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

mother let go of him at that very moment, giving him a surprised face. “What? What do you

if you don’t decide to change things back to the way they were, I’m not stepping foot

told you. He’s an

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

Simon spat

with a hard glare. “Larry, is this

what I

Because here

Larry said inaudibly, moving his face closer.

bastard,” Mr. Kingston said bitterly. “Is this how you hate

out of spite but out of

of this nonsense.

his attention to me, his expression one of disdain. “And who the hell gave you the right

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 what’s right.”

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

is a great man, ten times better than your useless son. He deserves better than to be ridiculed by his

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3/4

Larry spoke up with a calm yet resolute

won’t tolerate any more disrespect towards Ariel or myself. If you can’t put an end to your vile acts, then

and angrily walked away, leaving his family brimming with rage as if they were just

car, and the two of us settled there in silence,

had to happen,” I said, breaking the

turned to me. “What

had to go through all

“Ariel, none of this is your fault. You didn’t you for cause any of this. My family’s actions are their own, and I won’t let them blame

help but feel responsible. I never wanted to come between you and your family

reassured me. “If anything, you’ve shown me what true courage and

a warm smile. “Thank you, Larry.”

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

your

as it used