The Love From Vengeance

396: Beyond Words

ARIEL’S POV

Luke caught me before I landed on the ground, and I found myself enveloped in his strong, reassuring embrace. Our eyes locked in a moment of pure connection, the chaos of the spilled dinner forgotten as we gazed deeply into each other’s souls.

In the fleeting instant, time seemed to stand still as the world around us faded into the background, leaving only Luke and me suspended in a silent exchange of emotions. His warm breath brushed against my cheek, sending convulsions down my spine as I tightened my grip around his neck, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest.

There was something undeniably magnetic about the way our gazes held as if we were communicating without words, sharing our hopes, fears, and dreams with nothing but the unspoken language of our hearts.

In Luke’s eyes, I saw a depth of understanding and compassion that spoke volumes, reassuring me that we would face challenges together no matter what challenges lay ahead.

The seconds ticked by, and I felt a sense of sangfroid wash over me as if I had finally found a sanctuary at the heart of the storm in Luke’s arms. I felt safe, cherished, and utterly alive, each heartbeat echoing the unspoken truth of our bond.

Luke released me from his embrace slowly, almost reluctantly, but the connection between us lingered in the air like an invisible thread binding our souls together.

Without a word, we both knew that this moment had once again stirred something between us, deepening the bond that already existed in a hundred billion ways.

So I stood there, still lost in the depths of Luke’s gaze, wondering what the future held for us. But for now, in this precious moment of silent communion, that was all I wanted.

But I eventually tore my gaze away from Luke’s, with a small smile tweaked at the corners of my lips. This moment was funny, lovely, and wonderful.

It didn’t take long before Luke slowly let go of me, and I stood upright.

“I should start going now,” I told him softly, gesturing toward the door.

“Yeah, you should.” He nodded, and I left the room with a smile on my face–yes, a face filled with joy.

Luke may have forgotten about me, but the spark and connection would still be there. Nothing would ever disappear. The lovely memories we shared would all return in just a

matter of time. And yeah, the terrible ones.

Fuck that!

****

she showed up with my mom, and they were both

see you.” She hugged me tightly, and my mother

haven’t visited the house. Janice didn’t visit the hospital since she was busy with school stuff, projects, and all that. What did I

are well all this time. And what about dad? Is he doing

your father has woken up. He’s no longer in a

her eyes bright with joy. “Can I go see

to tell him how much

mind racing with conflicting thoughts. “Actually, Janice, Dad’s resting right now. He’s asleep,” I said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.

disturb him at the

until he wakes up. But I’m just so relieved to hear he’s doing better.”

grateful for her optimism. “Yeah, it’s a huge relief for all of

glanced around, noticing the solemn atmosphere in

to sleep. You have school

Mom, tomorrow’s

was what I said. “Yeah, but you should still go to sleep. You need to get some rest. You’re exhausted from

Let me

her, watching as she made her

lift off my shoulders. I didn’t know how I was going to tell her that

to be her reaction when she found out that he had forgotten about her, thinking he didn’t

was more complicated than

My mother

totally forgotten that she

I can’t actually get

know something’s wrong,

I made a silly face. “Nothing’s wrong. Nothing’s wrong; it’s all fine. You should get going now. Or it’s too late; you’ll have

an act in front

this is a fake

you

look, crossing both of her arms. And

just my… I don’t even know what to say.” I spoke lowly, settling down on the

to you. I know these things.”