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.

haven’t seen him,” Ethan replied, his

a pang of worry gnaw at my insides. “I just don’t know where he could have gone.”

exchanged excited looks, their eyes widening

SEA

exclaimed, a wide grin spreading

we missed him,” Ethan added,

to smile at their infectious enthusiasm. Despite everything that had happened,

I said, trying to hide my own apprehension. “You

what Janice told me last

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

before disappearing down the hallway. Alone in the living room once more, I

he leave without telling me? The questions echoed in my mind, sending

standing alone in the living room, lost in my thoughts, I heard the soft footsteps of the mansion’s two maids entering

one of the maids greeted me with a

morning,” I replied, returning the smile. “Have either of you seen Luke this.. morning?”

a quick glance before one of them spoke up. “Yes, he went outside a little while ago. I

Luke had gone outside. That was unexpected. “Thank you, I said to the maids, a mixture of curiosity and concern swirling

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

the horizon, seemingly lost in thought.

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

greeted him softly, my voice running through

voice dyed with frustration. “I’m finding it so hard to remember anything. It’s like there’s

him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Luke. You don’t have to stress yourself out trying to remember everything

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 whatever. I can’t just be a dumb piece of crap wandering around

a clue.”

words tugged at my heartstrings, and I felt