Ch. 86..90: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 86-90
Chapter 86 Is it love or mere attraction?
“You called for me miss Ria.” Ma’am Elise said when she walked into the office.
“Yes, I called for you, ma’am Elise.” Ria stood up from the swivel chair and went to the couch. “Please sit down.”
Ma’am Elise settled on the couch adjacent to the one Ria sat on. Ria took the first easy breathe she could manage.”Are you okay?” She asked.
“I failed again. I didn’t tell Ian when he dropped by this morning. He was just so concerned about Drake Robert.” Ria answered.
Ma’am Elise stood up and went to her. “Miss Ria, just relax and don’t push it too hard. You can tell him anytime you are fully ready to face him.” She squeezed Ria’s hands gently.
Ria nodded in understanding as she breathed out heavily. “And is that the only reason why you called me?” Ma’am Elise asked.
“No.”
“So tell me what’s on your mind? Remember I am always ready to listen to you.” Ma’am Elise smiled.
“Okay. I want us to talk about some things that has been bothering me for days now.” Ria said.
“Alright. Please tell me about it.”
“Cassidy added to a group for single ladies and they have been talking about… Love.” Ria paused to study ma’am Elise Elise expression. She was attentive. “The thing is I couldn’t contribute much because I really don’t understand it. And a lady actually asked if we all believed in love at first sight? And you know -”
Ma’am Elise interrupted her. “I know you don’t believe in love let alone love at first sight.”
Ria shook her head “Yeah. You are right. But I think everything has changed now. To be honest, ma’am Elise, I feel like I am different now.”
Ma’am Elise already knew where Ria was driving at in the conversation. Ria Robert feels something for Ian Bryant but she can’t tell if she is deeply in love with him.
“Listen miss Ria, I must tell you love at first sight happens.” Ma’am Elise said.
“Okay. But what about loving someone? How can you tell if what you feel is love or mere attraction?” Ria asked.
“Can I ask you question?” Ma’am Elise asked too.
Ria nodded. “Do you like Ethan? I mean, did you like him when you were in Idaho?” She demanded.
Ria doesn’t know why ma’am Elise asked if she liked Ethan. Ria tried to think back to when she and Ethan were in Idaho. “I liked him… I like him but the feelings was kind of mutual because he was around every day. I mean, Ethan is really great, nice and ambitious. But-”
“You didn’t love him though or do you?” Ma’am Elise asked again to be sure.
Ria was silent. She wasn’t sure if what she felt back then in Idaho was love.
“I told you… that I liked him back then but it was mutual.” Ria replied finally.
“So what about now?” Ma’am Elise questioned.
Ria was confused. Meeting Ethan again made her happy and she prayed not to lose him again but at the same time the feeling was just an excitement from seeing again after all these years.
“I consider him a friend… and the big brother I never had.” Ria responded.
“I see.” Ma’am Elise mouthed.
“You see what?”
Ma’am Elise shook her head. “You would know if you are in love. Trust me, you won’t be able to think of anyone else. You wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.” She smiled slightly.
“I don’t know how you are feeling but one thing most people won’t tell you, being in love is the most uncomfortable condition in this life. You will always feel nervous. You feel crazy. You feel off balance and you will always be on edge but at the same time you don’t want it to end.”
Ria arched her eyebrows. “Well that really sounds like a condition and.. not love.” She stuttered.
“I guess it is. But when it happened to me and Leo, I didn’t care. Do you feel that way whenever Ethan is around you?” Ma’am Elise asked with a grin.
She didn’t want to ask Ria any direct question that would lead to Ian Bryant. But she knew Ria was in love with Ian. And that she needed someone to tell her about love and break down the conditions of love to her.
Ria shook her head in disagreement. “No.” She replied.
And just like what ma’am Elise just said; nervous, edgy, crazy and off balance? That certainly described the way she felt around Ian Bryant. She thought.
“I think I feel that way around -” A beeping sound interrupted Ria this time before she could finish her statement. She stood up quickly and went to her desk. It was a message from Ethan!
‘I found a detective and he wants to see you.’
“Ma’am Elise, Ethan found a detective that will work on the case!” Ria announced.
“Oh really?! That’s good! Please call him up and ask for more details.” Ma’am Elise rushed out her words.
Ria dialed Ethan’s number and he picked up immediately.
‘Hello Ethan. I got your text.’
‘Ria, are you busy right now?’
‘No. Where are you?’
‘I am with the detective. Actually, he is a friend of mine.’ Ethan replied.
‘Alright. Send me the address so I can meet up with you.’
‘Okay. But can’t I bring him to your store?’ Ethan asked.
‘No… no Ethan I don’t think that’s a good idea. Please just send me the address.’
‘Okay. I will send it as soon as I drop this call.’
Ria hummed a response before the line got disconnected.
“Ma’am Elise, I have to meet up with Ethan.” Her phone buzzed again.
“Alright. No problem. We will talk later. Please go ahead and meet up with him.” Ma’am Elise stood up from the couch and exited the office with Ria.
******************
IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AT IDAHO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Speedy opened his eyes slowly. The beeping sound of the machine woke him up. He looked around and realized that he was in the infirmary. He coughed and Matthew went to him immediately. He is alive!
