The Love From Vengeance

211: MY EYES FOUND YOURS

LUKE’S POV

I emerged from the grand doors of City Hall, and my confident stride and determined expression captured the attention of the crowd. Dressed in a sharp navy suit, I made my way to the podium, the microphone awaiting my words.

“Good afternoon, citizens of New Haven,” I began, my voice strong and clear, carrying across the square. “I stand before you today not just as the owner of The Reynolds but as a fellow resident of this beautiful city.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, nodding their heads in acknowledgment of my connection to their community.

“For too long, New Haven has been overlooked, its potential untapped, and its future uncertain,” I continued, my gaze sweeping across the sea of faces before me. “But today, I stand here to tell you that change is coming. The Reynolds is committed to bringing better improvements to our city, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for all who call New Haven home.”

A wave of applause rippled through the crowd, the sound echoing off the stone facades of the surrounding buildings. I paused, allowing the cheers to subside before I continued.

“Our vision is simple but powerful,” I declared, and my voice was ringing with conviction. “We

believe that by investing in our infrastructure, schools, and local businesses, we can transform New

Haven into a thriving hub of innovation and progress.”

I spoke, and I could see my words painting a vivid picture of a brighter future for New Haven, one where dilapidated buildings were replaced with modern structures, where struggling schools were rejuvenated with state–of–the–art resources, and where small businesses were given the support they needed to succeed.

“We are not here to impose change upon you,” I emphasized, my tone earnest. “We are here to work. alongside you, to listen to your needs, and to build a future that reflects the hopes and dreams of every resident of New Haven.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause; their happiness was very clear in the warm afternoon. air. My speech had struck a chord with them, igniting a spark of hope and excitement for the future of their city.

Right after I stepped away from the podium, the crowd surged forward, eager to shake my hand, offer their support, and join me in my mission to bring better improvement to New Haven. And as I looked out at the sea of smiling faces, my eyes caught someone who had taken a perfect spot in my heart- and she was standing from afar.

She was also staring at me, crossing her arms. She didn’t move, as our eyes were fixed on each other, but her dark look was present. It looked like it could kill someone, but even so, I didn’t turn my face. away. Her gaze was not broken, and I kept looking in her direction.

FOUND

walked away. I wanted to move as soon as possible, but the crowd was stopping me. They all wanted to take pictures and get into different conversations with me. I

to change that thinking of hers. I needed to make

catch a glimpse of Ariel. I knew she would not want to listen to me, but I wanted to make things right. I couldn’t let her walk away without giving me a chance to clarify everything. I did wrong in the past, and I admit that.

way through the sea of people, I couldn’t spot Ariel anywhere. My eyes darted from one person to another, hoping to see her familiar face. I even asked a few people if they had seen her, but no one seemed to know where she

even the

left.

as she reached for

yelled, running towards her. She turned around, her expression still guarded. I

of her, trying to catch my breath. We stood there, just gazing at each other for what felt like an eternity. Her eyes were filled with so much darkness, and I did not

said, breaking the silence. “I know I’ve hurt you in the past, but I

to give her time to process everything. But I couldn’t leave without at least trying to make her understand my feelings. She needed to know

this, but I love you, Ariel. I love you. I’ve finally realized my feelings and can’t help it anymore. I’ve missed you all these days, praying every day for your return. Look, I have made tons of mistakes in the past. But I’ll make it up to you. Please don’t harden your heart for

by the hate. Please,

me;

gripping the door handle tightly. My heart ached at the sight, and I knew I couldn’t let

You can’t just walk

TEMVIVES FOUND VOUS

33

Lake,” she finally said, her tone hard to a certain degree. “There’s no need for you to

That’s your problem. I came back for

I wanted to hold her shoulders, but she shifted

told me coldly. “I hope you’re happy now.”

Why would I be happy when the person I love is

So just keep on enjoying the moment because you

moment. “I didn’t kill your son, okay? Why won’t you believe

already. You are nothing but a”