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.

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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.

couple,” I said with a clap. “You should

I

my driver, Ben, approached me. “I’m glad I found you. I heard there was a robbery at the Sun House, and

on his face, the same one he used to give me when I lived with him. “I

Ben

CTING THE COUNSEL

said, gesturing towards Luke with a raised eyebrow. “He’s the current owner of The Reynolds, the company

as

walked away. Ben

her?” Ben asked,

not important,” I said dismissively, and I walked away. I didn’t even

Ben called after me, following

wishes,” I said into the phone before ending the call. Daniel Richardson was one

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

shower, came downstairs in his night robe. I was still on the couch, my attention

to bed early?” I asked him, popping a French fry

table. “We have a business

I said, taking

to sleep early so I can be ready for the early

17ⱭUTTING THE COUNSEL

“What time again?”

me, going through the files in his hand.

that’s too

but it’s business. We can’t afford to let anything ruin

flipping through channels. Andre started to head upstairs but then stopped. I glanced at him before

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

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

serious, Ariel,” he said

ahead,” I said, muting the TV. “I’m listening.”

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

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 of

closer and sat beside me. “In high school, I had this close friend. We

how we are now,” I whispered to

say?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

nothing,” I replied,

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

forcing a laugh. “Please continue with your

here’s the thing: My friend became popular in school, and her attitude changed. She started