A smile formed on Matthew’s face as speedy stared at him weakly. The pains in his stomach was unbearable. “You made it man!” He exclaimed.
“Guess so.” Speedy mouthed.
“Scorpion stabbed you.” Matthew gritted.
“Yes I know. Where is he?” Speedy asked in a low tone.
“He is in the dungeon with his men.” Matthew answered.
“Come closer, Matthew.” Speedy said in a tight whisper. He waved his hand slowly and gestured to Matthew to bring his ear closer to his mouth. “Someone… want me… dead.” He said.
Matthew tensed up. “Who? Scorpion?”
“No. It… is… Frederick Robert.” His words were slow.
“That same old man!” Matthew was surprised but he stayed still just to listen to his friend’s words.
“Yes. And I am sure he won’t stop until he sees me dead.”
“But why?”
“It is a long story that I can’t tell now… and it is quite possible that I won’t be able to tell you anytime soon.” Speedy groaned in pain as he shifted slightly. “So I need your help.” He muttered.
“Okay.”
“I know you will regain your freedom very soon. So I need you to help me find someone as soon as you get out of here.” Then Speedy said the words to Matthew. How to find the person and what to give to person when the time comes.
Matthew leaned up and stared down at him with a shocking look on his face. “Promise me that you will help me. This is very important.” Speedy held Mathew’s hands.
“I promise.” Matthew replied.
The door opened and Matthew cleared his throat. “I am happy to see you alive, brother man.” He feigned a chuckle.
A nurse and a warder stood at the entrance. “Mr Kelly, it is time for your medication.” The nurse announced.
“What medication?” Matthew asked with a raised eyebrows.
“Hey, you have to return to your cell now.” The warder said to Matthew.
Matthew looked Dow at his friend. Speedy threw him a salute with a small smile on his face while Matthew replied with a short nod of his head before walking away with warder.
“Mr Kelly, how are you feeling?” The nurse asked as she prepare a needle and syringe.
Speedy cringed when he saw the expression on the nurse face. “I will be perfectly fine if you inject me and leave. That way I can have a good rest.” It was pointless trying to fight the female nurse from injecting him. He needed the peace of mind after all these years of committing so many attributes in the state. He closed his eyes when the needle penetrated his skin.
“Frederick Robert sent you right?”
Her eyes widened in shock but she tried to hide it. “I don’t know… what you are talking… about.” She replied shakily.
He chuckled softly. “Tell him I wasn’t afraid to die. I am not coward like him… and tell him that I sent my greetings too. Let him know that soon-” Speedy’s words trailed off when he felt a sharp pinch in his side.
The nurse hurried out of the room. “Soon. Soon Frederick.” He felt another pinch in his heart. This time the pain was horrid and his breathe cut. Darkness came over him.
Chapter 87 The Right Guy“Ria, meet Chad Efron the detective I told you about.” Ethan introduced.
Detective Chad Efron is brown haired man. His hair was cut in a sassy style and a big chain dangling on his neck. Ria thought that this man really looked too stylish to be a detective. And not only that, she was meeting a detective in a bar and he was even the bar tender. So bar tenders wear chains at work? Everything looked awkward. What’s going on? She mused.
“Nice to meet you-” He paused and stretch out his hand.
“Ria Robert. And it is also nice to meet you.” Ria shook hands with him before she gave Ethan a confused look.
“Oh well…” Detective Chad leaned on the countertop. “You must be wondering why I am dressed this way even as a detective. I am on a mission.” He whispered.
“Oh.” Ria mouthed. No wonder! She relaxed and shook her head in understanding.
“Private mission anyways. Some thugs around here won’t let the customers coming in to enjoy their drinks… and sometimes they go as far as harassing the ladies too.” Detective Chad explained the mission.
“So the owner of the store hired you to catch them?” Ria asked in a low tone too.
Detective Chad nodded. “Yes.” He dropped a glass on the countertop and poured a drink for Ethan. “Want some too?” He asked Ria.
“No. No. I am fine. Thank you.” Ria responded.
“Alright. Let us talk about your case.” Detective Chad said.
“It is about my parents.” Ria looked straight at him.
“Yeah. Ethan told me everything.” Detective Chad started drawing circles with his finger on the countertop. “There is a killer present in Idaho. The one who ordered the killings of your parents and he is your uncle.” His eyes moved in their socket as they survey the bar room.
“You are right. He is my dad’s brother.” Ria replied.
“Blood brothers?” Detective Chad asked.
“Not really. Step brothers actually.” Ria answered.
“Have you met him?” He asked again.
“No, I haven’t met him. But I have met his only son.” Ria replied.
“Perhaps do you know if his son is aware that his father killed your parents?”
“I doubt. I mean, it is obvious he doesn’t know anything. He doesn’t know we are related. And he even offered to supply my store with necessary materials to make dresses. I mean, like a deal.” Ria answered.
“I feel he won’t have done that if he was aware that his father murdered my parents.” Ethan added.
“What if his dad had sent him?” Detective Chad reasoned.
“Well I don’t know if Frederick is aware that I am still alive.” Ria mumbled.
