353: NEW PATH FORWARD ARIEL’S POW “Larry, wait!” His mother’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, her tone pleading as she stepped forward, reaching out to her husband. “Harold, please, you can’t do this. He’s Our Son.” Mr. Kingston’s expression remained stoic, unmoved by his wife’s plea. “He’s made his choice, Martha. “He’s chosen to defy me and undermine everything we’ve worked for.” “But disowning him? Is that really necessary?” Mrs. Kingston implored. “He’s just young and idealistic. He doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.” “He needs to learn, Martha,” Mr. Kingston replied sternly. “He needs to understand that there are repercussions for going against the family.” “But he’s your son,” she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. “You can’t just cast him aside like this.“We’ll lose him forever.” Mr. Kingston sighed heavily, his features softening ever so slightly at the sight of his wife’s distress. “Martha, you know how important it is for us to maintain control. We can’t afford to shc weakness, especially not now.” “But at what cost, Harold?” Mrs. Kingston pleaded, her eyes searching for any sign of empathy. “Is our pride worth more than our own flesh and blood?” Larry stood silently, his eyes darting between his parents, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. I could see the turmoil raging within him, torn between loyalty to his family and standing up for what he believed was right. “Please, Harold,” Mrs. Kingston continued. “Think about what you’re doing. Is this really the legacy you want to leave behind?” For a moment, there was silence as father and son locked eyes, a silent battle of wills playing out between them. Then, with a heavy sigh, Mr. Kingston relented, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine,” he muttered grudgingly. “But he’s on his own. He can’t expect any support from this family if he chooses to walk this path.” Mrs. Kingston let out a breath she seemed to have been holding, relief washing over her features as she stepped forward to embrace her son. “Thank you, Harold.” Larry returned his mother’s embrace. “Thank you, Mom. But I cannot follow through with 16 NEW PATH FORWARD this.” 2/4 His mother let go of him at that very moment, giving him a surprised face. “What? What do you mean by that?” “You wronged Ariel and her family, and if you don’t decide to change things back to the way they were, I’m not stepping foot in this house.” “See, I told you. He’s an idiot,” Simon mocked him. “Shut up, Simon.” Larry silenced him. “You have no right to be talking here since you’re the cause of everything.” “Oh, shut up,” Simon spat back.. “Silence!” Mr. Kingston said harshly, then turned to Larry with a hard glare. “Larry, is this what you want?” “You know what I want, father. “If you’re talking about this whole Walker thing, you’ll only be fooling yourself. Because here is no way I’m changing things; the deed has already been done.” ee, then. You just have to know something, Father,” Larry said inaudibly, moving his face closer. “I won’t rest until The Walker Company rises again.” Wout bastard,” Mr. Kingston said bitterly. “Is this how you hate me? Defying me out of spite?” “He’s not defying you out of spite but out of a sense of justice and integrity,” I chimed in. Enough of this nonsense. Mr. Kingston’s eyes narrowed as he turned his attention to me, his expression one of disdain. “And who the hell gave you the right to talk, huh? “A mere outsider meddling in family affairs?” “Uhmm, it seems like you’re forgetting the cause of this whole argument,” I retorted. “And I may not be part of your family, but I care deeply for Larry.“I won’t stand by while you belittle him for having the courage to do what’s right.” “You’re nothing but a naive girl, thinking you can change anything. You’re just as foolish as my son.” “Maybe it’s time for someone to shake up your narrow–minded perspective, Mr. Kingston. Larry is a great man, ten times better than your useless son. He deserves better than to be ridiculed by his own father.” 353: NEW PATH FORWARD 3/4 Mr. Kingston’s face contorted with rage, but Larry spoke up with a calm yet resolute voice before he could unleash another barrage of insults. “Enough, Father. I won’t tolerate any more disrespect towards Ariel or myself. If you can’t put an end to your vile acts, then goodbye.” With that, Larry took my hand and angrily walked away, leaving his family brimming with rage as if they were just staring at us. We got into my car, and the two of us settled there in silence, no one saying anything. Then I let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry that had to happen,” I said, breaking the silence between us. Larry turned to me. “What had to happen?” “You and your family.“Because of me, you had to go through all of this. Because of me, your relationship with them is ruined.” His expression softened as he let out a sigh. “Ariel, none of this is your fault. You didn’t you for cause any of this. My family’s actions are their own, and I won’t let them blame them.” “But still, I can’t help but feel responsible. I never wanted to come between you and your family “You didn’t,” Larry reassured me. “If anything, you’ve shown me what true courage and integrity look like. And I’ll stand by you, no matter what.” I gave him a warm smile. “Thank you, Larry.” “You don’t have to worry, Ariel. We’ll get through this together. I’m going to make sure your family’s business is as stable as it used to be.” “But I have to ask you something.” “What is that?” “Why did you save me all of a sudden? I mean, we know each other, but we barely talk.” “Are you seriously asking me that?” Larry raised his brow, looking at me. “I don’t know; I’m just curious. That’s all.” “Well, Ariel. There’s just something special about you,” he told me with a smile. I looked at him for seconds before I finally said, “Uhmm, excuse me?” 353: NEW PATH FORWARD He chuckled softly. “I mean it. You have this way of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. “And I admire that about you.” I felt my cheeks flush at his words, a mixture of surprise and gratitude washing over me.” Thank you, Larry. That means a lot to me.” “You’re welcome, Ariel. And if standing up for you means defying my family, then so be it. You’re worth it.” Touched by his sincerity, I couldn’t help but smile. “I have to say, I’m grateful to have you on my side. He returned my smile, his gaze holding mine for a moment longer before turning back to the road ahead. He knew about me the whole time, and it was as if he didn’t. We met a couple of times, and we barely had a conversation. But when he just stood up for me, I had this monumental feeling towards him, like we had been comrades for years. “So, where will you be living from now on?” I asked him, being concerned. You don’t have to worry about that. “You can live with me if you want,” I suggested. “Thanks, but I have somewhere else in mind.” “Okay,” I nodded, deciding not to ask further.
