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.

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

I

was

him with a smile, then turned to Luke. He had a serious look on his face, the same one he used to give me when I lived with him. “I was

nice,” Ben said

CTING THE COUNSEL

with a raised eyebrow. “He’s the current owner of The Reynolds, the company we’re collaborating with

as

away. Ben turned to me, confused. I simply shrugged.

her?” Ben asked, pointing to

not important,” I said dismissively, and I walked away. I didn’t

on!” Ben called

said into the phone before ending the call. Daniel Richardson was one of my business partners, and I admired his logical thinking. Unlike some people,.

and turned on the television, only to see news of the incident at the Sun House all over the screen. It wasn’t surprising, considering the fame of

in his night robe. I

bed early?” I asked him, popping a French fry into

“We have a business meeting with the

remember,” I said, taking

to sleep early so I can be ready for

17ⱭUTTING THE COUNSEL

“What time again?”

through

too early.”

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

flipping through channels. Andre started to head upstairs but then stopped. I

to me. “I didn’t like what

the guy who was on his phone the whole time instead of

serious, Ariel,” he said

ahead,” I said, muting the TV. “I’m listening.”

history, and you can’t stand him. But you shouldn’t have acted the way you did. You need to

Luke. He did many hurtful things to me, and I endured each one. But I had to put an end

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

like how we are now,” I whispered to myself.

He asked, raising an eyebrow.

nothing,” I replied,

his forehead creasing in

it,” I said, forcing a laugh. “Please

“So here’s the thing: My friend became popular