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!

****

with my mother. Yes, she showed up with my

so nice to see you.” She hugged me tightly, and my mother was

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

this time. And what about dad? Is he doing

father has woken up. He’s

bright with joy. “Can I go see him?

tell him how much I missed him.”

right now. He’s asleep,” I said gently, placing a hand

disturb him

nodded understandingly. “Okay, I’ll wait until he wakes up. But I’m just so relieved to hear he’s

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

the solemn atmosphere in the house. “Everyone seems to be

and you should go to sleep. You have school

tomorrow’s Saturday.”

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

my room then. Let me know if Dad wakes up, okay?”

watching as she made her way

feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I didn’t know how I was

that he had forgotten about her,

this was more complicated than I

going on, Ariel?” My mother asked, walking

that she was still

can’t actually get what you’re saying.

know something’s wrong, Ariel.”

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 to spend the night here. Hold on, let me just find a

don’t have to pull an act in front of me. Drop the fake face,

is a fake

you

of her arms. And

You got me. This is just my… I don’t even know what to say.” I spoke lowly,

who gave birth to you. I know