232: AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ARIEL’S POV Turning around, I saw my mother standing at the entrance of the shop. Quite surprising for me, wasn’t it? I just remembered that I had to meet her just when I arrived in New Haven. I was so filled with thoughts of vengeance that it took over my brain. Yes, she must really miss me all these days. A year might have been like a hundred billion years to her with me not being by her side. But anyway, I was glad to see her face once again. “Ariel, you’re finally back,” she said softly. “Mother!” I went to give her a warm hug. “I miss you, my daughter; I miss you so much.” “I miss you too, Mother,” I told her, and we let go of each other. “So, where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you. I didn’t want to believe that you were dead, and I prayed day and night for your return. Thank God my prayers have been answered.” I smiled at her. “I’ve just been away from everyone.” “Yes, it’s quite clear. And I totally understand your point of view here. Losing your son was really a big blow to you.” “Yes, it was. You do know I almost got killed, right?” She looked at me in surprise. “What? Someone tried to kill you?” “Yes, that was how Janice was kidnapped.” “But who would be so cruel? Who did that?” “The same person who set Luke’s company on fire. The same person who killed my son. Well, he is responsible for everything.” “And who’s that?” “I’ll tell you that some other time. But now, let’s focus on why we’ve come here. You came to get yourself some books, right?” “Yes, and I’m guessing you came for the same reason. I shouldn’t even be saying that. There’s obviously one reason why someone would be in a bookstore.” “Well, not really,” I spoke, and in my head was how those two women were fighting moments ago. Oh, that was so sick. “Okay, I guess the both of you would like to get yourselves your books, right?” The cashier vocalized. turned to him. “Yes, thank you. But there’s no need for you to worry about us. “Oh, I wasn’t worried.” I nodded and turned back to my mother. When we were done picking up our books, we paid the cashier. “Thank you. It’s nice having customers like you around. Just in case you want to get more books, you’re always welcome here.” I smiled. “Thank you.” My mother and I left the shop after that. “So, Ariel, tell me, how’s your relationship with Luke?” After a little while, I exhaled deeply, but I didn’t give her a reply. “Don’t tell me you’re still angry with him.” “I’m not angry, Mom. I just don’t…Ughhh, never mind.” “Luke loves , Ariel. I realized that when I saw how worried he was about you. When you were missing, he searched everywhere. He barely went to work, he barely ate. He barely did a thing, all because of you. You shouldn’t be mad at him.” “I said I’m not mad at him. I just don’t feel like..” “Getting back together with him?” She cut me off. “Hmm, yeah. Those are the words. “But you two are still married.” “Yeah, I know that,” I uttered in hushed tones. “Hope you’re not planning to get a divorce.” “Let’s not talk about that.” “You want to get a divorce?” She quizzed me. “Mom, please. I’m in no mood to talk about this right now. I brought a paper kit from my purse and wrote my number on it. I handed the paper to my Here you go. That’s my number. You can call me later. We can talk about this some other time. Take care.” mother. I walked away after that. LUKE’S POV “Great–aunt, what are you doing here? And where have you been all these years? “I asked my great–aunt. Honestly, I thought she was long gone from this world. Like, she barely talked with my grandfather. She didn’t even come to his funeral she’s nor send messages. She ghosted the family for years. But all of a sudden, back, straight to me, I’m fact. Something was not right around here. There must be a solid reason for her coming back. “Are you seriously asking me that, Luke. Don’t you have some respect, or has your money taken away your character?” “I’m sorry. Did I say anything wrong?” “And you’re asking me that as well?” She gave me a death stare. Yeah, right with those brows of hers. “Okay, I apologize for any misunderstanding. But I’m just surprised anyone would be. I mean, it’s been years since we last saw you, and we never got in touch, we never….” “If we didn’t get in touch, it’s all you and your grandfather’s fault.” “How exactly?” “You guys forgot about me. All of you abandoned me.” “I think you’re the one who abandoned us.” “Silence!” She snapped. “I’m not done talking. Don’t you dare interrupt me?” “Okay,. I’m sorry about that, but…” “I said silence!” She snapped once again. “Where are your manners, young man? Did they die with your grandfather?” “He’s in the grave. Have some respect.” “Oh please, shut up. Now, move out of the way. I got to go in.” “You want to live in my house?” “My house, actually. I’ve come back to take what’s rightfully mine.” I raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly is that?” “Don’t act dumb, don’t play stupid around here. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” “Uhmm, no, I don’t.“/ “I’ll just have to tell you then. I’ve come back for one reason: to take this wealth Because it belongs to me.” “How?” I quizzed immediately, not giving her a friendly look. She gave me the stare that could kill someone instantly, but I didn’t quiver at that. “What do you mean by how?” “No, no, no. You need to make things really clear around here. You have nothing here. I’m the owner of the Reynolds, I own the business, and I run the company. I’ve been doing this for years; I don’t see any reason why you would come and start telling me all this.” “Before you came, I was already in this world.” “That doesn’t change the fact that everything’s under my name. I worked hard for this. Yes, I’m not going to lie; I was born with a silver spoon. But that doesn’t change the fact that I labored hard day and night, trying to keep the business in form and make it stable. What did you do? Disappear into thin air.” “You can compose a story all you want. You’re still not changing my mind.” “Change your mind or not. That’s none of my goddamn business. I won’t let you do shit.” She slapped me immediately. “Don’t you dare talk nonsense? You little thing! I was there when your mother gave birth to you. You were just as tiny as an ant, crying like a fool. But now look at you, bringing out all this crap. Aren’t you such an idiot?” “Shouldn’t you be ashamed of yourself?” My tone was extremely bitter. She looked at me in disbelief. “What did you just say?” “You heard me right; I’m not repeating anything. If you came here to cause trouble and create chaos, it’s best you leave.” “Enough!” She barked. “I won’t tolerate another one of your insults.”
