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 what happened between me and Luke

I wanted. But we still need to act

he offend you that you’re

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

exclaimed. I couldn’t believe what

is too

bed. “How do you expect me

be

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

he tried to save your life in the

DEMANTOL

help but sigh. “Oh, please, he could have done that

I say, alright? You don’t

into this conversation again. I was really annoyed by this. But what could I do? Absolutely nothing.

think about it: this is a chance for you to avenge Luke for the things he did to you. I’m

you won’t be threatening to murder

miss, 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 but to follow it if

and turned around with a plastic smile. “Have a nice day, and

on the bed, covering 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? How am I

hadn’t made those plans with him in the first place, none of this

1. me.

LUKE’S POV

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

moment he saw me. “You’re finally

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

Luke,” he introduced me to his friend, gesturing his hand

1. me.

with Tim, a smile on my

“It’s nice meeting you

to my grandfather. “I don’t know, but I just

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

him,” my grandfather continued the mirth as we

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