The Love From Vengeance

373: STORM BREWING

LUKE’S POV

“I know what this is really about, Grandfather,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. “You and Gray are just trying to save his precious business from falling apart. “You two don’t care about Ariel or me. All you care about is maintaining the wealth.”

My grandfather’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with anger. “How dare you speak to me like that, Luke? You need to learn your place.”

“My place? I scoffed. “I’ll tell you what my place is. You and Gray haven’t arranged my marriage. “It’s standing up for what I believe in, even if it means going against you.”

“We’re trying to do what’s best for the family,” my grandfather insisted. His voice was growing colder with

each word.

We had never had a heated argument like this before, but I couldn’t help it. This was my life; we were talking about it here. My life!

a

“Well, what about what’s best for me?” I shot back. “No one can force me into a marriage I don’t want.” Not by you, not by Gray, not by anyone.”

“You will do as I say, Luke,” my grandfather declared, his tone final. “This marriage will take place whether you like it or not.”

I felt a surge of anger and frustration coursing through me like a fire burning in my chest. “No, not sure if I have anything to say about it.”

it won’t.” ‘m

With that, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the office, leaving my grandfather’s words echoing in the empty corridors behind me.

I knew that this was just the beginning of this crazy situation. But Harriet was the one I loved, and trust me, no matter the obstacles that stood in my way, I would fight to ensure that my future remained in my own hands.

Storming out of the building, my mind was a vortex of emotions. I wasn’t so focused on my walk that I almost collided with Daniel, who was waiting outside the building.

ghost.” Daniel spoke, and his features were filled with

myself before responding. “It’s my grandfather. “He’s trying to force me into a marriage with Ariel, all for the sake of his business.”

you were in love with Harriet.”

he surprised or

look. “You

did hear something like that.“I didn’t take it seriously. I hate listening to stories coming from

373: STORM BREWING

most of the time, but come on, I thought you

I replied right away. “But my grandfather doesn’t care about

tumed grave, his eyes searching mine. “Luke, I know you’re angry, but you can’t disobey your

with him forever.”

can’t just stand by and let him control my life. I have to fight for what I

I

your

of Daniel’s words sinking in. He was right–my father wouldn’t want to see me tear apart the family like this.

However, I cannot simply allow others to dictate my life. I have to take a stand, for better or

it, Luke. Think about what your

father would want

sure he wouldn’t want you to destroy your relationship

saying. You didn’t meet me before he

feeling–the feeling that he wouldn’t want this chaos going around in the family. He wouldn’t want you

deeply, fixing both of my hands on my

the sake of our relationships with our family. You don’t want to regret your decisions later on.”

but my mind was still a typhoon of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The force of the situation bore down on me, pressing against my chest like a suffocating

blanket

bustling street and the city’s noise. Finding a bench tucked away