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.

Grandpa. But for now, I need some time

the time you

seat, bidding my grandfather farewell before leaving the study. As walked away, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of

A CLASH OF

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

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

rumors about your engagement

that you were caught

your

with a whirlwind of questions, each one more intrusive than the last. I tried to push through the crowd, my heart pounding with

!

maintain some

journalists were relentless, their persistence bordering

step.

just a moment of your time!”

a hint about your relationship with

I was suffocating under the weight of their scrutiny, my thoughts consumed by a desire to escape this suffocating

a familiar voice cut through the chaos

my faithful assistant,

his familiar face,

blurted out, gratefully accepting his outstretched hand as he

his ice calm

onslaught of

through the throng of journalists, Jack expertly deflected their inquiries; his cool

with a polite smile, his

into the safety of

the plush leather seat, breathing a sigh of relief as we pulled away from the crowd, leaving the clamor of the journalists behind us.

I said, my voice filled with gratitude as I finally felt

with

A CLASH OF

away from the chaotic scene, with Jack glancing at me with a mix of

rumors

through my hair as I wrestled with my thoughts. “Jack, I can’t talk about it right now. Just keep driving, please,” I replied, my tone weary and