The Love From Vengeance

114 STRAINED APOLOGIES

LUKE’S POV

Lucifer had left me, and here I was, my head being flooded with heavy thoughts. The party continued, and people were still joyful, except for me. I stood still, outside the mansion, my hands fixed on my waist, my eyes narrowing down, heavy sighs escaping my lips.

The song playing at the moment was enough to soothe someone, bring the tranquility right into your soul, and make you be at peace. It was melodious, the tune was really heavenly. But guess what? I was not at peace here, after what that man had mentioned to me.

It was a good thing to be rich, silk–stocking, prominent, known by the people. Not by all, but by most. Good relationships, bad relationships, they were all present. Envy, hate, bitterness, were still counted right here. And I could see what these were translating into. A death wish, planning to put me in the grave, taking my soul away, a scheme to send me to the other world.

Confusion was still over me, my brain was still cracked each minute, trying to get a clue of the person bringing out all these schemes. There were tons of conflicts, and many haters. But I swear, I was too laborious to store the foes in my head.

Facing moments like this, the terror gets worse each day, and the anxiety might shackle you, leaving you with nothing left to say. Only the fear of losing your life, and the people around you. But this fear wasn’t a new thing, since I had lost the people most precious to me.

And I could only blame myself for Riley’s death. The little one would have still been here, smiling today, if she had not come to live with me. Life was quite unpredictable, and there were regrets for making certain decisions.

But right now, who was left to lose? What was left to be gone? My life? I couldn’t care less. If I could back in time, I’d do it. I’d sacrifice my life, just to make sure Riley’s legacy goes on.

“Luke Reynold,” someone mentioned my name, and I had to turn around. It was Andre, he was moving closer to me. “It’s actually a nice thing to see you at the party.” He shook hands with me, with a smile on his face. “Glad you made it. I thought you weren’t going to show up.”

I smiled back, knowing why he said that. “Well, I did. And I came here to say sorry.

“Sorry for what?” He asked, as our shake came to an end.

114 STAINED APOK

273

what happened this morning,

I wasn’t mad.”

about that?” I

right to be upset, seeing the two of us that way. After all, Ariel is your wife. I should be

gave him a baffled look, cause man,

slightly, taking my face downward. “Look, I understand the fact that you’re trying to be nice around here. But come on, you don’t really have to say all those things, and we just got to face the truth. I spoke hurtful words that didn’t even make sense.

held my shoulder. “Luke. These things I’ve spoken are nothing but the truth. If I were in your shoes, I’d do the same. Or even worse, I’d beat the hell out of the man I see holding

but give Andre a wonderful smile. His thinking was just kind of remarkable, and at this point, I could say I was envy of his demeanor. But we need to be real around

nice. It was clear that he was a man

why don’t we go inside, and have a few drinks?” Andre suggested, patting

was still thinking about what Lucifer told me, wondering if it was true. He told me to be very careful, but how the hell was I supposed to? I didn’t even know who this for of mine was, if what Lucifer brought out to me was

Be extremely happy, and forget about anything else. Forget about business, forget about all sort of problems. Just forget about everything, and enjoy every moment of this party.”

deeply, my mind still not soothed. “I wish it was

to get yourself some drinks. Chat with people, have all sort of conversations.

wrapping his arm around Andre’s neck.

at him. “Mr. Humphrey. Wow, you came to

I couldn’t miss this special event.”

you?” Andre kept on with his

thousands of people around

playful tone. He glanced at