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!”

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

lips. And having no knowledge of the silence. But I knew I had to

at him would never make

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

and you didn’t speak to me,” I carefully said.

more wine. “I didn’t want to,

needed some time alone,” I uttered underneath my breath. “But

table, along with his glass. And a

quite clear,” I hushedly said. “But you should have at least brought it out to me. We

me off. “To fix things?” Luke chuckled promptly. “You’ve started thinking too far, Ariel,

do you mean?” I slowly

dwelling together in Heaven.” Luke laughed

while he continued, “I thank you for everything 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

you trying to say now?” I

to say that I’m not in love with you. The feelings can’t just unfold in my heart. And even if I’m going to fall in love, I don’t think it’s going to be

turned wine into his glass, fixing his eyes on me directly. “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

table. “We’re only married. It’s what my grandfather wanted. And his wish has been fulfilled. You’re addressed as Ariel Reynold in anywhere you are, wherever you go. It’s actually a good thing.

breathed out deeply, looking downwards. “And by that, you want things to go back to the way

ever change, Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his

replied, looking at him

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster. It still didn’t make any sense. And