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 I had spoken

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. For what

at him would never make

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

you didn’t speak to me,” I carefully said.

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

needed some time alone,” I uttered underneath my breath. “But you were angry with me, weren’t you?”

the table, along with his glass. And a sigh moved out of his lips.

you should have at least brought it out to me.

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

mean?” I slowly

night, you’ve pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together in Heaven.” Luke laughed softly. “It was just sex Ariel, no big deal.”

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 I have to say, Ariel, the feeling is, just not there.”

to say now?” I aksed

can’t just unfold in my heart. And even if I’m going to fall

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

anywhere you are, wherever you go. It’s actually a good thing. That can

want things to go back to the way it used to

ever change, Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his

replied, looking at him once

BV BITTER MEMORIES

after five years. You came back, looking bold and ravishing. And we had a huge argument back then, which literally

silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster. It still didn’t make any sense. And yes, I also regret exchanging words