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

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

at him would never make things. work out.

guilty?” He asked softly, 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

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

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

along with his glass.

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

He broke me off. “To fix things?” Luke chuckled promptly. “You’ve started thinking too

do you mean?”

two of us dwelling together in

“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 know this is my grandfather’s promise; to treat you nice. But

are you trying to say now?” I aksed him

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

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

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 there. But the fact that we’re going to start craving a mutual feeling,

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

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his

it did,” I replied, looking

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

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