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 the moment, but he became hushed after I had spoken those words.

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 keep it together at the moment.

and an expressed anger at him

fixed on me. I nodded, and he

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

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

underneath my breath. “But you were angry with me, weren’t you?”

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

you should have at least

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

you mean?” I

two of us dwelling together in Heaven.” Luke laughed softly.

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

say now?” I

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

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

wine, he dropped 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 there. But the fact that we’re going to start craving a mutual feeling, the romantic type, is so absurd.

want things

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his

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

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 and ravishing. And we had a huge argument back then, which literally made no sense. I regret exchanging words with you at that

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