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!”

thinking at the moment, but he became hushed after I had

I stared at 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

option, and an expressed anger at him would never make

his eyes still fixed on me. I nodded, and he turned his face away, drinking from his glass of wine.

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

wine. “I didn’t want to, Ariel. I just needed some time

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

the table, along with his glass.

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

things?” Luke chuckled promptly. “You’ve started thinking too far,

do you mean?” I slowly asked.

the two of us dwelling together

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. But I have to say, Ariel, the feeling is, just

to say

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

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 start talking like there’s something actually going

his wish has been fulfilled. You’re addressed as Ariel Reynold in anywhere you are, wherever you go. It’s actually a good thing. That can at least bring a smile on my grandfather’s face from up there. But the fact that we’re going to start craving a mutual feeling, the romantic

downwards. “And by that, you want things to go back to the way it used to

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from

replied, looking at him

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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 a huge argument back then, which literally made no sense. I

drank his 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 Foster. It still didn’t make any sense. And yes, I also regret exchanging words with you back