The Love From Vengeance

360: GEMS OF AFFECTION

ARIEL’S POV

Tessa grinned. “Let’s start with earrings. A pair of statement earrings would really elevate your look.”

Nodding in agreement, I followed her lead as we began sifting through the selection of earrings. Gold, silver, pearls–there were so many options to choose from. Finally, Tessa’s fingers landed on a pair of exquisite diamond drop earrings, their brilliance catching the light.

“These are perfect,” she declared, holding them up for me to see. “They’ll add just the right amount of glamour without overpowering the dress.”

I admired the earrings, and the thought of wearing them flashed through my head. “I love them.”

With the earrings chosen, we moved on to the next task: finding a necklace to complement them. After careful consideration, we chose a delicate diamond pendant on a fine chain, which perfectly complemented the dress’s intricate detailing with its understated elegance.

“And for bracelets?” Tessa pondered, scanning the displays once more.

I spotted a slender diamond bangle nestled among the other accessories; its simple yet sophisticated design caught my eye. “What about this one?” I suggested it, pointing it out to

her.

She nodded in approval. “Perfect. It ties everything together beautifully.”

With our selected accessories, I felt a sense of satisfaction. “I can’t thank you enough, Tessa. You have such an eye for fashion.”

She beamed at me. “It was my pleasure, Ariel. You’re going to look absolutely stunning tonight.”

“Well, thank you.” I blushed at the compliment.

“Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Simon approached us, walking slowly in our direction. “If it isn’t Ariel Walker and her worthless friend,”

He paused, then asked Tessa, “What’s your name again?”

“Oh, shut up!‘ She snapped at him. “What are you doing here?”

“I came here to get myself some clothes, just like you,” he answered with a plastic smile.

360 GEMS OF AFFECTION

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you’ve come here to play your vile games. But I don’t have time

before he regained his composure. “Oh, is that so? And

feel the tension cracking in the air as Simon’s gaze shifted to me. He took a step closer, his

step back. “There’s no need for all this, Simon. We can just go now and pretend like none of this ever

quickly captured me, with his grip tightening on my hand and his fingers digging into my skin. “Don’t play dumb with me, Ariel. “You know exactly what you did, disrespecting my family

me,” I demanded, attempting to pull my hand free from his grasp.

grip, his eye glowing with malice. “You will pay

refusing to cower in the face of his threats. “I

this. Let go

narrowing in fury. “Fine,” he spat, taking a step back. “But don’t think this is over, Ariel. You haven’t heard the last of me.

11

over me. Turning to Tessa, I met her

concern as she

We’ll go somewhere else.”

away from the spot, leaving behind the echoes of his threats and the lingering sense of unease.

****

it was already three days and how the relationship had been moving so fast. Everything moved so fast, and I wanted to make this day extra special

the most meaningful way possible, and I knew

OF

but the best. That’s why I decided to take her

Harriet asked

I replied with a smile.

3/4

jewelry store, and Harriet’s eyes were filled with surprise. “A jewelry shop?

”

but one of the

you shouldn’t have.”

“I want to buy you something special.”

small gasp. “Really? You don’t have to do that,

much you mean to me,” I said, taking her hand

and shining silver. Harriet’s eyes darted around, taking in