The Love From Vengeance

375: DISPUTING ASSUMPTIONS

ARIEL’S POV

“Their business will fall, Tessa. I need to get married to Luke to stop that from happening,” I said to Tessa, trying to make her understand the talk around here.

“You have got to be kidding me.” She shook her head; her tone was inaudible.

“I’m serious about this, Tessa.”

you are human, Ariel,” she vocalized loudly. “You have feelings. You can’t just let anyone treat you like shit. You can’t let them take advantage of your kindness.”

“I understand your point, Tessa. My parents did wrong; there is no doubt about that. But they were only doing it to secure the future. My father worked so hard to get to where he is today. He wanted the best for me and my mother and for our family. And seeing all of that going down the drain, I can tell he’s broken. He’s ruining the better future he wanted for me. This is the only way.”

“The only way to do what, huh?” A man uttered it suddenly.

Turning around, Tessa and I met the intense gaze of this man standing close to our table. He wore a navy. suit, exuding a sharp and polished appearance. However, his eyes were filled with rage and fixed on me.

Despite the anger in his eyes, I couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was, with his dark hair and well- structured shoulders. He was undoubtedly formidable, yet he exuded an indisputable charm.

Tessa and I exchanged confused glances, wondering who this mysterious man could be and why my words had caused a strong reaction from him.

“Uhmm, excuse me, who are you?” I asked in curiosity, as this man wouldn’t stop glaring at me.

“You don’t know who I am?” He raised his brows in fury.

I made a confused face, processing his words. “How am I supposed to know?”

“Fuck!” He snarled, slamming our table, causing me to shudder.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that? Don’t you have some respect?‘ Tessa fired at

him.

His gaze went back to me, the anger still in his eyes. “Are you happy with what you’ve done?”

don’t understand. What are you talking about?” I asked him, still in confusion.

was he unleashing his

and why did my words trigger such a visceral

he had ties to my own family and was aware of the turmoil surrounding our company?

375 DISPUTING ASSUMPTI

don’t know what I’m talking about, Ariel. You

my name. Okay, what the

introduce yourself to me,” I told

man your father wants you to get

immediately.

Luke Reynold. Are you surprised?”

Tm just…

know. “That’s what I get from a fucking

respectful!”

not deserve respect,” he retorted, glaring at Tessa. “And you’re

you’re good friends with

Don’t you dare talk nonsense!” She fired back

down,” I interjected, trying to diffuse the escalating tension between her and

“You have some nerve, Luke! Calling Ariel a golddigger? You

know anything about her or the sacrifices she’s

into a disdainful smirk, “Oh, please, spare me the sob story.

just to salvage her family’s sinking ship of business. If that’s not textbook golddigging.

know what is.”

a surge of anger rising within me at Luke’s callous words. “How dare you speak about my family

dripping with contempt. You’re willing to throw yourself at the first rich man who comes along just to save

closer to Luke,

You’re just as much a

met Tessa’s glare head–on. “And what about you?“Are you here to play the role of the loyal sidekick, defending Ariel at every turn? “Or

emotion. “Stop it, both of you! This isn’t helping anyone. We need to find a way to resolve this situation without tearing each other apart.”

my words hung heavy in the air. Then, with a resigned sigh, I turned to Luke.

you, Luke, if you truly care about me, then try to understand the position I’m in. This isn’t just about me or my family–it’s about finding a solution that works for everyone