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.”

it is,” she said underneath her

of our conversation hanging

994: TROUBLED THOUGHTS

after that, and Larry stepped foot Inside the

surprised with his presence.

hand,

you doing here?” I asked

here,” Tessa

Larry pointed a her.

to bring your family’s business

How is that

impossible, Ariel. It’s all about bringing Mr. Kingston down.”

is going to help us with

course, he fights for

raising both of my brows at

head. “So, what’s the plan?

know I can be a little crazy sometimes.” She smirked at me.

answered in a slow manner. “What’s on

that man drunk, so we can get him to sign some papers and transfer all his

How’s that?”

That’s… a pretty

means necessary to maintain his grip on power. We have to be willing to

the plan and the desperate need to save my family’s business. “But getting him drunk and manipulating

wrong.”

doing whatever it takes to protect the ones we care about. Mr. Kingston has no qualms about ruining lives to

to be

nodded slowly, understanding the logic behind Tessa’s plan even as my conscience protested. “Okay. let’s say we go through with this. How do we even pull it

that to me. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. All we need

forming in my stomach. “I just hope this doesn’t backfire on us. If Mr.

now,

nodded, steeling myself for the dangerous game we were about to play. “Okay, let’s do it. But promise me Tessa, that no one gets hurt in the process.”

hand reassuringly. “I promise, Ariel. We’ll do everything we can to make sure this goes smoothly. And when it’s all said and done, your family will

breath, forcing myself to push aside

happen.

She