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!”

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

lips. And having no knowledge of the silence. But

be the option, and an expressed anger at him would never make things.

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

passed Luke, and you didn’t speak to me,”

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

I uttered underneath my breath. “But you were angry with

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

at least brought it out to me. We could

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

mean?” I

you’ve pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together in

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

to say now?” I aksed

And even if I’m going to fall in love, I don’t think it’s going to

on me directly. “I know you also don’t love me. So please, let’s not act like we’re actually crazy over each other. Let’s not start talking

had crammed the glass with 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

you want things to go

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

replied, looking

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

glass back on the table. “And then we had to get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster. It still