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 what it is,” she

a quiet moment of understanding, the weight of our conversation hanging heavy in the

994: TROUBLED THOUGHTS

Larry stepped foot

quite surprised with his presence.

hand,

doing here?”

here,” Tessa replied.

did.” Larry

this, we have to find a way to bring your family’s business

is that possible?” I

It’s all

going to help us with

course, he fights

raising both of my brows at him. He shrugged at me.

plan? What do you have

can be a little crazy sometimes.”

answered in a slow manner. “What’s on

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

How’s that?”

pretty dark idea.”

fire with fire. Mr. Kingston won’t hesitate to use any means necessary to maintain his grip on power. We have to be willing to play by

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

wrong.”

Ariel,” Tessa insisted, her voice firm. “It’s about doing whatever it takes to protect the ones we care about. Mr. Kingston has no qualms about ruining lives to get what he wants. We

to be naive.”

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 off?”

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

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

tone confident. “Right now, we need to focus

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.”

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 be back

push aside

happen.

spirit” She tapped my shoulder.