Detective Chad shook his head. “Let us think about it this way, what if Frederick has seen you on television or news through one of your interviews done during the launching of your store?”
Ria exchanged glances with Ethan. “I don’t know. I don’t know what to think at this moment. Frederick doesn’t know me. I mean, I am not sure he met me when I was still with my parents.”
Ria was sure that they haven’t met and Frederick never came to their house in Idaho.
“Good. What if he senses some resemblance to your parents? Maybe your dad or mom?” Detective Chad asked.
“She looks more like her mom. I was able to recognize her too because her mom’s face is engraved in my mind’s eye.” Ethan said.
Ria was silent. Could it be that Frederick now knows that she is alive? She bantered within.
“Have you noticed anyone following you around?” Detective Chad smacked his lips.
“No.” Ria cringed at the thought of it.
“At your store? Like someone coming to act like a customer under disguise.” Detective Chad said.
“My workers would have informed me if there was such -”
Detective Chad interrupted her. “What I am trying to say is that… there is a possibility that Frederick is aware that you are alive.”
Ria heart beats rapidly at the thought that Frederick might come after her again.
“Don’t panic.” Ethan reached out to hold her shaky hands on her laps when he noticed it.
“I will be traveling down to Idaho to gather some information and for now we have to work undercover.” Detective Chad said.
“What do you need?” Ria asked.
“Don’t be concerned about what I need. It should be what kind of people we will be needing to put Frederick Robert behind bars. We need…” He paused as his keen eyes looked around the room.
And he continued after some seconds. “An attorney and someone who was involved in the case eight years ago.” He completed.
“Getting an attorney isn’t a problem but -”
“A detective.” Detective Chad cuts in. “I mean, the detective that was in charge of the case and a good attorney who will file in for reinvestigation while I work in Idaho.”
“I don’t know the detective who was in charge of my parents case.” Ria looked at Ethan.
“Ethan, can I get his information?”
“Yes… But I don’t know if he still lives in Idaho.” Ethan replied.
“I will find him. I have a few connections in Idaho that can help us.” Detective Chad passed a small notepad to Ethan.
“And the name of that witness.” Detective Chad added.
“Okay.” Ethan jolted the names down in the notepad and gave it back to him.
“Do you know if any of MML gang survived?” Chad asked again.
“I don’t know much about what happened after the last operation.” Tears clouded her vision.
Detective Chad stared at her. “Tell me the names you can remember.”
“Why?”
“One of them might be alive… probably in jail or confined in a mental home.” Detective Chad answered.
“I only know that three members died in the last operation.”
Detective Chad passed the notepad to her. “Write down their names and anything you know about the gang.”
Ria doubted it if anyone of the MML Gang was still alive. Lucas and two others died, probably Speedy or Kelly. She doesn’t know. But she wrote down the names of the MML Gang. Five in number. A notorious gang of five.
“I will call you anytime I need any information.” Detective Chad took the notepad and slipped it back in his pocket.
Ethan stood up and he helped Ria down from the high stool. “Thank you very much, Chad.”
“Anytime.” Detective Chad waved them goodbye.
Then Ethan and Ria walked out of the building. “We didn’t discuss the payment.” Ria said to Ethan when he drove out of the driveway to the road.
“Don’t worry about the payment, I will handle it.” Ethan replied.
“What about his feeding, flight to Idaho and accommodation and-”
“Relax Ria, everything has been taken care of by me. You don’t need to worry.” Ethan interrupted her.
“How much? Ethan, I don’t want-”
“Let me be the one to worry about the expenses this time.” Ethan cuts in sharply.
Ria phone beeped. It was Ian but she didn’t make an attempt to pick the call.
“Won’t you pick up your call?”
“It is Ian.” Ria rubbed her forehead.
She doesn’t want to lie to Ian about her whereabouts. And at the same time, she knows Ian won’t be happy if she tells him that she is with Ethan. It is so obvious that Ian doesn’t like Ethan. Ria has noticed that Ian gets mad each time she tells him Ethan dropped by at the store to see her.
The phone stopped ringing the second time. Things would have been different if Ian knew about her past.
“Is he threatening you in some way?” Ethan asked
Ria looked at him immediately. “No. And why do you think Ian would do such a thing to me?”
Ethan stole a glance at her. “He seems very odd to me. I mean, like Ian doesn’t want me around you. And for you, I also noticed that you don’t want me to be at the store whenever Ian is around too.” He answered.
“You are mistaken, Ethan.” Ria mumbled. Maybe he is right!
“Can I ask you a question?”
Ria shook her head. “Is Ian your boyfriend?”
“No. Not yet.” Ria muttered.
“Not yet?” Ethan figured there might be a possibility that Ria wanted a relationship with Ian but her past was holding her back. “Well Ria, I understand that you are still trying to get over what Lucas did to you. But what if the right guy came along would you let him into your life? Like will you let yourself love him?”
Is Ria mistaken or was there a note of jealousy in his tone?
“Yes.” She answered honestly. “If the right guy came along, I will let myself love him.” Ria completed.
“So what would make him the right guy?” Ethan asked.
