The Love From Vengeance

13 ANAMNESIS

LUKE’S POV

The sound of my alarm clock was so loud that it jolted me awake from my slumber. It was nearly 5:00 am. After turning it off, I sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I glanced over at my friend Harriet, still sound asleep and covered in sheets. We had a wild night, and I was sure she was completely exhausted.

It took me a few minutes to finally get dressed. I chose a sharp red suit and sprayed on a hint of strawberry cologne. My hair was styled perfectly, and as I looked in the mirror, I knew I was ready for the day’s important meeting.

Today, our company was meeting with The Vitality Group to discuss a new project we would be working on together. I had already texted my assistant, Jack, who assured me everything was in order for the meeting.

Last night was a nightmare, with those ruthless robbers appearing out of nowhere and wreaking havoc. We were lucky that the police arrived in time to save us, but the memory of the terror still lingered.

My grandfather, who was celebrating his birthday, couldn’t shake off the horror of what had happened. It was supposed to be a special day, but it turned into a nightmare.

As I made my way downstairs, I saw my cousin Riley watching TV. She was a smart seventeen- year–old, a true genius. She had come to stay with me for the holidays, and it was great having her around.

“Riley?” I called out, causing her to quickly turn off the television and pretend to be asleep.

I chuckled and walked over to her. “Cut the act; I caught you.” She immediately stopped snoring and sat up on the couch.

I sat down next to her. “You’re a crazy girl. Were you really sleeping the whole time?”

“Well, I woke up about three hours ago and couldn’t fall back asleep, so I decided to watch

some movies.”

I let out a sigh. “That reminds me of when I was sixteen. I used to do the same thing until one

horror movie scared my buttocks to do since then, me and late–night movies are

friends.”

not

Riley laughed. “Seriously, Luke, you were scared?”

I nodded, smiling at the memory. “Yeah, that was the end of my late–night movie marathons.”

laughed again. “I always thought you

“Is that so?”

“Is your

I replied, wondering where she was going

like her,” Riley said bluntly.

aback by her words. “Why

you’re not around; she’s like a devil on earth. But when you’re here, she’s

“Are you sure

would I lie?” Riley looked at me. “She locked me in my room all day yesterday and didn’t let me eat until she left for the birthday party. I have no idea why she hates me so much,

were true, Harriet would have

deep breath. “I have

checked her phone. “It’s

meeting at work today, and I need to

I see. I would love to work at your

where to find

smiled back before leaving

Four years ago

ARIEL’S POV

decided to remain calm and go along with it, refusing to be

in his fried chicken, furrowed his brows and glanced at my plate of vegetable lasagna. It made me feel a bit uneasy as he continued to give me

some chicken instead of this green mush?” Andre finally broke the silence,

meals. It had always been a source of playful banter between us, leading to lighthearted arguments,

Andre? Are we

responded in a comical tone, “Doing what exactly?”

“Acting like you don’t know what I’m

about.

playful banter. “You should try eating meat one day. Trust me, it’s awesome. The taste will blow your

this lasagna.” I playfully offered him my plate, but he

I’m good,” he said, returning to his fried chicken. After a

took a sip of water

been vegetarian your whole life? Like, since the day you were born? Or

his questions. “Why do

“I want to know if being vegetarian is something you’ve done since birth or if there was a specific