The Love From Vengeance

342: HOW IT ALL STARTED

(Flashback to the lives of Luke and Ariel ten years ago, before and when they crossed paths with each other.)

ARIEL’S POV

I couldn’t stop talking about the party last night. It was one of the most happening parties I have ever been to. My best friend, Tessa and I were walking together, reliving every moment of the party.

“Did you see that guy? The one with the curly hair and dimples? He was so handsome,” I gushed.

Tessa laughed. “Oh, you mean Pete?”

“Is that his name?“I couldn’t take my eyes off him the whole night,” I replied dreamily.

“I think he was checking you out too, Ariel.“You should have gone and talked to him,” Tessa teased.

“I don’t know; he seemed a bit too forward for my liking.” I said, remembering how he had approached me at the party.

As we walked towards my mansion, Tessa continued to tease me about Simon. But as soon as we arrived at my mansion’s gates, Tessa interrupted my thoughts. I was about to say goodbye to Tessa when we heard a voice behind us

“Hello ladies,” the voice belonged to Simon. He was wearing a sharp suit and looked even more handsome in daylight.

“Hi Simon,” Tessa greeted him with a sly smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Ariel. I wanted to talk to you about something.” Simon said, walking towards

1. me.

Simon was always a difficult person to be around. He was rude and arrogant, constantly thinking he was better than everyone else. I knew him because his father was good friends with mine, so we had crossed paths many times. Despite his wealth and status, I never found him appealing.

He made it obvious that he was interested in me, but I couldn’t stand his entitled attitude. I didn’t care about his family’s money or his connections; I just couldn’t bring myself to like someone who thought so highly of themselves. Simon may have had a privileged life, but to me, he was just a regular guy with a big ego. And an absolute idiot.

I could feel my heart racing, but I tried to play it cool. “What is it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I think we have a connection, Ariel. And I know your parents like me. So why don’t you give me a chance? “He spoke confidently, taking my hand. I tried to pull my hand away, but he held on tight.

“I’m sorry, Simon. I don’t like you that way. And I don’t appreciate you assuming that my parents‘ opinion would sway me,” I stated firmly, trying to maintain my composure.

“Why are you being so stubborn, Ariel?“I can give you

closer to me.

Just say yes.” He

I could react, Tessa stepped in between us.

Tessa. But before he could do

out a loud groan and doubled over in pain. I quickly grabbed Tessa’s hand, and

house.

okay?” Tessa

just wouldn’t take no for an

why do you both look so shocked?” she asked, her voice filled

what had just transpired outside with Simon. “Simon was being pushy and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ariel had to… um… intervene, Tessa explained, her

in surprise, and then she shook her head disapprovingly. “That young man has no manners. I’ll have a word with the

or argument.

I said, grateful for her support.

Sha

her way, leaving Tessa and me

were unmatched. She had been a loyal and dedicated maid at our mansion for as long as I could remember. In fact, she had been working for my parents since before I was born.

a maid but also a part of our family. Her kind and caring nature made her an irreplaceable presence in our lives. We were lucky to have

with fear as Simon walked into the house, his face twisting into a scowl. Tessa held onto my

what do you think you’re doing? Leave her alone!” Martha defended

laughed, “I can’t help it if your daughter is so irresistible. I

expression changed from anger to disgust. “Get out! “And don’t you dare lay a hand on Ariel ever gain,” she said firmly, pointing towards

My heart was racing. and I tried to

I yelled, struggling to break

“You’re mine, Ariel. And I won’t

react, Tessa stepped in between us. “She said no,

raised his hand to silence Tessa. But before he could do anything, I quickly kneeled down and kicked him in his

groan and doubled over in pain. I quickly grabbed Tessa’s hand, and we ran

house.

you okay?” Tessa asked, her eyes wide with shock.

wouldn’t take no for an answer,” I replied, my

concerned expression on her face. “Ariel, Tessa, why do you both look so shocked?” she asked, her voice

outside with Simon. “Simon was being pushy and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ariel had to… um… intervene. Tessa explained, her

eyes widened in surprise, and then she shook her head disapprovingly. “That young man has no manners. I’ll have a word with the security to ensure he doesn’t bother you