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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giving him a surprised face. “What? What do you mean by

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

an

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

Simon spat

Kingston said harshly, then turned to Larry with a hard glare. “Larry, is this what you

what I want, father.

about this whole Walker thing, you’ll only be fooling yourself. Because here is

inaudibly, moving his face closer.

bitterly. “Is this how

out of spite but out of a sense of justice

of this

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

be part of your family, but I care deeply for Larry.“I won’t stand by while you belittle him for having the courage

change anything.

for 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 than to be ridiculed by his own

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up with a calm yet resolute voice

any more disrespect towards Ariel or myself. If you can’t

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

of us settled there in silence, no one saying anything. Then I let out a deep

had to happen,” I said, breaking the silence between us.

turned to me. “What

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

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

responsible. I never

me what true courage

warm

worry, Ariel. We’ll get through

your

as it used to be.”