chapter 6

Ariel Cowell pov

The shock on my face was visible as Gabrielle told me about the mark. I have been looking for my savior for so long, little did I know I had found him already. My happiness grew more, the smile playing on my lips became even wider, who won't be happy?

He respected me, he took care of me, he paid for my bills, and not to mention he bought new clothes for me. I smile as tears roll down my eyes, I nod my head as he looks at me

" yes it's me, I'm the one"

" Gabrielle, why did you not keep your contact details? Do you know I have been looking for you?'' I hit him on the chest playfully as I sob more. I asked the receptionist but she said she could not give me your details. I went back to the restaurant but they refused.

"Ssshhh enough with the tears you've been crying too much lately don't make me think I married a cry baby"

" that's what you get for giving me reasons to cry"

"Okay, okay I promise I won't make you cry anymore, so please can you stop crying now, if someone should come in now they will think I bullied my newly wedded wife

" But you're guilty as charged" we joked around for some time while the food arrived

" Why aren't you eating come on open up … open up …..good boy" I feed Gabrielle as the both of us eat our food in silence just sending glances at each other now and then. After we were done we went out for a troll because I badly wanted to get some fresh air. I needed it and with the company of Gabrielle, it made the time spent worth the effort.

" Our honeymoon did not take long because I married the replacement bride, so I needed to head home and provide my family with an explanation. By the evening we set out I could feel how nervous Arie was, the closer we got to our destination the more anxious and nervous she became.

" are you scared"

"Yes"

I'm not prepared for it I wish the ground could just open up and swallow me at this moment in time

" But why"

"Gabrielle I could tell from the look on your mothers face on the day of our wedding that she will never accept me, but it's okay I mean I am used to people not liking me so it won't be a problem I just hope she won't make things too difficult for me"

"I'm sorry about that but you don't have to worry about anything, okay… I don't care who accepts you or not, the most important detail is if I accept you and that's the most valuable thing. So take your mind off them I have you covered"

Gabrielle placed a quick kiss on my forehead, I smiled as I thought of the drastic change my life has undergone in the past 1week. Who would have thought I would end up marrying such a man? I smile at the memories.

I don't know when I fell asleep but when I woke up we were already at the family house. I was nicely covered with his jacket while still laying in the car. I wonder why he did not wake me. I quickly glance my eyes around looking for him, I see him standing outside so I call out to him

"Gabrielle… Gabrielle"

"Hey you're awake, hope you had some rest"

" yes I did but why did you not wake me up?"

"It was my decision so come on let's go inside, everyone is waiting for us"

"You always have your way, please help me with my hair it looks messy help tie it in a pony"

"Okay "

Gabrielle helps me put my hair in a nicely packed pony, and he is so good at it … it shows am up for surprises… I find myself smiling for no good reason

" you haven't seen half yet and you're already fascinated. Come on, you're degrading me, I have a lot more to show you," he complains as we walk in together.

The old house as Gabrielle refers to the family house is very big. It's more like a castle, it is beautifully decorated with ancient antiques. Gabrielle says everything in the mansion is decorated according to grandmother's taste and I won't be surprised if his grandfather dotes on his wife.

My steps become shaky as we get into the living room. Everyone is present I guess because it is so full of so many people.

Gabrielle senses my resistance and takes my hand in his, we walk through as he introduces me to everyone from grandmother to grandfather, then mother, father, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the servants. The list was never-ending.

I can barely remember their names. I think I will get acquainted with the names shortly, but I'm already in love with his grandmother. She is such a darling and from the looks of things, she dots more on Gabrielle.

"Okay since the both of you are finally here it's time we head to the dining hall for breakfast" Gabrielle's mom spoke as she led the others. I quietly followed Gabrielle and Grandmother.

At the diner, I took a seat close to my husband. I was not ready to embrace myself. Am not the kind who is more into etiquette but I have to put in an effort for his sake.

"Arielle its the family tradition that the newlywed wife serves the family on the first meal she shares with them so come I show you how to do it,"

Gabrielle's mom tells me as I rise and head to where she is standing, at least I will get to know what Gabrielle likes to eat from the variety of dishes on this table.

"By doing these it helps you bond with the family, every wife you see sitting down here did it, I did it when I first came and the mother in law is the one to help you, in the future, you will be the one assisting the wives of your kids"

"If only you will last till then"

I played the dumb card as I pretended not to have heard what my mother-in-law said, I know she is trying her level best not to lash out at me in such an environment so I calm myself as she points the dishes while I serve, beginning from the head of the family which is grandpa, one thing I have noticed so far is they pay utmost attention and respect for hierarchy.

While still serving the door bangs open and a young lady of about 18 rushes in and takes my seat, no one objected and she did not greet

" how ruth," I thought to myself

"Peal it seems you forgot your manners at home before coming" Gabrielle cautions her

" Gab we haven't seen each other for months and this is what you tell me first? She asks as she plays angry

" of course not your highness, how can i" he replies as he engulfs her into a tight hug, I wonder who she is, I don't know why but I feel uncomfortable with her presence

"Mom told me you got married to Solange so where is she? Hey there can you serve me a glass of juice"

It took me by surprise everyone turn to look at me, the young lady must have mistaken me for one of the servants or something

" PEAL!!!!

