The Love From Vengeance

26 HARD CONDITIONS

ARIEL’S POV

Mason stepped foot inside the hospital room, his hands deep in his pockets. He was wearing a leather jacket, and the smile he gave me was clearly fake.

What the hell was he doing here anyway? He was the last person I expected to see.

“You’re still alive!” Mason smirked. “That’s nice. I don’t know how this plan is going to work out without you.”

“I literally went through hell earlier today. Can you please give me a break?”

He laughed. “Breaks are for babies.”

I shook my head and let out a weary sigh. “I’m being serious here.”

“And do I look like I’m joking?” He raised an eyebrow, and I turned my face away. “How was your elevator experience?”

I gave him a quizzical look. “Why are you asking me that?”

“I just want to know if you and Luke did–you know, the whole relationship stuff.”

I stared at him for a few seconds, then replied, “No, we didn’t.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Mason chuckled softly. “You have thousands of reasons to lie to me.” He moved closer to the bed. “I know you hate me and that you don’t want to follow this plan of mine. But what can

you do?” He shrugged. “You have no choice.”

“You are the most heartless person I’ve ever seen,” I told Mason, my tone cold.

“Oh really? He laughed again. “What about your ex–husband? Oh, sorry, your husband–to- be?” He had a mocking grin. “I mean, he did a lot of terrible things to you, right?”

“Yes, but at least he’s better than you. He tried to save my life today.”

“He did?” Mason’s eyes widened.

to tell him anything about what happened between me

see the chemistry developing. Just what I wanted. But we still need

that you’re

time goes by. But for now, just do as I say without any questions. You

I couldn’t

three days is too much. Two

bed. “How do you expect me to get Luke to marry

days, to be precise,”

too little. Do you even have any idea what we’re talking about here? That man hates me so much. There’s no way he’s ever

tried to save

DEMANTOL

help but sigh. “Oh, please, he

of my business. Just do as I say, alright? You don’t want to lose these two little adorable children of

nothing. If I tried to

it: this is a chance for you to avenge Luke for the things he did

me, then you won’t be threatening to murder my children.”

but you can’t tell me what to do. I’m the one who calls the shots around here. And once I make a decision, it’s final. You have no choice

smile. “Have

to get married to Luke, and I should do that in two days. Like, how in the world is that even possible? How am I going

He wasn’t going to change his words. at all. It was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those plans with him in the first place, none of this

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

to be welcomed by my grandfather. He was standing outside, having a chat with one

the moment he

them, wondering why they were at my house. This wasn’t a normal visit; it had a specific

Luke,” he introduced me to

1. me.

a smile on my

“It’s nice meeting you

He turned to my grandfather. “I don’t know, but I just love this grandson

right,” I chimed in. “Everybody loves me.” I joked, and the three of

continued the mirth as

Luke, we came here to see you for a reason,” my grandfather