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

But I knew I had to compose myself,

and an expressed anger at

me. I nodded, and he turned his face

passed Luke, and you didn’t speak

to.” Luke drank more wine. “I didn’t want to, Ariel. I just needed some time

my breath. “But you were angry with

of wine on the table, along with his glass. And a sigh moved

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

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

you mean?” I slowly

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

moments all because of me. I appreciate that. And I know

are you trying to say now?”

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

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 going on between

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

want things

Ariel?” Luke asked, sipping from

think it did,” I replied,

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

“And then we had to get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster.