Ch. 91..95: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 91-95

Chapter 91 She is hurting

FEW DAYS LATER

“Is Ian Bryant in his office?” Ethan demanded as he stepped into the area.

“Yes sir. Do you have an appointment with him?” Grace asked with a raised eyebrow because she has never seen him around the office before.

“No. I don’t have an appointment with him. But I want to see him this minute! Is that his office?” Ethan started towards the office.

Grace stood up immediately and followed him. “Sir, you can’t go in. I will call the security on you. Please you can’t go in… sir…”

Ian heard Grace voice and on queue the door opened and Ethan stood at the entrance with fury in his eyes.

Grace rushed in to meet her boss. “I am so sorry… sir… I tried to stop him from coming in but he didn’t listen to me.” She rushed out her words.

Ethan sniffed and ran his hands into his hair. Anger surged through Ian at the sight of him in the office.

Why is he here? Oh! To boast of the fact that he is Ria’s old friend and she trusted him even though she only met him about a week ago. Ian snorted.

“It is okay, Grace. You can go.” Ian replied.

Grace heaved a sigh of relief. She shot a glare at Ethan before walking out.

Ethan walked farther into the office. His stride was like that of an angry wolf ready to devour its prey.

“Why are you here? What guts do you have to barge into my office and act like you own this place?!” Ian gritted. His tone was harsh and spiteful.

Ethan let out a snort as he pointed his finger at Ian. “Who do you think you are? Huh? Fine, you own the largest corporation in the state and your family is ranking first of Forbes chart. So what? Does that give you the right to treat Ria like she isn’t worth anything?! You have no damn right to trample over Ria!” He seethed his teeth in anger.

“Get out.” Ian said almost standing up from the swivel chair.

“You sit your butt down in that damn chair! I am not going out of this place until you listen to everything I have to say!” Ethan snarled.

It was as if Ethan’s tone compelled Ian because he sat back in the chair. He meant business but Ian was ready to face him. Ethan relaxed a bit when Ian sat in the chair.

“You have no idea how hurts Ria is right now. She hasn’t been feeling good, she couldn’t eat properly and she is finding it hard to sleep. Why is that? You! She is still finding it hard to accept that you left her.” Ethan pointed at him.

He let out a shaky breathe. “And you left because you found out she was Lucas’s sex pet? If that’s the reason then you are a coward! You never gave her the chance to explain why she didn’t tell you everything about her past. You have no right to judge her in anyway because you don’t know what she went through eight years ago! And have you ever asked yourself after listening to that false recording, if it was possible for a sixteen years old blind girl to go around sleeping with men?! Does Ria look like a whore to you?! Haven’t you seen her care for people? She even went as far as adopting two homeless kids despite her disability. So tell me; how could someone like that have ordered the killings of her parents?! And didn’t she tell you she came to Chicago with her female friend?! Androphobia! I am sure you have witnessed her tremble from a man’s touch! So tell me how someone like that can go about luring men into her life?! Well I am sure she told you a bit about her past but even at that you still believed that damn recording… when that man said she left Idaho with a man!” He came closer to the desk and gripped the edge tightly.

Ian saw anger and pain in his expression. “That story is lame. Ria never did those things. Her parents were the most amazing people I have ever seen and…” Ethan’s voice trailed off.

Ian noticed the tear that slid down his left cheek as he wiped it quickly.

“You have no idea what she went through… and you really don’t know… what it feels to lose ones parents.” Ethan paused.

He continued after swallowing the lump of tears that formed in his throat. “Ria must have told you that she lost her parents but did you ever cared to ask how they died? Just take a look at yourself. You are sitting there grieving that Ria didn’t tell you anything whereas you never cared to know… but you were only concerned on how to fulfill her dreams so you could rule her world… and be the main man!” Ethan slammed his hands on the desk aggressively.

“That’s not true!” Ian yelled.

“Then what?! Huh? Tell me?!” Ethan demanded.

Ian clenched his fists. “I wanted to know everything about her past but she was never ready to tell me about it and I just didn’t want to pressure her!”

“What about now? If you wanted to know about her past then you would have given Ria the chance to explain everything the day you listened to that damn recording!” He paused and continued. “Eight years ago Ria lost her patents. It all started with her father processing his inheritance documents passed on to him by his late father. Mr Nathan had so many plans for his small family, get Ria’s surgery done, establish his wife’s sewing business and buy his dream house. All he ever wanted was a simple and peaceful life for his family. Unfortunately, the money make life gang, a notorious group of assassins showed up and killed her parents. That’s where Lucas came into the picture, he took Ria away.” Ethan’s voice was calm but one could sense that he was sad.

Ian’s heart sank. He listened to Ethan without interruption as he narrated Ria’s story.

“She was with him for close to a year until the gang went for an operation but it failed. And it led to the downfall of the notorious group.” Ethan washed his hands over his face.

“What have I done?! Why didn’t I remember that fear I had seen in Ria’s eyes months ago? The fear of being touched by a man. Why didn’t I reason that someone who sleeps around with men wouldn’t have such fear!” Ian bantered internally.

