The Love From Vengeance

319: HOMECOMING

ARIEL’S POV

“Ariel, what happened? Why are you here?” Luke’s voice was filled with worry as he pulled back to study my face. “Did that woman throw you out of her house?”

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, my resolve firm. “I’ll explain everything, Luke. But first, we need to talk.”

“Sure,” he said, stirring closer to me. “Let’s go inside. Look at you. You’re all soaked

up.”

“Does that really matter right now?”

“It does, Ariel. You might have a fever or something.”

“You will be by my side to take care of me at all times, correct?”

Luke laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, holding Janice on her shoulder as well. He led us into the warmth of the mansion, his arm never leaving my shoulders as if afraid I might vanish if he let go. Janice clung to my hand, her small face upturned, absorbing the grandeur of her new home. I couldn’t actually read her mind, but I knew she loved this so much. You could see how she didn’t hesitate when I told her that we were both leaving Laura’s house.

We settled in the living room, a crackling fire casting a soothing glow over the plush furnishings. Luke sat opposite me, his anxious gaze locked on mine, while Janice explored the room, smiling gleefully. Seeing her with such a joyful face made me joyful. However, the moment spent with Laura had been painful to some extent.

“So, Ariel, what happened?” Luke asked softly, still looking into my eyes.

“Luke,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “Leaving Laura’s house wasn’t just a

spur–of–the–moment decision. Things were happening that made me feel unsafe and unwelcome. It’s not just about me; it’s about Janice, too. We needed a fresh start, somewhere we could feel happier and loved.”

“Is this how that woman has always been to you?”

“No, her attitude changed.”

And I’m guessing you understand why.” Luke had one of his brows raised.

a deep breath, closing my eyes, before I finally

me?”

be a monster,

mind.”

totally understand that.” His tone

glanced at him at that moment, my hands fixed

time. I totally understand it all. “And

sorry.

“You’re sorry?”

nodded, and then, with a whisper, he came out.

You didn’t do

guilty. I’ve ruined your relationship with

worry. Things are going to get back to normal. Just a matter of time,” I

assured him.

understanding. “But, Ariel. Remember, I made it clear to you: this place is as much yours as

by every presence

this is more than just a shelter from the storm. It’s a chance to build the life

with the three

nodded. “I myself never thought this day would come to pass.“I hated you so much back then, but I have to thank my grandfather for bringing such a wonderful woman like

for making this moment possible.” I smiled at

family,” he stated simply but with a conviction that brooked no argument. “And from now on, we’ll look out for each other. No

I answered in a whisper, smiling at him. Then he stood up to hold my hand gently, and I felt the heavenly

loudly, moving her hands over the air.

things would have been more lovely if Luke was here. Even though I could still feel his presence, his laughter, and

the hearth, casting a warm, golden light over us, I felt a profound

closer.

brighter days ahead. Together, we would build a future where the shadows of the