Ria thought about her right guy and the image of Ian came to her mind’s eye. “He would have to be down to earth, considerate, kind, level headed, ethical, honest, fun to be with, unselfish and compassionate.” She stated.
“That’s sounds perfect to me.” Ethan chuckled lightly.
“Not really.”
“So if you find mr perfect perfect, you would definitely marry him?” He asked.
“Yes. I would consider letting him into my life.” Ria nodded.
“Well… it is good to hear that from you after everything Lucas did to you. At least you have a picture of a man in your heart.” Ethan heaved a low sigh.
Ian made Ria change her mind. He changed her perspective about men. He was able to make her accept that all men are different. Ian Bryant’s nice and kind nature towards Ria made her change her perspective about men. And along the line, she has realized that she doesn’t tremble anymore around men. Ria wondered if she would have accepted Ethan again if it was during that time she was terrified of being touched by a man.
*******************
AT LINT CORPORATION
Drake made it to Lint Corporation before 8:30 p. m and Ian signed the deal. He was extremely happy that Ian signed the deal. But Drake was taken aback when Ian asked him to sign a promissory note.
The note entailed that he would never go near Ria or even try to make a deal with her. He was taken aback when Ian insisted that he should sign the note. It wasn’t hard for Drake to figure that Ian meant business and he was being too possessive of Ria Robert.
Drake could tell that Ian was deeply in love with Ria Robert. For Ian Bryant to let go of a certain percentage in the deal just to make him stay away from Ria.
In the end, Drake signed it. There was no need to be around Ria Robert since Ian was deeply involved with her and he also got the deal signed. And Drake wasn’t ready to lose his business partner because of a woman.
“Come in.” Ian said when he heard a knock on his door.
Ramsey walked in. “Excuse me sir, a file was sent to you.”
“Check it.” Ian said without looking up at his personal assistant.
“It is from an unknown source. And it says that you should be the one to check it. It was sent personally to you.” Ramsey completed.
“Not business?” Ian asked.
“It doesn’t look business like.” Ramsey replied.
“Let me have it.” Ian said.
Ramsey handed him the tablet. “You can go.” Ian said to Ramsey.
“Okay sir.” Ramsey bowed a bit before exiting the office.
Ian clicked and opened the folder. And it wasn’t what he expected it to be.
“What the hell?!” He said in tight whisper after checking out the file.
Bile welled up in his throat. All the excitement he had felt after Drake signed the promissory note was all gone as if it had never been. He tossed the tablet on his desk, his pain so acute and he was afraid he could stop breathing soon. But he only kept on breathing.
Ian took the tablet and transferred the file to his phone. He got out of the chair and rushed out of the office. He called to Ramsey that he was heading out.
Then he headed out towards his car gripping the keys tightly that they almost cut into his palms. He drove out of the garage and hit the main road.
It shocked him to know that it was all a lie! She was a lie! And even though he had never had her, his anger at what she hid from him stirred deeply. Keeping it to herself was unacceptable. He gripped the steering tightly when he called her number and she didn’t pick up. He has been trying to call her before now but she didn’t answer his calls. It made him furious.
Chapter 88 Her greatest fears
Ian waited patiently for Ria’s return. She wasn’t at the store when he came in and ma’am Elise said she went out with Ethan and that made him even angrier. Ian was quick to conclude that Ria didn’t pick up his calls because she was with Ethan.
After a few minutes of pacing, Ian saw Ria walking into the store with Ethan behind her and despite everything, the worry, the anger, the betrayal just the sight of her created an ache in him.
When Ria saw the look on his face, the smile on her face disappeared in an instant. Ian was sure that she wasn’t expecting him to be here at this time.
Without wasting time, Ian went to her without a word and caught her by her upper arm before she could think of what to say or do. Ian pulled her behind him but she didn’t move that much. He looked at Ria and saw that Ethan was also holding her free wrist.
“You shouldn’t -”
“Stay out of this!” Ian cut him off of his intended statement.
“Don’t worry, Ethan.” Ria muttered and he let go immediately.
Everyone stared at her as Ian dragged her along.
“Ian. What’s wrong? Wait… up-”
Ian pulled Ria along into her office and closed the door behind them. He let her go and she looked up stunned at the change in the face of the man who has always being nice to her. Now Ian’s eyes were cold and his expression was so tight.
He could hear her breathing. He didn’t want to hurt her so he pulled his hands back and pushed them into his pockets.
“We are going to talk right now. Right here.” Ian said. His voice barely above a whisper, low and rough.
“And I want to know who else knows about what we are to discuss. I want the truth. Nothing but the truth. Agreed?”
Ria didn’t even know what she was agreeing too but she nodded her head. “Yes. Alright. Okay.” She stuttered.
Ria would have reached out to make a contact with Ian but his words stopped her. “Now tell me whatever it is you have been hiding from me.”
“What?” Her forehead creased.
Ian already knew she won’t open to him and he has had enough of it! He has waited long enough for Ria to loosen up with him and speak up about her past. But if she wasn’t ready to tell him everything then he would gladly help her out.
“Ian, I don’t understand what you are trying to say.”
