Ryan turned to him, ready to hear the next thing Zayden would say.
"Kang Jimyeong killed your mother" Zayden said. "She wasn't killed by just a random demon. He killed her."
Though Ryan looked calm, deep down he was boiling with rage. How he so much wanted to kill him now for not letting him see his mother. For not knowing what if feels like to have a mother. For not getting to spend time with her, and receive scoldings from her. The urge to avenge her death was reaching its peak.
"Also, he's planning on killing the girl in your house. So protect her, with everything in you" Zayden said
"Why does he want her dead?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"You live with her so find out yourself. It wouldn't be nice if I tell you"
Ryan tried to read his mind, but he thought of nothing.
"I've heard." he said "Anything else?"
"No" Zayden replied, but then remembered there's one more thing. "But this one is coming from me . Fall in love with her. As soon as possible" he blurted.
"WHAT?!"
"She's really beautiful. It wouldn't be so hard."
"Are you insane?"
"Nope. I'm totally on my right mind" he said "You need a woman brother."
"There's no way I'm doing that. I told you to stop already " Ryan yelled.
"You have to" Zayden was still persuading him.
"No way" he shook his head
"Just do it, for my sake" Zayden begged.
Ryan stood up immediately. He's not cut out for this shit. "You know what, let's part from here...."
"Ryan...."
"I'll see you some other time...."
"You'll have to fall in love with her because..."
"Send my greetings to Yana...." he disappeared.
"..... she's your bride" he finally completed his words. He let out a deep exhale. "If only you heard the last part." he said under his breath
He looked around, thinking of what to do now that's his brother have left him. Should he take a walk around the city or just go back? He should walk. So he took a walk down the mountain.
*.....*...*....*...*...*...*...*...*.....*
The sun stood still in the sky, casting its golden rays through the white blankets in the blue sky as its light kissed the ground. The weather was warm. The earth giving off her intoxicating smell of nature, signifying early autumn, as birds filled the air. The yellow leaves whispered through the breeze, and the grasses danced smoothly along with it.
Arianna was rushing up the stairs, while Ryan was coming down. Her eyes were lowered and so was his, fixed on the screen of his phone. They bumped into each other, making Arianna miss a step and she tripped, almost falling.
Due to Ryan's fast reflexes, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close, he held her by her waist. Her scent wafting into his nostrils. What really does she smell like? Is it vanilla? No, but it's quite familiar.
Both Arianna's hands were rested on his shoulders and she had clutched his shirt due to shock, gazing into his eyes. Ryan couldn't help but gaze as well. Her eyes...is it a collection of stars? Why does it glitter? Or is he seeing things?
They stood in that position, gazing, that her heart thumped wildly. He was still gazing intensely, not understanding why he felt to be drown in them. He blinked his eyes, coming out from his trance.
"Aria" Ryan called softly. Has he ever spoken this softly to a woman?
"Yes?" She answered awkwardly.
"Where are you rushing to?" he asked. Why is his voice so soft today? Especially now that he's speaking to her.
"I...I was....I was going to my room" she stuttered. God! Why is she stuttering?
"To do what?" he asked
"Nothing" she replied.
"Nothing?" He asked skeptically, pulling away from her as he realised he had held her more than he should.
"Yes" she lowered eyes not to meet that piercing gaze.
Ryan took in air " Follow me" he said and walked passed her.
"Pardon?"
He said nothing, he only walked with hands once again in his pockets. Arianna gulped and followed him to a room which he entered. Leonel was present there with all the artworks he brought. Immediately he saw Ryan, he stood up.
"Young master" he bowed.
Arianna entered. Seeing Leonel there, she greeted him "Hello, Chairman Park"
"How are you dear?" he asked with a smile.
"I'm fine, thank you "
Ryan walked to a chair and sat down, crossing his legs. "Begin!" he said.
"Ah... Sure" Leonel arranged the artworks so Ryan could take a better view.
"I've selected this ones for the auction in two months time" he said "What do you think?"
Ryan's eyes swept passed all of them. They were good enough. But one caught his attention. He stood up and walked to it, gazing deeply. His hand lifted and he touched it, tracing his fingers smoothly on it.
"I want this painting" he finally said "Who made this?"
Leonel checked for the artist's name behind "Oh Hayden" he said.
Hayden Oppa?
"Oh Hayden...." Ryan breathed "He's good. I want this one in my gallery."
"But..."
"Pay him exactly the worth of this. I'm taking it" he walked to his seat. Leonel stood there speechless. He had wanted this to be in the auction as the main piece.
"Any objections?"
"N-No" he replied and Ryan feigned a smile. "Any news?" he asked.
"Yes." He said "Doshin has been doing well lately. Your profit added by 10% . And also the last shares we bought from MISSHA decreased a little by 3%, but it's sure to increase later.
"Is that all?" Ryan asked through clenched teeth angered that his profit was decreased.
"Yes"
Ryan stood up "Take that one to my gallery. The rest are for the auction, keep them safe until then" he walked out, and Arianna followed behind.
"Yes, young master" Leonel said but he was already out. Ryan walked to his study. Still, Arianna followed him. Like a sheep following its shepherd.
"Mr. Han" she called. "Why do you want me to follow you around?"
Ryan took his seat. "You're not busy. How about helping me out?"
"With what?" She asked.
Ryan pointed at the shelf "Could you arrange those books there?'
Arianna looked at the shelf which reached the ceiling. And the books were many. "All by myself?" she questioned.
"Why? You can't do it?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.
Arianna feigned a tiny smile "I'll do it" she walked to it and began arranging the books, dusting them properly.
Ryan worked on the pile of the files, studying them intensely before signing. He phone rang and he picked it.
"Speak!" he said
"Sir, the goods have arrived" his secretary spoke.
"Send them to the warehouse for the meantime" Ryan ordered.
"Yes sir" he said and hung up. Ryan let out a deep sigh, facing his work.