The Love From Vengeance

26 HARD CONDITIONS

ARIEL’S POV

Mason stepped foot inside the hospital room, his hands deep in his pockets. He was wearing a leather jacket, and the smile he gave me was clearly fake.

What the hell was he doing here anyway? He was the last person I expected to see.

“You’re still alive!” Mason smirked. “That’s nice. I don’t know how this plan is going to work out without you.”

“I literally went through hell earlier today. Can you please give me a break?”

He laughed. “Breaks are for babies.”

I shook my head and let out a weary sigh. “I’m being serious here.”

“And do I look like I’m joking?” He raised an eyebrow, and I turned my face away. “How was your elevator experience?”

I gave him a quizzical look. “Why are you asking me that?”

“I just want to know if you and Luke did–you know, the whole relationship stuff.”

I stared at him for a few seconds, then replied, “No, we didn’t.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Mason chuckled softly. “You have thousands of reasons to lie to me.” He moved closer to the bed. “I know you hate me and that you don’t want to follow this plan of mine. But what can

you do?” He shrugged. “You have no choice.”

“You are the most heartless person I’ve ever seen,” I told Mason, my tone cold.

“Oh really? He laughed again. “What about your ex–husband? Oh, sorry, your husband–to- be?” He had a mocking grin. “I mean, he did a lot of terrible things to you, right?”

“Yes, but at least he’s better than you. He tried to save my life today.”

“He did?” Mason’s eyes widened.

tell him anything about

chemistry developing. Just what I wanted. But we still need to act fast. I want to see Luke

that

find out as time goes by. But for now, just do as I say without any questions. You

I exclaimed. I couldn’t believe what he was telling

right, three days is too much.

no,” I said, getting up from the bed. “How do you expect

days, to be precise,” Mason

Do you even have any idea what we’re talking about here? That man hates me so much. There’s no way he’s ever

he tried to save your life in the

DEMANTOL

sigh. “Oh, please, he could

alright? You don’t want to lose these two little

into this conversation again. I was really annoyed by this. But what could I do? Absolutely nothing. If I tried to act smart, he might

stupid. And think about it: this is a chance for you to avenge Luke for the things he did to you. I’m

you’re going to help me, then you won’t be threatening to murder my

who calls the shots around here. And once I

a plastic smile. “Have a nice day,

down on the bed, covering my face, thinking about how I was going to handle this one. He told me to get married to Luke, and I should do that in two days. Like, how in the world is that even possible? How am I going to convince

was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those plans with him in the first place, none of this would

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

my grandfather. He was standing outside, having a chat with one of his friends. They seemed to

moment he saw me. “You’re finally

two of them, wondering why they were at my house. This wasn’t a normal visit; it had a specific purpose because my

meet my grandson Luke,” he introduced me to

1. me.

Tim, a smile on my face. “It’s nice

“It’s nice meeting you

smiled back. He turned to my grandfather. “I don’t know,

I joked, and the three of

continued the mirth

to see you for a