The Love From Vengeance

233: RETORTS

ARIEL’S POV

I tiptoed into Janice’s bedroom, careful not to wake her up. She looked so

peaceful, her chest rising and falling gently as she slept. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her.

I had gone to the bookstore early this morning to pick up some books for her. Last night, she had been begging me for the latest bestseller, and I couldn’t resist spoiling her. Just when I placed the books on her nightstand, I saw her stir and slowly open her eyes.

“Mom?” She mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” I said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Time to wake up.”

She groaned and buried her face in her pillow. “Already? Can’t I sleep for five more minutes?”

I chuckled and sat down on the edge of her bed. “Nope. You have a full day ahead of you. And besides, I have a surprise for you.”

Her eyes widened with excitement. “Really? What is it?”

I handed her the books, and her face lit up. “Oh my gosh, thank you, Mom!” She exclaimed, giving me a quick peck on the lips. “You’re the best.”

I smiled and ruffled her hair. “Anything for my little bookworm. Now, get up and get ready. We’re going out today.”

She sat up and stretched, yawning. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” I said, winking at her.

She rolled her eyes playfully. “Fine. I’ll get ready. But I’m not taking a bath.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “And why not?”

“Because I took one last night.” She shrugged.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. “Nice try, but you still need to take a bath. We don’t want you going out smelling like a skunk.”

the amusement in her eyes. “Fine,

bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. After that, I picked

pages. It was a fantasy novel, one of my personal favorites. I sufled to myself, knowing that Janice would enjoy it

immersed in the story, I heard a knock on the door. I looked up to see one

smile. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No, thank you. I can

and turned back to me. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mrs. Janice’s breakfast is

once again. But I think Janice is still in the shower. I’ll take the breakfast up to her when

the room, again leaving

LUKE’S POV

snapped at my great–aunt. Enough is enough! I was sick and tired of her irritating presence.

rude, aren’t you?” She spat

should be the one asking you that. Where’s

this low. Come on, you’re better

crazy,

I never

from the woman who just popped out of nowhere, saying she wants to

“You’ve really changed, haven’t you?”

changed. You just never knew me.”

me, I’m going to change you in

to be rude, but you’re not going to

Luke? Step out of

I don’t? What are you going

where the hell did

like my grandfather’s best friend,

live with me, then you better behave yourself. Live in peace,

hand. “You already did this. Not

better listen to me, young

is my house and everything I have here; I work day and night for it. I suggest you show some respect, not just

care about that man anyway. He chose not to care for me, so

How didn’t he care for you?”

and he didn’t even