The Love From Vengeance

216: A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE

LUKE’S POV

1 had been driving around on my way to Andre’s company. I needed to talk to him, and I knew he would be there. Finally, I saw the familiar building and parked, bursting out to make my way

The receptionist greeted me with a smile and asked how she could assist me. “I need to speak to Andre,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Do you have an appointment?” she asked, typing on her computer.

“No, but it’s urgent. Please, it won’t take long,” I pleaded.

inside.

She looked at me for a moment before picking up the phone and dialing a number. After a brief

inversation, she hung up and told me to wait in the lobby. I thanked her and took a seat on one of the plush couches, my nerves getting the best of me.

I tried to calm myself down by focusing on the soothing music playing in the background. Minutes felt like hours as I waited. And where the hell was that guy? Why was he taking so long? Didn’t he know I had other things to do?

Finally, the receptionist called my name and informed me that André was available to see me. I followed her to his office. She knocked on the door before opening it and gesturing for me to come in.

Files and piles of papers were all around Andre as he sat at his desk. He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow. “Luke, what brings you here?” he asked, his voice laced with surprise.

“I need to talk to you, Andre.”

He motioned for me to take a seat in front of him. “What is it?” he asked, leaning back in his chair.

I took a deep breath before blurting out, “Ariel is alive.”

Andre’s eyes widened. “Wow, you’re being real now?

“Yes, I’m for real. I saw her and even talked to her.”

saw her?

I think I’ll stop there. But you just have to know that

eyes shone with tears. “That’s amazing news, Luke. 1

know. That’s why I had

this. Let’s go out

excitement. “That sounds great, but I have to

216. A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE

thank you enough for this, Lake,” Andre sald, getting up as

problem, André. I’m just glad I could bring you some good news. You know what we had to pass through while searching for Ariel,

I won’t forget

really terrifying, wasn’t

hushed tones. “So you’re not

got a meeting

He shook hands with me.

I told him with a nod before leaving. Well, at least now he knew that Ariel was alive. But as for me, I needed to make

discuss whether we would carry out a project

like she didn’t see me. I couldn’t stress about what she was doing

stood in silence, not even making eye contact. I wanted to say anything, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was afraid of rejection, clearly remembering what happened the last time

what felt like an eternity, I finally broke the silence. “Ariel,

her expression cold. “Don’t start

did the same, but I kept staring at her beautiful face and

causing both of us to lose our balance. Ariel grabbed onto the railing, looking worried. “What’s going on?” she asked,

it’s just a minor earthquake,” I

to rise. “Oh my god,

the fear in her eyes, and I knew I had to do something to calm her down. I

and you were in

reason. She began to hyperventilate, and I could see her

SIMLAR EXPERIENCE

to do something