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.

need to calm

act when I’m seeing my mother standing in front of me, who apparently is dead?”

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

ON TO HOPE

2/3

it was not good. “My mother died when I was seven years

his head, and I

wrong?” I asked,

hurts,” he responded, still fixing both of his hands

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

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

I took him to his room, I could feel

like waves of heat. His confusion

knew I needed

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

to ward off the pain that lingered in his

deep breaths, okay? In and out,” I coached gently, sitting beside

my lead, his breathing gradually evening out as he focused

relax,” I encouraged, reassuringly touching his shoulder.

as the minutes passed. The lines of strain on his face began to soften, replaced by

giving his

some distant point beyond the walls

he murmured,

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

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

wrap your head around,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “But sometimes, things aren’t always what

looked at me, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. “Do you… do you know

let out a deep sigh. “Well, there are a lot of things to talk about. But not right now; you’re

his brows at me, his cast dispelling

take care, hun. I’ll be

rry, what now?”

I stood up

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

HOLDING ON TO

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

her back