221: HELPED LUKE’S POV “Did you hear that?” I tried to trace where I heard the scream from. “That sounded just like Catherine,” my mother said. I glared at her before walking away. 1 I ran towards the source of the scream, and as I got closer, I saw Catherine lying on the ground, her eyes wide with terror. My heart clenched at the sight, and I knew I had to act fast. Without thinking, I rushed towards her and pulled her towards me, away from the snake that was slithering dangerously close to her. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I looked at the snake, ready to strike any moment. But I couldn’t let that happen. Not to Catherine. With a loud yell, I scared the snake away, making sure it was far enough from us before turning to Catherine. She was trembling in my arms, and it looked like she was about to cry. I held her tightly, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. “Are you alright?” I asked her, very concerned. Catherine nodded, still clinging to me. “Thank you,” she whispered, as her voice was barely audible. I smiled, relieved that she was okay. But I knew I needed to get her to safety. “Come on, everything’s fine now, okay? You don’t have to worry.” My mom popped up, walking in our direction. I stole glances at her, but I wasn’t going to look fixedly at her face. She might possess beauty, but she was a beast. A monster that needed to be devoured and consumed by fire. “Catherine, are you okay?” She quizzed, getting closer to the both of us. I wanted to shift back, but I didn’t since I still had a hold of Catherine. Catherine nodded, still shaking, and she pointed at me. “He saved me.” My mother glanced at me. She could see the hatred in my eyes. It was clear; she could discern it. I eventually turned my face away. “Thank you,” she uttered in hushed tones. “For saving her.” I refused to give her a reply. I could have just walked away the moment she brought that out. But Catherine was still stopping me. I had the innocent girl in my arms. “You’ll be alright now, okay? Take care.” I slowly dropped her to the ground. “Thank you,” she told me, smiling. Her smile caused me to smile back. I couldn’t keep a frowny face forever, not for that cute visage. “Luke,” my mother uttered. She paused whatever she had to say. I looked in another direction, with the rage silk within me, AUT LIB; 1………… them. And I didn’t even bother to turn around. ARIEL’S POV I I got out of bed and headed to my walk–in closet. As I browsed through my collection of dresses, couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment. None of my dresses seemed to match my mood today. I needed something that would make a statement and make me stand out from the crowd. Then, my eyes fell upon the sparkling black dress my stylist had brought me. It was perfect. I quickly make–up. slipped into it and called for my maids to come and help me with my Sitting in front of the vanity, my maids began their work. They chattered away about the latest gossip in the town, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I was tired of their constant discussions about handsome and rich billionaires. I had heard enough about them and their extravagant lifestyles. But I didn’t want to spoil their fun, so I decided to keep quiet and let them talk. After all, it was just harmless gossip. As they applied layers of make–up to my face, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be with someone who wasn’t just rich, handsome but also kind, and genuine. Just then, Laura burst into the room. She was dressed in a stunning red gown, and her hair was styled into an elegant updo. “Wow, you look amazing!” she brought out as she took in my appearance. “Thanks, so do you,” I replied with a smile. Laura then came over to me, a smile still etched on her face. “I didn’t know you were this beautiful.” “Well, now you do,” one of the maids chimed in and made a silly laugh. Laura just gave her a serious. face, and she had to compose herself. “You all should leave. I want to be alone with Ariel.” “Yes, ma’am.” The maids left the room, closing the door. Laura turned back to me. “So, how’s your plan coming along?” “Plan? What plan?” “To assassinate Luke. You haven’t started preparing for that?” “No, I haven’t,” I responded, shaking my “Why not? You’re wasting time.” head. “You don’t have to worry. I will handle Luke.” “When are you going to do that?” “In the next few days. But before that, I need to take care of Mason. His men attacked me yesterday after I had gotten out of the hospital. 221: HELPED 3/3 “They tried to kill you.” “I couldn’t actually read their minds. They wanted to take me to a different location, and only God. knew what they were planning to do.” “How come you didn’t tell me about this?” “It slipped my mind.” “I’m just glad that you’re okay. This Mason is going to pay for his foolishness,” Laura sat and walked away. I had no idea what she was about to do. But I hoped it wasn’t something so crazy. “Where are you going?” I asked, and she paused. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything stupid,” Laura replied. “You should better get ready for the party.” She left the room after that. I sighed and said, “Yeah, I should get ready. Laura and I arrived at the party, which was being thrown by one of her friends. Her close friend, her childhood friend, whatever name you choose. Different people greeted us; I could see familiar faces. And I knew I was recognizable to them. But they dare not ask me about my relationship with Luke. “Ariel.” I heard my name, and I quickly turned around; it was Mason, and he was just smirking at me. I glared fixedly at him, crossing my arms and stepping forward. LUKE’S POV I was sitting in my car, just thinking about life and all the things that had happened so far, especially with Ariel. I wanted us back, but she kept on refusing. The same thing is happening here with me and my mother. She wanted a family once again, but I wouldn’t let that happen. That would be so stupid. of me. That woman murdered her husband, abandoned her own son, and tried to kill him. Could you believe her actions? Evil, selfish, shit. I didn’t even know the words to use. And with these thoughts, I spotted a little girl from afar being walked into the woods by a woman in a black garment. I couldn’t actually see the face of the little girl, but I could tell she was being abducted. I got out of my car and wanted to follow them right into the woods, but I felt someone tapping me on the shoulder.