ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 73

" Max. "

Ariel sat up in bed in her private hospital room wearing her silky peach nightgown , her brown curly hair newly washed and dried by the kindly nurse and cascading past her slender shoulders. Her shadowed brown eyes went to the pensive handsome face of the young man who stood next to her bed.

Max's green eyes were focused on not just her missing ring finger but the one next to it which wore a new ring upon it. A pear cut diamond engagement ring. He swallowed harshly and his gaze went to her face.

" Do not marry him. "

Ariel shook her head at him. She looked away from his piercing stare that reminded her of not only his father but all the nights they had spent in each other's arms. The nights she still saw in her dreams. " That is none of your business. What happened between us will never happen again. It will not. "

Max leaned closer to her. So close she could smell his expensive smoky cologne. So close she could feel his heart beating so rapidly. Why did this young man make her feel like this? Not even Gordon had caused such reaction in her? Not even Nicholas...... Her eyes locked on the ring she wore.

Max said softly but more firmer than she had ever heard him ," Marry me instead. "

Ariel wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. She wanted to say yes so badly but her good sense captured her head away from her heart. " No. You are married. Our.... moments together are , were , one thing but I am not destroying a marriage. You have three young children. You told me you hate women like that. You hate Matilda Swan for seducing your father into an affair while he was married to your mother. I don't want your children to hate me that way."

Max shook his head. " My children could never hate you in that manner. I would never allow it. And.... my marriage was over long before you appeared in my life. Natasha and I only had the baby to .... to revive and reestablish our marital union. I have never felt for another woman how I feel about you. I don't think I ever will. "

Ariel shook her head. " Go home. Go home to your wife and children, Maxim. I am marrying your father. "

Then the hospital door opened and in strode the tall sturdily built governess Josephine with her blonde hair pulled back in a tight bun. They were both alarmed to see her entering the room.

" Josephine," Max said sharply as he straightened his dark suited body and turned towards her. " What are you doing here? Where are my sons Boris , Lev and Ivan ? "

Josephine nodded briskly at him. " Do not fret , Maxim. You know how it upsets your stomach so. Your father took them to the park. I cautioned him not to because it is chilly weather out and Lev has had sniffles. But you know how he is. " She smiled coolly at Ariel who looked suspiciously back. " I come to wish well to the widow. It was terrible tragedy to befall her. I also wanted to congratulate her on report of engagement to Mr. Volkouv. Your father. It is wise marrying him. The doctor is dead and no more. Death means final you know. "