Ian realized that Ria’s fears came from what Lucas did to her. And he never imagined that fear to come from something terrible like what Lucas did to Ria! He placed his palms on his face as guilt washed over him.

“How come I believed that recording easily without thinking clearly?! It was a lie! A blind girl couldn’t have done it! I didn’t think about it!” Ian’s mind was moving in circles and he was unsettled.

“Ria went through all that as a blind girl. And the most painful aspect of it is finding out that your uncle killed your parents because of a mere inheritance.” Ethan said.

Ian looked up at him trying to make sense of his words. “What are you trying to say?” He asked shakily.

“Her uncle ordered money make life gang to kill them so he could take over the inheritance.” Ethan answered.

Anger crashed over Ian and he clenched his fists. “Who is this uncle?”

“You know him…” Ethan paused.

Ian screwed up his face. He was confused. He has never discussed Ria’s family and he was sure that he doesn’t know anyone from her side.

“Frederick Robert. He murdered her parents.” Ethan blurted out.

Ian’s eyes widened in shock. “What?! Frederick Robert? How? No… I mean…. which Frederick Robert?” He shot him a confused look.

“Yes the same Frederick Robert who is Drake’s father. He is Mr Nathan’s half brother.” Ethan replied.

Ian could hardly believe his words. Drake and Ria are related. Ria met him at the party but she didn’t say anything! She must have known that Drake is the child of the man who murdered her parents. Ian’s mind recalled to the night at the party.

“No, Oh my God!” Slowly he stood up from the chair.

“That’s it! That must have been the reason why she had cried that night! Yes… I am sure of it. She asked Drake if he was related to Frederick and he said yes… saying yes changed her mood. She cried because she found out that Drake is the son of the man who murdered her parents!” Ian reasoned out loudly without minding if Ethan understood him.

Fury and anger crashed over him. It was running marathon in his veins as his teeth ground together. He would tear Frederick Robert into pieces for what he has done to Ria.

“I can forgive everything but I will never forgive anyone that hurts Ria. Ian, if you truly love Ria then this is the time to prove it. Do all you can to put Frederick Robert in jail.” Ethan sounded resigned. He spun on his heel and left the office.

Ian Bryant’s world was upside down as his heart went out to Ria. He slammed his hand on the desk. “What have you done, Ian?” He grabbed his car keys and rushed out of the office.

His whole focus was on reaching Ria. Ian was feeling like he had added more to her pain by leaving her. He never meant to hurt her. He has made a mistake by believing that damn tape, by getting mad at her for not opening up to him just because he was jealous she told Ethan and for staying away from her.

“Will Ria forgive me?”

Ian took in unsteady breathe. He realized that it wasn’t pain that he was feeling at the moment but fear; the fear that he would never be in Ria Robert’s world again.

“Don’t let it be like that. I can’t do without her. I have to be in her world.” Ian chanted.

He has never been the type to pray frequently, but all the way down to Ria Robert Couture he said several prayers over and over again.

 

Chapter 92 Box of evidences

IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

He sat in his room thinking back to why he was jobless, why he had moved in to the slum, why his love had left him since he couldn’t get a well paid job. He had wanted justice for that family and he turned in enough evidences to summon the culprit and they accepted it but he got fired the very next day. And ever since then his life has been miserable for eight years now.

Derrick wiped his tears as he gathered the paper works to burn them in a small fire place. It was pointless keeping all the evidences he had put together eight years ago. The whole truth which they had fabricated.

Derrick knew the whole truth but he couldn’t do anything about it and the case was closed. He was about dropping the papers in the small fire place in his home when he heard a knock on his door.

Who could it be? He wondered.

Derrick closed his eyes as he thought of the owner of the house standing outside his door with thugs ready to throw out his load.

The knock came again. He stopped to think of what to do but then he realized that the knock was soft.

The owner of the house doesn’t knock that gently. He dropped the papers back in the box, wiped his face before going for the door. He peered through the small hole on the door. It wasn’t the owner of the house. He saw a figure on hoodie.

“Have they finally come for him? To end his life?” He pondered.

Immediately Derrick stepped backward and grabbed a mop and went back to the door. He peered again and the figure was still there.

“Detective Derrick, I know you are in there…” The voice whispered. “Open up I don’t have much time. We need to talk.” The figure knocked again.

Derrick relaxed a bit when he didn’t sense danger. He grabbed the knob and waited for a few seconds before opening the door. No one walked in. No strange movement or attack.

Derrick looked out and saw a guy there with his hands up in the air. He meant no harm.

“Can I come in?” The figure asked.

Derrick studied him and nodded slowly. He looked ahead suspiciously before closing the door and he locked it after the figure walked into his apartment.

“Who are you?” Derrick asked the guy who was scanning the room.

He turned to Derrick. “An ex convict.” He replied removing the hood in the process.

“No name?” Derrick asked.

The figure stared at Derrick. “Matthew Alley.” He answered.

