The Love From Vengeance

384: TROUBLED THOUGHTS

ARIEL’S POV

After Sir Reynold’s heartfelt words, I found myself seeking solace in the familiar comfort of Tessa’s home. I sat across from her in the cozy living room, and I felt a sense of unease lingering beneath the surface of my thoughts.

Tessa noticed my troubled expression and reached out, gently placing a hand on mine. “Ariel, you seem really distant. Is everything alright?”

I let out a deep sigh. “Honestly, Tessa, I don’t know. Everything feels so… complicated right now.”

She nodded understandingly. “It’s about, Luke, isn’t it?”

I nodded slowly, biting my lip as I struggled to find the right words. “Yeah, it’s about Luke. And this whole marriage thing. I just… I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing.”

She gently squeezed my hand. “Ariel, you don’t have to go through with this if you’re not sure happiness should come first, above everything else.”

Your

“But what about my family? They’ve put so much pressure on me to marry Luke, to make sure our business doesn’t go down.”

Tessa shook her head, her gaze unwavering. “Your family’s expectations shouldn’t dictate your life

choices, Ariel. You deserve to live your own life, on your own terms.”

I took a deep breath, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions. “I know, but… I can’t help but feel like I owe it to them, you know? They’ve sacrificed so much for me.”

Tessa’s expression softened. “Ariel, your family loves you, but they shouldn’t expect you to sacrifice your own happiness for their sake. You deserve to be with someone who truly cares for you, who respects you.”

“I understand what you’re saying. Tessa. But I’ve made my decision. I’m going to marry Luke.”

“Ariel, are you sure about this? You don’t have to go through with it if you’re not ready.”

“I’m sure, Tessa,” I insisted. “I may not know what the future holds, but I refuse to let fear dictate my choices. I’ll make the best out of this marriage, whatever it may bring.”

Tessa studied me for a moment, her expression filled with concern. “Just promise me one thing, Ariel.”

“And what is that?”

“Promise me that you’ll prioritize your own happiness above everything else. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations overshadow your own well–being.”

I nodded, smiling at her. “I promise, Tessa. Thank you for always being there for me.”

what it is,” she said underneath her

of understanding, the weight of our conversation

994: TROUBLED THOUGHTS

that, and Larry stepped

I uttered, quite surprised with his

his hand, smiling at me.

doing here?” I

here,” Tessa replied.

Larry

find a way to bring your family’s business back to higher heights, without

is that possible?”

not impossible, Ariel. It’s all about bringing Mr. Kingston down.”

going to help us

he fights

my

sighed, shaking my head. “So, what’s the plan? What do you have in mind, Tessa?”

can be a little crazy sometimes.”

slow manner.

hands together. “We’re going to get that man drunk, so we can get

How’s that?”

a pretty

to maintain his grip on power. We have to be willing to play by his rules if we want to stand

my lip, torn between my discomfort with the plan and the desperate need to save my family’s business. “But getting him drunk and manipulating him into

wrong.”

whatever it takes to protect the ones we

afford to

behind Tessa’s plan even as my conscience protested. “Okay. let’s say we go through with this. How

few tricks up my sleeve. All we need is ant opportunity, and I’ll

in my stomach. “I just hope this doesn’t

now, we need to focus on taking back what’s rightfully yours

game we were about to play. “Okay, let’s do it. But promise me Tessa, that no one gets hurt in

we can to make sure this goes smoothly. And

push aside my doubts and

happen.

spirit” She