Ariel' office: Loretta 's Visit

ARIEL'S POV I've loved my fast-paced work, but seriously l need a break. I haven't been myself for weeks and I can't pinpoint what's tossed me off so much. Is it Loretta's nagging concerning our wedding? Or is it Arielle? I try to forget, but each time my mind will dwell on the way she sat on my lap, her whole body on display for me. I've never seen her idolise the way she did that night, and it's stuck in my memory. I ponder who it is that had her so messed up that night. I'm not a moron. It was obvious that she needed to remove somebody from her system and I couldn't stand the thought of anybody causing her that much torment. If l wasn't there will she have made out with someone? I haven't seen her with anybody in a long time. I murmur and focus on my work, taking my time to examine the reports before me,Suddenly my door opens, Jim and I are shocked as Loretta strolls in, a tight grin on her face. I checked your schedule and it appears you're free, right? She said to me as she sat down on the chair facing me . Jim excused himself, 'Loretta," I said, what a pleasant surprise. I can count the number of times she's come to my office on one hand. What brings you here? She grins firmly. We've rarely talked like civilized people these weeks, and each time we do, we are quarrelling. The latest was on her birthday, she faulted me for not making ample time for her friends, friends she is keeping our relationship status from. 'We have to talk," she says, her voice delicate. I'm all ears, speak. I'm fed up arguing with her. I need to get this relationship back on track. What would you like to talk about? I asked, my voice calm. 'Ariel," she says, her voice breaking. 'I can't do this. I can't wed you. I put my elbows on my desk and buried my hands in my hair as l raised an eyebrow. Don't spit nonsense, I said to her. Our wedding is next week, Loretta. You've delayed it four times. I'm done with this .'Ariel ,I'm out, The more I think of it, the more it torments me. Your family's rules, we can't spend more than three nights apart, but how is that going to work? You can't take time off from work to go with me when I'm shooting, and I can't take three days off. For how long will l continue like this, I'm at the peak of my career, and I can't take a break now maybe shortly when the time is right .We both know it isn't now.I gaze at her, and see the torment in her eyes. Loretta,I say, my voice a whisper, my love.This marriage isn't just between you and l. It's for our families, our companies and my inheritance. We're fortunate that we fell for each other, but in the long run, it's an arranged marriage. It's not something either of us can pull out from." She shakes her head.I know. I'm not saying I won't wed you at all. I'm saying this is the wrong timing. Maybe when l retire and we might even need children then. Loretta, Marriage isn't a child's play.I am Warren ,we cherish family alot. I know, but right now, I certainly do not think l can put my career on hold for this marriage.I drop quiet as her words ring through my ears. No doubt, maybe she's right, but it's as well late presently. 'My love," my tone delicate. 'I know you're stressed, but we'll overcome. Whatever the challenges are , l believe that we will find a soft landing.There is always light at the end of the tunnel and we are already there.We don't have a choice, you can't walk away from this." She rises to her feet and shakes her head. Loretta gazes at me, her look sorrowful and filled with sadness. 'I'm done, Ariel, she said. She takes her engagement ring out of her purse and places it on my desk, gazing at it for a second, she pushes it toward me. She hardly wore the ring, however, my heart was shattered as she returned it to me. Loretta, please, don't do this, I pleaded. She shakes her head. I'm sorry. My career is my top priority. Giving me a sorry look, she shuts my office door. I became speechless and confused. This isn't her first time having cold feet, but it feels different this time. It feels over and I have no idea what I'm going to do.