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

back, looking into his eyes, with no words escaping my lips. And having no knowledge of the silence. But I

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

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

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

drank more wine. “I didn’t

I uttered underneath my breath. “But you

paused for a moment. 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

have at least brought it out to me.

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

you mean?” I

pictured in your mind; the two of us dwelling together in Heaven.” Luke

while he continued, “I thank you for 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.

trying to say now?” I aksed him

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

eyes on me directly. “I know you also don’t love me. So please, let’s not act like we’re actually crazy

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

deeply, looking downwards. “And by that, you want things to go back

things ever change, Ariel?” Luke

did,” I replied, looking at

BV BITTER MEMORIES

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

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