Then Derrick settled down on the old couch. “Why are you here?” He asked.

“To give you something.” Matthew replied.

Derrick raised his eyebrow. He has never seen this face. It was unfamiliar. “What? And how did you find me?” He asked again.

Matthew tucked his hands in the hoodie pocket. “It is not hard. I have few connections in this area and I know Idaho like the back of my palms.” He waited for Derrick to offer him a seat.

Derrick gestured for him to sit down feeling a bit embarrassed at the condition of the couches in his small apartment. They were old and worn out. Matthew brought out a devise from his pocket and explained things to Derrick.

Matthew waited for a response after he finished explaining his mission. “I am sorry but I can’t help you. I am not a detective anymore.”

“I made a promised to my late friend that I would find you and deliver it to you. He was murdered in jail by the culprit and this is his last wish which is to make things right.” Matthew stood up and dropped the device and a note on the table.

“It is pointless now. I don’t care about justice in this state anymore! As a matter of fact, if justice was a person then I am sorry to tell you that he died eight years ago!” Detective Derrick gritted.

“You can throw it out or burn it up in the furnace.” Matthew said before walking out of Derrick’s house.

He was lost in thought. Another evidence. The real evidence from the horse mouth which is enough to reveal the truth. But there was nothing he could do about it. The case has been closed for eight years now. He picked up the device, pressed the button on the device and it played. He listened to it.

“She is alive?” He whispered.

And everything he heard echoed in his head. He almost threw it in the fire but held back.

“This is the only chance to make him pay for his crimes.” A voice whispered at the back of his mind.

He can’t give it anyone. The old detective Derrick would have rushed off to the station to show his boss this evidence but the new Derrick had learnt his lessons in a hard way. They would kill him if he turned it in to the police. So he would wait for her to find him; hopefully fate would bring them together again. Derrick concluded.

He stood up and dropped the stuffs in the box. Derrick grabbed his jacket and made his way out of the house. He would find out if that girl is truly alive.

Chapter 93 When love wins

“Miss Ria.” Ma’am Loretta called out as she looked for Ria around the ready made dresses section.

“Yes. I am right here.” Ria came into view. She looked up from the clothes rack she was checking out.

“Oh there you are… Elise told me that you haven’t eaten anything since the day before yesterday. Should I get you something to eat now?” Ma’am Loretta had a pitiful look on her face.

“Thanks for your concern. I am fine. And I am also not hungry.” Ria feigned a small smile.

“You look pale. I can’t see the bright color and cheerful Miss Ria that I once knew anymore.” Ma’am Loretta moved closer to her.

“I am fine. Thanks.” Ria mumbled as she led her to another visible spot.

“No. You are not looking fine to me.” Ma’am Loretta countered.

“Ma’am Loretta, we can worry about me later. For now, let us focus on having our clients dresses delivered. We don’t have much time left.” She changed the topic.

“You are right.” Ma’am Loretta heaved a sigh. Nothing is working out to make Ria Robert feel better.

“Can you help me check out the dresses on that rack? I think a hot blood outfit with a round neckline is missing.” Ria pointed to a rack at the far end of the room.

“Yeah. Sure.” Ma’am Loretta answered.

“Thank you.” Ria replied with a half smile before she walked off.

Ria wasn’t in the mood to talk to her or anyone. Somehow ma’am Elise had to tell ma’am Loretta everything when she noticed Ian didn’t come around for the usual coffee mornings or to drop Ria off at school or home.

The new driver hired turned in sick and asked for a one week leave from work. So Ethan has been the one driving Ria from home and to school and he always ensured that the door and windows are closed before leaving for his place. Ria hired a nanny who would look after of the kids while she was at the store and she only leaves whenever Ria gets back home. There had too much work to do at the store and neither ma’am Loretta nor ma’am Elise has the time to babysit.

Three days now and Ria haven’t heard from Ian. She tried calling him but he didn’t pick up his calls and she also sent him series of apology text messages but he didn’t reply. She called Mr Griffin to check on Ian later in the night on the day she visited him at the office, but he said Ian was out of the country on an emergency business trip.

Ria had no idea where he had traveled to because Mr Griffin didn’t tell her the country or how to reach him or how long it would take him to realize that his phone was ringing and when he would stop avoiding her.

Ria had envisioned this fall apart countless times but she didn’t know it would come too soon because she had planned to open up to him. It has happened so fast and she doesn’t know what to do anymore.

“Ria.”

A voice called her name few minutes later. For a moment, Ria thought she was imagining Ian’s voice in her head again.

“Ria.”

Ria turned slightly to the sound again and Ian was there. Slowly she dropped the clothes back on the rack. Was she hallucinating his presence again?

“Ria… can we talk?” He requested.

Ian Bryant was there. His hair mussed as if raked by worried fingers and his keen eyes watched her.

“Yes… sure… let us go to… my office.” Her voice was a mere rasp. Ian nodded in agreement and he followed her.

Ria didn’t wait for him to say anything when they walked into the office. “Ian -”

“I spoke with Ethan.” Ian said cutting off her intended statement.

