Chapter Eighty six
Ariana's POV;
It was Valentine's day.
I could not think of anything to give dad so I opted for a love filled valentine card. I read it out to him.
"Thank you for raising me with love, supporting me with pride and encouraging me to grow into the person I am today. I love you Dad. Happy Valentine's day." I said with a watery smile.
"Thank you Miel. You really never cease to put a smile on my face." He said lovingly even as he gradually raised his hand and caressed my cheek.
"You always make me so proud of you every day. I truly believe I did something good in my past life to be given a daughter like you."
A few tears dropped from my eyes as he said so and he wiped them.
"I love you." He said.
"I love you too." I mouthed back, placing my palm on his own palm placed on my cheek.
Like he had an epiphany, he said out of the blue that he wanted me to get him pickles.
"Dad you don't even like pickles." I pointed out but he vehemently disagreed. To let peace reign, I trudged out of the room to and headed for the nearest grocery shop.
Outside the hospital, I bumped into Nolan whom I forgot to mention had been coming around to see my dad but had also been acting all awkward around me.
"Hi." I muttered and tried walking past him.
"Hi uh, Ariana. Wait." He called after me as I walked away from him.
I halted my steps and turned to him.
"Yeah?"
He walked up to my side.
"Where are you going?"
"To get some pickles for dad." I answered him, picking up my phone as a notification came through.
"Can I tag along?" He requested. I found it a bit surprising but I agreed anyway.
"Sure thing." I said with a shrug and we walked out of the premises.
"Happy Valentine's day, by the way." He said with a small smile.
"Happy Valentine's day." I said back.
He dipped his hand into his back pocket and got out a packaged rose flower.
"I got this for you." He said nervously. I paused in my steps and took it.
"That's really sweet. Thanks Nolan." I grinned slightly.
"I know it's really small compared to what your husband can give you-"
I did not like where the conversation was heading so I cut him short.
"It's the thought that counts." I said with a tight lipped smile and continued walking the short distance as we neared the grocery store.
Speaking of my husband, he called the previous day but hadn't called or texted me throughout the morning so I thought he probably forgot about Valentine's day. Not like I cared though.
I walked into the store and picked up a pickle jar. It was then I realized that I had other stuff to buy so I picked out a few things for myself and dad, then I went over to the cashier and handed over my card for payment. Nolan offered to pay but I disagreed.
"So now that you're married to a billionaire, you won't let me pay for you anymore?" I heard him say as we left the store.
"How does my husband's financial status have anything to do with turning down your offer out of courtesy?" I asked, not getting how those two facts were connected.
"Well, back then-"
"Back then, we were best friends." I cut him short once again.
"Then, let's go back to being best friends again."
"Sorry that's impossible at this point." I muttered and walked ahead of him.
"Ariana, you know I like you right?"
"About time you said it." I muttered with an eye roll. I was no fool and it isn't rocket science to detect a man who likes you more than a friend and can't tell you but is always throwing constant jabs at the man you're married to.
"You knew?!" He sounded appalled by my sardonic reply.
"Who wouldn't?" I retorted.
"So what do you think?" He asked nervously expectant for a reply.
"I'm married, Nolan." I said, suddenly tired of the conversation with him.
We had reached the hospital and I was currently heading towards dad's room.
"Of course I know that but I don't mind, I still like you." He said in haste while I turned the door knob and went in.
I stumbled backwards at what I saw. The room had been fully decorated with balloons and flowers all over the place and there was even a cake placed in the middle.
I turned to Nolan.
"Did you do this?" I asked him not caring about our ongoing conversation.
"No, I'm as shocked as you are." He said. His shock seemed genuine.
I walked further into the room and saw my dad sporting a smile.
"Dad, who did all this?" I asked in surprise.
"Wait, don't tell me." I paused him even as he tried to speak.
"Damien had someone decorate the room to surprise me and you were in on it." I said confidently. I was so sure of my answer and he smiled giving me a slow nod even as he breathed slowly.
"You got it but there's more though."
"More?" I asked confusedly.
I felt a pair of arms slowly wrap my waist and a familiar cologne scent filled my nostrils.
"Happy Valentine's day babe." His deep baritone said in my ear and dropped a kiss on my neck.
I squealed, jumped, turned around and locked eyes with the person I hadn't seen in six weeks, right before me.
I managed a response, still in shock.
"You always surprise me." I said with a chuckle and ran my eyes all over the room once again.
"Thank you." I said gratefully as I turned back to him. His gestures were really sweet sometimes.
"Anything for you babe but I deserve more than a thank you, don't you think?" He said with his usual teasing smirk.
"I don't understand." I feigned cluelessness.
"I'll make you understand." He licked his lower lip seductively even as he eyes went darker.
I felt a wetness in between my thighs as he did that. Oh hell no body, hell no!
He placed his lips on mine and I kissed back in the same fervour.
What? I missed him okay!
The awkward clearing of someone's throat brought us out of our moment and we reflexively turned to where it came from.
"I think I should leave." Nolan said. I saw as his ears turned red and his cheeks flushed.
"See you around Norman." Damien said holding me firmly by the waist.
"It's Nolan." His nose flared.
"Right, Noel." Damien said like he just remembered. I could tell he was doing that on purpose to spite the man but what could I do?
Nolan muttered his goodbyes with a displeased frown on his face and I managed a response.
It wasn't until we heard the door shut that we both burst out laughing for no reason at all.
"How are you?" He asked, caressing my face softly.
"I'm fine."
"You look stressed out." He pointed out.
"You do too." I said back.
"Ariana hasn't been sleeping well. She's been worrying so much and working too." My dad spoke up.
"Dad!" I exclaimed. He shrugged m
I knew how protective Damien was. He could just decide to make me go back to LA with him and that would lead to another big fight and I'd have to hate all over again. I wss willing to try to make things work to fulfil my dad's wish but if he did something else at this point, he was going to be a goner for sure.
"Let me take you out tonight, let's just dine and wine and you get some rest while at it. Deal?" He offered gently.
"But dad-" I tried protesting based on the fact that I had to watch over my father.
"I'm fine! Live a little Ariana." My father cut my protest short and I glared at him.
"What do you say?" Damien asked again.
I groaned.
"Fine..." I dragged.
"But," I had a condition.
"We shouldn't stay out late. Curfew's at nine." I said, leaving no room for argument.
"Yes ma'am." He gave me a mock salute before pressing his lips on mine again.
"I've missed you." He gave me a sheepish grin. It was really cute.
I giggled and nuzzled him like I usually did.
"You two are so adorable." I heard a strange voice and reflexively turned to it.
"Babe this is, Drew. My assistant." He introduced me to the dashing green eyed young man who took casual dressing to a whole other level.
"Nice to meet you." I stretched my hand for a handshake and he kissed my fingers instead.
"The pleasure's all mine ma'am, I've been dying to meet you. You're so beautiful." He gushed and smiled shyly.
"Drew..." Damien dragged in a warning tone.
"Yes, sorry sir." Drew left my hand with immediate effect sporting a bashful grin.
"I like him." I smirked.
Damien being the jealous husband as always, glared at both of us before protectively putting his arm around me.
We all laughed at his expense.
Oh well, Valentine's day sure started off well.
