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

to

Just say yes.” He smirked,

between us. “She said no, Simon.“Now leave

before he could do anything, I quickly kneeled down

doubled over in pain. I quickly grabbed Tessa’s hand,

house.

Are you okay?” Tessa asked, her eyes wide with

an

“Ariel, Tessa, why do you both look

quickly filled Martha in on what had just transpired outside with Simon. “Simon was being pushy and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ariel had to… um… intervene,

word with the security to ensure he doesn’t bother you

or argument.

I appreciate it,” I said,

Sha

continuing on her way, leaving Tessa and me to process the adrenaline–fueled encounter we had

with age gracefully written on her face. She must have been around sixty, or maybe even older, yet her energy and enthusiasm were unmatched. She had been a loyal and dedicated maid at our mansion for

a part of our family. Her kind

pounding with fear as Simon walked into the house, his face twisting into a scowl. Tessa held onto my hand tightly, trying to reassure me. But I

do you think you’re doing? Leave

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

you dare lay a hand on

her aside and advanced towards me. My heart was racing. and I tried to back

Simon!” I

“You’re mine, Ariel. And

react, Tessa stepped in between us.

turned into a scowl, and he raised his hand to silence Tessa. But before

a loud groan and doubled over in pain.

house.

Are you okay?” Tessa asked, her

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

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

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

no manners. I’ll have a word with the security to ensure he doesn’t bother you again, Miss Ariel,” Martha said firmly, her tone leaving no room