Ria closed her eyes.

“He told me everything… and…” His voice trailed off while Ria opened her eyes. His expression held pain and no anger.

They lapsed into silence Ethan told him everything? When? Ria didn’t expect Ethan to go to Ian and talk to him. But she should have suspected it that he wanted to meet Ian after he dropped by at the store this morning.

Ethan wasn’t happy that Ria had refused to eat and talk freely with him. He got mad at her for turning down the food he bought at the fast food close to the store. He knew she wasn’t happy that Ian was away from her and in the end he left when Ria admitted to him that she was deeply in love with Ian and life without him was hopeless. Ethan didn’t say a word after that. He just left.

And with what Ian just said it was possible that Ethan went straight to Ian’s office. Ria reasoned.

“Ria, I know everything about your past now.” Ian said.

Ria felt weak beyond words and tears started to sting her eyes. “Ian… I tried to tell you. I really tried.” She murmured.

“I know.” Ian exhaled as he ran a hand roughly over his face.

“It wasn’t true… I swear.” Ria looked straight at him.

Ian came closer. “I know. Ria, I know.” He stared at her.

“I was scared. I didn’t want you to hate or leave me if you knew what I was to Lucas. I couldn’t bear that on top of everything else.” Ria tried to stop the tears but it was in vain.

“You thought I was going to leave you because of what you used to be to Lucas?” He asked.

“Yes. But still… I should have told you everything before you found out from someone else.” She cried.

Ian was close, bending over her, touching her and his hands on her cheeks wiping off the tears. “Ria.”

She looked up at him. His image blurred slightly by the tears “I am so sorry.” She said to him.

“Don’t be please. It is all my fault.” Ian replied in a tight whisper.

He was starting to blame himself. It shouldn’t be that way. Ria had admitted that it was her fault! She had kept her past from him because she didn’t want him to get caught in the mess but she was wrong!

“Ian… please don’t blame yourself for anything. It is all fault.”

Ria didn’t realize that Ian could be of help to her. Or maybe she just didn’t want to be a burden to him because he has so much to handle. She couldn’t bear the thought of him making some big sacrifice for her sake again. She thought that she was capable of dealing with Frederick alone but she totally forgot that Ian was already in her life and ready to do anything for her. She had grew fond of having him in her life.

“You couldn’t tell me about your past possibly because I didn’t prove to you that I could be someone you could trust and be a shoulder you can cry on. I was only just concerned about making your dreams come true. Trust me, I have always wanted to know why you had fears, that fear of being touched by a man and I saw that the day I met you again at the hospital. But I didn’t ask you all this time because I thought that sooner or later we would get pass that business level and you would trust me enough to tell me everything.” He paused.

“I trust you Ian and I am glad that you are concerned about me.” Ria studied his expression. He was sad and remorseful.

Ian shook his head impatiently. His tone was still when he said, “It is not just concern or me caring for you anymore. Ria…” He stopped. His fingertips brushed away the tears on her cheeks. “At this point, I have to admit that I fell in love with you the first time I met you and it didn’t matter to me if you were blind.”

Ria’s mind was spinning. Ian was in love with her. He confessed it. Her mouth twisted wryly as she studied his face.

“I didn’t mean to blurt it out that way and I understand why you look stunned. You told me just business partners and nothing more but then I was already in love with you and I want a life long commitment. I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t hide my feelings anymore. I never expected it to happen to me but there it is, Ria.” His voice was soft and calm that it sent shivers down her spine.

“Ian-”

“Now I have scared you off, haven’t I?” He shook his head.

“Ian.”

He removed strands of hair from her face. “I can’t seem to do anything right where you are concerned. Falling in love with you at first sight despite being blind and also wanting to help you in every way… this is all new to me.”

Ria sniffled. “I am sorry, Ian. It is all new to me too. This feelings. I have no idea of how this works.” She murmured.

And something in her tone seemed to give Ian a renewed hope. “Are you saying you have feelings for me too?” He asked.

Ria sighed. She couldn’t lie when asked a direct question. “This passed few days that you weren’t here with me, I felt so hopeless and helpless. I didn’t know what to do to make have you back into my life. I am crazy about you, Ian.” She added quickly.

Ian eyes closed as he drew in a deep breathe. Ria touched his face and felt reality under her fingertips. “I am in love with you too.” She whispered.

His eyes opened. He stared at her for few seconds. In a swift moment, he pulled her closer to his body and then he brought his lips down on hers. A fine tremor ran through Ria’s body at the contact. He kissed her slowly and then deeper. His rhythm was purposeful, full of intent and she met him back eagerly. He nibbled on her bottom lip and she gasped for air in between kisses.

“I am addicted to you.” Ian said.

Ria’s heart raced as adrenaline ran a marathon through her body. His slammed his lips back on her mouth apparently and he expected a response from her. Ria hesitated trying to get most important words past the lump in her throat. All of a sudden, he slowed his motion and pulled back to look at her.

“Ian.” A whimper slipped through her lips.

