The Love From Vengeance

369: A CLASH OF WILLS

LUKE’S POV

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, bracing myself for the conversation ahead, “Grandpa, earlier today, I found myself in a rather perplexing situation, I woke up beside a woman I didn’t recognize, leaving me with many questions.”

My grandfather regarded me with a measured gaze, his expression unreadable. “I see. And what did you make of this situation?”

“I’m not entirely sure, Grandpa. It’s all a bit of a blur. But it got me thinking about a lot of things,” I replied, choosing my words carefully.

*Such as?” he prompted, his tone neutral.

“Well, for starters, I couldn’t help but wonder why you would go to such lengths to orchestrate a situation like that,” I said, my voice tinged with curiosity.

My grandfather leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Luke, you know I have your interests at heart. Everything I do is for the betterment of our family.”

best

“But drugging me and placing a woman in my bed? That seems a bit extreme, don’t you think?” I pressed, unable to shake off my unease.

“Sometimes, drastic measures are necessary to achieve our goals,” he replied cryptically.

“And what goal would that be, exactly?” I asked, my patience wearing thin.

“Luke, I have high hopes for Ariel. She comes from a respectable family and would make a fine addition to our household,” he explained, his tone firm.

“So, this was all about Ariel?” I questioned, feeling a mixture of disbelief and frustration bubbling within

1. me.

“In part, yes. But ultimately, it’s about securingja prosperous future for you,” he clarified, his gaze unwavering. “Because with Ariel by your side, I believe you will never go astray.

I sighed, feeling the weight of his words settle on me. “I understand, Grandpa. But I can’t just go along

with

th something like this. It’s not fair to Ariel, and it’s certainly not fair to me.”

“Luke, sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good. This marriage will benefit both you and Ariel, whether you see it now or not,” he stated, his voice gentle yet resolute.

nodded, though inwardly, I remained conflicted. “I’ll think about it, Grandpa. But

all the time you need,” he replied, his tone

seat, bidding my grandfather farewell before leaving the study. As walked away, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within me, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with

CLASH

the tide of others‘ expectations. I had to find my own

grandfather’s study and out of the mansion, I was immediately met with a barrage of flashing cameras and eager journalists,

Luke! Can you confirm the rumors about

caught in bed with her this morning?”

bells in your future, Mr.

intrusive than the last. I

!

I muttered, attempting to maintain some semblance of composure as I dodged

journalists were relentless, their persistence bordering on harassment as

step.

just a moment of your time!”

least give us a hint about your relationship with Ariel?”

my

about to lose all hope, a familiar voice cut

here!” called Jack, my faithful assistant,

as I saw his familiar face, a beacon of sanity within the madness.

I blurted out, gratefully accepting his outstretched hand as he guided me

said, his ice calm and reassuring as he shielded me from

of

journalists, Jack expertly deflected their inquiries; his cool demeanor starkly contrasted the chaos

folks. No interviews today,” he said with a polite smile, his tene firm yet

safety of the

we pulled away from the crowd, leaving the clamor

my voice filled with gratitude as I finally felt the weight of the

with a reassuring smile.

A CLASH OF WILLS

with Jack glancing at me with a

those rumors true?” he asked.

wrestled with my thoughts. “Jack, I can’t talk about