118 VENOMOUS REUNION ARIEL’S POV Still at the party, one of the servers approached me with a tray of drinks. He was a handsome young man, but his looks were nothing extraordinary. “Miss, do you want some?” he asked, offering me a drink. I smiled and accepted the drink. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” he replied, before walking away. No doubt he would make a great model with his looks and charm. Looking around, I couldn’t spot Lukel or Janice anywhere. I was wondering why they hadn’t arrived at the party yet. As Hannah approached, I grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. “Hey Ariel, what’s up?” she asked with a grin. “I can’t see Lukel and Janice anywhere. Where are they?” I asked, concerned. Hannah laughed and reassured me, “Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon.” “That’s what you said an hour ago,” I replied with a sigh. “It hasn’t even been twenty minutes, Ariel. Relax,” she spoke, shaking her head. “I just want to be with my children right now,” I stated, feeling anxious. “Don’t worry, they’re in good hands with Felix. They’ll be here soon,” Hannah reassured me. “Can you please call Felix and tell him to hurry up?” I asked, feeling impatient. Hannah chuckled, “Come on, let’s have some respect. He’s the man of my dreams.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her statement. “You’re lucky to have found the man of your dreams.” Hannah grinned at me, “But not as lucky as you. You’re married to one of the most famous billionaires in New Haven.” I laughed silently at her comment. She had no idea about my past and the struggles I had been through. ““You have got to be kidding me,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Let’s just enjoy the party.” Hannah nodded and we turned to face Manuel, who was now on stage with a microphone “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention!” Manuel announced. Everyone turned to face him. LUKE’S POV Wow, I can’t believe you’re this heartless,” I told this woman. We were still talking on the phone. “You killed your own husband all because of money. And you even murdered your friend too. Why do you have to be so vile?” I asked her, my tone filled with anger and disgust. “Point of correction, I tampered with the brakes. But you can put it that way,” she replied nonchalantly, “You are heartless. I can’t believe I ever loved you,” I said bitterly. “Show yourself, wherever you are.” “Why should I do that? You should be afraid of me, Luke. You know what I am capable of,” she replied with a sinister laugh. “What can you possibly do?” I asked, my anger rising. She laughed again, “Oh, I forgot to tell you.” “Tell me what?” I asked, my voice dripping with bitterness. All those years I had cared for her, it was all a lie. I wished she had never come back into my life. “Take it easy, Pushki,” she said, using the nickname she used to call me. “Don’t call me that!” I snapped. “Why not? You used to love that name,” she said mockingly. “Not anymore. Keep that name to yourself. I want nothing to do with you,” I replied, my anger boiling. “Denying me already? I like that,” she said with a snicker, “I can’t believe you would do this. Tell me this is all a lie. Tell me you’re joking and that none of this is true,” I pleaded with her. “My little boy wants to cry,” she mocked. “But too bad, Pushki. That’s the truth. I never loved you and I never will. All these years without you or your father, I have been living in peace.” “Then why did you have to come back into my life now? Why can’t you just stay away and live in your peace until you die?” “Oh son, don’t think I came back to be with you again. Hell no,” she replied coldly. “Yeah, I know that. You just had to come and break my heart,” I said, feeling broken and hurt. “I’m sorry about that,” she replied sarcastically. I clenched my fist tightly, trying to control my anger. “Enough with the drama. Why did you call me? If you want nothing to do with me, then why bother me now?” “Okay, son. Let’s reflect on the horrifying event that occurred at your house,” she said with an irritated tone. “And what are you referring to exactly?” I asked. “You idiot!” She snapped, fueling my anger. “Have you forgotten what happened? It seems like you have a short memory.” “Are you talking about the incident in my house? When Riley was killed?” “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m talking about!” She spoke loudly on the phone. ‘ Good thing you remembered. I thought I was going to have to keep reminding you…” “Enough!” I interrupted. “Why do you have to bring that up again? And who told you about it?” She let out a mocking laugh. “You shouldn’t even be asking me that question. First of all, you’re Luke Reynold, everyone knows about you. Well, almost everyone. Secondly, just because I haven’t been a part of your life for all these years, doesn’t mean I’ve been living under a rock. I know all about the attack at Sir Reynold’s funeral and the one at your house. But do you want to know something?” “What?” I asked bitterly. “Are you the one responsible for all of it?” “Wow, Pushki! Congratulations!” She exclaimed. “I can see your brain is finally functioning. I guess you’re not as dumb as I thought.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “Enough with the insults, okay? Can you just answer my question?” “Well, you proved me wrong,” she sighed in annoyance. “The answer I gave you was pretty clear.” “So you did try to kill me?” I shook my head in disappointment. “It’s sad that the person I used to love would try to take my life. Do you have any idea how much I think about you every day? I always prayed for you and Dad to come back to me.” “And your prayers have been answered. I’m back.” I could almost hear the smug smirk in her voice. “Out the crap, Mom. Oh, sorry, I shouldn’t even call you that.” “You can, though. After all, I did carry you in my belly for nine good months.” “I wish that never happened. You’re so heartless. Because of you, Riley died. What the hell is wrong with you?” “Just shut up, okay?!” She snarled, her voice dripping with venom. “Oh, now you’re feeling the pain?” I retorted, my tone laced with sarcasm. “Well, it should hurt. Your actions caused the family to lose a beautiful soul. And yet, you have the audacity to feel proud of yourself. You are nothing but a murderer, and it disgusts me to even call you my mother.” “Stop being so dramatic. This is not some TV show, or something,” she scoffed. “I’m not being dramatic, I’m stating facts. And it hurts, doesn’t it?” She let out a bitter laugh. “Your words don’t hurt me. They mean nothing.” “Enough. I won’t waste any more time talking to someone who has no remorse for their actions.” “Fine. Let’s end this conversation. But before we do, I want you to know that you have a terrible fate awaiting you tonight.”
