236: THE FEELING ARIEL’S POV i turned to Janice who was looking at the both of us, a surprised look etched on my face. I didn’t even know what to say right now. Did I just hear Janice right, or were my ears deceiving me? Luke looked at Janice as well. “What did you just say, pretty one?” “I said, I want the two of you back together. And I want to spend time with you, daddy. I want to play and have fun with you always.” Luke glanced back at me with a smirk on his face. “I think you heard the little girl loud and clear.” I gave him a blank expression before turning back to Janice. “Janice, my dear, you…” “You want that, right?” Luke quizzed Janice, cutting me off. She nodded. “Yes, of course. Daddy, I want to spend time with you. I want to play and have fun with you always. You saved me from that bad man; you are my hero, and I know for a fact that you will be my best friend. Luke smirked at me once again. “I think you should listen to the little kid.” He fixed his eyes on Janice. “Of course, pretty one. We are going to be good friends.” “Yes, Daddy! I know that every moment I will spend with you will be filled with joy, laughter, and love. Your presence right now brings a sense of comfort and security that I cannot find anywhere else.” “Aww, that’s so sweet of you.” Luke smiled, nodding. “Come here, little one.” He stretched his arms wide for her. She ran to him and hugged him. “Daddy, please, don’t leave me. Whether we’ll be playing catch in the backyard or watching a movie together, every moment that I’m going to spend with you will be precious and irreplaceable. I’ll cherish our time together, and I’m looking forward to making memories with you. I have a feeling that you will be the best dad a child could ask for.” “I believe you’ll also be the best daughter ever.” “I am grateful to have you in my life, Daddy, and I can’t wait to spend time with you.” I was just watching them, and this moment was really nice. Father and daughter’s love. I didn’t even know what to say or what to do right now. But I didn’t think I would be telling Luke yes any time soon Tanker let go of Lake and walked to me “Why aren’t we even living together, mommy?” “Oh my god, this is really fucked up.” I muttered and hit my head. I took a deep breath after that, crossed my arms, staring at Janice. “Let’s live together, mommy,” “Yes, Ariel. Let’s live together,” Luke said playfully, and I gave him a cold glimpse. Turning back to Janice, I hunkered down and held both of her shoulders, “Look, Janice. I love you, and I’ll always do the things you say. Not this time, sweetheart.” I exhaled deeply, looking into her eyes. “Janice, my love for you knows no bounds, and I have always been willing to do anything you ask of me. However, this time, I have to respectfully disagree. My love for you does not mean I have to blindly follow your every command.” I sniffled and continued, “I believe in our relationship, and I trust that you will understand my decision. Please know that my love for you remains unwavering, but in this instance, I must follow my own path. I hope you can understand and support me in this decision.” “But what’s wrong with my suggestion, mommy? Can’t we be a family?” “We can be a family, but I don’t think the time is right.” “Then when will the time be right?” I looked at her in the eyes. “Trust me, sweetheart. Please.” “I trust you, mommy. But I just want Daddy to be with us. I just got to know him, and I want to spend so many times with him.” “And you will, but we are not living together.” “Why? Is anything wrong with that?” Luke chimed in. I frowned at him right away. “Janice, I have no words right now. I can’t keep on arguing.” I stood up and held her hand. “Let’s go home.” Janice pulled her hand out of mine. “No, Mommy! I don’t want to go home! I want to spend time with Daddy.” “Don’t act stubborn now, Janice.” “I’m not being stubborn. I just want Daddy by my side.” “You don’t have to worry, dear; I’ll always be here for you.” Luke transposed closer, fixing his hands on Janice’s shoulder. “Are you happy now?” I questioned him. “Can’t be happy when you’re not by my side.” He let go of Janice and moved really close to me. “Step back..” I told him. He paused for a moment, and then he seized my waist, grabbing a hold of me. Why, Ariel?” “Why what?” “Why do you continue to fool yourself? Why do you pretend not to love me when it’s evident in your eyes? It’s clear that you have strong feelings for me, yet you refuse to acknowledge them. Is it because you are afraid of being hurt or vulnerable? Or is it because you don’t want to admit to yourself that you have feelings for me?” “Luke…” “You are the one who has stolen my heart. But whatever the reason may be, I wish you would stop playing games with your own heart and be honest with yourself. Love is a beautiful and powerful emotion, and denying it will only lead to pain and regret. Open your heart and embrace the love that you feel, Ariel. Don’t let fear and denial hold you back from experiencing true happiness.” “You love me, Luke. But please, I’m not ready to be in this relationship. Please. understand that.” “When are you going to be ready then?” “Please don’t ask me that. Cause I don’t know,” I answered and he slowly let go. of me. “Okay then. That’s your decision, so I guess I’ll have to respect it.” I held Janice’s hand. “Come on, Janice. Let’s go.” I took her to the parking lot which was surrounded by tall trees, their leaves. swaying gently in the light breeze. Of course they provided a sense of serenity and privacy, shielding the lot from the busy streets and the hustle and bustle of the city. The branches of the trees stretched out, creating a natural canopy above the lot, providing shade from the remaining rays of the sun. And just when I got close to my car, Janice pinched my hand. “Ouuuhh! Janice!” I gave her a crazy look. “What was that for?” “I’m sorry, mommy. But I want to go back to daddy. Please let me go back to him.. “I already told you, and you know my decision. You’re coming home with me.” I brought my keys out of my purse and opened the car. “But I don’t want to go now. I want to spend time with daddy. I want to have fun. with him. “You will have fun at home, okay? There’ll be plenty of toys to play with, and there will also be chocolate,” I spoke with half of my body fixed in the car as I was searching for my keys which fell down. “Finally,” I said the moment I finally found it took me almost a minute. When I took my face out of the car, I couldn’t see Janice anywhere. I looked left and looked right, but I couldn’t sight her. “Janice?”
