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.”

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mother let go of him at that very moment, giving him a

things back to the way they were, I’m not stepping foot in

told you. He’s an idiot,” Simon

silenced him. “You have no right to be talking here

up,” Simon spat back..

Larry with a hard glare. “Larry,

know what I

Walker thing, you’ll only be fooling yourself. Because here is no way I’m changing things;

inaudibly, moving his face closer. “I won’t rest until

“Is this how

of a sense of justice and integrity,” I chimed

of this

me, his expression one of disdain. “And who

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

nothing but a naive girl, thinking you can change anything. You’re just

someone to shake up your narrow–minded perspective, Mr. Kingston. Larry is a great man, ten times better than your useless son. He deserves better

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3/4

with rage, but Larry spoke up with a calm yet resolute voice before he could unleash

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

away, leaving his family brimming with rage as if they were just staring at us.

two of us settled there in

sorry that had to happen,” I said,

to me. “What had to happen?”

had to go through all

of this is your fault. You didn’t you for cause any of this. My

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

courage and integrity look like. And I’ll

gave him a warm smile. “Thank you,

get through this together. I’m going to

your

as