his phone signified that there was no traffic on the highway.

Ian stood up and walked out of the office. He shouldn’t sit around and wait for her. “Ma’am Elise.” He called.

She was handling the supplies Limos textile branch had delivered a while ago while Loretta was taking stock of dresses with one other lady.

“Yes Mr Ian.” She walked up to meet him.

“I will have to go and check on Ria at the institution.” He said.

“Why don’t you just call her?” Ma’am Elise suggested.

“She is not picking up my calls when I called her earlier.” Ian replied.

“I tried calling her too but the line is switched off. And it is really unlike her to come late to the store.”

Ian nodded in agreement.

“Please let me come with you to the institution.” She added quickly.

“No. No. No. You don’t have to come with me. Ma’am Elise just finish up your work. I’ll take care of it.” He disagreed.

“Okay. Please give me call when you find her.” Ma’am Elise responded.

Ian motioned toward the huge glass door and stepped out of the building. Then he saw her. Ria was in a car that just pulled up in front of the shop. His forehead creased when he noticed that it wasn’t a taxi. It was a Mercedes Benz.

Ian frowned deepened when he realized that Ria lied to him again and most of all she was with a man! Pang of anger and jealousy shot through Ian as he watched her smile at the man in the car.

Ria and Ian gaze met and she smiled at him but he didn’t smile back at her. She turned to the man and said something to him. Ria came out of the car and the man did the same too. And Ian couldn’t move from where he stood because different questions flooded his mind.

Who is he? Why is she with him? Why is she in his car instead of a taxi? Why is she smiling at him? Why is she happy with him?

It struck Ian that Ria must have been with this guy all along that was why she didn’t want him to come and pick her up.

“Good evening, Ian.” Ria greeted when she came closer while Ethan stood behind her.

Ian didn’t respond to her greeting. All he did was just stared at her. “My instincts better be wrong this time! I want to believe she must have a good reason for being with this man. And I hope it is not what I am thinking in my head.” He said to himself.

“Ian, meet my friend Ethan Dantes.” Ria introduced.

Ian didn’t say anything.

“And Ethan this is Ian Bryant.” She added.

Ethan stepped forward and reached out his hand for an handshake. Ian looked at him. Friend? And when did Ria started having male friends? Ian’s eyes did a crawl on him. He was well built in than him but they were of the same height.

Ian shook hands with Ethan. “Nice to meet you, Ian Bryant. Ria already told me a lot about you.” He smiled.

Wow! And she even told this guy about him already?! For how long has she been meeting up with this guy?

Ian had a stern look on his face. “It is a pleasure.” His answer was sharp. It wasn’t a pleasure to meet him because Ria has never mentioned this guy to him.

Ian gave Ethan a stern handshake and they both stared at each other for seconds before Ethan let go of his hand with a smile. Ian gave him a half smile too. He was sure Ethan was wise enough to understand what the stern handshake meant.

“I should head home now, Ria.” Ethan turned to face her.

“Don’t you want to meet my team and get to see my workplace?” Ria arched her eyebrows. They had planned that she would introduce everyone to him and also show him around her store.

Ian wanted him to leave as soon as possible but Ria wanted him to stay and introduce him to everyone.

Ethan looked at Ian and then back at Ria. “It is running late. Let us do the introduction some other time.” He responded.

“Okay.” Ria said in a low tone.

Ian studied her expression. She was disappointed. Ian tucked his hands in his pocket and clenched his fist. He was starting to sense some connection between them.

“Bye. Take care.” Ria waved him goodbye while Ethan entered his car and drove off. She watched him leave before turning to face Ian.

Ian drew in a deep breathe and tried to relax. “You told me you were in a taxi.”

“Yes, I was in the taxi when you called and-” chuckled

“And you still ended up in a Mercedes Benz. Now just tell me that the taxi broke down on the highway and Ethan offered you a ride. You accepted and talk to him in his car and now he is your friend.” He interrupted her.

Ria shot him a confused look “No. None of that happened.” She said.

“Then what happened? How did you end up in his car?!” Ian tried to keep his voice down but it wasn’t working. He was annoyed or maybe jealous to see her with another man.

“Why are you so mad at me?” She asked.

“Mad? Now you think I am mad at you. You didn’t allow me to come pick you up at school but you let him drive you instead and now he is your friend.” Ian pointed to no one in particular.

“Ian, can you stop jumping into conclusions and give me a chance to explain.” Ria said in a calm tone.

Ian relaxed a bit. “Who is he?” He demanded.

“Ethan is my old friend.” She answered.

“Old friend?” He snorted.

Ria nodded. Now he is an old friend not a new one. Ian had to admit that he doesn’t know much about Ria but he didn’t expect her to have an old friend.

“Ethan and I grew up together in Idaho.” She added.

Yeah he was aware her hometown is Idaho! But Ria never told him that she had a friend!

“So how long have you been meeting him?” He asked again.

“I just him met him today.” Ria answered.

What? Today? Maybe he is just over reacting! Wait up, Ria grew up blind so how did she recognized him to be the same old friend? He pondered.

And as if Ria had read his mind when she said, “I didn’t recognize him when he stopped his car right in front of me. I thought he was one of those men who always offer women free ride so I just ignored him. But he chased after the taxi and when I couldn’t stand it anymore I went to him and lashed out harsh words on him. I heard his voice and he also said some things that made it clear to me that he was my old friend.” She tried as much as possible to clarify things so he won’t misunderstand her.

“Okay. So you were with him all those times.” Ian removed his hands from his pocket.

“Yes.” Ria replied sincerely.

She was telling the truth. He had over reacted even though he shouldn’t have made a big issue out of it. He just couldn’t stand her being with another man.

Ian leaned in and held one of her hands. “I was worried about you when I came to the store around five and ma’am Elise told me that you were not in yet. And I should have called earlier before but I didn’t want you to think I was monitoring you. I only called around past six and you didn’t pick up.” He flicked her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

“Yes I saw the missed calls but my phone went off when I was about sending you a text to inform you that I was with an old friend.” Ria stepped backward and brought out the cellphone from her bag. “Look at it.” She pressed on the power button slightly and it didn’t turn on.

“Yeah. Ma’am Elise told me about it.” He mumbled.

“Ian, I am sorry. I should have called the moment I saw Ethan coming after me.” She said in an apologetic tone.

Ian covered the gap left between them and he pulled her in for an embrace. “It is okay. I am sorry. I am sorry for over reacting and misunderstanding you. I was only surprised to see you with him.” He purred into her ears.

“It won’t happen again.” Ria said in a low tone. She embraced him too and soaked in his scent.

Ian doesn’t want to think that Ethan might possibly cause problem between them. Ethan better not get ideas in his head because Ian is never going to let Ria go to him even if he is her old friend.

Ian doesn’t want them to be in a situation like this again. A situation whereby he would be doubting Ria or thinking that she is lying to him.

Trust! That should be the major thing between them. Ria and Ian still have to learn to trust each other.