376: BURDENED HEARTS

ARIEL’S POV

“Enough!” I interjected firmly, stepping between Luke and Tessa. “We’re not getting anywhere by arguing like this.“We need to find a way to settle everything calmly and rationally.”

Tessa nodded in agreement; her expression was still heated with anger. “She’s right. This isn’t helping

anyone.”

But Luke just scoffed, his eyes blazing with frustration. “I’m not interested in playing nice around here. This whole situation is a mess, and it’s up to you to put an end to it.”

I shook my head. “I’m trying, Luke. But we need to work together on this. Fighting amongst ourselves won’t solve anything.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw clenched in frustration. “Well, you better figure something out fast. I’m not sticking around to watch this circus any longer.”

Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and stormed away, leaving Tessa and me standing in

stunned silence.

Tessa sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. “Well, that went well.”

I let out a frustrated groan. “I don’t know what to do, Tessa. Everything’s falling apart, and I can’t seem to

fix it.”

Tessa placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering me a reassuring smile. “We’ll figure it out, Ariel. Together.”

I nodded, drawing strength from her words. “You’re right, Tessa. We’ll find a way to get through this. Together.”

“So, what are you going to do? Are you going to get married to Luke?”

“What do you think I should do?”

don’t know, Ariel. You’re the one who makes the choice, since

advice from a friend wouldn’t

her head. I’let out a deep breath, still thinking about how I was going to handle this situation. It was really messy,

approached, the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and

my courage and spoke up. “Mom,

RDENED HEART

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expressions. “What is it, Arlel? What’s wrong?”

took a deep breath, bracing myself for their reaction. “I’ve made a decision,” I began, my voice trembling. slightly. “I’m going to

moment, there was nothing but stunned silence in the room. “Ariel, are you sure about this?” My dad asked, as if this

is just so annoying. But anyway, I would just have to go

nodded. “Yes, Dad. This is what you wanted, right? To save

mom reached out and took my hand, her eyes searching mine for any sign of

do? Were

make these people happy and bring their business back to stability, then I was ready to follow

fine, Mom, I’ll do whatever it

worried glance, clearly

fine with this?” My dad looked at me

Dad. I’m sure. That’s what you want,

replied silently, closing

married to Luke because my

turned and walked away, leaving my parents behind in a state of

couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. But despite the doubts swirling in my mind, I knew that I had made my decision. And now, I would have to live

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

Even though there was turmoil surrounding her, her resolution was evident in her eyes, sparking an undeniable attraction within

than met the eye. Her sincerity

change my goddamn feelings about her. She wanted money,

376 BURDENED HEARTS

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