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.

after that, she

Luke.

292 FOLDED NOTE

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

at Luke, watching him as he unfolded the note, his brows furrowing in confusion. “What’s that?”

“It seems someone in

the room.

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

with his gaze scanning the faces of the other diners. “But there’s only one way

that?” I asked him. My curiosity was really getting

and meet the

for real right now?”

might

know who

won’t take long.” Luke rose from his seat, the note clutched in his hand. “I’ll be right back,” he assured

he had to leave me all because of someone he had not seen before. And here he was, telling me that I was his top priority. This 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

Why did he have to leave now, just when we were finally enjoying a moment together?

glasses of orange juice with practiced efficiency, but I couldn’t bring myself to thank her. Instead, as she turned to leave, I

halting her retreat. “Can I

face me with a polite smile. “Of course,

you gave to my

smile faltered slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. “It was from a woman,” she replied

describe her to me? Did you see what she looked

like?”

around the busy restaurant.

apologetically. “Now, if you excuse me, I have other

questions than answers. Who was this woman, and why did she want to speak with Luke? My mind raced with possibilities, but without more information, I was left to ponder in silence.

a

LUKE’S POV

Who could be reaching out to me in such a clandestine manner? My thoughts whirled with possibilities, each one more intriguing than

the last

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