The Love From Vengeance

184: MEMORIES

ARIEL’S POV

I continued to glare at Mason, and his smirk only intensified my anger. He walked closer to me with that smirk still on his face. If looks could kill, this heartless man would probably be dead right now. Luke was no different from him; the both of the

were cold–blooded scumbags.

“Ariel, Ariel, Ariel, I’m so glad to see that you’re still alive. You know, I thought you would be dead after realizing what happened.”

“Are you happy, Mason? You’ve gotten what you want, right? You set a building on fire and placed my kids in it. Now Lukel was killed by his own father, all because of you.

“Come on, Ariel. Don’t put the blame on me. I was only following our agreement. Your husband is the one who should be taking all the blame here.”

“You are a monster.”

“You can repeat it,” Mason snapped at his fingers. “I am a monster, and you know what a monster does? It wipes away all its foes. So believe me when I say the job isn’t over yet.”

“Lukel is already dead. What do you want to do now?”

“Remember what I told you. I said I was going to kill your children if you refused to carry out the plan. And you refused, so I’m about to keep to my words.”

“Wait, what are you trying to say?”

“I’m trying to say that I’m not going to be satisfied unless I send your daughter to the grave.”

“You W

want to kill Janice? Can you even hear yourself right now?”

picture myself taking away your daughter’s life. Stabbing her continuously or strangling her

you

that, Ariel. We’ll see

off. My phone began to ring;

and spirit. Her laughter was like music to my ears, filling their home with joy and warmth. But now, that laughter cannot be silenced. Sadness couldn’t take my place. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the images that haunted my mind–Janice’s frightened face, her tiny hand reaching out for

to her,” I whispered to herself, my voice barely more than a breath.

first words, the way she would cling to

losing her was unbearable a pain so deep it felt like a physical

[PLASHBACK)

Today was a special day, it was picture day at Laikel and Janice’s school. I could already envision the adorable photos that would adorn our photo album for years to come. With a smile on my face, I got out of bed and started my morning routine.

in their beds, their eyes dlowly opening to greet the day. “Good morning,

and orange juice, I helped Lakel and Janice get dressed in their picture–perfect outfits. Lukel chose his favorite superhero t–shirt paired with jeans, while Janice opted for a pretty pink dress with matching ribbons in her hair. I made sure their hair was neat and their faces

their way to the designated photo spot. I held Lakel’s hand on one side and Janice’s on the other as we weaved through the crowd. Luikel’s eyes darted around, taking

in line, their faces beaming with anticipation. Lukel kept adjusting his shirt nervously, while Janice twirled

lighting up the room. Lukel stood tall with a confident grin, while Janice’s eyes sparkled with innocence and joy. The photographer captured their essence with each click

and talking about the fun we had that day. I listened to Luke’s tales of bravery and Janice’s dreams of becoming

that these memories would be cherished for a lifetime, Lukel and Janice held onto my hands

and Janice’s eyes widened with excitement, and they both let out a loud gasp: “Mommy, can we play all the games?” Lukel asked, tugging on my sleeve.

let’s see what we can do,

arcade, and I could see the kids‘ faces light up as they

machines. I could feel my heart

we start with the racing paine?” Janice asked, printing at a bright and colorful

racing game.

1 helped Janice

and Janice, you press the buttons, all right?”

nodded eagerly, and soon enough, they were fully immersed in the game, laughing and cheering