Ian grinned at her as his hands dropped down to her waist and then he turned serious. “Ria about being Lucas’s sex pet…” He paused. “Really none of that matter to me because it wasn’t your fault. You were a victim and I won’t hate you or leave for that reason. I only desire you. I only love you.” He admitted.

Ria stared at him with wide eyes as his words washed over her and she breathe out heavily. “How can you still love me despite everything? I really don’t deserve you.” A tear slipped down her cheek and she tried to wriggle out of his hold.

Ian held on tightly and he smoothened a strand of hair from her face. “I still love you very much. I didn’t expect it but I know I can’t live without you. Ria, if you want me in your life not just as a business partner but something more than that then I am yours.”

Ria thought she might burst from happiness. She wants him too!

“Like I said…” Ria’s voice trailed when he placed a finger on her lips.

There was a new glint of determination in his eyes. “Ria, we don’t have to make any hasty decision now.” He said still looking at her rather anxiously. “I understand that you are still trying to get over what Lucas did to you and even Frederick Robert. So while we work on putting Frederick Robert in jail, I will also work on courting you properly.” He added with an endearing smile.

“I will court you and convince you that we belong together. Ria no pressure at all but if you don’t want us to be together then be ready for me. I will wage an all out campaign to win your heart until you finally say yes to me.” His smile grew broader.

Ria believed so much in him! She took comfort in his words! Ian was assuring her that he wasn’t rushing her and that there was plenty of time for their relationship to progress before any big change as to be made. What big change?

“Ian, it means the world to me that you are always willing to do anything for me.” Ria said in a tight whisper.

“Ria, I am happy with the choice I have made so far.” He caught her hands in his now. “And I am certain of my feelings for you and nothing is going to change my mind.” He squeezed her hands tightly but gently.

Yes they still have time! Ria reminded herself. They don’t have to make the big decisions right now.

“We have a lot of talking to do now that the cards are on the table.” He pulled her into his arms to hold her tightly. “And the first of the cards is how to make Frederick Robert pay for his crimes.”

Ria clung on to him. “I will make him pay for hurting you.” Ian purred into her ears. She withdrew from the embrace and looked into his eyes. Then she leaned up and kissed him and he returned the kiss with a renewed surge of hope. No doubts and uncertainties!

“I am not going anywhere. I am not going to leave or hate you.” Ian said to Ria when he finally lifted his head. “Unless you send me away.” He added.

“I don’t think I have the courage or strength to send you away. I can’t live without you.” Ria confessed

“I love you.” He said.

It was the first time hearing those words. The first time a man confessed to her. The first time she had a true kiss; without being forced. The first time she was so desperate to taste someone. The first time a man was assuring her that he wouldn’t leave her and she meant a lot to him. The first time she accepted to be in love.

“I love you too.” Ria replied.

The words was strange and new on her lips but somehow right. It was the first time she was saying those words. And Ian seemed to be her first in everything except with her body. But-It was the best feeling; that feeling to love and be loved back.

Chapter 94 Stay safe for meRia looked down at her phone when it beeped. A message from Ethan. She picked up the phone and clicked on the screen to read the message.

‘Chad found Derrick. And he is going to his place to talk to him.’

‘Okay. I will inform Ian about it.’ Ria sent it back to him.

She heard a knock on the door. “Come in.” The phone buzzed again. Another message from Ethan.

‘How are you doing?’ She asked Ethan.

‘I am fine. I can guess you are doing great too. Is Ian there with you?’ Ethan texted back.

‘He should be on his way.’ Ria smiled at the mention of Ian.

“Chatting with someone?”

Ria looked up and Ian was there.

“Good morning.” Ria greeted with a bright smile on her face.

Ian was holding the two in one coffee pack. She stood up and went to him.

“Good morning, my love.” He said.

“Good to see you.” Ria placed kisses on his cheeks.

Ian frowned immediately.

“What’s wrong?” She asked him.

“You know that I am never satisfied with kisses on the cheeks.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and and she hit his chest gently.

“Don’t be -”

He pressed his lips on her and cut off her words. Ria opened her mouth to his welcoming invasion and she was desperate to taste him too. Her body trembled as he kissed her slowly and then deeper.

“I missed you.” He slowed his motion and pulled back pressing kisses on her cheeks and then forehead. “Now that’s better.” He said.

Ria smiled back at him. “Let us have coffee.” He held her hand and led them to the couch. He sat on the couch and motioned to her to sit on his laps.

Ria hesitated. “What is it?” He questioned.

Ria shook her head. “Okay. You can sit on the couch if you don’t want to sit on my laps.” He said with a half smile. “But no coffee for you.” He blurted out.

“That’s not a fair deal.” Ria pouted.

“Of course! It is a fair deal.” Ian pulled her wrist and she fell on his laps. “Well calculated. This is good. Now tell me what’s going on with you?” He handed her a coffee.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? You were smiling at your phone when I came in and didn’t even look up to see who was at the door.”