Ian brought out his phone. “Come on, tell me what’s-” He silenced her with a finger pressed to his lips. And played the file that was sent to him. It was a recording!
The deep voice began.
“Good day, Mr Ian Bryant. I am sending this recording to share a few things I know about a woman named Ria Robert. I know you are pretty close to her but she is worth nothing at all. Why are you wasting your time helping an opportunist like her? Well I don’t blame you because it seems that you don’t know who she really is. I mean her true colors. I will tell you who she is now so you will stay away from her or else you might end up losing everything you have; your company, your family and everything you worked for all your life. Ria Robert is capable of destroying you. She was the blind girl I used to know in Idaho when she was sixteen. Everyone knew Ria Robert the extraordinary blind girl. Smart, dangerous and very desperate to see the world like everyone else. Well her parents were quite desperate too, her father was a greedy and selfish man that wanted everything for himself. Her mother was the famous prostitute in town and her husband didn’t mind as long as she brings money home for him to spend on booze. He borrowed lot of money from a loan shark and couldn’t pay back so he had his daughter sleep with many men just to get the money. As if that wasn’t enough, Ria worked for a criminal, a notorious criminal named Lucas. He is the gang leader of money make life gang. A gang of five. Her father sold her to Lucas and she became his personal sex toy. You know what it is to be a sex pet right? How did her father succeeded in selling her out? Lucas offered to pay off his debt and also foot her eye surgical bills. She pleasured him despite her defect. She was with the notorious assassin for months as a sex toy. She even told Lucas to end the lives of her parents because she loathed them. Very terrible! That’s not all. Ria had a baby for Lucas in the process. But she lost the baby. No she never wanted to have the child because it would stop her from so many things so she and Lucas agreed to abort the baby. In the end, Lucas was killed in a failed operation with his gang and somehow she ran out of town with another man and probably moved to Chicago. She should have been caught by the cops by now for working with the gang but she was fortunate that a man helped her out of town. Ian Bryant, I can go on and on to tell you more about Ria Robert. She isn’t someone you should be with because she will ruin you. Ria Robert doesn’t deserve someone like you. So I advise you stay away from her completely. Don’t get charmed by beauty. I am just trying to help you because I can see that you are a good man. Avoid Ria Robert.”
Then the recording ended.
She was someone’s sex pet. She had a baby and aborted it. She gave herself to several men. She killed her parents. No wonder she didn’t tell him about her past. Whoever sent this to him must know a lot about Ria. And he has no idea who sent it to him. Ian thought deeply.
His heart sank as he looked into Ria’s eyes. Her vision was clouded with tears and some of it had dropped while she was listening to the recording.
This isn’t true! Someone faked a story! And where did he get it from? Now Ian knows she was Lucas sex pet. And her worst fear has surfaced right in her presence. It was all her fault! She should have explained the whole story to him before he received the recording. Everything in that recording was a lie but will he believe her? There was no forgiveness. Ian won’t understand her even if she tried to explain now. Ria bantered internally.
She should at least try to explain things to him. But the mixed emotions in his eyes was clear; very clear and every bit of it was strong as he stared right into her soul.
“Can… I… explain?” She stammered.
Ian uttered a profanity that rocked Ria and then he grounded out. “Forget it! I don’t need to hear more lies from you!”
“No. No. Ian. The truth. The story is lame. I will tell you… everything.” Her voice pleaded with him.
“Do you know Lucas?” Ian demanded.
“Ian…”
“Do you know Lucas?!” He yelled.
“Yes.” Tears. More tears. She could feel more tears streaming down her cheeks and she couldn’t stop them.
“Is everything in this recording true?” Ian asked again.
Ria closed her eyes. She couldn’t dare look into his eyes. “Ian please… Let me -”
“Is Ethan aware that you were with Lucas?”
“Ian-”
“Ethan! You just met him after eight years! Does he know you were with Lucas?!” He grabbed her shoulders.
Ria reopened her eyes and she could see a tear that had strayed down one of his cheeks. “Yes.” Ria answered sincerely. “But Ian… it is not -”
“Stop! There is no point in talking about this anymore.” He let go of her shoulder. “It is worthless. After all, you never wanted me to know your past.” His words dropped to a flatness that was almost as painful to hear as the anger had been the moment before. He left nothing in the wake.
“Ian, please try to listen to me.” Ria begged.
“No.” The single word was flat but it jarred Ria all the way into her soul. He didn’t want to hear anything she had to say.
Ria felt the pain in her heart. It was harsh. It cut deep into her soul when she realized that Ian was leaving her.
“I am so sorry for not telling you.” Ria mumbled.
But it was too late. Ian spun on his heel and left. He closed the door carefully; no slam, no jamming action. It was just a shut.
“I… am… sorry.” Ria whispered to the closed door.
It was late. She should have told him when she had chance.
The door opened and the hope that Ian had come back was dashed when ma’am Elise and Ethan stood there. And that terrified her even more. Ian was never coming back to her.
“What happened?” Ma’am Elise asked. She looked troubled.
Ria doubted if they heard what she had discussed with Ian. She bit on lower lip to stop the tears but nothing worked.
Ma’am Elise moved closer to her. “I heard Mr Ian snarling and then he left with anger on his expression.”
