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.

“Nope, we haven’t seen him,” Ethan replied, his brow creased in confusion. “Is he back

gnaw at my insides. “I just don’t know where he

exchanged excited looks, their eyes widening with

SEA

awesome!” Randy exclaimed, a wide grin spreading

added, his

that had happened, it

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

totally remembered what Janice

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

smile before disappearing down the hallway. Alone in the living room once more, I let out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling

questions echoed in my mind, sending a wave

thoughts, I heard the soft footsteps of the mansion’s two maids entering the room. I turned to face them, hoping they might have some information about

morning, miss,” one of the maids greeted

morning,” I replied, returning the smile. “Have

of them spoke up. “Yes, he went outside a little while ago. I believe he’s near the gates with Marcus,” she

That was unexpected. “Thank you,

couldn’t help but wonder what Luke might be doing out there. Was he okay?

I reached the gates, I saw Luke standing there, his gaze fixed on the horizon, seemingly lost in thought. Marcus, the gateman,

deep breath, I approached them slowly, my footsteps echoing softly on the gravel path. Luke turned to look at

my voice running through with

slightly. “Not really,” he admitted, his voice dyed with frustration. “I’m finding it so hard to remember anything. It’s like there’s

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

Luke shook his head right after I told him that. “I can’t afford to just sit around and wait for my memories to come back. I need to figure out the things that happened while I was still unconscious or

a clue.”

words tugged at my heartstrings, and I