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, but he quickly

“It’s

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worry about

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

palpable even in their attempts to hide it.” Please, tell

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

trembling with emotion. “Please, let me help you. I can’t stand to see you both like this.”

were considering my offer. But

“It’s not

need to worry about, Ariel. Just focus on your studies and leave the

me. Why were they shutting me out like this? Didn’t they trust me enough to confide in me?

desperation. “I need

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 completely.

I was powerless to break through their defenses. All I could do was stand there, feeling utterly helpless as the

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 joys

not that we don’t trust you or value your support.

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

weight of his confession. “Our family business… it’s not doing well, Ariel. Despite our best efforts,

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that threaten

at his words, the gravity of the situation hitting me like a ton of bricks. “But… how? I thought everything was

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

just a source of income; it was our legacy, something we had poured our hearts and souls into

voice thick with emotion. “I had no

to worry you, sweetheart. But now that you know,

get through