“Perhaps did he yell at you because you were with me the whole time he was waiting for you here?” Ethan demanded.
Ria closed her eyes. “Ian… he found out… about my past. He knows… I was Lucas… sex… pet.”
“Damn it!” Ethan ran his free hand in his hair.
“How did he find out?” Ma’am Elise asked.
Ria swallowed hard as more tears slipped down her cheeks. She bit her lip hard. “I don’t know… he only played me a recording.” And she managed to tell them what she heard on Ian’s phone.
“Unbelievable! All of these things never happened! You didn’t kill your parents, Ria. Your dad never owed anyone money and your mother was a respectable person in the area!” Ethan grimaced.
“I tried to explain to him that it wasn’t true but he didn’t give me the chance. He thought I was going to lie to him again… and now he doesn’t want to see me.” Ria sobbed.
Ma’am Elise embraced her tightly. Ria clung on to her like she was holding her mother who could make things right. But things couldn’t be right. Nothing would be right. Ian hates her.
“It is okay. Everything will be alright.” Ma’am Elise said in a tight whisper.
Ria withdrew from the embrace. “No. it is not… going to be okay this time. Ma’am Elise… he believed everything in that recording.”
“That’s it? That’s it. He just believed it! And he never thought if it was possible for a blind girl to go around sleeping with men as if she could see. Or why your parents would have sold you out to a criminal?! The story is so lame but he can’t even see it!” Ethan was trying to control his anger.
“You have been through a lot. I am sure you will get through this too.” Ma’am Elise voice was calm.
“I don’t think so. I have never been through this my whole life. I mean, loving a man and seeing that he would slip away and I am not even able to do anything about it.” Ria said in a sniffle as she closed her eyes. She had certainly gotten herself into a mess this time.
Ria drew in a shaky breathe still trying to come to term with the words from Ian. She had thought that she didn’t need Ian in the picture, but she had totally forgotten how accustomed she had grown to having him in her life. She thought sadly.
“This is all my fault.” Ria muttered.
“No. You shouldn’t blame yourself.” Ma’am Elise led her to the couch and made her sit on it.
“I should have summoned up the courage and tell him everything. Why was I even scared?” She sobbed.
Ria was only concerned that Ian would leave her but she didn’t think of how he would feel if he ever finds out that she was hiding things from him. And she had even told Ethan who she just met again about it. She had hurt his feeling terribly when he had been nothing but good to her.
Now Ian Bryant was gone. He had looked disappointed, aggressive and sad. He had left without looking back. Ria could hardly blame him for his decision. He must think of her as a whore or a slut. And what was wringing in Ria’s heart in a painful spasm was the memory of his expression when he had looked at her just before he had walked out. And in addition to hiding her past, angering him, she was pretty sure and that she had hurt him. And that had never been her intention.
“I think… I have to talk to Ian.” Ria opened her eyes and Ethan wasn’t in the office anymore. “I should talk to Ian… I need to explain to me that everything in that recording isn’t true.” She stood up from the couch.
“No. Give him some time.” Ma’am Elise said.
“Time? How long?” Ria cried out.
“You can talk to him tomorrow.” Ma’am Elise replied.
Ria placed her palms on her face and made a promise to herself. No matter what happened, no matter how things went from now on, there would be no more secrets. She would talk to Ian tomorrow, lay everything out and explain it to him. Ria would do everything to make him understand where the old Ria Robert had been coming from. Ian would know who Ria Robert really is in the past. She won’t hid anything from him anymore. And whatever happened after that was up to Ian.
“Okay?” Ma’am Elise helped her sit back on the couch.
Ria nodded.
Chapter 89 Give me a chance
“You should eat something before leaving.” Ma’am Elise said. She was holding a tray filled with bacon and egg.
“I am not hungry.” Ria replied.
She had lost appetite ever since Ian left her office. Ma’am Elise had even slept at Ria’s place last night because she didn’t want her to be alone. Ma’am Elise cooked Ria’s favorite dish but nothing tasted good in her mouth. And she had trouble sleeping too.
“Take a little. Or should I prepare tea for you?” Ma’am Elise offered.
Ria shook her head in disagreement. Ma’am Elise dropped the tray on the table. Ria was concerned about Ian and she was ready to meet him and tell him everything.
“I called Mr Griffin and he said Ian didn’t come home last night.” Ria said.
“So you will check him at the office.” Ma’am Elise sighed.
Ria nodded. “I should go ahead now.” She hugged ma’am Elise before walking out of the house.
It is only fair that she talks to Ian. And Ria was aware of what his overdeveloped sense would be thinking of right now. And she also couldn’t bear the thought of Ian not giving her a chance to explain when she gets to his office.
“I should probably prepare myself for Ian’s decision.” Ria said within as she got into the taxi. But at the same time she hoped that Ian would really give her a chance and also listen to her.
She prayed silently that he would give her another chance to make things right between them.
*************
AT LINT CORPORATION
“Good morning, Miss Ria.” Grace greeted her cheerfully as soon as she stepped into the office. Ramsey wasn’t around.
“Good morning, Grace. How is work?” Ria asked.
