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

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

an expressed anger at him would

softly, his eyes still fixed on me. I nodded,

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

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

uttered underneath my breath. “But you were angry with me, weren’t

He dropped his bottle of wine on the table, along with his

know, it was quite clear,” I hushedly said. “But you should have at least brought it out to me. We could have find a

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

you mean?” I slowly

in your mind; the two of us dwelling together

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

trying to say now?” I aksed him softly.

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

eyes 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 like there’s something actually going

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

breathed out deeply, looking downwards. “And by that, you want things to go back to the way it used

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

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

BV BITTER MEMORIES

I first saw you after five years. You came back, looking bold and ravishing.

on the table. “And then we had to get involved into another silly argument at the forest, where we met Foster. It still didn’t make