The Love From Vengeance

381: SILENT EXCHANGE

ARIEL’S POV

Sir Reynold clapped his hands, and a helper swiftly entered the living room, carrying a small box. With a nod from Sir Reynold, the helper approached Luke and handed him the box. Luke took it, his eyes briefly shuddering towards me before focusing on the box in his hands.

Sir Reynold’s voice broke the tense silence. “Open it, Luke.”

Luke hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on me before he slowly lifted the lid of the box. Inside gleamed a stunning diamond ring, catching the light in a mesmerizing display

Sir Reynold’s voice was firm. “Put it on her finger, Luke.”

Luke’s eyes darted to mine once again, a cold intensity burning in them. For what felt like an eternity, we locked eyes, a silent exchange of emotions passing between us.

Sir Reynold’s tone grew impatient. “What are you waiting for, Luke? Put the ring on her finger.”

With a reluctant nod, Luke rose from his seat, his movements deliberate as he approached me. He knelt before me, his expression unreadable as he took my hand in his. The touch sent a shiver down my spine,

but I refused to let it show.

With deliberate slowness, he slid the ring onto my finger, his gaze never leaving mine. The load of the moment hung heavy in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the fate that had been thrust upon us.

I felt a sense of resignation as the diamond sparkled on my finger. This ring was more than just a piece of jewelry, it was a symbol of the life that awaited me, bound to a man I barely knew, in a marriage dictated by imperative rather than love.

But as I looked into Luke’s eyes, I saw something twitch beneath the icy facade. Was it regret? Resignation? Or perhaps something else entirely?

Only time would tell.

Still in s

silence, Sir Reynold’s piercing gaze bore into Luke. “Kiss her, Luke,” he commanded, and I could only wonder what happened between these two?

as Luke and I exchanged uncertain glances. The weight of

the tension reached its breaking point, Luke stood abruptly, his jaw clenched

defiance as he turned on his heel and strode away. leaving his grandfather

for me,

his departure reverberated through the room, leaving behind a hollow emptiness tinged with the bitter taste of rejection. Sir Reynold’s steely gaze followed Luke’s retreating figure,

SILENT EXCHANGES

unreadable

with incertitude and Incumbency, a far cry

at this point, still through the ashes of shattered moments and unexpected

of the constraints that bound us, we could forge our

expectations thrust upon

that hope would be enough to sustain us in the

me? Could we make something different out

Ariel. He just has a lot to think of right now,” Sir Reynold

thoughts

know what was going on between these two. I could see that this marriage situation had brought something terrible

could dwell further on Luke’s departure,

tension once again.

at the doorway, her demeanor poised and

mansion,” Sir Reynold instructed, his tone carrying a

seat, I followed Eva out of the room, casting one last glance over my shoulder at Sir

it was really beautiful. Beautiful than our mansion, since these people were richer than us.

a gracious guide, offering tidbits of information about each room we passed. Yet, despite her efforts to make me feel welcome, I couldn’t shake the sense of apprehension

the air.

a marriage of convenience, hurled to a man I barely knew, in a world governed by duty

ornate halls of the mansion, I wondered if between this story of wealth and privilege, there might be

only the keys to its hidden chambers but also the secrets of my own heart.

empathy