The Love From Vengeance

911: BEEN LONG

ARIEL’S POV

I stepped out of my car, and the imposing structure of Andre’s company loomed overhead, its sleek glass façade reflecting the morning sunlight. I took a moment to admire the modern architecture before making my way towards the entrance.

After all, it had been kind of long since I got here. The Vitality Group still looked good, and I was glad everything was going well. It was nice to know about this and see how things were going great. I couldn’t be happier.

The automatic doors swooshed open, and I stepped into the spacious lobby, taking in the polished floors and minimalist décor. My eyes scanned the area, searching for any familiar faces amidst the bustling activity of employees going about their day.

Suddenly, a voice called out my name, and I turned to see Hannah rushing towards me with open arms. “Ariel!” she exclaimed, enveloping me in a warm hug. “It’s been so long; I’ve missed you!”

Returning her embrace, I couldn’t help but smile at the genuine affection in her voice. “I’ve missed you too, Hannah,” I replied, feeling quite great to be in her presence. Nostalgia or whatever, let’s just say it was washing over me. Yeah, pretty much.

“I’m so glad you’re back, Ariel. Honestly, without you, things felt a little bit different.”

“Oh great. Thanks; I feel so special, I guess.”

“Of course, Ariel. You are special.”

We pulled away from each other, and I took the opportunity to glance around the lobby once more. “How’s everything going with the business?” I asked, genuinely

curious about Hannah’s success.

She beamed with pride. “It’s going great, Ariel. Been doing great with all kinds of projects, making things work out with the business deals. And yes, with all these, I

have been elevated to higher heights in the business.”

I smiled, genuinely happy for her. “That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve always had such

a knack for entrepreneurship. And you totally deserve everything. I feel so happy for

911. BEEN LONG

you.”

Hannah’s smile widened at the compliment. “Thank you, Ariel. But enough about me,

she said, linking her arm with mine. “Let’s go somewhere quieter where we can catch up properly.”

I chuckled softly, appreciating her thoughtfulness. “As much as I’d love to, Hannah,

see Andre,” I confessed, my gaze drifting towards the

Ariel. He’s been looking forward to seeing you since he left the

“I’ll let him know you’re

her way toward the elevator bank, leaving me to wait anxiously for

him, someone approached me. Someone I knew was really crazy about the things she did–jus–justway of beingbeing Gwen popped up out of nowhere, her enthusiasm practically bouncing

my mouth widely opened.

been ages since I

was just staring at her because I knew what I was signing up for.

while.

a glittering field atop a unicorn when all of a sudden, I was

made a face that was sort of a puzzle, I’d say. “Um,

myself at a disco party with aliens!” She cut me off. “Can you. imagine dancing with little green men? Oh,

that sounds like quite the

with her nonsense. “Oh, sorry, I’m rambling again, aren’t I? I just get so excited to see you! Hey, let’s take

commemorate this moment!”

had already whipped

a selfie.

really wide.

but to force a smile.

down, letting go of me.

to lately? Is

to make her understand that I was not in the middle of this.

to catch up with Andre. It’s kind

any longer. But hey, let’s grab

“Sure, that sounds good.” Fake smile, but I needed to pull

the

“Yeah, but…”

bye–bye. You have work to do, and I have someone to see.”

my hands on Gwen’s shoulders and

to talk about. Those scenes just came

head, and trust me, they are really

are,” I said sarcastically, still pushing her away. “Well, I should get going

It was great seeing you, Gwen.”

don’t be a stranger, Ariel! Catch you later, alligator!”

“In a while,

breaking free, I made a swift exit towards the elevators, relieved to

as I stood there,