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

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 could I

option, and an expressed anger at him would never make

guilty?” He asked softly, his eyes still fixed on me. I nodded, and he turned his face away, drinking from

and you didn’t

didn’t want to, Ariel. I just needed

my breath. “But you were angry with

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

hushedly said. “But you should have at least brought it out to me.

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

do you mean?” I slowly asked.

pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together in Heaven.” Luke laughed softly. “It was

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.”

say now?” I

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

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

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

“And by that, you want things

change, Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from his wine.

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

BV BITTER MEMORIES

you after five years. You came back, looking bold

get involved into another silly argument at the