319: HOMECOMING ARIEL’S POV “Ariel, what happened? Why are you here?” Luke’s voice was filled with worry as he pulled back to study my face. “Did that woman throw you out of her house?” Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, my resolve firm. “I’ll explain everything, Luke. But first, we need to talk.” “Sure,” he said, stirring closer to me. “Let’s go inside. Look at you. You’re all soaked up.” “Does that really matter right now?” “It does, Ariel. You might have a fever or something.” “You will be by my side to take care of me at all times, correct?” Luke laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, holding Janice on her shoulder as well. He led us into the warmth of the mansion, his arm never leaving my shoulders as if afraid I might vanish if he let go. Janice clung to my hand, her small face upturned, absorbing the grandeur of her new home. I couldn’t actually read her mind, but I knew she loved this so much. You could see how she didn’t hesitate when I told her that we were both leaving Laura’s house. We settled in the living room, a crackling fire casting a soothing glow over the plush furnishings. Luke sat opposite me, his anxious gaze locked on mine, while Janice explored the room, smiling gleefully. Seeing her with such a joyful face made me joyful. However, the moment spent with Laura had been painful to some extent. “So, Ariel, what happened?” Luke asked softly, still looking into my eyes. “Luke,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “Leaving Laura’s house wasn’t just a spur–of–the–moment decision. Things were happening that made me feel unsafe and unwelcome. It’s not just about me; it’s about Janice, too. We needed a fresh start, somewhere we could feel happier and loved.” “Is this how that woman has always been to you?” “No, her attitude changed.” And I’m guessing you understand why.” Luke had one of his brows raised. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, before I finally revealed. “It’s because of you.” “Because of me?” He repeated. “Yes, Luke. She still considers you to be a monster, although I tried changing her mind.” “Oh, I totally understand that.” His tone was low. I glanced at him at that moment, my hands fixed together. “Are you sure you do?” “Yes, the revenge you wanted the second time. I totally understand it all. “And I’m sorry. “You’re sorry?” He nodded, and then, with a whisper, he came out. “Yes, I am sorry.” “You don’t have to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.” “But I do feel guilty. I’ve ruined your relationship with that woman. “Don’t worry. Things are going to get back to normal. Just a matter of time,” I assured him. “You’re probably right about that.” Luke’s expression softened, his earlier concern giving way to understanding. “But, Ariel. Remember, I made it clear to you: this place is as much yours as it is mine,” he said gently. “You and Janice belong here with me. If any problem arises, we’ll face it together. Because we are one.” The joy that moved within me was clear–a sensational spark glowing greatly in the darkness. Feeling overjoyed by every presence in this mansion, Janice came to sit beside me, her soft hand finding mine once again. “Thank you, Luke,” I whispered, feeling the weight of the previous moment begins to lift. “For us, this is more than just a shelter from the storm. It’s a chance to build the life that I’ve always wanted. I remember when I had this hatred towards myself. I never expected us to be here together like this. I thought the future would be dark, but I’m happy with the three of us being right here.” Luke nodded. “I myself never thought this day would come to pass.“I hated you so much back then, but I have to thank my grandfather for bringing such a wonderful woman like you into my life.” “You must also thank God for making this moment possible.” I smiled at him. Luke spoke under breath, “Yes, of course. He’s always with us.” His gaze shifted to Janice. “We are a family,” he stated simply but with a conviction that brooked no argument. “And from now on, we’ll look out for each other. No disputes, no negativity, no dark thoughts, always being positive and happy, okay?” “Okay,” I answered in a whisper, smiling at him. Then he stood up to hold my hand gently, and I felt the heavenly comfort of his touch. “New home, finally!” Janice came out loudly, moving her hands over the air. Luke and I couldn’t help but smile at her. What a great family this was. But I believed things would have been more lovely if Luke was here. Even though I could still feel his presence, his laughter, and his mirth, I could feel everything about him here, As the fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm, golden light over us, I felt a profound sense of peace settle over my heart. Janice, sensing the change, snuggled closer. Outside, the storm raged on, but within the walls of Luke’s mansion, a new chapter was beginning. A chapter filled with hope, love, and the promise of brighter days ahead. Together, we would build a future where the shadows of the past could no Jonger reach us. I hoped that we wouldn’t ruin this family. Luke and I stood up after our heartfelt conversation in the living room, ready to take Janice to her new room. Still brimming with excitement, Janice practically skipped ahead of us, eager to explore every nook and cranny like she hadn’t done that before. Luke and I exchanged a knowing glance, sharing a silent understanding of the significance of this moment. With Janice leading the way, we ascended the grand staircase, the soft glow of the chandelier above casting a warm ambiance throughout the hallway. Reaching Janice’s room, which was decorated with pastel colors and contained toys 119 NOMEDING and books, her eyes sparkled with delight. “Wow! Are these all mine?” Luke chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Yes, sweetheart. This is your room now. I had the helpers make preparations because I had a feeling you would be coming here anytime soon. So, make yourself at home.” Janice busied herself exploring every corner of her new sanctuary, and Luke turned to me, his gaze softening as he took in my drenched appearance. “Ariel, you should change out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold.” I nodded, grateful for his concern. “You’re right. I’ll go change now.” Luke squeezed my hand gently before gesturing towards our own room. “I’ll go with you. I want to make sure you’re okay.” Together, we walked towards our shared bedroom. Once inside, Luke insisted on helping me out of my wet clothes; his touch was gentle and reassuring.. As I slipped into dry attire, the weight of the day’s events began to lift, replaced by a sense of comfort and security in Luke’s presence. He handed me a fluffy towel, his eyes never leaving mine as he spoke softly. “You’re safe now, Ariel. We’re safe. And we’ll always take care of each other.” “Thank you, Luke,” I whispered, reaching out to pull him into a warm embrace. Luke held me close, wrapping his arms around me, his heartbeat steady against mine.
