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,

friend wouldn’t actually be a bad idea.”

breath, still thinking about how I was going to handle this situation. It was really

living room, their faces drawn with worry. As I approached, the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and

courage and spoke up.

RDENED HEART

2/3

concern etched in their expressions. “What is it, Arlel? What’s wrong?” My mom asked, her

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

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

the hell! Sometimes, I just wonder how these people think things through. Everything right now is just so annoying. But anyway, I would just have to go on with

This is what you wanted, right? To save

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

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

around here. So if marrying Luke would make these people happy and bring their business back to

Mom, I’ll do whatever it takes to

clearly

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

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

Ariel,” he replied silently,

married to Luke because my

leaving my parents behind in

air. But despite the doubts swirling in my mind, I knew that I had made my decision. And now, I would

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

there was turmoil surrounding her, her resolution was evident in her

belief that, 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

that! It wasn’t going to change my goddamn feelings about her. She wanted money, and I was

376 BURDENED HEARTS