“Oh! Work is fine. Thank you.” Grace replied. “You are here to see Mr Ian right?”
“Yes. I am here to see him.” Ria shook her head.
“He is in a meeting right now. But I will just call him and let him know you are out here.” Grace had a bright smile on her face.
“No. No. No. You don’t have to do that… I’ll just wait for him.” Ria declined.
Grace shook her head in disagreement. “No. Mr Ian said I should always call him anytime you are here to see him even if he was in meeting with the president.”
Ria flashed her a feigned smile. Things are different now. She doesn’t think Ian would leave that meeting and attend to her. She hoped for good result but at the same time she couldn’t help the feeling of being pessimistic.
Grace was already on phone before Ria could say anything else or even try to stop her.
“I am sorry to interrupt your meeting sir but miss Ria is waiting -” Grace stopped and looked at Ria. The smile on her face disappeared almost immediately. “Okay sir. I’ll let her know.” She dropped the phone.
“Uhm… Miss Ria, I don’t think Mr Ian will be done with his meeting anytime soon.” Grace said.
“Okay. I will just sit around and wait till-”
“No. I am sorry. Mr Ian said that you shouldn’t wait for him.” Grace said in a low tone.
Ria shook her head slowly. “Okay.” She replied after few seconds of silence.
She glanced at the door to Ian’s office and felt the urge to go in and talk to him but she couldn’t do it. He is in a meeting so she should respect his decision. Ma’am Elise was right. Ria should give him some time.
“Are you okay, miss Ria?”
Ria heard Grace’s soft voice. “Yes.” She nodded repeatedly.
Grace arched her eyebrows. “You are crying.” She pointed a finger at Ria’s face.
“No…” Ria placed a hand on her cheek. It was wet. She didn’t know that a tear already slipped down her cheek. Immediately she turned away from her and wiped it quickly.
“Miss Ria, I don’t mean to prey but is everything okay with you and Mr Ian?” Grace asked. Her boss had walked into the office looking so sad and dejected. He didn’t even bother responding to her greeting. It was her first time seeing Ian Bryant looking that way. And seeing him that way made her extremely worried.
Ria turned to look at her. “Yes. Yes. We are good. And i think… there is a dirt in my eyes. Oh… it is all gone now. I should take my leave now.” She blabbed.
“Okay. I will-”
Ria spun on her heel and walked away before Grace could complete her intended sentence. She stiffed back a sob as she walked out of the building.
“What’s wrong with me?! I am not a crier!” She said within.
But why couldn’t she stop her tears?! Ria had no idea how to get Ian to listen to her. How long would it take him to realize that she never meant to hurt him and that she was sorry for everything? She pondered.
Ria wiped her face clean and started walking slowly. She could hardly blame him!
“Ria, what have you done? This is all my fault.” She scolded herself.
But, who on earth sent that recording to him?! Ria has no idea. And she has been stressing her brain out trying to figure out who could have sent that recording to Ian.
She couldn’t recognize the voice. She haven’t heard it before. Who could it be? Who else knew that she was with Lucas eight years ago aside her, ma’am Elise and Ethan? She thought deeply.
The money make life gang? No, they are probably dead by now. Could it be someone from Idaho who has worked with Lucas? Probably one of those workers in the den? No. Most of them didn’t know her true story except the lady assigned to care for her.
“Let us think about it this way, what if Frederick has seen you on television or news through one of your interviews done during the launching of your store?”
Ria recalled Detective Chad’s words. Could it be possible? She mused.
And it struck her immediately! No. No. No. This can’t be happening right now.
Chapter 90 Evil ways
IN THE STUDY
“Come in.” Frederick Robert said at the sound of a knock on the study door.
David, one of his bodyguards walked in. Frederick studied his expression. It was tight.
“What is it?” Frederick Robert asked.
“Speedy is dead.” David informed him.
A smile formed automatically on Frederick’s lips. Now Speedy was out of the picture and Frederick doesn’t care to know how they killed him. Finally he is gone!
“And the other one?” Frederick asked again.
“I sent the file to Lint Corporation and I already paid the man off.” David responded.
“And are you sure he won’t tell anyone about it?” Frederick looked straight at his bodyguard.
“He won’t spill a word to anyone.” David reassured him.
“How sure are you, David?”
“His family. I threatened to kill them if he exposes the secret to anyone. Sir, be rest assured that he won’t say a word to anyone.” David replied.
“Good.” Frederick toyed with the ball point pen in his right hand.
“Anything else sir?” David asked.
“No. I will call you when I have a plan.” Frederick dismissed him.
“Okay sir.” David bowed before exiting the room.
Frederick played the recording his bodyguard had sent to Ian Bryant. ” I am such a clever man.” A smug smile played on his lips.
“I should probably be a writer. Wow! Look how I changed everything. No one would ever suspect me. And this is enough to make Ian Bryant stay away from Ria Robert without thinking if it was possible for a blind girl to do such a thing. Any man would be more concerned about her being a sex pet to a criminal. Good job, Frederick Robert.” He soliloquized.
