Chapter 149 And Cut!

Chapter 149 And Cut!
Epilogue

Years Later

Uriel's POV

"Ready?"

"You know I'm never ready to face those angry reporters," I groaned, taking Ryder's hand inside the car.

"It's inevitable, baby. Who wouldn't want to interview the best artist in the world and the recent owner of RIEL ART GALLERY." Ryder wiggled his eyebrow at me.

"Now you're flattering me," I chuckled, playfully hitting his chest.

"But I'm still speaking facts. Our children will be proud to have a Basketball Star Player as a father and a successful artist as a mother," Ryder said, pride evident in his tone.

"Okay, take it easy." Chuckling, I said.

A knock on the window snapped us out of our playful conversations. The guards had arrived, creating a barricade.

I don't even know who told these reporters that we'd be going for an interview at BND News House.

A long sigh escaped my lips as we finally made it into the News House in one piece.

"Welcome! Sorry about the lions out there." Winnie, the interviewer joked, ushering us into the camera room.

"Lions indeed," I concurred, squeezing Ryder's hand in mine. He looked at me, flashing me that famous smitten look he always gave me.

"Please sit," Winnie ushered us in. "I'm sure you're already used to these kind of settings. Especially you, Ryder Connell."

"What can I say?" Ryder shrugged, waiting for me to sit down before he joined me, placing his hand on my thigh possessively.

"Okay, Camera," Winnie instructed the group of persons who stood behind the large camera's, setting it up.

"Ready, Ma."

The flashlight came on, the camera light bleeped and then Winnie made a quick introduction of herself first, before introducing us.

"So, we'd be talking about your relationship life today. Your fans have been wondering how you guys got to meet and at what point you knew you were the one for each other," Winnie asked, holding her iPad.

Ryder and I stared at each other, chuckling.

"Well... I can't say we were high school sweethearts..." I started, raising my eyebrow at Ryder.

"Nope. High School was just the preliminary ground for the feelings to brew. It was the birthing stage." Ryder added, his eyes flickering between my eyes and lips.

Winnie cleared her throat, snapping us out of our little moment. We both chuckled, turning back to the camera.

"Ryder and I were archenemies. That is to say, we didn't pass the same lane, at all. He made it his mission on earth to frustrate me." Ryder widened his eyes, looking at me. "What? Am I lying?"

He rolled his eyes. "I used to think she was too full of herself back then and somehow it kinda intrigued me, you know. She was the only person in school then who stood up to me and my ego couldn't handle it," Ryder shook his head.

"I knew it pricked you somewhere," smiling, I teased him. "Someone had to deflate that ego of yours somehow."

"I'm glad that someone was you." Ryder winked, making my cheeks burn red.

"Oh my God!" Winnie chuckled. "I don't think my jealous ass can stand all these,"

"Sorry," I muttered.

"So, this question is for you, Uriel. How have you been able to manage both your art gallery, your man's career and being a girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Ryder scoffed, taking my hand out.

Winnie gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh my goodness! You guys are engaged."

"Yeahhh. For three months now." I added. Honestly, if felt like yesterday. My eyes came down to my finger, twinkling at the sight of the two pieces that lay there.

My promise ring and my engagement ring.

Indeed, the ring was beginning to make more sense as it multiplied. Just like Ryder said.

"I'm so sorry. Should I rephrase?" Winnie asked.

"No, no. I'll just answer it," I sighed, staring at Ryder for a while. "Well, I'll say we've been both very understanding. Also, my fiancé has been very supportive of my career, as I have with his. We know where to step in and how to step in for each other. Relationship is all about understanding and taking sacrifices and there have been many times where those really played a huge part."

"She has said it all," Ryder brushed his thumb on my knee.

"Wow. That was a really educational speech. Understand and Taking Sacrifices. I'm sure your fans are learning." Winnie spoke scrolling through the iPad. "Okay... There's this art work in your gallery that the world can't stop talking about. Did you envision it going viral?"

I giggled, shaking my head. "The Deriel Piece." My tongue brushed over my lips.

"My best piece!" Ryder chimed in.

"Honestly, it was a school project. That piece was made during our bonding back stage in College after staying apart for a whole year, not speaking to each other. I really put my heart to that piece and though I didn't expect it to go viral but I knew it had so much potential." I nodded slowly.

"It's even dedicated to Ryder," Winnie cooed

"I mean, it's about me," Ryder prided himself. "I knew Uriel was good but she outdid herself with that piece. It was simple yet deep. I don't even know how to explain it." Ryder demonstrated with his hand.

"My favorite piece is the second one though. The one I made after I got out of the hospital. It was a summary of how our lives evolved." I spoke again.

Winnie nodded, "yeahhh. The special one in tribute of Eve Connell. May her soul rest in peace."

"May her soul rest in peace." Ryder and I both said, a sad smile on our faces.

"When I read your article on the meaning of that second piece, I was crying. I'm sure the whole world was," Winnie pouted, placing her free hand on her chest.

We went on to talk about other random things, made jokes here and there, talked about our careers extensively and then threw an advice out there.

"Before we call it a day, there's one last question from me. Not the fans this time around," Winnie smirked.

"Okay?"

"If you were to give a name or title to you and Ryder's love story, what would it be?"

Ryder raised his shoulders up, shaking his head as to tell me he didn't know.

Clearing my throat, I placed my hand in his. "Once My Bully."

"What?" Winnie and Ryder asked same time, making me laugh.

"Yeah. He was once my bully before the love all came in. A bully turned lover romance story. Readers love these kinda stories," I tried convincing them.

"Well, true!" Winnie agreed. "Any last words for your fans?"

"Allow yourself love." Ryder said, shrugging.

"Forgive. Second chances aren't all bad, just know who you're giving it to... Is this person worth it? Be very selective of your choices." My face turned to me Ryder's face. "As for me, I made the best decision with this man right here."

Ryder leaned in, sealing the interview with a soft kiss on my lips. "I love you, my world."

"And cut!"

The End.