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!

****

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

nice to see you.” She hugged me tightly, and

Luke and 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 know?

are well all this time.

father has woken up. He’s

bright with joy. “Can I go see him?

him how much I missed

resting right

to disturb him

slightly, but she nodded understandingly. “Okay, I’ll wait until he wakes up.

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

solemn atmosphere in the house. “Everyone

you should go to sleep. You have school tomorrow.”

tomorrow’s

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

then. Let me

course,” I assured her, watching as she made

from view, and I let out a sigh, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I didn’t know how I was going to tell her that her father

she found out that he had forgotten about her, thinking he

more complicated than

mother asked,

totally forgotten that she was still in

can’t actually get what

something’s wrong, Ariel.”

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

don’t have to pull an act in front

is

you

of her arms. And

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

who gave birth to you. I know these things.”