The Love From Vengeance

eyes back on me once more, and her expression looked like a sad one.

She placed her hands on my face as she shook her head in a slow manner. “It’s too late now,” she whispered.

I quickly let go of her. “Too late for what?”

“I don’t have to say too much.” Ariel shifted backwards a little, her eyes looking down. “And although I don’t want to, I need to apologize.” She looked at me and sighed deeply. “I’m sorry for what happened at the party.”

“Keep your apologies to yourself.” I told her in an unfriendly tone.

“What did you just say?” She gave me a look that said, ‘I couldn’t believe it‘. But it was good that she reminded me of what happened at the party. Now this spleen for her had dawned once again.

“I don’t have to repeat myself.” I crossed my arms. “You don’t have to act nice and all that. It’s just the two of us around here.”

“You want to know something?” She snapped. “You’re crazy, you’re unbelievable, you’re just so… I don’t even know the words to use!”

I did nothing but watch her as she continued, “One minute, you’re an annoying dirtbag, and the other minute, you’re a superhero, being so nice and friendly.”

“Are you done?” I asked with a deep voice, my arms were still crossed.

She closed her eyes, making a frustrated expression: “Oh, you’re about to make me go nuts. Just shut up!”

“Don’t you dare talk to him in that manner!” Someone chimed in, so I quickly turned around.

Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

12 GETTING THE COUNSEL

ARIEL’S POV

You shosid really watch your words,” Harriet said, approaching me with an excessive amount of makeup that made her almost unrecognizable. Despite that, I somehow managed to recognize her and was surprised at myself for remembering her from our brief encounters five. years ago, when she used to follow her boyfriend’s lead and treat me poorly.

Harriet walked over to Lake and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a huge grin plastered. on her face. It was obvious that they were still dating, and I couldn’t help but be happy for them. Although I had my doubts about their relationship lasting..

“I never thought you were still around,” Harriet said with disgust, her fingers gently rubbing Luke’s shoulders. “Have you come back to ruin our lives like you did in the past?”

I simply stared at her, unable to find the right words. I had no desire to engage in a verbal spat with someone so petty. I had better things to do.

I looked at Luke and noticed that he was also looking at me. He was a handsome man, but hist character was the complete opposite.

“Honey, why are you staring at her?” Harriet tried to kiss Luke on the cheek, but he turned away. His expression made it clear that he was annoyed by her presence. I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.

with a clap. “You should enter a couple’s competition; I’m sure you’d win first place.”

I

“I’m glad I found you. I heard there was a robbery at the Sun House, and

fine.” I reassured him with a smile, then turned to Luke. He had a serious look on his face, the same one he used to give me when I lived with him. “I was just talking

be nice,” Ben said

CTING THE COUNSEL

Reynold,” I said, gesturing towards Luke with a raised eyebrow. “He’s the

said as he extended his hand for

just glared at him and walked away. Ben turned

asked, pointing

I said dismissively, and I walked away. I didn’t even care

on!” Ben called after me, following

goes according to your wishes,” I said into the phone before ending the call. Daniel Richardson was one of

and turned on the television, only to see news of the incident at the Sun House all over the

night robe. I was still on

bed early?” I asked him, popping a French fry into my mouth.

“We have a business meeting with the

I said,

early so I can be ready for the early

17ⱭUTTING THE COUNSEL

“What time again?”

going through the files in his

too

business. We can’t afford to

lying down on the couch and flipping through channels. Andre started to head upstairs but then stopped. I glanced at him before focusing back

to me. “I didn’t like what you did at the party.”

was on his phone the whole time instead

said

said, muting the TV. “I’m

history, and you can’t stand

perspective, Andre. However, the self–control you mentioned was already present in me during my marriage to Luke. He did many hurtful things to me, and I endured each one. But I had to put an end to it. I’m not some piece

this close friend. We were too close, really really close, to the point that people thought we were

are now,” I whispered

you say?” He

I replied, avoiding eye contact.

people really think we’re a couple?” He asked, his forehead creasing in confusion. He

it,” I said, forcing a laugh. “Please continue

closer. “So here’s the thing: My friend became popular