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,

confessed, my gaze drifting

“Of course, Ariel. He’s been looking forward to seeing you since he left the hospital,” she

him know you’re

as Hannah made her way toward the elevator

standing, waiting 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 off

vocalized, and my mouth widely opened.

It’s been ages since I last saw your

knew what I was

while. I’ve

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

of a puzzle, I’d say. “Um, that sounds… wild. But,

I found myself at a disco party with aliens!” She cut me off. “Can you. imagine dancing with little green

that sounds like quite

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

commemorate this moment!”

I could protest, Gwen had already whipped out her phone and

a selfie.

mouth really wide.

had no other option but to force

She put her phone down, letting go of me.

to lately? Is

understand that I was

up with

any longer. But hey, let’s grab lunch

that sounds good.”

at the

“Yeah, but…”

have work to do, and I have

on Gwen’s shoulders and began to slowly steer her away.

things to talk about. Those scenes just came

trust me, they are

pushing her away. “Well, I should get going

was great seeing you, Gwen.”

a stranger, Ariel! Catch

a

free, I made a swift exit towards the

as I stood there, Hannah advanced