The Love From Vengeance

291: SORT OF JEALOUS

ARIEL’S POV

With Luke sitting across from me, his earnest gaze fixed on mine, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of doubt. His words reassured me, but actions spoke louder than words, didn’t they?

“What if you got some important project? I challenged him, searching for any hint of hesitation in his response.

Luke’s expression softened, his eyes never leaving mine. “Ariel, you’ll always be my priority. No matter what important project comes up, you’ll come first.”

I offered him a skeptical smile. “Prove it.”

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “How am I

I shook my head, laughing softly. “Just prove it.”

g to prove it right now?”

Luke’s laughter joined mine, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes. “You’re not

serious, Ariel.”

“But I am,” I insisted, my smile widening. “Go on stage and sing a romantic song for me.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious?”

I nodded, unable to contain my grin. “Dead serious.”

We locked eyes for a moment, the tension clear between us, before I gestured towards the

stage. “Go ahead, Luke.”

With a resigned sigh, Luke got up from his seat and made his way towards the stage. The

restaurant dimmed, the spotlight focusing solely on him as he stood there, microphone in hand. My heart pounded in anticipation as he began to sing, his voice filling the room with warmth and melody.

While he sang, his gaze never wavered from mine, his words carrying a depth of emotion that sent shivers down my spine. And then, as if guided by an invisible force, he moved closer to me, his voice growing softer, more intimate.

And before I knew it, he was standing right in front of me, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek as he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss. The world around. us faded away, leaving only the two of us enveloped in the music and the moment.

24

song came to an end, and the applause of the audience washed over us, but all

the love and sincerity shining in

now?” He grinned,

answered with a

“Maybe?”

song back there. I never knew you

barely sing, but you made do that, in front these people.

I mean,

but I don’t want people to start calling me

mean by that?” I asked him, making a puzzled face.

Nevermind,” he spoke

the both of us still sitting there, basking in the aftermath of his impromptu serenade,

by, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. Seizing the opportunity

called out to him, “Excuse me, can we get some

please?”

his eyes briefly lingering on me before turning to Luke and me. “Of course,

onto my cheeks.

he said, causing a slight blush

I murmured shyly as he handed us

a little closer. “I’m James, by

interjected abruptly, his tone curt. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll manage on our

looked taken aback for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. “I’ll listen to the lady,” he brought out with a pointed glance in my direction.

his irritation was very clear. “I

waiter.”

“What’s

James asked, and his tone was incredulous.

I intervened, placing a hand on Luke’s

not make a scene.”

before turning back to Luke. “I’ll respect the lady’s wishes,” he said evenly,

mixture of frustration and understanding

running a hand through his hair. “I just… didn’t

you.”

I countered, feeling a pang of guilt for unintentionally causing the tension.

softened, reaching for my hand across the table. “I know, Ariel. I’m sorry. I just… I guess I got a

his hand a reassuring squeeze, offering him a small smile. “It’s okay. Let’s just

my smile with a grateful one of his own.