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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him at that very moment, giving him a surprised face. “What? What do you mean by that?”

change things back

you. He’s an idiot,”

“You have no right to be talking here since you’re

Simon spat

harshly, then turned to Larry with

know what I want,

yourself. Because here

Father,” Larry said inaudibly, moving his face closer. “I won’t rest until

how you hate me? Defying me out

of a sense of justice and integrity,” I chimed

of this nonsense.

eyes narrowed as he turned his attention to me, his expression one of disdain. “And who the hell gave you the

part of your family, but I care

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

PATH FORWARD

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Larry spoke up with a calm yet resolute voice before he could unleash another barrage of

won’t tolerate any more disrespect towards Ariel or myself. If

Larry took my hand and angrily walked away, leaving his family brimming with rage as if they

my car, and the two of us settled there in silence, no one saying anything. Then I let out a

sorry that had to happen,” I said, breaking the silence

to me. “What had

all of this. Because of me, your relationship with them is

You didn’t you for cause

feel responsible. I never wanted to

shown me what true courage and integrity look like.

gave him a warm smile. “Thank you, Larry.”

don’t have to worry, Ariel. We’ll get through

your

stable as it used to be.”