The Love From Vengeance

318: PATHS DIVERGED

ARIEL’S POV

I held Laura’s gaze steadily, my expression resolute. “I mean exactly what I said. If you’re worried about someone, pay close attention to your own husband. I’m not going to talk too much. But don’t be blind to what’s right in front of you.”

Laura’s eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in suspicion. “What are your trying to say about my husband?”

“I’m saying that maybe he’s not as innocent as you think,” I replied evenly. “But that’s your business to sort out. Right now, I need to take care of mine.”

Without waiting for Laura’s response, I turned on my heel and headed inside the mansion to pack my belongings. As I made my way through the familiar halls, my heart felt heavy with the weight of my decision, but I knew it was the right one.

I found Janice in her room, playing with her toys. I crouched down beside her, cupping her face in my hands. “Sweetheart, we’re leaving,” I said softly.

Janice looked up at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. “Leaving? But why?”

I brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead. “Because it’s time for us to start fresh somewhere else, where we can be happy.”

Janice nodded solemnly, sensing the gravity of the situation. “Okay, mommy. I’ll go with you wherever you go.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gathered Janice into my arms, holding her close. “Thank you, sweetheart. Let’s go.”

With Janice in my arms and my belongings in tow, I returned to the front door, where Laura was still watching silently. I paused in front of her, my heart heavy with unresolved emotions. But this was the right step to take. And I needed to follow through with it, or something terrible might happen if I continued living in this house.

“Goodbye, Laura,” I said quietly, my voice thick with emotion. It was for the best. Take care of yourself.”

BADLI DIVER

Laura remained silent, her expression unreadable, as she watched us leave the mansion for the last time. As I stepped out into the rain, I knew that I was closing a chapter of my life. But I also knew I was stepping into a new chapter filled with hope and possibility with Luke and Janice by my side.

Just as I was about to walk further with Janice, Laura halted me and said, “Wait!”

I stopped walking and turned around, my hand positioned around Janice’s shoulder. Actually, both of us turned around.

closer to us. “You can take one of my cars. I don’t want

down to Janice as I held her hand tightly. I turned

“Thank you,”

me, and I could see pain in her eyes.

I could feel the little tears coming out of my

embrace came to an end, and I held both of Laura’s shoulders, smiling at her. Thank you for everything.” I thanked her

on my face, smiling at me. “Take care of yourself. “And take care of the little one.” Her gaze went down to Janice, a quick look, and then the eyes fell back on me. “I believe you can handle things really

me.”

of that. Thank you.” I smiled

as the seconds passed by. “You’re welcome, Ariel. Just promise me

curious about what she would

she said earnestly. “You’ve always been strong for everyone else, but

promise, Laura. I’ll

the car Laura offered, feeling a sense of relief mingled with

turned out to

seat with Janice beside me, I glanced

now turn out to be my

echoing in my heart, I started the engine, ready to

windshield matched the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. With each mile closer to Luke’s mansion, my anticipation and apprehension grew in equal

sat quietly beside me, her small hand gripping mine tightly as she stared out at the

destination.

Would he understand why

would be happy. That was what he wanted, after all.

in my thoughts, the minutes stretched into

we drove

The occasional flash of lightning illuminated the darkened sky, casting eerie shadows across the deserted

of Luke’s mansion loomed into view, and my heart.

beat. This was it–the moment where the true family would

nerves, I started calling Luke on the phone.