The Love From Vengeance

349: UNDER SIEGE

LUKE’S POV

“Brenda, I thought I made myself clear,” I said, my tone firm as I tried to keep my frustration in check. “I’m not interested in pursuing anything further with you.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and I could sense Brenda’s confusion and disappointment. “But Luke, I thought we had a connection. Why are you suddenly pulling away?”

I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt for leading her on, even unintentionally. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I’m just not interested in pursuing a relationship right now. My focus is on other priorities.”

Brenda’s tone turned pleading. “But I really want to see you again, Luke. Can’t we just meet up and talk about this?”

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me. “I’m sorry, Brenda, but I don’t think that

ould be a good idea. It’s best if we just go our separate ways.”

re was a hint of frustration in Brenda’s voice now. “Fine, Luke. If that’s what you want.

But don’t come crawling back to me when you realize what you’re missing.”

I back and retort, knowing that it would only escalate the situation further. “Goodbye,

Brenda.”

With that, I ended the call and let out a long sigh, feeling a mix of relief and guilt wash over me. I knew I had made the right decision by prioritizing my family and career over fleeting relationships, but it didn’t make the conversation any easier.

ARIEL’S POV

Stepping through the grand entrance of our mansion, the familiar sight of opulent furnishings and elegant decor greeted me. But something felt different today. The air seemed heavier, and a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach.

I glanced around, noticing the somber expressions on my parents‘ faces as they sat in the living room. Their usually vibrant energy was replaced by a quiet sadness that sent a chill. down my spine.

“Dad, Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice tinged with concern as I approached them. ” Is everything okay?”

up, his eyes clouded with sorrow,

“It’s

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Ariel. Don’t worry

the tightness in his voice that it was far from nothing. My mother remained silent, her eyes

Please, tell me what’s wrong,” I pleaded, reaching out to touch my

shoulders sagging under the weight of whatever burden he carried.

a part of this family too,” I insisted, my voice trembling with emotion. “Please, let me help you. I can’t

as if he were considering my

“It’s not

focus on

shutting me out like this?

“I need to know what’s going on. Please, Dad, Mom,

my pleas fell on deaf ears as my parents remained silent, their expressions unreadable. It was as if they had built

in my eyes as I realized that I was powerless to break through their defenses. All I could do was stand there, feeling utterly

see that something is deeply troubling you both. You raised me to be part of this family, to share in both the joys and the burdens. Let me help

not that we don’t trust you or value your support. It’s just…

“I can handle it, Dad. Whatever it is, we’ll face it

his confession. “Our family business… it’s not doing

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threaten

like a ton of bricks. “But…

up with the changing market trends and increased competition,” my father explained. “But our situation only worsened.”

my cheeks as I processed the devastating news. Our family business wasn’t just a source of income; it was our

out, my voice thick with emotion.

around me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. “We didn’t want to worry you, sweetheart. But

through this, together. I