Yours Ryan [Original Edition]

Chapter 11: An accident

It's been three months since Tanya had stopped talking to Ryan. In fact, she hadn't even glanced at him during this time. It was as though she had completely given up on trying to mend their relationship. Ryan knew he should feel relieved about this change, but instead, the situation left him feeling exasperated.

Every time he came home, he was greeted by an empty couch. There were no more fights, no more conversations, and no more laughter. This was their current reality. Their marriage felt like a complete failure, which, ironically, was what he had initially wanted.

Tanya had fully adapted to the new changes in her life. She was now thoroughly enjoying her time at college. She had even made some new friends, though no more than three, as she wasn't comfortable with large groups. Sometimes, she would think about their marriage and feel a pang of sadness because this wasn't the life she had envisioned. However, she would quickly remind herself of the real Ryan and push those feelings aside.

Ryan had noticed several changes in Tanya's behavior: frequent phone calls, coming home late, and spending time outside with friends. Sometimes, he wondered if she was having an affair, which would make his blood boil. But he couldn't do anything about it because he himself had insisted that they stay out of each other's personal lives.

One day, mustering all his courage, Ryan directly confronted Tanya about her nights out. Her response left him flabbergasted.

"Ryan, it's my personal matter and you are no one to interfere," she said coolly.

She was right; he had no right to interfere. But wasn't he still her husband? This thought gnawed at him, leaving him mad, angry, and annoyed. But he was Ryan Raichand, and he wouldn't show his emotions to anyone. *Sigh*.

**Four Months Later at Columbia Business School:**

An important event was being held at Columbia Business School, and everyone was busy preparing to ensure everything went perfectly. Tanya was assigned the task of preparing students to ask questions to the chief guest.

"Babe, you look splendid," Clare exclaimed with a whistle as she came backstage.

"Thank you, Clare. You look beautiful too," Tanya smiled warmly.

"Hey ladies..." A man in a black suit grinned at them, his dimples showing.

"Hey, Zach. How are you?" Clare asked sweetly.

"I'm fine. And Tanya, you look absolutely gorgeous," Zach said, winking at her. Tanya rolled her eyes but managed to stay polite.

"Thank you so much, Professor Zach," she replied, trying to sound sweet.

Zach had had a crush on Tanya since he first saw her. He was smitten by her wheatish complexion and her perfect hourglass figure.

"Tanya, let's go to the main hall. The guest will arrive soon," Clare said, dragging Tanya along. Zach followed them like a lost puppy.

"Zach, do you know who the chief guest is?" Clare asked.

"No idea."

The principal had kept the identity of the chief guest a surprise, and everyone assumed it must be someone significant.

Minutes later, the principal, Mrs. Scarlet Jones, walked towards the podium, halting everyone's anticipation.

"Girls and boys, welcome to Tech Year 2020," she began. The students hooted and clapped.

"There is something special about this year's function. Our chief guest today is such a great man that I am at a loss for words to describe him. But I bet you all will be thrilled to see him here," Mrs. Jones said, building the suspense. Tanya raised an eyebrow at Clare, who just shrugged.

"So without further ado, I am inviting the self-made man, king of business... none other than the great Mr. Ryan Raichand." Tanya's smile faded, and her eyes widened in shock. The students erupted into cheers, with some girls screaming so loudly it seemed their larynxes might give out.

"Oh my God, I am dead!" one girl exclaimed.

"Hailey, look at my face. Is it okay? And how are my boobs?" another girl, Merlin, the head of the school, asked, squishing her breasts.

"Bitch," Tanya muttered under her breath. Clare gulped and tried to calm her down.

"Babe, calm down. Nothing will happen," Clare said soothingly. Tanya nodded curtly. Zach, listening to their conversation, was confused.

As Ryan stepped into the light, loud screams erupted from every corner. Some girls literally fainted. Ryan smiled and waved at the crowd but stopped suddenly as his gaze fell on someone who had caused him many sleepless nights. Tanya looked away and busied herself talking with Clare and Zach.

Ryan was surprised and shocked to see Tanya because he never knew she was associated with such a reputed college. He felt ashamed, realizing he was probably the first husband who didn't know where his wife worked.

Ryan's eyes narrowed as he saw Zach talking to his wife happily. Tanya's wide smile at Zach made him mad.

"So, Mr. Ryan, we are very excited to have you here. Can you please address the students?" the principal asked. Ryan nodded and stood up, buttoning his suit.

"Students and Teachers, it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for welcoming me as the chief guest," he began.

"On one side, I am really happy to see you all," he continued, looking at the students, "the future of our country."

"But on the other hand, I just learned something I should have known months ago," Ryan stated, staring directly at Tanya. She scoffed, and everyone else was confused.

"Just leave it... Anyway, I am glad to see you all. Thank you." Ryan smiled and returned to his seat, not before giving Tanya one last glance.

"Babe, was he talking about you?" Clare whispered.

"How would I know? And if he was, I don't care," Tanya retorted. Clare patted her shoulder proudly.

The Q&A session began. Ryan was listening to the students' questions while constantly observing Tanya. His hands curled into tight fists, seeing how closely Tanya and Zach were standing together, discussing something on the tablet.

"Mr. Raichand, your answer?" a student prompted.

"Well... ahm... sorry, I was zoned out," Ryan apologized.

"There is a saying: 'There are no secrets to success. It is the result of hard work and learning from failure.' This is true in my life too. Without hard work, we won't gain anything, not only in business but in marriage as well," Ryan said. The auditorium went silent.

"Why is he speaking about marriage?" the students and professors murmured among themselves.

Tanya was also puzzled.

"Misunderstandings are common in relationships, but if they get the upper hand, they result in breakups and divorce," Ryan said, staring intensely at Tanya. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Tani, what is he saying?" Clare nudged Tanya, who stood like a statue.

"Everyone has a past, maybe good or bad, but judging someone based on that is not right," Ryan chuckled sadly, thinking about Tanya's accusations. She understood the hidden meaning and stared at him worriedly.

"There is always a reason behind someone's actions, maybe good or bad, but they are often done with good intentions for the future," Ryan continued, looking at Tanya with confusion.

"I am stopping here. Thank you." Ryan finished his speech and started talking with the principal, giving Tanya one last look.

"What did he really mean?"

"Is he talking about our marriage?"

"But why now?"

"Tanya," Clare called her name worriedly and signaled her to look at the podium.

"What happe... RYAANNNNN..." Tanya exclaimed, her voice trailing off in shock.