The Love From Vengeance

202: LITTLE ARI

LUKE’S POV

Sidney sat across from me as she began to recount tales of Ariel’s early years. I had decided to pay her a visit to be by her side since her daughter was nowhere to be found. She was my mother–in–law, after all, and I think it’s time we get along.

We had been talking about the things that happened in my life, from how heartbroken I was to realizing that my parents were dead, to this point, the death of my grandfather. They all counted. So now here we were, and here she was, about to tell me about her daughter.

“Luke, you wouldn’t believe how amazing Ariel was as a baby. She had this spark, this energy that just lit up the room.”

I leaned in, eager to hear more about this wonderful woman. “I see. Please go on; I think I’d like to know everything.”

“Well, Ariel was always so curious. She would reach out for everything within her tiny grasp, her eyes. wide with wonder. I recall that she once found a butterfly flitting outside the window to be fascinating. She giggled and clapped her hands as she watched it dance in the sunlight.”

The picture of baby Ariel enthralled by a straightforward butterfly made me smile. “She sounds like she was a handful even back then.”

Sidney nodded, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. “Oh, she was! Ariel had this mischievous side, too. I remember one time when she managed to crawl out of her crib, and when I found her, she had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as if to say, ‘Gotcha!“”

As she spoke, I could almost picture baby Ariel, a tiny bundle of energy and curiosity, getting into all sorts of adorable mischief. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

“But you know what, Luke?” Ariel’s mother continued, her voice soft with affection. “Despite all her antics, Ariel was also the most loving baby. She would wrap her tiny arms around me and snuggle in close, her little heartbeat against my chest. In those moments, everything felt perfect, like the whole world was in harmony.”

My heart swelled at the thought of Ariel’s pure love as a baby. “I can imagine her being the sweetest little thing, just like she is now. Yeah, something like that.” I whispered the last part, looking away.

Sidney nodded, and she had a wistful look in her eyes. “She truly was. And she had this infectious laughter that would just light up the room. I remember one time she heard me singing, and she started babbling along in her own baby language, her eyes alight with joy. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

felt this deep love and warmth for the little girl, who had now captured his heart. If only she were here with me, where

wish Ariel was here. But

202–LITTLE ARI

beautiful memories with

203

I know she’s going to do great things in this

minutes that felt like hours. And after we were

hospital. I went to pay Tiffany a visit as well. I walked to

for her. I never wanted to see her like this, in this condition. But I couldn’t disturb her at the moment, so I decided

hushed tones, moving closer to

Luke?” She asked in a

you. I came to check up

to do that. I don’t want to be a burden to

Why would you think like

connecting us was this pregnancy, but the baby’s gone. So why are you still coming

I come to

you love me?” She

I suspired. “Look…”

me a yes or no. Do you love

my feelings. You know I have someone else in

meet that person

behavior, Tiff? I thought we talked

I don’t want to be a