The Love From Vengeance

152 INFORMED

ARIEL’S POV

I was standing in the spacious kitchen, preparing dinner for myself and Luke. The day had gotten dark, and the soft glow of the lights in the kitchen added a cozy feel to the room. I was lost in my own thoughts, planning the perfect menu for tonight’s dinner, which I could consider to be lovely. But then I heard the door open. I turned around to see Tina walking in with a basket of freshly picked herbs.

“Good evening, Miss Ariel.” Tina greeted me with a smile.

“Good evening, Tina. How was your day?” I asked politely, trying not to sound. too interested. Tina, of course, as I had said before, was a blabbermouth, and I didn’t want to get caught in one of her never–ending stories.

“It was good, Miss Ariel. I spent the morning cleaning the guest rooms, and then. I did a little bit of work at the garden before you and Mr. Reynold showed up,” Tina replied, placing the basket on the kitchen counter.

“That’s good to hear. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to finish preparing dinner,” I said, hoping she would take the hint and leave.

But Tina had other plans. She leaned against the counter and started telling me about her Christmas with her husband the previous year. I tried my best to appear interested, but my mind was wandering off to other things. I had a lot on my plate, and listening to Tina’s stories was not one of them.

“We went to my husband’s hometown, and it was so beautiful. The snow–covered streets, the cozy fireplace, and the delicious food. Oh, the food was amazing,” she said with a dreamy look in her eyes.

“That sounds lovely, Tina,” I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.

“It was, Miss Ariel. And you know what the best part was? My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for New Year’s. Can you believe it? Paris!” She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Tina was always full of surprises, and her husband was no different. Yeah, due to all the stories she’s been telling me. I had to admit that I was a little jealous. I had never been to Paris, and it was on my list of places to visit.

“That’s wonderful, Tina. I’m happy for you,” I said, trying to sound genuine.

I can’t wait for this year’s Christmas. I’m sure my husband has something even more special planned,” she

in her voice.

soon be over, so now I faked a smile, trying to show that I was still engaged and interested in what she was saying. But deep down, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I had heard it countless times before,

or “really?” I was just glad that it would soon come to an end and that I could finally move on to a new topic of conversation.

was at the gate looking for me and that the person was somehow recognizable. I didn’t waste any time disappearing out of the kitchen. My chance of quitting Tina’s worthless stories, because it

she was looking worried, and I had to wonder why. First of all, why had she come to pay a visit at this time? And secondly, what in the world was going on? It looked like something was not right around here.

wrong?”

is missing,”

now was the sort -of–worried type.

spot him there, and Janice had to tell me that he had gone in the middle of my talk. I didn’t even know

down. When did this

I’ve been searching for him since then, but I can’t find

I said underneath my breath.

so sorry, Ariel.”

find him.” I tried to stop her from panicking. I could have panicked myself, but it wasn’t going to change. anything. Finding Lukel as soon

for me; let me go

tell him that Lukel’s missing as well?”

152 INT DEMED

that’s none of his business,” I

responded softly.

went inside the house to tell Luke that I was leaving, but before I could even meet him, he was heading towards the

somewhere?” I asked him.

even glancing at me before he walked away.