376: BURDENED HEARTS ARIEL’S POV “Enough!” I interjected firmly, stepping between Luke and Tessa. “We’re not getting anywhere by arguing like this.“We need to find a way to settle everything calmly and rationally.” Tessa nodded in agreement; her expression was still heated with anger. “She’s right. This isn’t helping anyone.” But Luke just scoffed, his eyes blazing with frustration. “I’m not interested in playing nice around here. This whole situation is a mess, and it’s up to you to put an end to it.” I shook my head. “I’m trying, Luke. But we need to work together on this. Fighting amongst ourselves won’t solve anything.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw clenched in frustration. “Well, you better figure something out fast. I’m not sticking around to watch this circus any longer.” Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and stormed away, leaving Tessa and me standing in stunned silence. Tessa sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. “Well, that went well.” I let out a frustrated groan. “I don’t know what to do, Tessa. Everything’s falling apart, and I can’t seem to fix it.” Tessa placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering me a reassuring smile. “We’ll figure it out, Ariel. Together.” I nodded, drawing strength from her words. “You’re right, Tessa. We’ll find a way to get through this. Together.” “So, what are you going to do? Are you going to get married to Luke?” “What do you think I should do?” “I don’t know, Ariel. You’re the one who makes the choice, since it’s your life.” “But advice from a friend wouldn’t actually be a bad idea.” Tessa suspired, shaking her head. I’let out a deep breath, still thinking about how I was going to handle this situation. It was really messy, and I hoped all this would just stop. I arrived home to find my parents sitting in the living room, their faces drawn with worry. As I approached, the atmosphere seemed heavy with strain, and I knew that whatever I was about to say would only add to their worries. After a few minutes of silence, I gathered my courage and spoke up. “Mom, Dad, we need to talk.” RDENED HEART 2/3 They both looked up at me, concern etched in their expressions. “What is it, Arlel? What’s wrong?” My mom asked, her voice filled with apprehension. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for their reaction. “I’ve made a decision,” I began, my voice trembling. slightly. “I’m going to marry Luke.” My parents‘ eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, there was nothing but stunned silence in the room. “Ariel, are you sure about this?” My dad asked, as if this wasn’t what he wanted. What the hell! Sometimes, I just wonder how these people think things through. Everything right now is just so annoying. But anyway, I would just have to go on with the act. I nodded. “Yes, Dad. This is what you wanted, right? To save the business.” My mom reached out and took my hand, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. “But, sweetheart, are you sure this is what you want?” I was still surprised by their questions. What if I said no? What were they going to do? Were they going to put an end to the nonsense that was already taking place? Certainly not! I didn’t want to be the bad person around here. So if marrying Luke would make these people happy and bring their business back to stability, then I was ready to follow through with it. I forced a smile. “It’s fine, Mom, I’ll do whatever it takes to make the business great again.” They exchanged a worried glance, clearly still processing my sudden declaration. “And you’re fine with this?” My dad looked at me pretty well. I nodded. “Yes, Dad. I’m sure. That’s what you want, right?” “Yes, it is, Ariel,” he replied silently, closing both of his eyes. “Then it’s settled. I’ll get married to Luke because my parents want that.” With that, I turned and walked away, leaving my parents behind in a state of shock. I made my way to my room, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. But despite the doubts swirling in my mind, I knew that I had made my decision. And now, I would have to live with the consequences. LUKE’S POV I lay in bed at the hotel, and Ariel’s image dominated my thoughts. Even though there was turmoil surrounding her, her resolution was evident in her eyes, sparking an undeniable attraction within me. Despite my initial belief that, she was merely another golddigger, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. Her sincerity in wanting to help her family hinted at a deeper motivation, one that left me questioning the assumptions I had made. But fuck that! It wasn’t going to change my goddamn feelings about her. She wanted money, and I was 376 BURDENED HEARTS pretty sure the good face was nothing but an act. I didn’t know why I was thinking positively about her. Under the surface, my grandfather’s ultimatum weighed heavily on my conscience. While I had always been obedient to his wishes, the prospect of marrying a stranger like Ariel made me doubt whether I was making the right decision. The sound of the bathroom door opening abruptly jolted me out of my reverie. Harriet emerged; concern was displayed in her eyes as she wrapped a towel around her slender frame. “Luke, are you okay?” she asked, making a worried face. I hesitated, unable to immediately respond as Ariel’s presence still lingered in my mind. I didn’t want to tell Harriet what happened at the coffee shop or the thoughts that kept revolving in my head right now. I didn’t even know what to say. Harriet approached me, her touch gentle as she trailed her hand over my chest. “Luke, talk to me. What’s going on?” With a heavy sigh, I finally turned to face her. “I’m just… I’m not sure about all of this, Harriet.” “What do you mean?“About us?” Shaking my head, I clarified, “No, not about us. About everything. My grandfather’s demands, this whole. situation with Ariel… I just don’t know if I’m doing the right thing.” Harriet’s expression softened; her concern was clear as she held my hand softly. “Luke, you don’t have to face this alone. I’m here for you.” Despite her comforting words, I couldn’t throw away the load of uncertainty that pressed upon me. “I appreciate that, Harriet. Truly, I do. But right now, I just need some time to think.” Her disappointment was evident, yet she nodded with understanding. “Okay, Luke. I’ll give you the space you need. Just know that I’m here for you, no matter what.” I managed a weak smile, grateful for her support. But even as she sought to distract me, I found myself unable to shake the unease that clung to my thoughts. “I’m sorry, Harriet,” I murmured, gently pushing her away. “I’m just not in the mood right now.” Her crestfallen expression mirrored my inner turmoil as she retreated to her side of the bed. Left alone with my thoughts once more, I couldn’t help but feel consumed by the dubiety of Ariel’s presence and the daunting future that lay ahead.
