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 me and Luke

slowly. “I can see the chemistry developing. Just what I wanted. But we still need to act

offend you that you’re going through all these measures?”

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

couldn’t

right, three days is too much. Two days.”

from the bed. “How do you expect me to get

to be

too little. 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 going to marry

to save your life in the

DEMANTOL

sigh. “Oh, please, he could have done

none of my business. Just do as I say, alright? You don’t want to lose

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

act stupid. And think about it: this is a chance for you to avenge

to help me, then you won’t be

you can’t tell me what to do. I’m the one who calls the shots around here. And once I make a decision,

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

how I was going to handle this one. He told me to get married to Luke, and I should do that in two days.

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

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

was standing outside, having a chat with one

moment he saw me. “You’re finally

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

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

1. me.

shook hands with Tim, a smile on my

“It’s nice meeting you

my grandfather. “I don’t know, but

loves me.” I

everybody loves him,” my grandfather continued the mirth as

here to see you for a reason,” my grandfather