The Love From Vengeance

120 TANGLED FEELINGS

ARIEL’S POV

“It’s such a nice thing to be surrounded by you all,” Manuel spoke loudly, as everyone in the party gave him their attention, including me. “You know, it’s actually a great thing to carry out a party like this, and see different faces all coming one by one. I acknowledged everyone’s presence at this special occasion. I really appreciate that.”

He continued, “When we started our own company, I never knew it was going to go this far, where it is today. There were so many discouragements. Lots of moment that’d just make you want to give up. But that isn’t the case around here. It is left for you to fight against all obstacles, beat the odds, and chase your dream, no matter how long it takes.”

I looked backwards as Manuel continued to talk. I was trying to see if I could spot Luke anywhere, but I couldn’t see him in the mansion. My eyes caught those of Mason’s, and I quickly looked away. Not the person I was looking for.

“Success is a journey, not a destination,” Manuel said, still catching the attention of the people present in the party. “It’s about constantly striving for improvement and learning from every experience, whether it’s a triumph or a setback. It’s all about resilience and the ability to adapt to change, embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities. It comes from building strong relationships and fostering a supportive network. You can’t do it all alone.”

He sighed, and I could see how his eyes went straight to Elizabeth. “Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know and how you work together. Just like me and my family. My wife, always giving me inspirational words. She was always there for me, and she still is. Without her, I would be nothing today.”

“Success is deeply personal,” Hannah uttered, and I glanced at her right away. It’s about setting meaningful goals and working diligently toward them. And when you reach those milestones, take a moment to celebrate before setting your sights on the next achievement.”

She looked at me, and noticed how I was just staring at her. “What?”

“You talk like you’ve runned a company before,” I told her.

She giggled. “Success/isn’t only about running a company, silly.” After that, I chuckled, and then, I turned back to Manuel.

“Victory comes only when you look for it. There is need for passion, the devotion,

”

cards right,” Manuel continued with his speech, while I turned around. I

mansion, and there stood Luke, his figure filuminated by the moonlight as he spoke on his phone. But as he caught sight of me, his demeanor shifted and

he said, his voice full of surprise as he slipped

looking for you,” I replied, stepping closer. “Are you planning to leave the party

raised an eyebrow. “No, why do

been gone for quite some time, doing who knows

so?” He smirked. “Do you miss me, then?”

help but chuckle.

in his own, his touch sending shivers

gaze dropping to the ground before meeting mine again. “Things that

sense of sadness and regret emanating from him. It was a side of Luke I had never seen before. Well, something like

“I thought you were only after my money, and I treated you horribly because of it. I said hurtful things, did terrible things, and only made your hatred for me grow stronger.”

towards him was already slowly dissipating

with him. But when

looked at me with such sincerity in his

2

by his

blinded by my hate for you,” he admitted, his voice filled with regret. “But when you returned after five years, I couldn’t ignore the feelings that were resurfacing within me. Feelings that contradicted my hate, but I was too stubborn to admit it. Too stubborn to pay attention to it, ignorance overshadowing me, and I refused to realize those feelings.”

deep breath and held onto my hands tightly. “Ariel, I know I’ve hurt you deeply, and I don’t expect your forgiveness. But I had to tell