The Love From Vengeance

401: ASSERTING AUTONOMY

ARIEL’S POV

Feeling the tap on my shoulder, I turned to see a man standing there, his gaze fixed on me with a curious intensity. His demeanor was confident, almost bordering on cocky, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease at the way he was looking at me.

“Excuse me, miss. Can I have a word with you?” He asked, his voice smooth and persuasive.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what he wanted, but eventually nodded in agreement.” Sure, what do you want to talk about?” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.

The man wasted no time in launching into his spiel, his words flowing effortlessly as he explained that he was a talent scout for a modeling agency. He went on to praise my appearance, complimenting my features and telling me that I had the potential to be a successful model.

I couldn’t help but giggle at his flattery, feeling a mix of amusement and disbelief at his audacity.

“Thank you for the compliment, but I’m really not interested in all that,” I told him, shaking my head.

But the man seemed undeterred by my refusal, continuing to extol the virtues of a career in modeling and how it could change my life for the better. He painted a picture of glamorous photo shoots, exotic locations, and lucrative contracts, all of which sounded enticing but ultimately not for me.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m just not interested,” I insisted, hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone.

However, this man persisted, his persistence bordering on annoyance as he pressed me to reconsider. I could feel my patience wearing thin and my irritation mounting with each passing moment.

“What’s your problem? I told you already, didn’t I? I’m not interested. Please, just leave me. alone,” I said, my tone firmer this time.

ove to walk

But before I could make a away, the man suddenly seized my hand, his grip tight and unyielding. My heart began to race with a growing sense of trepidation as he pulled me closer to him, his eyes narrowing with strength of character right there.

“Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?” he said, and there was a hint of menace in his voice right there, which was not good.

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I tried to pull my hand away, but his grip only tightened, making the fear move within me.

of me,” I demanded, my voice trembling with

anger

and fear.

11

“Let go

You’d be making a big mistake if you walked away

away, but he only pulled me closer, his grip like a vice around my wrist. The realization of my entrapment sparked a surge of panic within me. Well, sort

who seemed intent on forcing me into something I didn’t

to fear the worst, a voice suddenly cut through the tension like a knife, startling both me and the man holding me captive. I looked up to see

André demanded, his voice cold

moment, taken aback by Andre’s sudden appearance, but then sneered dismissively. “And who

the man’s jaw with a resounding thud. The

he spat with so much venom, and then he turned, hurrying away, disappearing into the crowd.

sigh of relief, I turned to André, gratitude shining

A

his expression tight with concern. “Are you okay?”

fine. All thanks to you,”

guy?” Andre was quizzed, looking into

promptly as I grunted. “Never mind, it’s not that important anyway. So, care to tell me why

will, but first, let’s go somewhere

place comfortable?” I asked him, gesturing all around the

is filled with a kind of noise,” he answered. “I want

T: ASSERTING AUTONOMY

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noise and more relaxation.” Perhaps any

think there’s one not too far from here,” I told

going,

shrugged, and we both walked to our cars. I led the way, and André drove behind me until we reached our destination. It didn’t take us

made our way into the restaurant. The air inside was warm and inviting, a stark

door open

aroma of freshly cooked food and the gentle hum

cozy corner, we settled down, the edginess from our earlier encounter slowly dissipating. Andre let out a deep sigh, his expression

at me.

he asked me.

small smile. “I’m