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.

about what happened between me and

chemistry developing. Just what I wanted. But we still need to act fast. I want to see Luke completely

offend you that you’re going through all

But for now, just do as I say without any questions. You have three days to get

days?” I exclaimed. I couldn’t believe what he was telling

days is too

“How do you expect me to get Luke to marry me within three

days, to be

idea what we’re talking about here?

to save your life

DEMANTOL

“Oh, please, he could

of my business. Just do as I say, alright? You don’t want

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

don’t act stupid. And think about it: this is a chance for you to avenge Luke for the

to help me, then you won’t

who calls the shots around here. And once I make

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

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

words. at all. It was my fault anyway. If I hadn’t made those plans with him in the first place, none of this would have happened. I thirsted for

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

standing outside, having a chat with one of his friends. They seemed to be having a great

My grandfather exclaimed the moment he saw me. “You’re finally

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

grandson Luke,” he introduced me to his friend,

1. me.

promptly shook hands with Tim, a smile on my face. “It’s nice meeting

“It’s nice meeting you

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

loves me.” I joked, and

grandfather continued the mirth as

see you for a reason,”