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 elevators.

seeing you

“I’ll let him know you’re here.”

watched as Hannah made her way toward the

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

She vocalized, and my mouth widely opened.

ages since I last

staring at her because I knew what I was signing up for. “Hey, Gwen! Yeah,

been a while. I’ve

experienced last night! Consequently, I was traversing a glittering field atop a unicorn when

made a face that was sort of a puzzle, I’d say. “Um, that sounds… wild. But, Gwen, I-”

party with aliens!” She cut me off. “Can you. imagine dancing with little green men? Oh, it was hilarious!”

that sounds like quite the adventure, but…”

“Oh, sorry, I’m rambling again, aren’t I? I just

commemorate this moment!”

protest, Gwen had already whipped out her phone and pulled me into

a selfie.

really wide. “Say

no other option but to force a smile. “Cheese.”

of

Is there any juicy gossip?”

my arms, trying to make her understand that I was

to catch up with Andre. It’s kind

I won’t keep you any longer. But

smile. “Sure, that sounds good.” Fake

at the moment.

“Yeah, but…”

and I have someone to

my hands on Gwen’s shoulders and

but I still have other things to talk about. Those scenes just came back to

and trust me, they are

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

was great

a stranger, Ariel! Catch you later, alligator!”

chuckled. “In a while,

exit towards the elevators, relieved to

of energy. But as I stood there, Hannah advanced toward me.