“No. I wasn’t smiling like that.” Ria countered when he opened all his teeth to show her how she was smiling.

“Of course! You smiled this way.” He rolled his eyes.

“Okay if that is it, then it is not called smiling.” Ria argued.

“So what is it called?”

“You are just showing off your teeth. I mean… your prefect dentition.” Ria teased him.

Ian laughed. “Well I was kidding. Now tell me what I need to know.”

(Tell me what I need to know) Ria was used to those words now. The day after Ria and Ian confessed to each other, he always ask her what he needed to know. No more secrets. Ria had promised herself.

“I was chatting with Ethan before you came in.”

Ian stared at her. “You were chatting with Ethan.” He repeated.

Ria nodded. “Yes.”

“About… what? Why were you texting with so much smiles on your face?” Ian asked.

Was that jealousy in his tone?

“Come on, Ian, don’t get too jealous.” Ria smiled.

“Oh! You think so? I am not jealous.” Ian countered.

“Really?” Ria asked.

Ian avoided her gaze. “Fine. I am jealous. Do you smile that way anytime I am texting you?”

Ria giggled as she adjusted herself on his laps. “I do more than smiling. Everyone around here always think I am crazy anytime I laugh out all of a sudden. You know that I am crazy about you.”

Ian smiled broadly. He liked the fact that he was having a great effect on his woman. “A kiss.” He touched his right cheek.

“You deserve it.” She gave him her coffee. She leaned in and pressed kisses to his cheeks and then forehead.

“It feels good. I should probably get jealous always.” Ian grinned.

“Don’t make it a routine.” Ria cautioned him.

“Sure.”

Then they lapsed into silence. Ian gets jealous each time he sees Ria with Ethan, anytime she is on phone with Ethan and whenever she is chatting with Ethan. And that pisses Ethan off. Two days ago, Ethan blurted that Ian was being too possessive of her. And Ian on the other hand grounded it out that he was just trying to protect his territory; his woman and that it was none of his business. He even went as far as saying that Ethan should stay away from her.

Ethan laughed about it and told Ian to be a good boyfriend not a possessive boyfriend. Those two won’t stop fighting at every chance they get!

To be honest, Ian is always the one bringing up the fights most times. He can’t seem to control his emotions especially jealousy anytime he sees Ria with Ethan. He still thinks Ethan would try to win Ria’s heart and steal her away from him. And Ria had done a great job at telling Ian several times that her heart belongs to one man. His name is Ian Bryant.

Ria sighed and drank her coffee. “Ethan sent a message that Chad found Derrick. And I told him that I was going to inform you about it.” She said.

Ian knows everything now and he is determined to make Frederick pay for his crimes.

“Okay.” Ian nodded.

“So what about the attorney?”

“We spoke last night and she already filed in for reinvestigation. She is currently on the plane to Idaho to tender it.”

Attorney Ava Powell is the best attorney in the state and she happened to be the Bryant’s family lawyer. Ria met her few days ago and explained her case to the attorney and she agreed to take it on.

“Will she be fine alone? I mean, very soon Frederick will find out that someone wants to reinvestigate the case and he might go after her.”

“You don’t have to worry about Ava. Two armed bodyguards accompanied her to Idaho and she will meet Chad too. And I think three armed men is enough protection for her. Moreover she won’t be there for too long. A day or two if Derrick agrees to work with us.” Ian explained.

Ethan said Derrick has the evidences to the case from eight years ago although he hasn’t heard him. And Ria hopes that Derrick agrees to work with them now.

“I gave Ava some money to give to Derrick in case he refuses to help.”

“Ian, do you think Derrick will accept the money? Ethan said he is an incorruptible cop.”

“Offering him money isn’t corruption. I am just seeking his help to help us out on this case. I know money is the language we all understand. He won’t decline it. But if he doesn’t want to work on the case then we won’t pressure him. We can always find other ways.”

“Thank you.” Ria said to him.

“Ria, don’t thank me. I am doing what I have to do to make sure that Frederick pays for what he did to you and your parents. And as matter of fact I hired two bodyguards for you too.”

Ria’s eyes widened in shock. “Why?!”

“To protect you from Frederick. That bastard can show up anytime. He might come after you. The bodyguards will be here anytime I am not around to watch you.” Ian answered.

“Perhaps will they move into my house too?” Ria demanded.

“Yes.” Ian shook his head.

“What?!”

“Relax Ria, not the male bodyguards. A female bodyguard will move into your home to watch you at night.”

“No.” She declined.

“Listen Ria, this is for your own good. I am doing everything to protect you and the kids too.”

Ria stood up from his laps. “I don’t want any bodyguard.”

Ian stood up too. “Can you stand Frederick anytime he shows up at your doorstep?” He asked.

Ria was silent. The question made her terrified and Ian noticed the fear in her eyes. He leaned in closely and his hands cupped her face.

“I am only trying to protect you.” He mumbled.

“I just don’t want any bodyguard moving into my home to watch me at night. It is like intruding in my privacy.”

“What about during the day? They will only be around to guard the area.” He persuaded.

