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!”

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

with no words escaping my lips. And having no knowledge of the silence. But I knew

expressed anger at him would never

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

didn’t speak to me,”

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

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

his bottle of wine on the table, along with his glass. And a sigh moved out of his lips. “Yes, I was angry with you.”

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

Luke chuckled

do you mean?” I

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

looked at him 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

you trying to say now?” I aksed

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

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

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 there. But the fact that we’re

want things to go back to the way it used to be?”

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping

did,” I replied, looking at him once

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

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