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

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

him away, but he only pulled me closer, his grip like a vice around my wrist.

with this stranger who seemed intent on forcing me into

and the man holding me captive. I looked up to see Andre standing

of her now,” André demanded, his voice cold and commanding.

for a moment, taken aback by Andre’s sudden appearance, but then sneered dismissively.

connecting with the man’s jaw

he spat with so much venom, and then he turned,

André, gratitude

A

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

thanks

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

“Never mind, it’s not that important anyway. So, care

first, let’s go somewhere

place comfortable?” I asked him, gesturing all

kind of noise,” he answered. “I want us to

T: ASSERTING AUTONOMY

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and more relaxation.” Perhaps any

there’s one not too

going,

led the way, and André drove behind me until we reached our destination. It didn’t take us that long,

into the restaurant. The air inside was warm

held the door open

inside, greeted by the aroma of freshly cooked food and the

down, the edginess from our earlier encounter slowly dissipating. Andre let out a deep sigh, his expression serious

at me.

Luke doing?” he asked me.

a small smile. “I’m