290: HOLDING ON ARIEL’S POV “You want to kill him, Ariel. I don’t,” Andre spoke to me softly. I’m going to stand by you, yes. But killing my brother isn’t something I can follow through with. He might have done a lot of terrible things, being absolutely cruel. But murdering him? I don’t think I’m up for that.” I suspired. “I totally understand you. And I’m going to respect your decision. But you just have to know that I’m not going to change my decision for your sake. So, doing this, it’s either I lose my life or that heartless brother of yours die. Because I’m not going to spare him one bit,” I told Andre, and my tone was serious. And as I finished speaking, there was a heavy silence between us, filled with the weight of his words and the gravity of the situation. I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt, but all I found was a deep sadness tinged with resignation. “I… I appreciate your honesty, Andre,” I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. I know this isn’t easy for you, and I won’t pretend to understand the bond you. share with your brother. But I can’t let what he’s done go unpunished. Not after what he did to my son.” Andre nodded slowly, his expression somber, “I know, Ariel. And I won’t try to stop you. If… if you feel like this is what you have to do, then… then do it. I won’t stand in your way.” Tears welled up in my eyes as his words sank in. Despite everything, despite the pain and the anger, there was a strange comfort in knowing that Andre supported me, even if he couldn’t bring himself to join me in my quest for vengeance. “Thank you, Andre,” I whispered, reaching out to touch his arm lightly. “I… I know this isn’t And I’m sorry for putting you in this position.” easy for w He shook his head, a sad smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Don’t apologize, Ariel. You have every right to feel the way you do. Just… just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.” “I will,” I promised, my voice barely audible over the sound of passing cars. “And… and thank you, Andre. For everything.” With a heavy si With a heavy sigh, André turned and walked towards his car, his footsteps echoing around the building. I watched him go, my heart heavy with guilt and grief. As he reached the car, I hurried after him, unsure of what to say. HOLDING ON H “Are you… are you upset?” I asked softly as I caught up to him, my voice trembling with emotion. He shook his head, and his expression was quite unreadable. “No, Ariel. I… I just need. some time to process everything. Take care of yourself, okay?” I nodded, swallowing back the lump in my throat. “You too, Andre. And… and thank you With one last glance, Andre got into his car and drove away, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my pain. As I watched him disappear into the distance, I knew that I was on my own now, with nothing but my resolution and my grief to guide me. I stood outside the extravagant restaurant, the night air swirling around me, carrying the scent of anticipation and luxury. Dressed in a sleek black sparkling dress that hugged my curves, I leaned against my car, tapping my fingers impatiently against the polished surface. Luke was late, and my patience was wearing thin. While waiting, my gaze wandered, taking in the vibrant scene unfolding around me. People bustled by, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of music drifting from the restaurant. A group of performers caught my eye, their colorful costumes swirling as they twirled and leaped in an impromptu circus act. Mesmerized, I watched as acrobats soared through the air with grace and precision, their movements a testament to the human spirit’s boundless potential. But my attention soon shifted as a duo of magicians set up nearby, their fingers flicking deftly as they performed sleight of hand tricks that left the gathered crowd gasping in awe. I couldn’t help but smile at their antics, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly as I lost myself in the magic of their performance. Just as I was beginning to relax, a commotion drew my gaze towards a cluster of people painted in shimmering gold. They moved with fluid grace, their bodies gleaming in the soft glow of the streetlights. Entranced, I watched as they danced with abandon, their movements a symphony of motion and color against the backdrop of the night. But as their performance came to an end, reality came crashing back, and I found myself scanning the area once more, searching for any sign of Luke. Where was he? He had promised he’d be here, yet there was no sign of him. And then, like a beacon cutting through the darkness, I spotted him. He emerged from his car, a sheepish smile on his face as he made his way towards me. Relief flooded through. me, washing away the frustration and worry that had been building inside me. DINGTON “Sorry I’m late,” he apologized, reaching out to take my hand in his. “I was caught up in my meeting, and they wouldn’t let me rest.” I wanted to be angry, to demand an explanation for his tardiness, but as I looked into his eyes, all I could see was sincerity. With a sigh, I squeezed his hand, letting go of the tension that had been coiling inside me. “It’s okay,” I said, offering him a small smile. I’m just glad you’re here now. Together, we made our way into the restaurant, leaving the hustle and bustle of the street behind us. And we stepped through the doors, with this sense of excitement building. inside me. At the moment, a lot of things didn’t actually matter. My conversations with Andre and the one with Laura earlier this morning. Being with Luke was all that I could think of right now, and I knew I could relish every moment of this. So, Luke and I took our seats, settling down in the golden chairs, and he was just smiling the whole time, flaunting his dashing visage. “I have questions, sir.” “I know, you’re mad at me for last night, and also because I hanged up on you today.” “Yeah, I told you that on the last conversation we had on the phone. But forget about all of that, you came late.” “I told you the reason, didn’t I? I was busy with work. This company was discussing a new project that was about to be carried out, and I was invited, I couldn’t miss it for anything else.” “Oh really? You couldn’t miss it for anything else? My eyes were fixed on him, as I raised an eyebrow. “I totally know here you’re going to.” www “I think you do,” I responded inaudibly, giving him a smile, something that was kind of not real. “But you don’t have to think like that, Ariel. You’ll always be the first person on my mind. No other thing else.” “What if you got some important project?”
