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?”

who makes

wouldn’t

about how I was going to handle this situation. It was really messy, and

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

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

RDENED HEART

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their expressions. “What is it, Arlel?

bracing myself for their reaction. “I’ve made a decision,” I began,

in the room. “Ariel, are you sure about this?” My dad asked, as if this wasn’t what

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

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

took my hand, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. “But, sweetheart, are you sure this is what you

no? What were they going to do? Were

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

I’ll do whatever it takes to

clearly still processing my sudden declaration.

this?” My dad

nodded. “Yes, Dad. I’m sure.

silently, closing both

settled. I’ll get married to

my parents behind in a state of

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

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

hotel, and Ariel’s image dominated my thoughts. Even though there was turmoil surrounding her, her resolution was evident in her

that, she was merely another golddigger, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye.

wasn’t going to change my goddamn feelings about her. She

376 BURDENED HEARTS

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