He sat in his study, his legs crossed on the desk while he looked up at the ceiling. A million thoughts roaming his head. He wondered, how he never knew it was her until now. There were so many clues, but he still he didn't realise it. He can't believe he finally found her. It felt too good to be true.
No wonder, he felt drawn to her from the first time. No wonder he always felt she belonged to him. No wonder he always feels complete with her. No wonder the demons wanted her dead. It was all because of this reason.
He remembered the times he kept telling her to confess her love to him. What if she had done it? What if she said it? His pain would have been long gone. His hand touched his chest, a smile threatened to curve his lips.
But instead of being happy. Instead of rejoicing that his pain would end soon. He felt different. He wasn't happy. Why? Why did it have to be her? He had grown to love her so much that he can't bear losing her. All the nightmares and fears she went through...it was all because of him. Her life is danger because of him. Back then, he never thought about the dangers that would lurk around his bride when he finds her. He never cared if she would die trying to love him...the one whom everyone despised. He never cared.
But here he is...in love with the same woman he never cared about. And scared that...she would die. Fear had long gripped him, causing his eyes to redden. What if he can't save her? What then? There's no point in wanting freedom. He doesn't want it. All he wanted right now was to protect his Ari. Being free meant nothing. He could live with the pain. He could live with serving humans for eternity. Ari was his world now. He can't let his world crumble. He would do everything to protect her. Even if it meant trading his freedom for it.
He had been there, lost in his world that he never noticed Zariel who stood in front of him.
"Young master" she called, no response "Young master. Young master!!" she yelled this time and he jolted.
"Oh..." he breathed out, bringing his legs down from the desk. "When did you come?"
"Long enough to know you're worried about something. What is bothering you?" she asked.
Ryan looked the other way and said "I found her...I guess"
"You found who?"
"Aria... She's my bride" he said, and then looked at her.
"Ah... She is?"
Ryan's head tilted to the side. What happened to her exclaiming? Why doesn't she look surprise? Normally, she would have her hand over her mouth and keep saying 'Oh my god!'
"Did... did you know?" he asked her, staring straight in her eyes.
"Me? Did I know?" Zariel looked away, lowering her eyes to the floor. His brows raised as he waited for her answer. "Uh...yes. I knew"
His gaze went dark that instant. The air went cold as his head tilted backwards. And if looks could kill, she would have dropped dead. "For how long ?" he demanded.
"Ever since she came"
"You knew...." he breathed out "And you couldn't tell me? Why?"
Zariel sighed "You were such a bully. I was punishing you" she said.
"Bully? You dare call me a bully. Have I ever bullied you?"
"Yes" she quick to say.
"Why would I bully you? Except you were getting on my nerves" Ryan said. "Now give me a very good reason why you never told me"
"Well, I wanted you to find out on your own. Telling you is a very bad idea." His brows raised again, demanding for clearer explanations. "You see....if you have known from the beginning, you would have used her. And not love her like you do now. All you ever cared about before was ending the pain. So if I had told you, do you think you would be with your sweet Ari right now?"
Hmm. What she said made sense. Who would have thought he would ever use his Ari? Made sense...
"You're right. Very right" he said while nodding and she smiled brightly.
"Thank you, young master"
Just then Leonel walked in. "We're leaving now, young master" he said, and Ryan stood up.
"Let's go see that punk" he said while buttoning his suit. And then he lifted his eyes and looked at the two. They were exchanging glances. "Did you know too?" he asked.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you knew as well" he repeated, voice rugged and harsh.
"K-knew what, young master?" Leonel stuttered.
"That Ari is my bride"
"Ah... about that..."
"Damnit!" Ryan cursed out loud, causing the two to shudder. "Now I see you've been so loyal" he spoke ironically. He remembered Zayden was the one who spoke about demons wanting Aria dead. He knew as well. Of course, he does. "Bunch of loyal people" he cursed again.
"We're sorry, young master..."
"Save it. I don't need it, let's just go" he moved away from the desk towards the door.
"Young master" Zariel called. "I'm going out today. I'll come back really late"
Ryan turned and looked at her "You're going out... So what about my Ari. You want to leave her alone when she comes?"
"I believe you'll be back before that time, right?" she looked at Leonel, hoping it as what she was thinking.
"Yes, young master" he said.
"You know..." Ryan began "I really want to punish you. Both of you." their lips pressed together. What have they done now? "First. You bought Ari a car, depriving me of my right to follow her to school. With the saying that I'm busy. Who do you think you are?"
"We're your assistants" they replied. "Han group would go bankrupt with the way you're so lazy" Leonel spoke.
"Such guts" Ryan spoke through clenched. "You all shall be punished for taking my right away from me. Let's see that punk first" he opened the door and walked out.
They both let out an air they've been holding. "He has changed" Zariel said.
"That's right" he agreed. "If it was ten years ago, we would never have been able to talk to him this way" he shook head.
"True. I remember when he almost ripped your heart out when you told him to see a doctor because he was feeling sick. I wonder where he got the strength to attack you"
"Sigh...it really was a bad experience. I wonder why he hated the hospital. He's part human yet he doesn't check on himself...."
"Chairman Park!!!" Ryan's dark voice echoed through the walls and into his ears. He almost shuddered.
"I better go now. See you later"
"Hmm bye"
Leonel rushed outside and was met by Ryan's dark gaze. "Sorry" he said and immediately walked towards the car.
"Now I'm wondering if I should kill you or that punk"
"Don't do anything stupid"
"Tch!" he climbed the car and Leonel drove out.