The Love From Vengeance

394: HOLDING ON TO HOPE

ARIEL’S POV

Finally, Luke and I entered the mansion. The foyer’s familiar grandeur and opulent furnishings welcomed

Us.

“Welcome home, Luke,” I said softly, guiding him further into the expansive hallway.

Luke’s gaze wandered, taking in the elegant surroundings with a mixture of awe and confusion. I could sense his struggle to reconcile the unfamiliar with the fragments of memory that danced just beyond his

reach.

But as we walked, a wave of warmth enveloped us as the familiar faces of the household staff greeted Luke with genuine delight. Their smiles were infectious, banishing the shadows of doubt that lingered in

his eyes.

Mariam emerged from the sitting room, her face lighting up as she caught sight of her nephew.

“Luke, darling, you’re back!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to warmly embrace him.

And then, as if on cue, Celine appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression a mixture of relief and longing. “Luke!”

She went to hug him quickly, but Luke was just giving her a stupefied face.

He kept on with the expression as he brought out, “Mom, you’re alive?”

She gazed at him in confusion, and this was the part where I had to slap my face and say, ‘Oh my god.‘

“What is going on?” Luke inquired, demanding an answer from me or his mother. His eyes are not leaving mine. “My mother is dead. Why am I seeing her face around here?”

Celine’s eyes went to mine, and she, too, was confused. The look she was giving me could tell that she wanted an explanation for this whole drama.

“Ariel, what’s going on?” She queried.

“Okay, calm down, people. There’s no need for any of us to argue around here,” I said, trying to diffuse the

situation.

“No one’s arguing here; we’re just asking questions,” Celine told me.

“Ariel, I asked you something.“Can you please give me an answer to my question?” Luke inquired, staring

at me.

you need to calm

in the world do you expect me to act when I’m seeing my mother standing in front of me, who

are a little bit complicated.” I answered in a low tone, taking my eyes

ON

2/3

to get high, and it was not good. “My mother died when

holding his head, and I could

What’s wrong?” I asked, shifting closer to

I don’t know, my head… hurts,” he responded, still fixing both of his hands around his head.

both of his shoulders. “Let’s go upstairs. We’ll discuss all this

that, I walked Luke to his room upstairs, not wanting to get things heated. He might just lose consciousness, stressing himself, and I

to his room, I could feel the

like waves

I needed to

Luke, let’s get you settled,” I said softly, guiding him to sit on the edge of

rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off the pain that lingered

okay? In and out,” I coached gently,

out as he focused on the simple rhythm.

I encouraged,

strain slowly melting away from Luke’s body as the minutes passed. The lines of strain on his face began to soften, replaced by a look of weary

better?” I asked softly, giving his shoulder a

albeit slightly, with his gaze fixed on some distant point

there,” he murmured, his voice heavy with fatigue.

Luke. This is all a lot to process,” I reassured him,

the pillows with a weary sigh. “I just… I don’t understand any of this. How can my mom be here when

know it’s hard to wrap your head around,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “But sometimes, things aren’t always

of hope flickering in his eyes.

out a deep sigh. “Well, there are a lot of things to talk about. But not right now; you’re still too weak for this. Not

his cast dispelling the

shoulder forthwith. “You take care, hun. I’ll

rry, what now?”

I stood up

room forthwith. After closing the door, I was suspended. This situation was

ON TO

standing right there, crossing her arms like she was waiting for me.

called my name, taking her back off the