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,

looking forward to seeing you since he left

“I’ll let him know

grateful nod, I watched as Hannah made her way toward

waiting for him, someone approached me. Someone I knew was really crazy about the things she did–jus–justway of beingbeing

my mouth widely opened. “Oh my gosh, girl, where

since I last saw

knew what I was signing up for.

been a while. I’ve been-”

I was traversing a glittering field atop a unicorn when all of a sudden, I was alightening aboard a rocket ship bound for Mars! Can you believe

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

I found myself at a disco party with aliens!” She cut me off.

like quite the adventure,

aren’t I? I just get so excited to see you! Hey, let’s take a selfie to

commemorate this moment!”

I could protest, Gwen had already whipped out her phone

a selfie.

mouth really wide. “Say

other option but to force a smile.

go of me.

lately? Is

understand that I

I really need to catch up with Andre. It’s kind of

you any longer. But

nodded with a smile. “Sure, that sounds good.” Fake

the moment.

“Yeah, but…”

do, and I have someone

hands on Gwen’s shoulders and began to slowly

I still have other things to

trust me, they

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

It was great seeing you, Gwen.”

stranger, Ariel! Catch

a

a swift exit towards the elevators, relieved to

whirlwind of energy. But as I stood there, Hannah