The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 47: Her Promise

Chapter 47: Her Promise

Aryana recuperated in the hospital for five days. Amy and Elaine have visited her a few times. Erik somehow became busy and she did not see his shadow during the rest of her confinement. Aryana thought that maybe what happened when she woke up in the hospital after she was assaulted was merely a figment of her imagination. She wanted to ask Marlon what was up with Erik but because of her pride, she did not bother anymore.

She was discharged that Thursday afternoon and Marlon took her home. She was disappointed because she did not see Erik but she dare not asked Marlon about his whereabouts.

"What’s troubling you?" Marlon asked her when the traffic light turned red.

"Nothing." She answered indifferently. "I am just thinking about how unlucky I am."

"Yes, you are right. Erik went on a business trip and will be back tomorrow."

Aryana can’t help it and quickly glanced at Marlon.

"Then, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be accompanying him?"

"Ace is with him. Besides, he assigned me an important task." He parked the car and went out to open the door for her.

He carried her luggage to her apartment. "Erik arranged a house help for you. You are not fully recovered yet and it is also not good for you to be alone."

Aryana used her thumbprint to open the door. She paused at the door and looked at Marlon.

"Really? I will thank him later." She retired into her room and changed into more comfortable clothes. When she went back to the living room Marlon has company. She was a middle-aged woman who looked gentle and had a temperament of a good mother.

"Hello there child, you can call me Nana Selma." She smiled gently and extended her fat hand to Aryana.

"You can call me Yana, Nana Selma. Please carry your things into that bedroom." She said gently.

"Eh, Marlon.." Aryana paused. "Can you stay for the night?" She hated to admit it but her abduction has left her with not only external injuries but also a kind of fear that gripped her every time she closed her eyes.

"Even if you will not agree, I’ll stay here tonight. I can sleep on the couch. I even brought a change of clothes." Marlon showed her his backpack.

After dinner, Aryana decided to go to her room to rest. She opened WhatsApp and messaged Erik.

Aryana: Thank you for arranging a house help.

Erik’s status on WhatsApp was green but even after waiting for a few minutes, Aryana did not get any reply.

She heard consecutive dings on her cell phone. She checked the training department’s GC and a lot were online.

Elaine: Aryana look at the photos that Jade posted.

Aryana scrolled up and she frowned when she saw a photo of Erik and Julia in a restaurant and in front of the hotel. There was another photo where Julia was sitting closely beside Erik on a couch. Julia was smiling while Erik has a surprised expression on his face.

Jade: They are really engaged. The business trip is just a cover.

Macy: I know right?

Arlene: Do you hear what I hear?

Jade: What?

Arlene: Wedding bells!

Aryana’s face was so gloomy. She exited the GC and looked at the entertainment section. The headline made her even more depressed.

"Real estate mogul on a dinner date with rumored fiancée."

"Billionaire is seen with girlfriend exiting the hotel together."

"Most eligible bachelor, to tie the knot soon."

Aryana put her cell phone in silent mode and turned off the light leaving just the bedside lamp on. She was now convinced. What happened in the hospital was just a dream. She closed her eyes and let herself be swallowed by her sleep.

***

The following day Marlon gave her a shopping bag and told her to change into the dress. At 5:30 pm, they left her apartment and was brought to the Palace in the Sky, a famous restaurant situated on top of a hill with a scenic view of the entire Central District.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"You will know later on." He gave her a meaningful smile.

Marlon just dropped her off and left afterwards. Aryana was escorted by the head waitress to the 3rd floor. It was an open space for al fresco dining.

Aryana was amazed by the beauty of the place.

The lighting and the decoration were superb. The lone table was situated strategically in such a way that the occupants will have an unobstructed view of the cityscape below. The artificial trees were decked with small lights that resembled fireflies. The path that lead to the table where lined with scented candles. She could not help herself so she took out her cell phone and snapped a few photos.

Then her gaze landed on the man who came from the farthest corner of the balcony. He was wearing a black suit that made him look even more handsome.

Aryana was holding her breath as Erik started to walk in her direction in big unhurried strides.

Their gaze locked for a moment and Aryana’s heart started to beat faster. She has a lot of things to ask about the rumors but there will be a time for that.

"You looked lovely tonight Yana," Erik whispered to her and she could feel his warm breath on her neck.

Aryana blushed as she looked down and hooked her hands in his arms and Erik lead her to the table.

Erik booked the entire third floor so there was only the two of them.

The waiters served them their food and wine and they were left on their own.

Romantic jazz music suddenly filled the air.

"Eat," Erik told her and she obediently picked up her knife and cut the steak.

"How many boyfriends did you have Ayana?" Erik asked all of a sudden.

"Hmm, one" She answered tentatively. She had a lot of suitors back in high school and college but she never gave them a chance because she wanted to focus on her studies.

"Just one, seriously?" He asked in disbelief.

Aryana glanced at him shyly.

"How about you? With so many women fawning for you, I am pretty sure you can’t count them on your fingers."

"Ha ha ha." Erik chuckled and then a hint of bitterness flashed through his eyes for a fleeting second.

Erik put down his spoon and fork and poured wine into their glasses.

"So have you decided?" He asked nonchalantly and then he downed the entire glass of wine.

Aryana took a sip of the wine and looked at Erik in a profound way.

"I agree to your proposal." She said softly still looking at Erik to decipher any change in his expression.

The corner of Erik’s lips curled up slightly but his face remained expressionless.

"Great!" He said in a business-like tone.

He pulled something from his pocket and took out the ring from the velvet box. He then reached out for Aryana’s hand and slip the ring on her finger.

"Though this is not about love, I still want you to have a good memory." Erik’s voice was devoid of emotion. A fleeting memory from five years ago appeared in his mind but he shook it off.

Aryana smiled half-heartedly. She pretended to look down to study the ring so she can blink away the tear that was about to fall.

At least Erik was still good to her. He gave her an engagement ring.

"It is very pretty." She said honestly.

"Let’s register our marriage tomorrow."

Aryana looked at him in a trance. After some time she stood and gracefully walked towards the railing of the balcony. From her view, the city was bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun. The slanting rays of the sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky broken by a few feathery clouds scattered randomly in the west. The sunset was so late on that day.

A feeling of sadness engulfed her but she brushed it away. ’I will definitely make you fall for me. I promise.’

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