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?”

eyes clouded with sorrow, but he quickly averted

“It’s

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worry about it.”

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

in their attempts to hide it.” Please, tell me what’s wrong,” I pleaded, reaching out to touch my mother’s hand. “I want to help.”

father sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging under the weight of whatever burden he carried. “It’s just… some family matters, Ariel. We’ll

voice trembling with emotion. “Please, let

hesitation in my father’s eyes as if he were considering my offer. But then he shook his

“It’s not

Ariel. Just focus on your studies

helplessness wash over me. Why were they shutting me out like this? Didn’t they trust

voice rising with desperation. “I

remained silent, their expressions unreadable. It was as if they had built a wall around themselves, shutting me

realized that I was powerless to break through their defenses. All I could do was stand there,

to grasp my father’s hand. “I can see that something is deeply troubling you both. You raised me to

sadness that he met my eyes. “Ariel, it’s not that we don’t trust you or

his hand tighter. “I can handle it, Dad. Whatever it

heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his confession. “Our family business… it’s not

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threaten

hitting me like a ton

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

news. Our family business wasn’t just a source of income; it was our legacy, something we had poured our hearts and souls into for

choked out, my voice thick with emotion. “I had

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

get through this, together. I