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!”

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

silence. But I knew I had to compose myself, and keep it together at the moment. For what could I do right

expressed anger at

guilty?” He asked softly, his eyes still fixed on me. I nodded,

didn’t speak to me,”

didn’t want to.” Luke drank more wine. “I didn’t want to, Ariel. I just needed some

my breath. “But you were angry

a moment. He dropped his bottle of wine on the table, along with his glass. And a sigh moved

clear,” I hushedly said. “But you should have at

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

do you mean?” I slowly

together

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 know this is my grandfather’s promise; to treat

are you trying to say now?” I aksed him

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

you also don’t love me. So please, let’s not act like we’re actually crazy

the bottle back on the 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. That can at least bring a smile on my grandfather’s face from up

by that, you want things

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his wine.

think it did,” I replied, looking at him once more.”

BV BITTER MEMORIES

a little, as he had a hold of the glass of wine. “I remembered when I first saw you after five years.

silly argument at the forest, where we