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.

But where could she be? My

you now? Where am I going to search? I’ve gone through so many places, and I haven’t yet seen you. What

THREE DAYS LATER

to the small, quaint cemetery on the outskirts of town. I adjusted my tie nervously, feeling the weight of the occasion

1. of Luke. The tragedy

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

approached the gathering, I could hear the soft murmurs of the mourners and the sniffles of those trying to hold back tears. The air was heavy with grief, and the atmosphere was suffused with a sense of profound loss. I scanned the crowd, recognizing familiar faces twisted

faces drawn.

Elizabeth, standing at the front, their faces etched with pain as

195 HIS FUNERAL

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my way towards them, offering a silent prayer for strength and comfort. And I still needed some

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 tell

her voice trembling as she spoke of Lukel–his infectious smile, his boundless energy, the joy he brought to their lives. Tears streamed down her face, and Manuel reached out to steady her, his own grief palpable in every line of his face.

whirlwind of emotions: sadness, anger, and disbelief. How could a child so young be taken away? Why do such tragedies happen

music wash over me, a balm for my aching soul. I

peace settle over me, a quiet acceptance of the cycle of life and death. I looked around at the

their condolences to the grieving parents. I approached Elizabeth and Manuel, my heart heavy with sorrow. I took

for what happened.”

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

you say

of Lukel and Janice,” she

“Is what she’s saying true? Are

deep sigh. “Yes,

speaking of Ariel, where is she? I haven’t seen her in the past two days. Is she with you, Luke?”

since she’s not here, I think you already have an answer to your question.”

worried about her,”

195: HIS FUNERAL

broken.

why haven’t you informed the police