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.”

amusement in her

watched as Janice reluctantly got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. After that, I picked up one of the books I

one of my personal favorites. I sufled to myself, knowing that Janice would enjoy

heard a knock on the door. I looked up to see one of

she greeted with a smile. “Is there

you. I can handle it. But

and turned back to me. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mrs. Janice’s breakfast is ready. Would you like me to bring it

again. But I think Janice is still in the shower. I’ll take

nodded and left the room, again leaving

LUKE’S POV

great–aunt. Enough is enough! I was sick

being rude, aren’t you?” She spat back.

asking you

you to stoop this low. Come on, you’re better

crazy, Luke.”

I never

nowhere, saying she wants to take the wealth of

chuckled. “You’ve really

changed. You just never knew me.”

I’m going

be rude, but you’re not going to do any

wow, wow. You know what, Luke? Step out

are you going

hell did you get the nerve?”

about that. You were like my grandfather’s best

come to this house to live with me, then you better behave yourself. Live

to seize her hand. “You already did this.

listen to me, young man.”

you listen to me. This is my house and everything I have here; I work day and night for it. I suggest you show some respect, not just to me, but to my late grandfather.

to care for me, so why should I care for

care for you?”

life, and he didn’t even bother to look for