216: A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE LUKE’S POV 1 had been driving around on my way to Andre’s company. I needed to talk to him, and I knew he would be there. Finally, I saw the familiar building and parked, bursting out to make my way The receptionist greeted me with a smile and asked how she could assist me. “I need to speak to Andre,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Do you have an appointment?” she asked, typing on her computer. “No, but it’s urgent. Please, it won’t take long,” I pleaded. inside. She looked at me for a moment before picking up the phone and dialing a number. After a brief inversation, she hung up and told me to wait in the lobby. I thanked her and took a seat on one of the plush couches, my nerves getting the best of me. I tried to calm myself down by focusing on the soothing music playing in the background. Minutes felt like hours as I waited. And where the hell was that guy? Why was he taking so long? Didn’t he know I had other things to do? Finally, the receptionist called my name and informed me that André was available to see me. I followed her to his office. She knocked on the door before opening it and gesturing for me to come in. Files and piles of papers were all around Andre as he sat at his desk. He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow. “Luke, what brings you here?” he asked, his voice laced with surprise. “I need to talk to you, Andre.” He motioned for me to take a seat in front of him. “What is it?” he asked, leaning back in his chair. I took a deep breath before blurting out, “Ariel is alive.” Andre’s eyes widened. “Wow, you’re being real now? “Yes, I’m for real. I saw her and even talked to her.” “You saw her? Where?” “Well, I think I’ll stop there. But you just have to know that Ariel is not dead. Andre’s face broke into a huge grin, and his eyes shone with tears. “That’s amazing news, Luke. 1 can’t believe it. She’s finally back; I’ve missed her so much.” “I know. That’s why I had to tell you.” “We need to celebrate this. Let’s go out for dinner tonight,” André suggested. I couldn’t help but laugh at his excitement. “That sounds great, but I have to go now. I just wanted to let you know.” I stood up. A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE “I can’t thank you enough for this, Lake,” Andre sald, getting up as well. “It’s no problem, André. I’m just glad I could bring you some good news. You know what we had to pass through while searching for Ariel, right? “I know. I won’t forget those moments. “It was really terrifying, wasn’t it?” “It sure was,” Andre said in hushed tones. “So you’re not going to celebrate?” “Not really. I’ve got a meeting to attend.” “I feel you.” He shook hands with me. “Take care.” “Thanks,” I told him with a nod before leaving. Well, at least now he knew that Ariel was alive. But as for me, I needed to make Ariel mine before it was too late. I was standing outside the Enritoes company building, looking forward to my discussion with the CEO. Today was the day we would discuss whether we would carry out a project together. I took a deep breath and walked through the revolving doors, making my way to the elevators. As I stepped into the elevator, I noticed a familiar figure standing in the corner. It was Ariel. She was standing there, crossing her arms, acting like she didn’t see me. I couldn’t stress about what she was doing here. I pressed the button for my floor and stood next to her. We both stood in silence, not even making eye contact. I wanted to say anything, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was afraid of rejection, clearly remembering what happened the last time we met. So I just stood there, stealing glances at her every now and then. After what felt like an eternity, I finally broke the silence. “Ariel, please listen to me.” Ariel turned to look at me, her expression cold. “Don’t start now. I turned my face away, not talking to her for minutes. She did the same, but I kept staring at her beautiful face and looking at her wonderful hair. She was indeed a pretty and ravishing goddess. Things turned shit when the elevator began to shake violently, causing both of us to lose our balance. Ariel grabbed onto the railing, looking worried. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice trembling “I think it’s just a minor earthquake,” I replied, trying to sound reassuring But as the shaking continued, Ariel’s panic began to rise. “Oh my god, we’re going to die in here!” I could see the fear in her eyes, and I knew I had to do something to calm her down. I reminded her of the time when we were both trapped in an elevator back then. “Do you recall the time we were trapped in an elevator, and you were in a panic?” But we got out of it, didn’t we? This is no different.” But Ariel was beyond reason. She began to hyperventilate, and I could see her starting to lose 216: A SIMLAR EXPERIENCE consciousness. I knew I had to do something to snap her out of it. “Ariel, there’s no need for you to panic. Everything’s going to be fine, okay?” “Don’t tell me that. Don’t start acting like you care about me.” “Of course, I care about you. I won’t let anything bad happen to you, Ariel. That I promise.” “I don’t want you making any promises concerning me.” “Look, Ariel. I love you; why do you have to be so stubborn?” “Stubborn? Are you seriously asking me that? Like, why do I have to be so stubborn?” “I know why you’re mad as hell.” “I know you do. But I don’t care.” “How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not the one who killed Lukel?” “If it wasn’t you, then who did?” “I don’t know. I was trying to.” The elevator shuddered, interrupting me. The lights in the elevator flickered and went out, plunging us into darkness. Ariel let out a small scream, but I grabbed her arm. “You don’t have to be afraid. Everything will be alright,” I assured her. “I don’t want you talking to me, okay? Just shut up and leave me alone!” The elevator was now shaking again, this time even more violently. Ariel screamed for help, but there was no signal on her phone. I could see the fear in her eyes, and I knew I had to act fast. I tried to calm her down, but the shaking was too intense, and Ariel started to lose consciousness. She was wheezing, just the way she did the last time. I panicked, shaking her and calling her name, but she wouldn’t respond. I couldn’t lose her, not like this. I seized her face and passionately smacked her lips, expressing my deepest longing and desperation through the act.