“Speedy was dead which means that the past has been buried. Ian Bryant would avoid Ria Robert because he wouldn’t want to lose his whole life. And Ria Robert would be alone! An easy target.” Frederick grinned wickedly at the images of Ria on his old desk.
“I should end this drama as soon as possible. But this time I won’t hire anyone for the job. I will be the one to end Ria Robert.” Frederick concluded as he laughed wickedly.
“Soon. Soon. Ria Robert.” The laughter echoed in the study room.
***********
CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA
AT LINT CORPORATION
Ian shook hands with the two new business associates from India. “It is nice doing business with you, Mr Ian Bryant.” One of the business associates said.
Thank you for trusting my corporation. I promise to deliver the best to your company too.” Ian replied before accompanying them out of the office.
He noticed that Ria wasn’t in Grace office. “My assistant will walk you back to your car.” He signaled to Ramsey to accompany them. He needed to talk to Grace.
“This way please.” Ramsey led them out.
She left without waiting. No! He told her not to wait anyways!
“Mr Ian.” Grace called when Ian was about walking back into his office.
“What’s wrong?” Ian asked.
He noticed that his secretary looked concerned. “Earlier on… Miss Ria had cried before leaving…” She stopped. “Actually Miss Ria wanted to wait but I told her… she shouldn’t wait for you.”
Ian nodded slowly. “Alright. Tell Ramsey to see me as soon as he gets back.”
Grace stared at her boss with a shocking look on her face. She expected him to look worried or concerned but his expression was blank.
Ian frowned at her. “Okay… yes… sir… I will tell him.” Grace stammered as she nodded repeatedly.
“Good.” Ian walked back to his office.
She had cried? Why? Because he didn’t want to see her? No it couldn’t be for that reason. The truth is, it hurts Ian to be apart from Ria but it was best to stay away from her.
He was not distancing himself because of everything said in the recording but he just wants Ria to realize what he means to her. And for Ria to build her trust in him just like how she did to Ethan. She only met him days ago but she already told him everything; her past.
The door opened and Ramsey walked in. “Sir.”
“Ramsey that file you received yesterday please try to find out the source and whoever sent it. The location, the motive… just find anything and get back to me.” Ian instructed.
Ramsey is a computer genius. Ian was sure that he would find something that would lead him to whoever sent that file.
“Okay sir.”
************
RIA ROBERT COUTURE
“Did you talk to him?” Ethan asked.
“No, I didn’t get to see him. He was in a meeting.” Ria replied.
“Listen Ria…” Ethan covered the gap between them.
Ria blinked back tears. Ethan was close and his warm hand reached for her cheeks.
“It tears me apart to see you hurting this way.” Ethan mumbled.
Ria looked up at him and his image blurred slightly by the tears. “What do I do, Ethan? It hurts me to be apart from him and…” Her voice trailed off.
Ethan pulled her in for a hug. “Ian will come around. Don’t worry too much about it.” He whispered into her ears.
“Well I hope he comes around soon and I can’t help but worry about this situation.” Ria muttered.
Ethan stood back when she calmed down. He touched her face and wiped her tears with his fingertips. “Just relax.”
“Thank you.” Ria sniffled.
Ethan stepped backward and pushed his hands into his pocket. “I talked to Chad this morning and I told him about the recording. And he said, there is a possibility that Frederick sent the file to Ian.”
Ria nodded in agreement. She had figured that out earlier. If Frederick was aware that she is alive then he could be the one. But it was hard to figure how he found out she was the same Ria Robert he had tried to kill and why he sent that recording to Ian. She was confused.
“Did he find anything?” Ria asked Ethan. She was referring to Detective Chad. He already travelled down to Idaho last night.
“Nothing much. He is till trying to find Detective Derrick.” Ethan answered.
“Ethan, if it was Frederick who sent that recording to Ian then how did he find out I was with Lucas? He wasn’t aware that I was still alive back then because Lucas hid me from him.”
Ethan nodded. “I asked Chad the same question and he said that it is possible that one of the MML gang revealed the truth to him.”
“I thought they are dead.” Ria mumbled.
And if they are not all dead, perhaps if this is the case then who told Frederick the truth? Who among the MML gang is still alive? She pondered deeply.
“I am certain that we will get to the bottom of this matter. Chad wants you to be careful and he suggested that you don’t keep last nights and always lock your door and windows before going to bed.” Ethan listed out the instructions to her.
That terrified Ria. Her heartbeat accelerated at the realization that Frederick was after her life again.
“What about the Attorney?” Ria demanded.
“I am still yet to find an attorney.” Ethan replied.
“I have an attorney. The one who helped me get my kids adoption papers.” Ria said.
“Ria, we can’t just take on any attorney.” Ethan declined.
“He is good.” Ria countered.
Ethan placed his hand on her shoulders. “I want the best attorney for this case. And I will find the best in the state who will help us. Trust me.” He pointed out.
“Ethan, we don’t have much time anymore. Frederick will find me and -”
“No. He won’t find you. And even if he finds you I am not going to let him hurt you again. I promise.” Ethan hugged her again and she clung on to him.
And Ria suddenly wished it was Ian holding her in his arms. She closed her eyes and listened to Ethan’s heartbeat. And she was glad he was around to comfort her.