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.

to tell him anything about what happened between me

wanted. But we still need to act fast. I

he offend you that you’re going

do as I say without any questions. You have three

days?” I exclaimed. I couldn’t believe

is

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

days, to be

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

to save your

DEMANTOL

please, he could have done

my business. Just do as I say, alright? You don’t want to lose these two

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 sign up

it: this is a chance for you to avenge Luke for the things

me, then you won’t be threatening to murder

miss, but you can’t tell me what to do. I’m the one who calls the shots around here. And once I make a decision, it’s final. You have no

and turned around with a plastic smile. “Have a nice day, and remember,

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

change his words. at all. It was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those plans with him in

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

grandfather. He was standing outside, having a chat with one of

moment

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

me to

1. me.

shook hands with Tim, a smile on my face. “It’s nice meeting you,

“It’s nice meeting you

turned to my grandfather. “I don’t

right,” I chimed in. “Everybody loves me.” I joked,

continued

here to see you for a