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?”

daughter’s life. Stabbing her

won’t let you

Ariel. We’ll see about

me and made his way back inside his car. He drove off. My phone began to ring; Luke was

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

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

mind–Janice’s first steps, her first words, the

they went out. The thought of losing her was unbearable a pain so deep it felt like a physical ache in

[PLASHBACK)

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.

I found them still snuggled up in their beds, their eyes dlowly opening to greet the day. “Good morning, my little stars! It’s picture day

Lukel chose his favorite superhero t–shirt paired with jeans, while Janice opted for

as parents and children alike made 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 the colorful

saw the professional photographer setting up his equipment. Lukel and Janice stood in line, their faces beaming with anticipation. Lukel kept adjusting his shirt nervously, while

Lukel stood tall with a confident grin, while Janice’s eyes sparkled with innocence and joy. The photographer captured their essence with each click of the camera, freezing this moment

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

sun setting in the distance, I knew that these memories would be cherished for a lifetime, Lukel and Janice held onto my hands tightly, their laughter filling the air. In that moment, I felt grateful for the simple joys of life and the love that bound

out a loud gasp: “Mommy, can we play all the games?” Lukel

can do, shall we?” I replied with a smile.

kids‘ faces light up as

feel my heart swell with joy,

racing paine?” Janice asked,

racing game.

replied, and we made our way to the game 1 helped Janice sit on the seat and gave Lukel some coins to start the

you press the buttons, all right?” instructed

they were fully immersed in the game,