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.

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

I

heard there was a robbery at the Sun House, and I also heard gunshots. Are you okay?”

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 to some friends. Would you

nice,” Ben said with a

CTING THE COUNSEL

with a raised eyebrow. “He’s the current owner of The Reynolds, the company we’re collaborating with for a

you, sir,” Ben said as he extended

walked away. Ben turned to me,

her?” Ben asked, pointing

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

called after me, following

according to your wishes,” I said into the phone before ending the call. Daniel Richardson was one of my business partners, and I admired his logical thinking. Unlike

television, only to see news of the incident at the Sun House all over the screen. It wasn’t surprising, considering the fame of

night robe. I was

him, popping a French fry into my mouth. Andre was someone who

up some files from the table. “We have a business meeting with the

I said, taking another

I can be ready for the early morning

17ⱭUTTING THE COUNSEL

“What time again?”

reminded me, going through

too early.”

We can’t afford to let anything ruin this project.”

started to head upstairs but then stopped. I glanced at him before focusing back

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

was on his phone the whole time instead of dancing,”

serious, Ariel,” he said with

ahead,” I said, muting

for a moment before continuing, “I know you and Luke have a history, and you can’t stand him. But you shouldn’t have acted the way you did. You need to learn to control yourself, Ariel.

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

moved closer and sat beside me. “In high school, I had this close friend. We were too close, really really close, to the point that

now,” I whispered

you say?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I replied, avoiding eye contact.

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

said, forcing a laugh. “Please continue with

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