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?”

understand. What are you talking about?” I asked

was this man, and why was he

why did my words trigger such a visceral reaction?

had ties to my own family and was aware of the turmoil surrounding

375 DISPUTING ASSUMPTI

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

Okay, what the

me,” I told him calmly.

am the man your father wants you to get married tol”

eyes widened immediately. “So,

I am Luke Reynold. Are you surprised?”

Tm just…

I know. “That’s what I get

have to be respectful!” Tessa snapped at him.

he retorted, glaring at Tessa. “And

good friends with

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

to diffuse the escalating tension between

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

her or the sacrifices she’s

smirk, “Oh, please,

her family’s sinking ship of business. If that’s not textbook

I don’t know what is.”

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

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

blazed with fury as she stepped closer to Luke, her fists clenched at

Ariel or her family. You’re just as much

you?“Are you here to play the role of the loyal sidekick, defending Ariel at every

emotion. “Stop it, both of you! This isn’t helping anyone. We need to

there was silence as the weight of my words hung heavy in the air. Then, with a

in. This isn’t just about me or my family–it’s about finding a solution that works for everyone involved.”