“Okay.” Ria said reluctantly.

The truth is Ria doesn’t want anyone risking their lives for her or anyone getting hurt for her sake.

“Can I get a gun?” Ria blurted out.

Ian eyes widened. “A gun? For what?!”

“For protection during the night.” Ria answered.

“Can you fire a gun?” He asked.

“No.”

“Then you don’t need one.”

“But I can always learn to pull the trigger.” Ria said with a shrug.

Ian rolled his eyes. “You don’t have a license to own a gun.”

“Well I can get the license. I mean, Ava can help.”

He shook his head impatiently. “You are not a mafia, my love. It is not that easy to get such license. And you don’t need a gun because your bodyguards are fully armed.” He placed his forehead on hers.

“Ria, I don’t want you to get hurt. I need you to be alive even after putting Frederick behind bars.”

He placed a kiss on her forehead.

“That’s reminds me…” He stepped backward. “I stopped partnering with Limos Company.” He added quickly.

“Why?”

“Why? I don’t want to be associated with them after what Frederick did to you.” Ian responded.

“But… what about your current deal with Drake? The one you signed.”

“I cancelled the deal.”

Ian had told Ria about the deal with Drake and the promissory note he asked him to sign just to make him stay away from her.

“Ian, Drake will be mad at you. He might come for me again… and I don’t want to see him.” Ria stuttered.

“Don’t be concerned about Drake. He called me to ask why I cancelled the deal and I told him to ask his father.” Ian tucked her hair behind her ears.

“What if he sues you for breach of agreement, contract or deal? Why are you so calm as if nothing would go wrong?” Ria demanded.

“Nothing will go wrong. I have everything planned out. I am ready for him and I am sure he won’t go to court after he finds out what his dad did to you.” Ian kissed their locked hands.

“Ian, this is business. And I don’t want you getting into trouble with Drake. Ian, you can go on with the deal and-”

“My company is yet to ship the goods to Idaho. If Drake wants to go to court for it, the least they will ask of me is to give him sixty percentage payment of the deal.”

Ria heaved a sigh. “Ian, that’s a whole lot of money.”

“Don’t worry, my love. I can handle it. Please just stay safe for me okay?” He embraced her.

Ria hummed a positive response as she sniffed in the sweet scent of him.

Chapter 95 Deal canceled

Derrick looked back for the fifth time but he didn’t see anyone behind him. He had noticed the brown haired guy following him from the mini mart where he went to get a loaf of bread and coffee. He made a sharp turn at the corner just to get away from whoever was following him but to his surprise the brown haired guy appeared by his side and pinned him to the wall quickly causing the stuffs in his hands to fall to the ground. No one was passing by so Chad thought he could use this chance. He was a bit stronger than Derrick so it was easy to cage him to the wall.

“Who are you?” Derrick asked as he tried to fight him off.

Chad ignored his question. “Are you Detective Derrick?” He asked.

“No. What do you want from me?” He managed to push Chad away.

“Are you detective Derrick?” He asked again.

“No.” Derrick denied. He picked up his bread and left the empty coffee container and he started walking away.

“Hey…” Detective Chad caught up with him and brought out his ID card. “I am Detective Chad Efron from Chicago.” He said in a low tone.

Derrick didn’t stop or respond to Chad’s words. He was simply mad at Chad for attacking him unexpectedly and for spilling his coffee. And at the same time he wondered why a Chicago Detective was in Idaho.

“I am sorry for attacking you like that. You know, I asked of you from the people around here and most of them told me that you are quite a stubborn man and you won’t talk to anyone. That was why I attacked to gain your attention.”

Derrick walked on without responding and Chad followed him.

“A friend of mine told me that you were the detective in charge of a murder case eight years ago.”

Derrick stopped on track.

“My friend’s name is Ethan Dantes. The case was about a family that was murdered in one night, husband and wife, a missing child whose body was later found in the woods… dead.”

Derrick turned to face Chad immediately. He stepped closer to Chad and whispered. “Why are you in Idaho?”

Chad covered the gap left between them and bend over to whisper into his ears. “I am a secret detective reinvestigating the case. That child is alive and she demands justice for the death of her parents. And I am-”

“Come with me.” Derrick cuts him off his intended sentence and he led Chad to his house.

******

AT FREDERICK ROBERT MANSION

“Son, what’s wrong?” Mrs Vivian asked Drake when he stormed into the house.

Drake ignored his mother and made his way to the study. “Drake, you look worried. Is everything okay?” Mrs Vivian followed her son. He didn’t bother knocking before going into the study.

Frederick sat in his old chair completely lost in deep thought. He had just received a call that an attorney from Chicago showed up at the station with a reinvestigation letter on the case that has been buried long time ago and she requested for the files of the case from eight years back.

And it wasn’t hard for Frederick to figure who sent that attorney. Ria Robert! She wants to reinvestigate her parents case! And he had been thinking of how to end Ria’s life since the past one week. Trying to devise a way to get rid of her finally and silently without the cops finding out he did it.

