347: RECKLESS REACTION LUKE’S POV “Can you believe that woman, Daniel?” I yelled at Daniel with the two of us in my car, although he was the one driving. “She had the nerve to insult me and even throw a stone at this car. She doesn’t really know how expensive this is.” Daniel sighed. “Luke, we almost ran our car into theirs.“We almost killed them. I think that’s enough for her to get really upset.” “I don’t care, Daniel,” I snapped, my hands tightening on the armrest. “She had no right to talk to me like that. And she certainly had no right to damage my car.” Daniel glanced at me, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration. “Luke, come on. Let’s just calm down and focus on getting home safely.” But I couldn’t shake off the anger coursing through me. “No, I won’t calm down. She needs to learn some respect.” As we drove, my mind raced with insults and comebacks, each one more cutting than the last. I couldn’t let her get away with disrespecting me like that. She needed to know who she was dealing with. “She’s probably just having a bad day, Luke,” Daniel said, attempting to reason with me. I scoffed, shaking my head. “That’s no excuse for her behavior. She needs to learn some manners. She was glad I didn’t even see her face. I could have seized her neck and strangled her to death. Daniel fell silent, focusing on the road ahead. But thoughts of retaliation consumed my mind. I couldn’t let her off the hook so easily. She needed to pay for what she did. The moment we pulled up to a red light, I spotted the woman’s car from afar–not too far, though. She parked her car near an ice cream shop. Without hesitation, I rolled down my window and shouted obscenities at her, my anger boiling over. “Luke, stop it!” Daniel pleaded, his voice tinged with alarm. But I ignored him, my focus solely on the woman in the other car. She needed to know that she couldn’t mess with me and get away with it. The light turned green, and we continued on our way. But the fire of anger still burned within me, fueling my mind to teach her a lesson she wouldn’t forget. But do you want to know the crazy part? It was that she didn’t even hear me. No one was 347 RECKLESS REACTION 2/4 probably in the car. “Luke, seriously, calm down,” Daniel pleaded, his tone urgent. “You’re letting your anger get the best of you,” I shot him a glare, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “No, Daniel, I won’t calm down. She needs to learn not to mess with me. Daniel sighed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Luke, this isn’t like you. You’re better than this. Let’s just forget about it and move on.” I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. “Forget about it? How can you say that? She insulted me and damaged my car. She needs to pay for what she did.” Daniel’s brows furrowed, his voice tinged with exasperation. “And what exactly do you plan to do, Luke? Start a fight. Get the police involved. That won’t solve anything.” “I don’t know, Daniel,” I snapped, my temper flaring. “But I can’t just let her off the hook. She needs to face the consequences of her actions.” Daniel glanced at me, his expression a mix of concern and disappointment. “Luke, listen to yourself. This isn’t you. You’re better than this. Let’s just focus on getting home safely.” I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening at my sides. “Fine, whatever,” I muttered, turning away from him and staring out the window. We drove in tense silence for the rest of the way home, the weight of our argument hanging heavily in the air. But deep down, I knew Daniel was right. I couldn’t let my anger control me like this. I needed to find a way to let go of the resentment and move on. But it was easier said than done. “Sow, how did things work out with you and that lady?” Daniel asked. I glanced at him. “Who are you talking about?” “The lady you met at the nightclub and danced with. How did things go for the both of you?” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling a pang of guilt wash over me. “Oh, um, things didn’t really work out,” I mumbled, avoiding Daniel’s gaze. Daniel raised an eyebrow, his curiosity evident. “What do you mean?“I thought you two hit it off pretty well at the club.” I let out a heavy sigh, steeling myself for the confession. “Yeah, we did. But… we ended up hooking up later that night.” Daniel’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, offering me a supportive nod.” 347 RECKLESS REACTION 3/4 Hey, It happens. No judgment here.” I shook my head, feeling a wave of regret wash over me. “I know, but… It just felt wrong, you low?“I was using her to distract myself from everything else going on.” Daniel reached out to pat my shoulder reassuringly. “Hey, it’s okay. We all make mistakes. What matters is that you recognize it and learn from it.” I nodded, grateful for his understanding. “Thanks, Daniel. I just… I don’t want to lead her on or hurt her feelings. Daniel smiled, his eyes warming with affection. “I know you won’t, Luke. You’re a good guy, deep down. Just be honest with her, and everything will work out.” I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, knowing that I had Daniel’s support. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate it.” “No problem, buddy,” Daniel said, giving me a reassuring pat on the back. “We’ll get through this together.” I raised my brows at him. “Get through what together?” “This!” “Uhmm, thanks, man. But I’m no little kid, okay? I can handle this on y own.” Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “Sure, sure, tough guy. But just remember, I’m always here to bail you out of trouble.” I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a grin. “Yeah, yeah, like I’ll ever need your help.” Daniel smirked, giving me a playful shove. “Hey, don’t underestimate the power of a good wingman. You never know when you might need me to swoop in and save the day.” I laughed, feeling the tension from earlier dissipate. “Alright, alright, fair point.“But let’s just hope I don’t get myself into any more trouble.” Daniel nodded, his grin widening. “Agreed. But if you do, you’ll know where to find me.” As we got closer, I was kind of grateful for Daniel’s friendship. Despite our disagreements and occasional arguments, he was always there for me when it mattered most.. “Thanks, Daniel,” I said sincerely, clapping him on the shoulder. “I mean it.” Daniel flashed me a genuine smile. “Anytime, Luke. That’s what friends are for.” “Hey, Luke,” Daniel called out before I could shut the door. “Yeah?” 347: RECKLESS REACTION 4/4 “Just remember, next time you’re feeling angry, take a deep breath and count to ten. It might save you from making a decision you’ll regret.” I grinned, nodding in agreement. “Thanks for your wise words, Daniel. I’ll keep that in mind. We arrived at my mansion, and I left the car. However, I spotted my grandfather standing at the entrance. It seemed like he was waiting for me, and the look on his face was really threatening.
