The Love From Vengeance

345: DRIVE THROUGH DESPAIR

ARIEL’S POV

I drove through the pouring rain, my windshield wipers working overtime to keep my vision clear. My mind was racing with worry as I headed to meet Tessa. I knew she was heartbroken, and I wanted to be there for her. Her two–year relationship with her boyfriend had suddenly come to an end, and I could only imagine the pain she was feeling.

I pulled up to Tessa’s house and ran through the rain to her front door. She opened it before I even had a chance to knock, her eyes red and puffy from crying. I hugged her tightly, trying to convey my support and understanding. “I’m so sorry, Tessa,” I said softly. “I’m here for you.”

Tessa’s sobs increased as she leaned into me. “I can’t believe it’s over. Two years and now it’s just…done,

” she choked out between tears.

I knew there was nothing I could say to take away her pain, but I also knew that she needed someone to

listen and be there for her. “Come on, let’s go for a drive,” I suggested, taking her hand and leading her to

her car.

We got in, and I started driving. The rain was still pouring down around us. We didn’t talk at first; Tessa

just stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. But as we drove on, she began to open up to me.

“I thought he was the one, you know? We had plans for the future; we talked about getting married and

starting a family. And now, none of that is going to happen.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand, trying to offer some comfort. “I know it hurts right now, but trust

me, everything will be okay. You’re strong, and you’ll get through this,” I reassured her.

Tessa let out a deep sigh. “I just don’t understand why he ended it. He said he wasn’t happy anymore, but

he never talked to me about it. He just gave up.”

I could feel my own anger towards Tessa’s ex–boyfriend rising, but I knew that wasn’t what she needed.

and didn’t know how to

fault, Tessa. You did everything you could to make the relationship work. “You deserve someone

will fight for you and communicate

slowing down. “Thank you, Ariel. I don’t know what I would do without you,”

giving me a

see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “That’s what best friends are

and now it was my turn to be there for her. I knew that

still looked shattered, and seeing her in such a

sudden, a car came running in our direction. It came at full speed, making it seem

THROUGH DESPAIR

to collide with

shrieked, tapping Tessa

fast hands, she controlled our car in a different direction, going along the road and crashing into a store in the area. But we were

serious one.

of us breathing heavily. I slowly took my gaze upwards, and so did Tessa. As

I

I approached the vehicle that had arrived to cause havoc, I sobbed, “Hey, who’s in the car? Get out right

I had been so consumed by anger that I was paying less attention to it

from his car, I had to notice his striking blonde hair and well–tailored white suit. He was undeniably handsome, but I couldn’t find it in me to be impressed. My anger at him for recklessly crashing his car towards us overshadowed any physical attraction

irrelevant in this moment; all I could think about was the frustration and anger I felt

see you coming; it was a mistake,”

surrender.

boiling over. “A mistake? Do you

You could have

“You need to be more careful! You could have seriously hurt someone

know. I’m really

ears. “Sorry isn’t good enough!” I

in danger, and for what? Because you couldn’t be bothered to pay attention

hand on my shoulder, trying to