The Love From Vengeance

374: WOES AT WORK

LUKE’S POV

I looked up to see a journalist standing before me, a determined look in her eyes no she held out n recording device, ready to capture my every word.

“Mr. Reynold, can you comment on the rumors circulating about your engagernent to Ariel Gray?” she asked, her voice insistent.

I froze, just giving her a face that showed how disgusting she was. Questions about my personal life, especially from nosy journalists, were the last thing I needed right now.

“I have no comment at this time.” I replied curtly, attempting to brush past her.

However, she persisted, stepping into my path and blocking my way. “But surely you must have something to say about the rumors? Is it true that your grandfather planned the whole thing?”

I gritted my teeth, my frustration mounting with each passing second. I had no desire to engage in a conversation with this woman, especially not about something as personal as my relationship.

“Look, I said I had no comment,” I snapped. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have important matters to attend

to.”

I maneuvered around her and continued on my way, ignoring her protests as she called out after me. I had more pressing issues to address, and the last thing I needed was to become entangled in a media

frenzy.

I reached the office building, opened the door and stepped inside. I could notice how my workers were staring at me, and they continued their whispers, which was really irritating. I didn’t want to listen to it any

further.

As I entered the office building, the whispers and stares of my workers only served to heighten my frustration. I could feel their eyes on me; their murmurs were growing louder as I passed by. It was as if they were waiting for some sort of explanation, some confirmation of the rumors that had been circulating about me.

Fed up with the speculation and gossip, I slammed my hand down on the nearest desk, causing everyone to jump and fall silent. All eyes turned to me; their gazes fixed on my furious expression.

“If anyone has a problem with me, say it to my face!” I bellowed, my voice echoing through the office. “I won’t tolerate this behind–the–back chatter any longer!”

and uncertainty. It was clear that none of them were willing to confront me directly,

I spat, my anger boiling over. “If none of you have the

around and listen to your

to my office, not bothering

WOES AT

didn’t deserve it, not after their

goddamn employees were on my side. I always treated people nicely. making their place of work a paradise for them. But to hell

actions, I had made my decision and would stand by it, no matter the

ARIEL’S POV

with thoughts of the choos that had engulfed my life. I couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal that gnawed at me, knowing that my own parents had arranged this entire mess without my consent.

at my watch, noting that Tessa was running a few minutes late. I sighed, hoping that she would arrive soon so we could delve

the brisk walk. She slid into the

she took

apologized breathlessly. “I got caught up in traffic. Are you okay?”

a smile, grateful for her presence. “It’s okay,

hand, her touch offering a small measure of comfort. “So, what’s been

You sounded really upset

myself for the flood of emotions that threatened to consume me. “It’s my parents,

do you mean?“How could they betray

events of the past few days, from the revelation of the forced marriage to my parents‘ role in orchestrating the whole debacle. As I spoke, the weight of the truth settled

betrayal cutting deep.

a combination of anger and sympathy. “I can’t believe they would do something like that to you, Ariel.

“I thought they had my best interests at

own

support. “You deserve so much better than this, Ariel. You deserve to be

don’t know what to do, Tessa. Everything

now.”

so messed

it out together. You’re not alone in this, Ariel. I’ll stand by you