The Love From Vengeance

353: NEW PATH FORWARD

ARIEL’S POW

“Larry, wait!” His mother’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her tone pleading as she stepped forward, reaching out to her husband. “Harold, please, you can’t do this. He’s

Our Son.”

Mr. Kingston’s expression remained stoic, unmoved by his wife’s plea. “He’s made his choice, Martha. “He’s chosen to defy me and undermine everything we’ve worked for.”

“But disowning him? Is that really necessary?” Mrs. Kingston implored. “He’s just young and idealistic. He doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”

“He needs to learn, Martha,” Mr. Kingston replied sternly. “He needs to understand that there are repercussions for going against the family.”

“But he’s your son,” she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. “You can’t just cast him aside like this.“We’ll lose him forever.”

Mr. Kingston sighed heavily, his features softening ever so slightly at the sight of his wife’s distress. “Martha, you know how important it is for us to maintain control. We can’t afford to shc weakness, especially not now.”

“But at what cost, Harold?” Mrs. Kingston pleaded, her eyes searching for any sign of empathy. “Is our pride worth more than our own flesh and blood?”

Larry stood silently, his eyes darting between his parents, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. I could see the turmoil raging within him, torn between loyalty to his family and standing up for what he believed was right.

“Please, Harold,” Mrs. Kingston continued. “Think about what you’re doing. Is this really the legacy you want to leave behind?”

For a moment, there was silence as father and son locked eyes, a silent battle of wills playing out between them. Then, with a heavy sigh, Mr. Kingston relented, his shoulders slumping

in defeat.

“Fine,” he muttered grudgingly. “But he’s on his own. He can’t expect any support from this family if he chooses to walk this path.”

Mrs. Kingston let out a breath she seemed to have been holding, relief washing over her features as she stepped forward to embrace her son. “Thank you, Harold.”

Larry returned his mother’s embrace. “Thank you, Mom. But I cannot follow through with

16 NEW PATH FORWARD

this.”

2/4

at that very moment, giving him a surprised face. “What?

don’t decide to change things back to the way they were, I’m not stepping foot in this house.”

an idiot,” Simon mocked

up, Simon.” Larry silenced him. “You have no right to be talking here since you’re the

up,” Simon spat

Kingston said harshly, then turned to Larry with

what I want,

thing, you’ll only be fooling yourself. Because

moving his face closer. “I won’t

how you hate me? Defying

but out of a sense of justice

this nonsense.

Kingston’s eyes narrowed as he turned his attention to me, his expression one of disdain. “And who the hell gave you the right to talk, huh? “A mere outsider meddling in family affairs?”

seems like you’re forgetting the cause of this whole argument,” I retorted. “And I may not be part of your family, but I care deeply for Larry.“I won’t stand by while you belittle him for having the courage to do

thinking you can change anything. You’re just as foolish

your narrow–minded perspective, Mr. Kingston. Larry is a great man, ten times better than your useless son. He deserves better than to be ridiculed by

PATH

3/4

spoke up with a calm

If you

and angrily walked away, leaving his family

two of us settled there in silence,

had to happen,” I said, breaking

turned to me. “What had to happen?”

me, you had to go through all of this. Because of me, your relationship

a sigh. “Ariel, none of this is your fault. You didn’t you for cause any of this.

I can’t help but feel responsible. I never wanted to come between you and

courage and integrity look like. And I’ll stand by

a warm smile. “Thank you, Larry.”

have to worry, Ariel. We’ll get through this together. I’m

your

stable as