Gabrielle shouts at her as he bangs his hand on the table, his facial expression is not the best, I have never seen him this angry he looks like a lion in rage

"Say sorry… apologize right now"

" And why should I? I only asked for a glass of juice, and I know she is not a servant here but who cares she must be one of your employees.

She serves you right? She works for you, right? So tell me why can't she do a simple task like serving me juice, she is here to work."

"Even so, she works for me, not you… my employees are not allowed to be boss around by others do you get it, and she is not my employee she is my wife so you have to respect her, she is your sister in law, not some employee so go ahead apologize now"

" oh good... since she is my sister in law it gives more reasons why she should pour me juice, she needs to get on the good side of the family so she better do it"

" peal I wIll take everything from everyone but…. I won't take It when anyone I mean anyone under looks my wife or disrespects her, keep it in mind if you hurt her you hurt so I will advise everyone here should trade with caution.

And on a bitter note, she needs no approval from anyone if you like you all may resent her all she needs is my love and approval which she has so I won't entertain anyone bullying my wife willfully or unwillful"

Gabrielle gets up as he takes me out, the family is left in a daze. I could see the fright in their eyes, he is cold to the outside world. We head to the parking lot as he helps me get seated, buckle up my seat belt and we drive out. I fear to speak so I remain silent am scared he will get even angrier if I say something

"Where do you want us to go eat?"

Gabrielle ask which makes me feel more relive

"I don't know of many places, why don't we try one of your favorite restaurants?

"To be honest I don't have a favorite restaurant, I just eat where I find convenient. So how about I take you to my favorite place? I need some quiet time…."

Okay so why don't we order take out so it's delivered at the location or we might as well pick it up while heading there, what do you say? You haven't eaten so I won't be taking no for an answer.

" seems am left with no choice, but to agree with what my wife wants right"

Yes… you have no way out so I will take that as a yes

"Okay then… I think it will be convenient if we pick up the order so by the time we get there it will be ready. Here, use my phone.

I placed the order, and when we got there it was ready…. So we quickly picked it up and headed towards the outskirts of the city, no doubt this guy is a mystery, we got to the sea and it had a beautiful resort.

"It belongs to me and from now henceforth it's yours as well, it's private so only the staff are available, no one knows it's owned by me, you're the first person I am taking here."

When he said those words I felt so honored he leads me in and the servants all gather waiting for orders

"This is your mistress so from today onwards her words are my words, her orders are my orders no one is allowed to disrespect, or underlook her if I find out any of you go against your vows you know the consequences… DISMISS''

"YES SIRE"

Wow that was cool

"Come with me I will take you to my favorite spot"

Gabrielle leads me to a room that is well decorated, all of it is covered in white except the pool which is blue which gives it an alluring view.

"When I first came back abroad from studies, I was forced to take over the company. It has never been my dream to stay in the family business but I had to oblige at that time because I lost my only brother to this same struggle. I do blame myself for his death because I left him shoulder everything at such the tender age of 13 he was already attending business meetings while I could play and have fun

He doted on me so much but I failed to notice his pain. when he turned 23. Dad organized a handover party. We are born with the blessings of the gods so saying we are intelligent in everything we do is not pride but the truth. My brother was more than dad so he thought it wise to hand over the company to him

On the day of the event, I had gone out of town so I was just coming back. He insisted I stay with him. He had nothing to eat that day. We played chess, football, basketball, and many more games which he loved but never got the chance to play. At noon I went out to get him something to eat only to come back and find him acting all like a lunatic

The only person he remembers was me, I cried but nothing could be done. The doctor said he was suffering from depression and anxiety and so it lead him into a mental trauma, but that did not stop my father and the family as I was forced to take the place of my brother and was announced as the heir

After taking over I realized he had gone through so many life treads he life was hanging on the threat so I decided I won't go down the same path I will uphold justice for him, this resort is known to the outside world as a normal resort and with its elegance, you have to book at least 6 months to a year in advance giving us the time to prepare.

The servants you saw are secret agents, they protect me in the dark, and from now henceforth they will be protecting you too. Before we leave you will be assigned a female agent and a male agent who will always accompany you in the name of family or friends to avoid suspicion.

The world out there is so dangerous so I don't want to take chance"

Gabrielle appears to be strong but he is very pitiful and soft-hearted, I caress his hair as he leans on my shoulder

"I promise I won't leave you no matter what, I will stay by your side even if the world turns its back on you I promise to be there for you" we sit in silence as we watch the beautiful scenery around us.

"In the nearest future if anything should happen to me this should be the first place you should bring me is here, my family should never find out and if you're faced with the danger the first place that should come to your mind before you even think of calling the police is here… you should head here for you will always be safe here I am understood?"

"Yes"

But stop worrying nothing bad will happen to me,

"Arie I have never been the type to make decisions about myself, it's always controlled by the family or my father. But you are different, you're the one I choose.. The one I want, we have done everything a couple should do so I feel more connected to you and will protect you with my life, the road ahead won't be an easy one especially with the family

But you don't have to worry, for I will always be there for you. We are in these together, I feel complete. I have such a beautiful angel as a wife. Tell me who won't be happy?

So relax, okay let your hubby get you covered.