283: UNDERSTAND LUKE’S POV Standing right here in my room, I was just looking at my mom, wondering why she had come to this location in the house so early in the morning. Seriously, it was way too early for me to get into any heated conversation. I have things running through my head right now–things that might make me go crazy. The situation with Ariel last night seemed to be a tough one, and I had no idea if she was angry at me or not. But I could just wish for the best. Things are going great between us. “Can I please know why you’ve come?” I asked, not taking my eyes off her. “Good morning, first of all,” she said, with a tone that was deep and goddamn serious. Somehow. But I greeted her anyway. “Good morning. So, can we get straight to the point?” “Catherine is at this house.” “Yeah, I know that.” “Were you the one who brought her home?” “Yes, I had to. I saw her while driving on the road. So, I have some questions for you. And you need to give me answers.” ARIEL’S POV “Ariel, wake up.” Laura’s voice ran through my ears, waking me from my sleep. I was really exhausted. I probably didn’t wake up anytime soon because of how things went with Luke last night. I literally had no idea what had gone on with him. His mood just changed, and I was still wondering if he had any idea/about Daniella’s family. Everything seemed so strange last. night. “Ariel, you have to wake up.” Laura said, walking closer to me. “Why? What’s the problem?” “Business meeting. The Tecas are about to discuss a new project with different companies. There’ll be representatives from different companies. It should be about ten or five But the thing here is that we were invited Bernardo would have come along, but as a matter of fact, he’s busy with other stuff” I I Right, like having sex with other women, I muttered. But knew I was inaudible because no one could hear me “What did you just say? Loom asked promptly. But no worries, she didn’t hear me. “Oh, it’s nothing lied I’m just tired. That’s it.” “I see. Where were you last night? I’m sorry. Say what now?” “Where were you last night? I searched the house, but I couldn’t see you.” “Your husband saw me. You can go ahead and ask him. By the way, I came home to drop Janice off, but I didn’t see you, so I went out again.” “With Luke, right? Laura quizzed, raising an eyebrow. LUKE’S POV So, mother, I hope you don’t lie to me,” I told my mom, fixing my palms together.. “Why would I lie to you?” 1 don’t know. Probably because you’ve done it in the past.” “You’re still talking about that?” 1 forgave you, but that doesn’t mean I forgot about all the things you did. It’s the brain, alright? It’s a part of life.” “Yes,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.” “You don’t have to say that. I’m not mad at you. And I believe you haven’t come here to bong back those memories.” 1 didn’t come here for that. You were the one bringing the whole thing up.” “I know. I just cant help it.” “Yeah, I totally understand that,” she vocalized in hushed tones. undendang “Gray, Now, you tell me. What did you do to Catherine?” ARIEL’S POV 233 UNDERSTAND “Why are you asking me that?” I stood on the bed while Laura kept staring at me, not taking her eyes off me. In addition to the damned question she posed, the fact that she had her arms crossed was an expression that brought unease to my face. “You can’t deny it, right? You went to see Luke last night, didn’t you?” “Can we please not talk about this?” “Why shouldn’t we?” “Because I don’t want to.” “Well, you’ll have to. We’ve made this quite clear: our situation with Luke.” “What did we make clear?” “That you’re going to take revenge on him for killing your son.” “That was your decision.” “You’re going to deny it now?” “Yes, I did agree to do that–get revenge, kill Luke, and make his life miserable. But things changed; why won’t you accept that, Laura? Why do you keep hardening your heart?” “I do not like Luke. I’ve always had hatred for him since you told me about him. About the things he did to you in the past. Are you really that stupid to just take him back?” “Please, I don’t need any insults around here,” I told her in my calmest tone, trying to be respectful. “I’m not insulting you. I’m only stating facts around here. Luke doesn’t deserve to be with you. He wronged you in the past; think about it.” “I did that already. I’ve thought about everything, and I know where I stand right now. Luke did me wrong; there is no doubt about that. But it’s all in the past. I’m not upset about that anymore.” ‘Then what about the death of your son?” “I don’t have to tell you this a thousand times. Luke did not murder Luke.” LUKE’S POV “Why are you asking me that? I told you already, Luke.” My mother gave me a response to my question. And I don’t know; I just couldn’t buy these words right now. “Yes, you did tell me that you unintentionally burned the house, almost ending Catherine’s life. But I feel like there’s more than that.” “And what do you mean by that?” “I saw the look on Catherine’s face, the anger in her eyes. It was something worse than what you told me.” “I don’t think it is, actually. She became really upset because of that. It’s quite clear.” “Oh really? Nothing else?” I inquired, raising an eyebrow. “Luke, why do you keep on stressing about this?” “Catherine hates you and doesn’t want to talk to you. She has even decided to cut ties with you. But I don’t want that to happen. Trust me, it’s not the right thing to do, and I don’t want the both of you to be on bad terms. So please, you have to make things clear to me. Please, mother, tell me what you did to your daughter.” ARIEL’S POV “Luke didn’t kill my son, okay? Take those thoughts off your head,” I said, raising my voice at Laura. I never wanted to, but I couldn’t help it. She was becoming irritating every single second with the words she was vocalizing. Laura gave me a knowing look–the look that was asking me why I raised my voice at her. She didn’t utter a word. But that expression said it all. “Wow, Ariel. I can’t believe this.” “I’m sorry.” I apologized. I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you, but I really need to bring these things out to you.” “Do you love Luke? Oh, please, save the crap for someone else. I don’t want you to bring out your worthless thoughts.” “They’re not worthless,” I replied incontinently. “Sorry to say this, Laura, but you can’t change anything now. I’ve fallen in love with Luke.” Laura chuckled. “And here I was, trying to help you. But you had to turn your back on me.”
