298: MONEY TALKS LUKE’S POV We were still in the car as Ariel chuckled. “Deal, no honey on our next adventure. But maybe I’ll bring some bear repellent, just in case.” I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Are you implying that I’m not enough to scare off bears?” She laughed, “Oh, no, not at all. I’m just thinking of extra protection for our future escapades.” “Fair enough,” I said, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot. “But next time, let’s stick to less adventurous activities, like picnics in the park or binge–watching Netflix.” Ariel nodded, still grinning. “Sounds like a plan. As long as you’re by my side, I’m up for anything.” “Yeah, but don’t too be scared next time,” I taunted her, trying to see her reaction. Ariel’s grin turned into a playful scowl. “Scared? Me? Please, I’m as brave as they come. I chuckled, teasing her further. “Oh really? So you weren’t the one clinging to me like a koala bear back there behind the bushes?” Her eyes widened in mock indignation. “I was not clinging! I was… strategically positioning myself for safety.” “Sure, sure,” I said with a smirk. “Strategically positioning yourself to use me as a shield against the bear.” Ariel crossed her arms, trying to maintain her facade of bravery. “Well, you know what they say, Luke. Behind every brave person is someone even braver who’s willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.” I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Oh, so now I’m the sacrificial hero in this scenario?” “Exactly!” she exclaimed with a grin. “You’re the unsung hero of our bear encounter.” I shook my head, still chuckling. “Fine, fine. I’ll accept my role our relationship.” as the fearless protector of Ariel leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “And I’ll continue to be the brave one who 60 240 MONEY TALKS fearlessly drags you into all sorts of crazy situations.” “Sounds like a perfect balance.” I smiled at her. “So, it’s still early in the morning. Where do you want to go next?” “To the river? So we can jump inside and get chased by sharks,” Ariel playfully replied, smirking at me. “You have got to be kidding me, Ariel.” “No, I’m not. Why would I be joking?” “Because I can see it right in your face. It’s written boldly.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Alright, fine. But if we’re getting chased by sharks, I’m definitely bringing the honey this time.” “You didn’t even bring honey in the first place.” “I know. I was just talking shit, since you were talking shit.” “And that’s bullshit,” Ariel said, her tone becoming serious all of a sudden. “Well, it’s not compared to yours. Like, seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s some next–level insanity.” I glanced at her incredulously. She burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Luke, where’s your sense of adventure?” “I think it’s right where it should be, firmly planted on solid ground,” I retorted, unable to suppress a grin. She playfully nudged my arm. “You know I was just joking, right?” “Sure, sure,” I said, mimicking her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself close to me back there with that bear around. She grinned sheepishly. “Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it made for a thrilling adventure.” “Of course I’ll admit that. I was the one who took you there after all.” “Oh thank you, mister.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “You definitely keep life interesting, Ariel.” As we continued driving, Ariel reached over and turned on the radio. The announcer’s voice filled the car, talking about outrageous ideas to surprise your partner. Ariel and I exchanged a bemused glance before she quickly reached to switch off the radio. “Looks like even the universe agrees that your shark–chasing plan was a bit out there,” I remarked, breaking the brief silence. Ariel laughed, leaning back in her seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more grounded activities for our next escapade.” “Agreed,” I said, reaching over to intertwine my fingers with hers. “As long as I’m with you, Ariel, every moment is an adventure worth cherishing.” She squeezed my hand affectionately, her gaze softening. “Likewise, Luke. Let’s keep making memories together, even if they involve fewer sharks.” “You’re still with the shark idea, aren’t you?” Ariel laughed. “Can’t help it.” I stopped the car abruptly as I spotted two young guys getting into a heated argument on the road ahead. “Ariel, we should probably stop those guys before one of them gets hurt,” I said, glancing at her. “Definitely,” she agreed, her expression serious as we both stepped out of the car and approached the scene. “Hey, guys, what’s going on here?” I called out, trying to diffuse the tension. But the boys ignored my question, their voices rising in anger as they continued to hurl insults at each other. “Stop!” I yelled, stepping between them as they squared off, fists clenched. “What’s the problem?” I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the situation. One of the boys, his face flushed with anger, pointed accusingly at the other. “He tried to have sex with my girlfriend!“/ I sighed, shaking my head, and glanced at Ariel, who shrugged, her face turned away. The other guy shook his head vehemently. “That’s not true! She’s not even his girlfriend!” I “Alright, alright, calm down,” I interjected, trying to maintain control of the situation. “Is there any way we can resolve this peacefully?” MONEY TALKS But the boys were still adamant, their tempers flaring as they refused to back down. Thinking quickly, I reached into my pocket and pulled out two hundred–dollar bills, handing one to each of them. “Here, are we good now?” They both eyed the money hesitantly before nodding, begrudgingly accepting the gesture. “Good,” I said firmly. “Now, go your separate ways and let this be the end of it.” As they walked away, I turned to Ariel, shaking my head in disbelief. “Well, that was certainly unexpected.” She chuckled, shaking her head. “You never know what you’ll encounter on the road.” “True,” I agreed, grateful that the situation had been resolved without any violence. “Let’s get back in the car, shall we?” Ariel nodded, flashing me a reassuring smile as we climbed back into the car and drove off, leaving the chaos behind us. As we settled back into the car, my phone buzzed with an incoming call. I glanced at the screen and saw it was one of the maids from my mansion. Curious, I answered. “Hello?” “Mr. Luke, it’s Stephanie,” the maid’s voice crackled through the phone. “I’m sorry to bother you, but the house is a bit… chaotic at the moment.” I furrowed my brows, wondering what could have possibly gone wrong so early in the morning. “Chaotic? How so?” “It’s Randy and Ethan, sir,” Stephanie explained. “They’re playfully wrestling all over the place and have made quite a mess.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of my two little guys causing havoc. “Ah, I see. Don’t worry, Stephanie, I’ll take care of it when I get home. Thanks for letting me know.” I ended the call and turned to Ariel, still grinning at the absurdity of the situation. “Seems like our morning trips aren’t the only ones getting wild today.” Ariel raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her expression. “What’s going on?”
