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!”

I didn’t know what he was thinking at the moment, but he became hushed after I had

him 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 moment. For what

an expressed anger at

on me. I nodded, and he turned his face away,

didn’t

Luke drank more wine. “I didn’t want to, Ariel.

I uttered underneath my breath. “But you were angry with

table, along with his glass.

“But you should have at least

He broke me off. “To fix things?” Luke

mean?” I slowly asked.

that night, you’ve pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together in Heaven.”

you’ve gone through terrific moments all

say

unfold in my heart. And even if I’m going to fall in love, I don’t think it’s

“I know 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 on

you go. It’s actually a good thing. That can at least bring a smile on my grandfather’s face from

“And by that, you want things

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from

did,” I replied, looking at

BV BITTER MEMORIES

it did, but it didn’t,” Luke enunciated, his hand perked up a little, as he had a 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

table. “And then we had to get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster. It still didn’t make any sense. And yes, I also regret exchanging words with you back