The Love From Vengeance

399: IN SEARCH OF PEACE

ARIEL’S POV

Feeling unsettled by the nightmare and still wondering about Luke’s whereabouts, I made my way downstairs to the mansion, hoping to find some answers. As I descended the staircase, the early morning light filtered through the windows, bringing out a soft glow over the grand foyer.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, I heard the faint sound of laughter coming from the living room. Curious, I followed the sound and found Ethan and Randy engrossed in a video

game.

“Hey guys,

what are you up to so early in the morning?” I asked, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

They glanced up at me; their faces lit up with excitement. “Morning, Ariel! We’re just playing this awesome game,” Ethan replied, setting his eyes back on the television.

“But Randy’s cheating!” Ethan protested, glaring playfully at his brother.

Randy rolled his eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “I am not! You just suck at this game, Ethan.”

I chuckled at their banter, feeling a sense of warmth wash over me. Despite the chaos and bullshit of recent events, moments like these reminded me of the simple joys of life.

“Alright, alright, calm down, you two,” I said, stepping closer to them. “Let’s settle this like civilized people. Ethan, Randy, remember the rules we talked about? No cheating, and no fighting.”

They exchanged sheepish looks before nodding in agreement. “Sorry, Ariel,” Randy mumbled, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“It’s okay, guys. Just remember to play fair, okay?” I said, ruffling their hair affectionately.

I couldn’t help but notice Luke’s absence as I looked around the room. “Hey, have either of you seen Luke this morning?” I asked, my brows furrowing in concern.

glances before shaking their heads. “Nope, we haven’t seen him,” Ethan replied, his

gnaw at my insides. “I just

excited looks, their eyes widening with

SEA

a wide grin spreading across

him,” Ethan added, his

at their infectious enthusiasm. Despite everything that had happened, it was heartwarming to

two, let’s save the celebration for later,” I said, trying to hide my own apprehension. “You should get ready

remembered what Janice told

eagerly. “Yep, no school today! Thanks, Ariel!” Randy blurted out, giving me a quick hug

before disappearing down the hallway. Alone in the living room once more, I let out a heavy sigh,

did he leave without telling me? The questions

my thoughts, I heard the soft footsteps of the mansion’s two maids entering the room. I turned

one of the maids greeted me with a warm

smile. “Have either of you

up. “Yes, he went outside a little while ago. I believe he’s near the

That was unexpected. “Thank you, I said to

my way outside, I couldn’t help but wonder what Luke might be doing

on the horizon, seemingly lost in thought. Marcus, the gateman, stood nearby,

breath, I approached them slowly, my footsteps echoing softly on the gravel path.

softly, my voice running through

his shoulders slumping slightly. “Not really,” he admitted, his voice dyed with frustration. “I’m finding it so hard to remember anything. It’s like there’s a fog clouding my mind, and no matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to see

reached out and gently squeezed his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Luke. You don’t have to stress yourself out trying to remember

to come back. I need to figure out the things that happened while I

a clue.”

at my heartstrings, and I felt a surge of sympathy for him.