Things would get tough and rough now that she want to reinvestigate the case and even hiring one of the best attorneys in America. Frederick realized that after he searched attorney Ava Powell on his system. She meant business!

Frederick knew that proper investigation would expose his secrets. So since Ava was in Idaho the options was to either eliminate her or do a background check on her thinking someone like her must have secrets. He thought.

“Dad now tell me what the hell is going on between you and Ian Bryant?!” Drake demanded.

Frederick looked up at his son. “Ian?” He muttered.

“Yes… Ian Bryant!”

“Son calm down. Don’t speak to your father that way.” Mrs Vivian cautioned him.

“Stay out of this mom! I have worked my butt off at the company trying to seal off my first biggest deal and now it is a flop!”

“What is it?” Frederick asked in a low tone.

“Ian Bryant canceled a deal of close to twenty millions dollar deal!”

“What?! Why?!” Frederick Robert screwed up his face.

“I don’t know! I should be asking you and that’s why I am here so you can tell me!”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Frederick denied it.

“You don’t know? Dad, what do you mean by you don’t know? Ian clearly stated it that I should ask you. He said you clearly know the reason why he canceled the deal!” Drake was furious.

He wondered why Ian canceled after making it clear that he won’t go near Ria Robert. He thought everything was going to work out fine, it did. At least Ian signed the deal, he even got enough suppliers that were willing to sponsor his project but boom! The deal is off.

Frederick was lost in thought again, trying to figure out what Ian meant by what he told Drake. Then realization hit him when he recalled the recording he sent to Ian.

Questions flooded his already disturbed mind. Could it be that Ian found out he sent the tape? He was perturbed. And his overdeveloped sense told him that Ria could have explained everything to Ian and now he wants to get back at him.

“Drake… don’t worry… I will talk to him.” Frederick said shakily. He couldn’t contain the thought that he has possibly jeopardized his son’s project.

“No! I need you to tell me what’s going on?! Ian wasn’t calm over the phone with me. He was spiteful.” Drake grimaced.

“Nothing. No… it is probably because I… refused to have dinner with his parents. You know I have been quite busy back here in the study.” Frederick mumbled.

Drake looked around the study and there was nothing that showed that his dad has been busy like he claimed except for the bottle of whiskey on the desk.

“This is unbelievable!” Drake uttered profanity before storming out of the study.

And Mrs Vivian followed him immediately. She was confused and still mad at her husband for not letting her travel to Chicago.

Frederick picked his phone and searched through his contact list for Ian’s number. He used to have it when he was still running the company right before Drake became the CEO. He found it and dialed it.

Ian picked on the first ring.

‘Hello?’ Ian said.

‘Hello, Ian. It is me. Frederick Robert.’ He said calmly. “Well it has been long since I heard from -”

‘Go straight to the point, Frederick. I don’t have time to waste with you.’ Ian’s voice was stern and mean.

Frederick clenched his fist but he managed to calm down. ‘Drake told me that you canceled the deal you signed with him.’

‘Yes I did.’ His tone was confident.

‘May I ask why?’

Ian snorted. ‘You sent me a recording. I figured it is you.’

Frederick’s heart beats rapidly.

‘I know you sent it to make me stay away from Ria so she can be an easy target. Unfortunately your plan only made me love my woman the more and it helped us moved a step ahead in our relationship. I know everything now. Eight years ago you committed a crime and covered it up. But for how long will you keep it covered? I am sure your spies must have called to inform you about the attorney that came around. Well, we are investigating the case. And don’t you dare try to get rid of that attorney. This is not just Ria’s fight alone. And don’t you ever think of coming close to my woman because if you do, Frederick Robert, I swear it, I will be the one to end your miserable life.” Ian threatened and then the line dropped.

Anger and fury crashed over Frederick Robert. He threw his phone across the room. Ian Bryant was solidly behind Ria Robert! His plans to make Ian stay away from Ria didn’t work out. He didn’t stay away from her!

All of a sudden fear gripped Frederick Robert. The fear of being summoned by the police! He won’t wait for them to come knocking at his door! He would get rid of them. All of them working on the case before they catch him.

Frederick stood up and rushed to his room. He packed some clothes into a bag and searched for his passport.

“Where are you off to?” Mrs Vivian asked when she saw the bag on the bed.

“I am going on a vacation.” Frederick replied.

Mrs Vivian raised her eyebrows in confusions “What vacation? And why the sudden arrangement? Is everything-”

Frederick went to her and kissed her possessively silencing her in the process. He stepped back and looked at her with a serious face.

“Don’t go to Chicago.” He warned. “For now, go to the Sanders place. Go there right now and take care of our unborn grandchild. You can stay there still I return home.” He rushed out his words.

It was a lie! Frederick knew that he won’t be coming back to Idaho anytime soon! Mrs Vivian was confused. She couldn’t utter a word as she watched her husband walked out of the bedroom.

It would be a great battle! Someone must surrender to the other! Someone must die in the process! And Frederick promised himself that he won’t be the one to surrender or die!