The Love From Vengeance

292: FOLDED NOTE ARIEL'S POV “It's just that what?” Luke asked, givinga curious look. The both of us were still staring into each other's eyes, and it wasn’t like was scared, or shy, or something.” “I was hoping we could spend sttogether tomorrow,” | brought out to him.

A flicker of understanding crossed Luke's features as he smiled atreassuringly. “Of course, we can. I'll make sure to clear my schedule.” Relief washed over me, and | returned his smile gratefully “Th a sense of contentment settle within me. “I really appreciate it.” you.” Now | was feeling He leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine. “Ariel, spending twith you is never a chore. It's something | always look forward to.” | felt a flutter in my chest at his words, my heart swelling with affection for this man sitting across from me.

“Likewise,” | murmured, reaching out to cup his cheek tenderly. “I cherish every moment we share together.” “Oh, I know you do.” He peckedon my cheek.

I couldn't help but smile as Luke's lips brushed against my cheek, leaving a warm sensation in their wake. His affectionate gesture never failed to make my heart skip a beat. | gazed into his eyes, filled with adoration, and | felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

Well, maybe.

Just as we were basking in the moment, a waitress appfched our table with a friendly. smile. “Is there anything | can get for you two?” she asked, and her voice was polite and attentive.

| glanced at Luke, knowing exactly what we needed. “We'll have sseared scallops, please,” | replied, returning the waitress’s smile.

“Anything else?” She queried, transposing her eyeballs to the both of us.

“And sorange juice as well,” Luke answered, his voice was so smooth and easy. And it was also sexy.

The waitress jotted down our order, and after that, she discreetly passed a folded note to Luke.

292 FOLDED NOTE “I'll be back with the order,” she told us calmly, and then she walked away.

My curiosity piqued, looking at Luke, watching him as he unfolded the note, his brows furrowing in confusion.

“What's that?” | asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

Luke shrugged, his expression puzzled, before scanning the contents of the note. “It seems someone in the restaurant wants to speak with me,” he explained, glancing around the room.

| felt a surge of intrigue mingled with a hint of apprehension. “Who could it be?” | wondered aloud, my mind racing with possibilities.

Luke shook his head, equally puzzled. “I'm not sure,” he admitted, with his gaze scanning the faces of the other diners. “But there's only one way to find out.” “And what way is that?” | asked him. My curiosity was really getting the best of me.

“I'll have to go to and meet the person who wrote this.” “Are you being for real right now?” “Yes, Ariel. This might be something important.” “Important? You don’t even know who wrote that.

“That's why | have to meet this person. | promise, | won't take long.” Luke rose from his seat, the note clutched in his hand. “I'll be right back,” he assured me, planting a quick kiss on my forehead before making his way through the restaurant.

I sighed, turning my face away. This was just great. Now he had to leaveall because of someone he had not seen before. And here he was, tellingthat | was his top priority. This man can be annoying sometimes. After al, he was irritating in the past. And | thought coming to this restaurant to spend stwith him might actually makefeel better after everything today, but that wasn’t what | was seeing around here.

| couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration that bubbled within me. Why did he have to leave now, just when we were finally enjoying a moment together? My mind wandered, replaying our conversation and his sudden departure, stirring up a mix of emotions.

Lost in my thoughts, | barely noticed when the waitress returned with our order. She set down two plates of seared scallops and two glasses of orange juice with practiced efficiency, but | couldn't bring myself to thank her.

Instead, as she turned to leave, | found myself speaking up.

“Wait,” | called out, halting her retreat. “Can | nok you something?” The waitress paused, turning back to facewith a polite smile. “Of course, what can | help you with?” | hesitated for a moment before plunging ahead. “The note you gave to my husband, who was it from? A man or a woman?” Her smile faltered slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. “It was from a woman,” she replied cautiously.

My curiosity only intensified. “Can you describe her to me? Did you see what she looked like?” The waitress hesitated, glancing around the busy restaurant. “I'm sorry, but | can’t do that,” she said apologetically. “Now, if you excuse me, | have other tables to attend to.” With a sigh, | watched her walk away, leavingwith more questions than answers. Who was this woman, and why did she want to speak with Luke? My mind raced with possibilities, but without more information, | was left to ponder in silence. And as | picked at my seared scallops, a sense of unease settled over me, overshadowing what was supposed to be a romantic evening.

LUKE'S POV Making my way through the restaurant, scanning faces, | couldn't shake the sense of mystery that enveloped the situation. Who could be reaching out toin such a clandestine manner? My thoughts whirled with possibilities, each one more intriguing than the last Eventually, the waitress approached me, her demeanor calm yet purposeful. “Follow me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of being overheard. | obliged, curiosity gnawing at me.

She led to a table occupied by a woman | didn't recognize. Her brown curly hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a a dark blue dress that shimmered under the soft lights of the restaurant, As | approached, she looked up and offered a warm smile, thanking the waitress who then left us alone.

Please, have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the chair opposite her.I hesitated for a moment, still trying to make sernce of the situation. But her laughter broke through my uncertainty. “Don’t be shy,” she chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I promise | won't bite.” 292 FOLDED NOTE “I'm not shy,” | replied, and | have to say, my tone was more defensive than | intended. “But | do have someone waiting for me.” Her laughter bubbled up again, and she shook her head. “I'll make it quick, | promise.”

Reluctantly, | took a seat, my gaze still fixed on her. She was undeniably pretty , but I had no interest in getting entangled in whatever web of intrique she was spinning. “I'm Daria,” she introduced herself, extending her hand across the table. “And you are?” *Luke,” | replied, shaking her hand briefly before withdrawing mine. “Now, what is it that wanted to discuss?” Daria’s smile widened, as if she were enjoying sprivate joke. “Straight to the point, | see. | like that.” | resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I don’t have much tto spare,” | explained, my patience wearing thin.

“Fair enough,” she conceded, leaning back in her chair. “I'll get right to it, then.”