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.

silent, choosing not to tell him anything about what happened between

what I wanted. But we still need to

you that you’re going

do as I say without any questions. You have three days to get Luke

couldn’t believe what he

is

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

to be precise,”

about here? That

to save your

DEMANTOL

but sigh. “Oh, please, he could have

business. Just do as I say, alright?

I was really annoyed by this. But what could I do? Absolutely nothing. If

chance for you to avenge Luke for the things he

then you won’t be threatening to murder my

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.

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

really 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 plans with him in the first place, none of this would have

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

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

grandfather exclaimed the moment he saw

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

meet my grandson Luke,” he introduced me to

1. me.

promptly shook hands with Tim, a smile

“It’s nice meeting you

grandfather. “I don’t know, but

loves me.” I joked, and

my grandfather continued the mirth as we kept

to see you