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.

Luke, you need to calm down.”

expect me to act when I’m seeing

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

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it was not good. “My mother died when I

immediately, holding his head, and I could notice something.

asked, shifting closer

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

“Let’s go upstairs. We’ll discuss all

wanting to get things heated. He might

his room, I

waves of heat.

frustration were clear, and I knew I

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

still rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off the pain that lingered in his head.

out,” I coached gently, sitting

evening out as he focused on the simple rhythm.

it, just relax,” I encouraged, reassuringly

minutes passed. The lines of strain on his face

softly, giving

slightly, with his gaze fixed on some distant point

there,” he murmured, his voice

is all a lot to process,” I reassured him, offering

weary sigh. “I just… I don’t understand any of this. How

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

flickering in his eyes. “Do you… do you know what’s going

let 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 brows at me, his cast dispelling the bewilderment.

tapped his shoulder forthwith. “You take care, hun. I’ll be right back.”

rry, what now?”

I stood up

After closing the door, I was suspended. This

ON

standing right there, crossing her arms like

she called my name, taking her back