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.

not to tell him anything about

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

what way did he offend you that

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

days?” I exclaimed. I couldn’t believe what

right, three days is too much. Two days.”

“How do you expect me to get Luke to marry

be precise,”

Do you even have any idea what we’re talking about

tried to save

DEMANTOL

sigh. “Oh, please, he could have done

business. Just do as I say, alright? You don’t want to lose

had to bring my kids into this conversation again. I was really annoyed by this. But what could I do? Absolutely nothing. If I tried

you to avenge Luke for

then you

can’t tell me what to do. I’m the one who calls the shots around here. And once I make a

around with a plastic smile. “Have a nice day, and remember, you have two days.” He left

my face, thinking about how I was going to handle this one. He told me to get married to Luke, and I should do that in two days. Like, how in the world is that even possible?

at all. It was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those plans with him

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

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

the moment

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

meet my grandson Luke,” he introduced me to his friend, gesturing his hand

1. me.

Tim, a smile on

“It’s nice meeting you

smiled back. He turned to my grandfather. “I don’t know,

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

grandfather continued the

came here to see