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?”

his eyes clouded with sorrow, but he quickly averted his

“It’s

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worry about

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

Please, tell me what’s wrong,” I pleaded, reaching

under the weight of whatever burden he carried. “It’s

family too,” I insisted, my voice trembling with emotion.

if he were considering my offer. But then

“It’s not

Ariel. Just focus on

frustration and helplessness wash over me. Why were they shutting me out

I can’t just ignore it,” I protested, my voice rising with desperation. “I need to know what’s going on. Please, Dad, Mom,

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

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

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 we don’t trust you or value your support. It’s

it, Dad. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together as a

family business… it’s

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threaten

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

been struggling to keep up with the changing market trends and increased competition,”

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

sorry, Dad,” I choked out, my voice thick

into a comforting embrace. “We didn’t want to worry you,

nodded. “We’ll get through this,