The Love From Vengeance

eyes back on me once more, and her expression looked like a sad one.

She placed her hands on my face as she shook her head in a slow manner. “It’s too late now,” she whispered.

I quickly let go of her. “Too late for what?”

“I don’t have to say too much.” Ariel shifted backwards a little, her eyes looking down. “And although I don’t want to, I need to apologize.” She looked at me and sighed deeply. “I’m sorry for what happened at the party.”

“Keep your apologies to yourself.” I told her in an unfriendly tone.

“What did you just say?” She gave me a look that said, ‘I couldn’t believe it‘. But it was good that she reminded me of what happened at the party. Now this spleen for her had dawned once again.

“I don’t have to repeat myself.” I crossed my arms. “You don’t have to act nice and all that. It’s just the two of us around here.”

“You want to know something?” She snapped. “You’re crazy, you’re unbelievable, you’re just so… I don’t even know the words to use!”

I did nothing but watch her as she continued, “One minute, you’re an annoying dirtbag, and the other minute, you’re a superhero, being so nice and friendly.”

“Are you done?” I asked with a deep voice, my arms were still crossed.

She closed her eyes, making a frustrated expression: “Oh, you’re about to make me go nuts. Just shut up!”

“Don’t you dare talk to him in that manner!” Someone chimed in, so I quickly turned around.

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12 GETTING THE COUNSEL

ARIEL’S POV

You shosid really watch your words,” Harriet said, approaching me with an excessive amount of makeup that made her almost unrecognizable. Despite that, I somehow managed to recognize her and was surprised at myself for remembering her from our brief encounters five. years ago, when she used to follow her boyfriend’s lead and treat me poorly.

Harriet walked over to Lake and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a huge grin plastered. on her face. It was obvious that they were still dating, and I couldn’t help but be happy for them. Although I had my doubts about their relationship lasting..

“I never thought you were still around,” Harriet said with disgust, her fingers gently rubbing Luke’s shoulders. “Have you come back to ruin our lives like you did in the past?”

I simply stared at her, unable to find the right words. I had no desire to engage in a verbal spat with someone so petty. I had better things to do.

I looked at Luke and noticed that he was also looking at me. He was a handsome man, but hist character was the complete opposite.

“Honey, why are you staring at her?” Harriet tried to kiss Luke on the cheek, but he turned away. His expression made it clear that he was annoyed by her presence. I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.

said with a clap. “You should enter a couple’s competition; I’m sure you’d win first place.”

I

you. I heard there was

then turned to Luke. He had a serious look on his face, the same one he used to give me when I

that would be nice,” Ben said with

CTING THE COUNSEL

raised eyebrow. “He’s the current owner

as he extended his

glared at him and walked away. Ben turned to me, confused. I simply shrugged.

asked, pointing to

away. I didn’t

hold on!” Ben called after

goes according to your wishes,” I said into the phone before ending the

the incident at the Sun House all over the screen. It wasn’t surprising, considering the fame

shower, came downstairs in his night robe. I was still on the couch, my attention

going to bed early?” I asked him, popping a French fry into my mouth. Andre was someone who usually stayed up late.

the table. “We have a business meeting with the Reynolds at their company

I said, taking

to go to sleep early so I can be ready for the

17ⱭUTTING THE COUNSEL

“What time again?”

he reminded me, going through the files in

that’s too early.”

it’s business. We can’t afford to let anything ruin this project.”

flipping through channels. Andre started to head upstairs but then stopped. I glanced at him before focusing back on the

he said, turning to me. “I didn’t like what you did

on his phone the whole time instead of dancing,” I retorted.

Ariel,” he said with a serious expression.

ahead,” I said, muting the TV.

looked at me for a moment before continuing, “I know you and Luke have a history, and you can’t stand him. But you shouldn’t have acted the way you did. You need

mentioned was already present in me during my marriage to Luke. He did many hurtful things to me, and I endured each one. But I

school, I had this close friend. We were too close,

we are now,” I

you say?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I replied, avoiding eye contact.

his forehead creasing in confusion. He heard

I said, forcing a laugh. “Please continue with your

became popular in school, and her