The Love From Vengeance

292: FOLDED NOTE

ARIEL’S POV

“It’s just that what?” Luke asked, giving me a curious look. The both of us were still staring into each other’s eyes, and it wasn’t like was scared, or shy, or something.”

“I was hoping we could spend some time together tomorrow,” I brought out to him.

A flicker of understanding crossed Luke’s features as he smiled at me reassuringly. “Of course, we can. I’ll make sure to clear my schedule.”

Relief washed over me, and I returned his smile gratefully “Th

a sense of contentment settle within me. “I really appreciate it.”

you.” Now I was feeling

He leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine. “Ariel, spending time with you is never a chore. It’s something I always look forward to.”

I felt a flutter in my chest at his words, my heart swelling with affection for this man sitting across from me. “Likewise,” I murmured, reaching out to cup his cheek tenderly. “I cherish every moment we share together.”

“Oh, I know you do.” He pecked me on my cheek.

I couldn’t help but smile as Luke’s lips brushed against my cheek, leaving a warm sensation in their wake. His affectionate gesture never failed to make my heart skip a beat. I gazed into his eyes, filled with adoration, and I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

Well, maybe.

Just as we were basking in the moment, a waitress approached our table with a friendly. smile. “Is there anything I can get for you two?” she asked, and her voice was polite and

attentive.

I glanced at Luke, knowing exactly what we needed. “We’ll have some seared scallops, please,” I replied, returning the waitress’s smile.

“Anything else?” She queried, transposing her eyeballs to the both of us.

“And some orange juice as well,” Luke answered, his voice was so smooth and easy. And it

was also sexy.

down our order, and after that, she discreetly passed a folded note to

Luke.

292 FOLDED NOTE

the order,” she told us calmly, and then she walked

he unfolded the note, his brows

puzzled, before scanning the contents of the note. “It seems someone in the restaurant wants to speak with me,” he

the room.

of intrigue mingled with a hint of apprehension. “Who could it be?” I wondered aloud, my mind racing

his head, equally puzzled. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, with his gaze scanning the faces of the other diners. “But there’s only

is that?” I asked him. My curiosity was really getting the best of

to and meet the person who wrote this.”

for real right now?”

This might be something important.”

even know

meet this person. I promise, I won’t take long.” Luke rose from his seat, the note clutched in his hand. “I’ll be right

man can be annoying sometimes. After al, he was irritating in the past. And I thought coming to this restaurant to spend some time with him might actually make me feel better after everything today, but that wasn’t what I was seeing around here.

Why did he have to leave now, just when we were finally enjoying a moment together? My mind wandered, replaying our conversation and his sudden departure, stirring up a

She set down two plates of seared scallops and two glasses of orange juice with practiced efficiency, but I couldn’t bring myself to thank her. Instead, as she

retreat. “Can I nok you

waitress paused, turning back to face me with a polite

note you gave to my husband, who was it from? A man

slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her

to me? Did you see what she looked

like?”

around the busy restaurant. “I’m sorry, but

me, I have

raced with possibilities, but without more information, I was left

be a

LUKE’S POV

could be reaching out to me in such a clandestine

the last

me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of being overheard.