The Love From Vengeance

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?”

know, Ariel. You’re the one who makes the choice, since it’s your life.”

wouldn’t actually be a bad

out a deep breath, still thinking about how I was going to handle this situation. It was really messy, and I hoped all this would just

the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and I knew that whatever I was about

I gathered my courage and spoke up. “Mom, Dad, we

RDENED HEART

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in their expressions. “What is

myself for their reaction. “I’ve made a decision,” I began, my voice trembling. slightly. “I’m going to marry Luke.”

for a moment, there was nothing but stunned silence in the room. “Ariel, are you sure about this?” My dad asked, as if this wasn’t what he

things through. Everything right now is just so annoying. But anyway, I would just have

This is what you wanted, right? To save

and took my hand, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. “But, sweetheart, are

surprised by their questions. What if I said no? What were they going to do? Were they going to put an end

the bad person around here. So if marrying Luke would make these people happy and bring their business back to stability, then I was ready to

forced a smile. “It’s fine, Mom, I’ll do whatever it takes to make the business great

worried glance, clearly

you’re fine with this?” My dad looked at

nodded. “Yes, Dad. I’m sure. That’s what

replied silently,

get married to Luke

leaving my parents behind

my way to my room, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. But despite the doubts swirling in my

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

Ariel’s image dominated my thoughts. Even though there was turmoil surrounding

she was merely another golddigger, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. Her sincerity in wanting to help her family hinted at a deeper motivation, one that left me questioning the assumptions

to change my goddamn feelings about her.

376 BURDENED HEARTS