The Love From Vengeance

82 BITTER MEMORIES

ARIEL’S POV

“Why are you laughing? I’m only spitting facts,” I told Luke, making a puzzled face after he laughed to my recent words.

“Well, Ariel, you are spitting nonsense,” his tone was full of mockery. “You don’t have to start pretending now. One thing I finally realized, is that you don’t care for me. You don’t care about anyone in my family. You’re only concerned about your business.”

I took a deep breath. “I know why you’re saying that.”

“I know you do,” Luke responded immediately.

“It’s because of Riley, isn’t it?” I asked, and set my eyes on him. “You’re still mad at me for showing up late at her funeral.”

“Showing up late?” Luke glared at me. “Fuck that Ariel! You didn’t even show up

at all.”

“I know and I’m sorry. It’s just that I was…”

“Busy with business, am I not right?” Luke cut me off.

I sighed, being silent for a moment before I finally replied, “Yes.”

“Riley was an angel. She was so nice to you. And that’s how you repay her? Remember she died all because of you.”

“I know, and I felt guilty for that,” I vocalized, trying to find the words. “I felt guilty for not showing up. I felt guilty for not spending so much time with her, even when she wanted to. I felt guilty for so many things, Luke!”

me in silence. I didn’t know what he was thinking at the moment, but

back, looking into his eyes, with no words escaping my lips. And having no knowledge of the silence. But I knew I had to compose myself, and keep it together at the

an expressed anger at him would

feel guilty?” He asked softly, his eyes still fixed on me. I nodded, and he turned his face

passed Luke, and you didn’t speak to me,” I

didn’t

I uttered underneath my breath. “But you were angry with me, weren’t you?”

wine on the table, along with his glass. And a sigh moved out of his lips. “Yes,

I hushedly said. “But you should have at least brought it out to me.

me off. “To fix things?” Luke chuckled promptly. “You’ve started thinking too far, Ariel, haven’t

do you mean?” I

pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together

you did for me. You took poison all because of me, and you’ve gone through terrific moments all because of me. I appreciate that. And I know this is my grandfather’s promise; to treat you nice.

to say now?” I aksed

The feelings can’t just unfold in my heart. And even if I’m going to fall in

you also don’t love me. So please, let’s not act like we’re actually crazy over each other. Let’s not start talking like there’s something actually going

fulfilled. You’re addressed as Ariel Reynold in anywhere you are, wherever you go. It’s actually a good thing. That

deeply, looking downwards. “And by that, you want things to go back

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his wine.

it did,” I replied, looking

BV BITTER MEMORIES

hold of the glass of wine. “I remembered when I first saw you after five years. You came back, looking bold and ravishing. And we had a

wine, and dropped the glass back on the table. “And then we had to get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met