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 what

see the chemistry developing. Just what I wanted. But we still

that you’re

as time goes by. But for now, just do as I say

I couldn’t

right, three days is too much. Two

“How do

days, to be

you even have any idea what we’re talking about here? That man hates me

he tried to save your

DEMANTOL

sigh. “Oh, please, he could have

alright? You don’t want to lose

bring my kids 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 just kill my little babies, and trust me, I didn’t want to

you to avenge Luke for the things he did to you. I’m just going

you’re going to help me, then you

the one who calls the shots around here. And once I make a decision, it’s final. You have no choice

to the door and turned around with a plastic smile. “Have a nice day, and remember, you

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

tough, and I knew Mason pretty well. He wasn’t going to change his words. at all. It was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

to be welcomed by my grandfather. He was standing outside, having a chat with one

My grandfather exclaimed the moment he

house. This wasn’t a normal visit; it had a specific purpose because my grandfather barely paid

my grandson Luke,” he introduced me to his friend, gesturing his hand

1. me.

a smile on my face. “It’s

“It’s nice meeting you

Tim smiled back. He turned to my grandfather. “I

right,” I chimed in. “Everybody loves me.” I joked, and the three of us

my grandfather continued the mirth as we kept

we came here to see you for a reason,”