The Love From Vengeance

195 HIS FUNERAL

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195: HIS FUNERAL

LUKE’S POV

Burning in intense rage, I pushed Harriet away from me hard. “Let go of me, Harriet!” I yelled, my anger boiling over. She stumbled and fell to the ground, her smirk finally fading.

“You can’t do this to me, Luke. You can’t just leave me like this! I’m not going to let you.”

“I can do whatever I want, Harriet. And right now, I want to find Ariel and make sure she’s safe.”

“She doesn’t deserve you, Luke. She never did,” Harriet spat. “I’m the one for you. You are meant for

1. me. We are meant for each other.”

“That’s not for you to decide. Now tell me, where is she?”

“I don’t know. But even if I did, I wouldn’t say a damn thing.”

“You better tell me now, Harriet. I know how brutal and crazy you can be.”

“You don’t know me at all, Luke. You never did,” she hissed, standing up and brushing herself off.

“I know enough to know that you’re capable of anything,” I retorted, my fists clenched at my sides.

“You know what? Fine. To find your precious Ariel. But don’t come crying to me when she breaks your heart again,” Harriet sneered.”

“And who told you she broke my heart, huh?”

“Oh, please, Luke. If you’re going to start telling me lies, save those sh*t for someone else,” she spat

before marching off.

watched her go, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. I needed to find Ariel fast. But where could she be? My mind was still telling me that Harriet had something

gone through so many places, and I haven’t yet seen you. What will I

THREE DAYS LATER

low in the sky as I made my way to the small, quaint cemetery on the outskirts of town. I adjusted my tie nervously,

1. Today, I was attending the funeral of Luke. The tragedy

his family. Yes, his family, not mine. I didn’t

back tears. The air was heavy with grief, and the atmosphere was suffused with a sense of profound loss. I scanned the crowd, recognizing

faces

at the front, their

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prayer for strength and comfort. And I still needed some for myself. But they needed it the most since they

spoke of life’s fleeting nature and the precious gift of each moment. I listened, my thoughts drifting to the time I first met Lukel, a bright- eyed, energetic child. I could

spoke of Lukel–his infectious smile, his boundless energy, the joy he brought to their lives. Tears streamed

emotions: sadness, anger, and disbelief. How could a child so young be taken away? Why do such tragedies happen in the world? The questions swirled in my mind, unanswered and

of a lone violin filled the air, its mournful melody weaving through the crowd. I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me, a balm for my aching soul. I thought of Luke, of the moments we would never share, of the milestones

cemetery. I felt a sense of peace settle over me, a quiet acceptance of the cycle of life and death. I looked

the grieving parents. I approached Elizabeth and Manuel, my heart heavy

sorry for

tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Luke. Thank you for being here. But we’re the ones who should be saying sorry.”

why do you say that?” Manuel

of Lukel and Janice,” she answered him softly.

what she’s saying true? Are you the father

deep sigh. “Yes, I am

about it? Ariel never told me. And speaking of Ariel, where is she? I haven’t seen her in the past two days. Is she with

was with me, she’d come to this funeral. But since she’s not here, I think you

about

195: HIS FUNERAL

broken.

police about it?” Manuel asked