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?”

one who makes the choice,

from a friend wouldn’t actually be

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

drawn with worry. As I approached, the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and I

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

RDENED HEART

2/3

looked up at me, concern etched in their expressions. “What is it, Arlel? What’s wrong?” My mom asked, her voice filled

a decision,” I began, my voice trembling. slightly. “I’m going

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

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

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

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

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

want to be 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 follow through

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

clearly still

fine with this?” My dad looked at me pretty

I’m sure.

silently, closing both of his

get married to Luke because

and walked away, leaving my parents behind in a state

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

the consequences.

LUKE’S POV

at the hotel, and Ariel’s image dominated my thoughts. Even though there was turmoil surrounding her, 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 deeper motivation, one that left me questioning the assumptions I had made.

to change my goddamn feelings about her. She wanted money, and I

376 BURDENED HEARTS