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

wouldn’t actually be a

how I was going to handle this situation. It was

the living room, their faces drawn with worry. As I approached, the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and I knew that whatever I was about

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

RDENED HEART

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their expressions. “What is it, Arlel? What’s wrong?” My mom asked, her voice filled with apprehension.

a decision,” I began,

silence in the room. “Ariel, are you sure about this?” My dad asked, as if this

wonder how these people think things through. Everything right now is just so annoying.

Dad. This is what you wanted, right? To

her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. “But, sweetheart,

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

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

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

glance, clearly still processing my sudden declaration.

with this?” My dad looked at

Dad. I’m sure. That’s

he replied silently, closing both of his eyes.

to

and walked away, leaving my parents

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,

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

thoughts. Even though there was turmoil

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

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

376 BURDENED HEARTS

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