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?”

looked up, his eyes clouded with sorrow, but he quickly

“It’s

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Don’t worry about it.”

tell by the tightness in his voice that it was far from nothing. My mother remained silent, her eyes fixed on some distant point, and I could see the tears

this, their pain palpable even in their attempts to hide it.” Please, tell me what’s wrong,” I pleaded, reaching out

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

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

there was a flicker of hesitation in my father’s eyes as if he were considering my offer. But then he shook his head, his expression closing off once

“It’s not

Ariel. Just focus on your studies and leave the rest to us.

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

protested, my voice rising with desperation. “I need to know what’s going

my pleas fell on deaf ears as my parents remained silent, their expressions unreadable. It was as if they had built a wall around themselves, shutting me out

through their defenses. All I could

please,” I implored, the desperation evident in my voice as I reached out to grasp my father’s hand. “I can see that something is deeply troubling you both. You raised me to be part of this family, to share in both the

that he met my eyes. “Ariel, it’s not that we don’t trust you or value your support. It’s just… difficult to burden

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

confession. “Our family business… it’s

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threaten its stability.”

gravity of the situation hitting me like a ton of bricks. “But… how? I

to keep up with the changing market trends and increased competition,” my father

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

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

to worry you, sweetheart. But now that you know, we’ll need

through this, together. I promise.”