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

intensity. You’d be making a big mistake if you walked away from this opportunity,” he said, and

break free from his grasp, I tried to push him away, but he only pulled me closer, his grip like a vice around my

with this stranger who seemed intent on forcing me into something

a voice suddenly cut through the tension like a knife, startling both me and the man holding me captive. I looked up to see Andre standing there, his expression dark with

go of her now,” André demanded, his voice

man hesitated for a moment, taken aback by Andre’s sudden appearance, but then sneered dismissively. “And who are you supposed

I could respond, Andre lunged forward, his fist connecting with the man’s jaw with a resounding thud. The man stumbled backward, releasing

regret this,” he spat with so much venom, and then he turned, hurrying away, disappearing

sigh of relief, I turned to André, gratitude shining in my eyes.

A

his expression tight with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, stepping closer to me.

I’m fine. All thanks to you,”

was that guy?” Andre was quizzed, looking into the crowd.

stranger who came and started telling me…” I paused and shook my head promptly as I grunted. “Never mind, it’s not that important anyway. So,

will, but first, let’s go somewhere

him, gesturing

kind of noise,” he answered. “I want

T: ASSERTING AUTONOMY

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more relaxation.” Perhaps any

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

going,

behind me until we reached our

the restaurant. The air inside was warm

held the door open

both walked inside, greeted by the aroma of freshly cooked food

corner, we settled down, the edginess from our earlier encounter slowly dissipating. Andre let out

at me.

Luke doing?” he asked me.

smile. “I’m just