The Love From Vengeance

266: FIRM ON IT

LUKE’S POV

Mommy had to go out for a little while, but she’ll be back soon,” I said, gently wiping the sleep

from Janice’s eyes.

Janice pouted, “I miss her already.”

“I know, but she’ll be back before you know it,” I reassured her, kissing her forehead.

Janice yawned again and rubbed her eyes. “Did I sleep well, Daddy?” she asked, looking up at me

with her big, innocent eyes.

“I’m sure you did, sweetheart,” I replied, brushing her hair out of her face.

“I had a dream,” Janice said.

“Oh really? What was it about?” I asked, curious to hear her dream.

“Mermaids flying in the air,” she said, her face beaming with joy. “They were all so pretty, and they made the sky really bright.”

“That sounds like a beautiful dream.”

Ethan chimed in, “But mermaids can’t fly in the air, Janice. It’s impossible.”

“It was just a dream, Ethan,” Randy told him, rolling his eyes at his brother.

I wrapped my arm around Janice’s neck, pulling her closer to me. “Well, in your dreams, anything is possible.” I winked at her forthwith.

“Really, Daddy?” Janice asked, and her eyes widened with excitement.

“Absolutely,” I replied, smiling down at her. “Now, do you want to come and play with us?”

Janice hesitated. “But I’m not good at video games, daddy.”

“That’s okay, Janice. We’ll teach you.” I stood up and offered her my hand.

took my hand, and we walked over to the couch, where Randy and Ethan were still playing

to me,” Randy said, scooting over to

handed Janice the controller and showed her how to

their

this is how you make the player run,” I said, guiding her fingers to

the controller

movements, but she was still struggling to get the hang

a goal,”

pressed a few buttons, and to our surprise, she

job, Janice!” Ethan exclaimed, high–fiving her.

giggled with delight. “Can I play again?”

Randy replied, smiling

and even though she wasn’t as good as Randy or Ethan, she was having a great time. And

how the mermaids had colorful wings

concert in the sky,” Janice vocalized, with

quite amazed by her imagination. “Wow,

it’s just a dream. It’s not

be true, Ethan, but sometimes dreams can feel very real.” I

at me and continued playing the game with us. It was a

with wild imaginations.

ARIEL’S POV

hospital room, the question still ringing in my ear. Of course, he knew the answer

those

and the

was indeed a powerful emotion that consumed me

me towards actions that might sound wild and crazy, which you could

regret, but

rooted in the desire for justice and retribution because it was fueled by

and damaged because of the hurt he caused me. This vengeance

it had dominated my thoughts

this path was fraught with inner turmoil and conflict. Yes, this desire.could be somehow intoxicating, but fuck that. Mason was

to Mason? Because my mind keeps telling me that you will not let him get away with this.”

your thoughts are right. There’s no way I’m

You’re going to call the cops