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!

****

my mother. Yes, she showed up with my mom, and they were both at the

me. “Mom, it’s so nice to see you.” She hugged me tightly, and my mother

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

all this time. And

woken up. He’s no longer in

Janice exclaimed, her eyes bright with joy. “Can I

him how much I

Dad’s resting right now. He’s asleep,” I said gently,

to disturb him at the moment.”

dimmed slightly, but she nodded understandingly. “Okay, I’ll wait until he wakes up. But I’m just so relieved to hear he’s doing better.”

managed a small smile, grateful for her optimism. “Yeah, it’s

in the house. “Everyone seems to be asleep.”

should go to sleep. You have school

tomorrow’s Saturday.”

sleep. You need to get some rest. You’re exhausted from whatever

Let me know if Dad wakes up,

assured her, watching as she

lift off my shoulders. I didn’t

that he had forgotten about

this was more complicated than

on, Ariel?” My mother

had totally forgotten that she was still

can’t actually get what you’re

know something’s wrong,

You should get going now. Or it’s too late; you’ll have to spend the night here. Hold on, let me just find

have to pull an act in

said this is a

you

of her arms. And staring at

fine. You got me. This is just my… I don’t even know what to

birth to you. I