220: AT THE GRAVEYARD LUKE’S POV Life e was a complex and unpredictable journey filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. It could be hard, with challenges and struggles that test our strength and resilience. It could also be good, with moments of pure happiness and contentment. But it could also be bad and even terrible, with heartache, loss, and pain. Despite having wealth and material possessions, there were times when everything seemed to be falling apart, and nothing could fix the brokenness. It was a reminder that true happiness could not be bought, and even with all the riches in the world, life could still be filled with hardships and difficulties. In those moments, we had to find strength and hope, knowing that even the darkest of times would eventually pass and life would once again find its balance. Right here, right now, my heart felt heavy, and my soul felt shattered. I could feel myself broken, as if someone had taken a hammer and shattered every piece of me. The darkness slowly crept in, taking over my mind and thoughts. I tried to fight it, but it was too strong. Right at this moment, I thought of all the loved ones I had lost, the memories we shared, and the moments we would never have again. It was a painful realization that brought tears to my eyes. The sadness was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but feel alone and lost. But in this darkness, I also needed to find strength and resilience. I knew I had to keep going, for myself and those I had lost. I remember the time when I used to be a complete monster toward Ariel. I always thought she was only after my money, and I treated her with nothing but contempt. But now, as I find myself desperately chasing after her, I regret all of those moments when I spoke those harsh words to her. I realize now that I was wrong about her and that my own insecurities and fears drove my actions. I wish I could turn back time and make things right, but all I can do is hope she will return to me. I never thought I would be the one chasing her, but now I understand the depth of my feelings for her and how much I truly care about her. I needed to make things right and show her the love and respect she needed. And with all these thoughts in my head, I made my way to the cemetery where my parents‘ grave lies. My father’s actually since that good–for–nothing witch was still alive. Walking through the rows of headstones, my heart began to ache. Memories of my father flooded my mind, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I took a deep breath and finally reached his grave. I knelt down and traced my fingers over his name on the tombstone. “I miss you, dad,” I whispered. But as I looked up, my eyes landed on a figure standing a few feet away. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it was my mother. I froze, unable to move or even breathe. What was she doing here? She had no right to be here. I felt a wave of anger wash over me as I watched her. She was the reason my father was gone. She was the one responsible for his death and for the death of my cousin, Riley. I couldn’t believe she had the audacity to come to his grave as if she actually cared. I slowly stood up and made my way toward her, my fists clenched at my sides. When she finally turned around and saw me, her eyes widened in shock. “Luke,” she whispered, her voice trembling. I glared at her, and my eyes were filled with hatred. “What are you doing here?” I asked her in a cold and harsh tone. She refused to answer me, instead turning back to look at my father’s tombstone. I couldn’t believe her. How dare she come here as if she had any right to mourn him? “You have no business being here, “I spat. Tears began to fill her eyes as she turned back to me. “I know I have no right to be here. But I just had to see him to apologize,” she said, her voice breaking. I couldn’t believe my ears. She actually had the nerve to apologize now, after everything she had done. I shook my head, my anger growing with each passing second. “Apologize? For what? For trying to kill me? For being the reason my father is dead? For taking Riley away from us.” I yelled. She flinched at my words, her tears falling freely now. “I regret everything I did, Luke. I was wrong, and I am so sorry. Please forgive me,” she pleaded. But I couldn’t forgive her. I couldn’t forget the pain and suffering she had caused. “No, I will never forgive you. I don’t even want to see your face.” My voice was filled with venom. She continued to beg and plead, but I refused to listen. I could feel the anger and hatred boiling inside me, and I just wanted her to leave. “Don’t waste your time, mom. I don’t want to hear your excuses. I could just call the cops right now and have you arrested.” Her eyes widened in shock and fear at my words. “Please, Luke. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but please, just give me a chance to make things right,” she cried. But I couldn’t bear to hear her anymore. I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there in front of my father’s grave. I knew I would never forgive her, and seeing her here only brought back painful memories. I couldn’t let her ruin this moment for me. I needed to say goodbye to my father in peace, without her presence tainting it. “Luke, wait!” I heard her calling my name. I stopped, not wanting to talk or even see her face. But I just decided to halt; I had no idea why. Perhaps I still had this love for her. Now, I understood Ariel’s thinking and her thoughts toward me. The pain and everything. “Luke, please.” She got closer. I closed my eyes, trying my best to hold myself together. I could just explode right now, letting this anger all out. I was trying to control myself. I turned to her. “Don’t waste your time. I can never forgive you. You might still be alive. But to me, my mother is dead. That good and caring woman is no more.” “Please don’t say that. We can still come back together. We can still be a family.” “How?” I brought it out immediately. “How the hell is that going to happen? It seems like you’ve forgotten everything you’ve done. Every single part of your actions brought this intense hate to me, and trust me, I want to put you six feet down there right now. But I can never be as heartless as you You are a monster.” “I know; that’s why I’m pleading mercy. If you want, I can get on my knees.” “Don’t even think about it,” I told her coldly. “And why in the world did you change? I thought you were happy without me. “Ahhhhhh!” I heard a scream not too far from where I was.
