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

2/4

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

smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. “Oh, is that so? And

cracking in the air as Simon’s gaze shifted to me. He took a step closer, his expression turning menacing, “But you, Ariel, always seem to find yourself in

no need for all this, Simon. We can

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

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

with malice. “You will pay for what you’ve

cower in the face of his threats. “I won’t

this. Let go

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

11

a shaky breath, feeling a rush of relief wash over me. Turning to Tessa, I met her gaze. “Let’s get out of here,” I said,

as she nodded in

go

spot, leaving behind the echoes of his threats and

****

and how the relationship had been moving so fast.

express my love for her in the

OF AFFECTION

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

Harriet asked as we walked

I replied

3/4

arrived at the jewelry store, and Harriet’s eyes were filled with surprise. “A

”

just any jewelry shop, but one of the

shouldn’t have.”

to buy you

out a small gasp. “Really? You don’t

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

store was filled with sparkling diamonds, glittering gold, and shining silver. Harriet’s eyes darted around,