The Love From Vengeance

With Luke sitting across from me, his earnest gaze fixed on mine, and | couldn't help but feel a flutter of doubt.

His words reassured me, but actions spoke louder than words, didn’t they? “What if you got simportant project? | challenged him, searching for any hint of hesitation in his response.

Luke's expression softened, his eyes never leaving mine. “Ariel, you'll always be my priority. No matter what important project comes up, you'll cfirst.” | offered him a skeptical smile. “Prove it.” He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “How am | | shook my head, laughing softly. “Just prove it.” g to prove it right now?” Luke's laughter joined mine, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes. “You're not serious, Ariel.” “But | am,” | insisted, my smile widening. “Go on stage and sing a romantic song for me.” His eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious?” | nodded, unable to contain my grin. “Dead serious.” We locked eyes for a moment, the tension clear between us, before | gestured towards the stage. “Go ahead, Luke.” With a resigned sigh, Luke got up from his seat and WB way towards the stage. The restaurant dimmed, the spotlight focusing solely on him as he stood there, microphone in hand. My heart pounded in anticipation as he began to sing, his voice filling the room with warmth and melody.

While he sang, his gaze never wavered from mine, his words carrying a depth of emotion that sent shivers down my spine. And then, as if guided by an invisible force, he moved closer to me, his voice growing softer, more intimate.

And before | knew it, he was standing right in front of me, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek as he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss. The world around. us faded away, leaving only the two of us enveloped in the music and the moment.

The song cto an end, and the applause of the audience washed over us, but all | could focus on was the love and sincerity shining in Luke's eyes.

“So, miss, are you happy now?” He grinned, sitting next to me.

“Maybe,” | answered with a shrug.

“Maybe?” “Nice song back there. | never knew you had such a wonderful voice.” “I barely sing, but you made do that, in front these people.

“So? Are you feeling bad about that? | mean, don’t you love flaunting your talents?” “I know, but I don’t want people to start callingsort of names.” “Sort of names? What do you mean by that?” | asked him, making a puzzled face.

“You know what? Nevermind,” he spoke inaudibly, turning his face away.

With the both of us still sitting there, basking in the aftermath of his impromptu serenade, | noticed a waiter passing by, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. Seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, | called out to him, “Excuse me, can we get sdessert menus, please?” The waiter approached our table with a charming smile, his eyes briefly lingering onbefore turning to Luke and me. “Of course, right away. And might | add, you're a beautiful creep onto my cheeks.

lady,” he said, causing a slight blush to “Thank you,” | murmured shyly as he handed us the menus.

“You're welcome,” he replied warmly, leaning in a little closer. “I'm James, by the way. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.” Before James could say anything else, Luke interjected abruptly, his tone curt. “That won't be necessary. We'll manage on our own. You can go.“.

James looked taken aback for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. “Ill listen to the lady,” he brought out with a pointed glance in my direction.

Luke's jaw clenched, his irritation was very clear. “I said, you can go. We'll find another waiter.” “What's your problem, man?” James asked, and his tone was incredulous.

Sensing the tension escalating, | intervened, placing a hand on Luke’s arm. “It's fine, Luke.

Let's not make a scene.” James looked atsympathetically before turning back to Luke. “I'll respect the lady’s wishes,” he said evenly, before shooting Luke a pointed look and walking away.

Once James was out of earshot, | turned to Luke, a mixture of frustration and understanding in my expression.

“Why did you have to be so rude?” Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just... didn’t like the way he was looking at you.” “It’s not like | encouraged him,” | countered, feeling a pang of guilt for unintentionally causing the tension.

Luke softened, reaching for my hand across the table. “I know, Ariel. I'm sorry. | just... | guess | got a little jealous.” | gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, offering him a small smile. “It’s okay. Let's just enjoy the rest of our evening, alright?” “Alright,” he agreed, returning my smile with a grateful one of his own.

| diverted my attention to the dessert menu, hoping to shift the atmosphere.Flipping through the pages I scanned the array of decadent treats, feeling torn between the indulgent chocolate lava cake and the refreshing fruit sorbet. “Luke, what do opinion.

i think I should get?” | asked, looking up from the menu, seeking his He glanced atwith a soft smile. “Honestly, Ariel, I'll enjoy anything you choose.” | bit my lip, feeling the weight of his sincerity. “Well, why don’t you pick something then?” | suggested, nudging the menu towards him.

Luke nodded, taking the menu fromand scanning the options. After a moment of contemplation, he decided on the seared scallops.

“Sounds good to me,” | said, offering him a smile of approval. “As long as you like it.” Before we could delve further into our culinary deliberations, Luke’s phone began to ring, disrupting the moment.

He glanced at the screen briefly before muttering, “Business.” “Go ahead, take it,” | encouraged, gesturing towards his phone. “I don’t mind.” Luke shook his head, declining the call with a press of a button. “No, | just want to spend. twith you,” he toldsoftly, with his gaze fixed on no one else but me.

A warmth spread through my chest at his words, and | reached across the table to squeeze his hand “| feel the way,” | admitted, feeling grateful for his presence amidst the chaos of the evening.

“Luke,” | began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us after his phone call, “do you have any plans for tomorrow concerning your businesses?” He tilted his head slightly, studyingwith a curious expression. “Yes, | do,” he replied, hist tone guarded. “Why do you ask?” | shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Oh, no reason in particular.” | muse casual smile.” | was just wondering.”

Luke's gaze softened as he reached across the table to gently brush a strand of hair from my face You know Ariel can always tell if something's on your mind,” he said, his voice tender. “I'm here for you.” | sighed, feeling the weight of his sincerity once again. “I know,” | admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s just that...”