305: VENOM ALL OVER ARIEL’S POV “Say what now?” I quizzed this man with my eyebrow raised. “I said you’re beautiful.” He kept on with his compliment, still smiling at me. “And by the way, my name is Robert.” All these words had me feeling a bit uneasy. But I didn’t want to spit anything out. He stretched his hand closer, reaching out to mine, but I quickly withdrew, offering him a polite but confused smile. “Thank you, Robert,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I really should be going.” His smile faltered slightly, his hand still hovering in the air where mine had been. ” Please, just a moment longer,” he urged, his tone pleading. I hesitated, feeling torn between politeness and my own discomfort. But the sensation of his fingers brushing against mine was too unsettling to ignore. “I’m sorry, but I really have something important to take care of,” I replied, standing up from the edge of the bed. His expression fell; it was clear he was disappointed. I could see it in his eyes. Well, fuck that. “Please, Ariel,” he implored, reaching out as if to grab my hand again. “Just a moment. I want to thank you properly for everything.” His insistence only intensified my unease, and I took a step back, shaking my head. “I really must go,” I insisted, my voice firmer this time. “But I’m glad you’re doing well. Take care, Robert.” With that, I turned on my heel and swiftly left the room, the echo of Robert’s voice. calling after me fading as I hurried down the corridor. The encounter left me unsettled, and I couldn’t shake off the discomfort that lingered long after I had left. his presence. Seriously, what in the world just happened back there? That was definitely not normal; it was bullshit. If that man wanted to have feelings for me or whatever, he JUS VENOM ALL OVER better stop it. I wouldn’t let him follow through with such nonsense. How could he even think of that? He knew clearly that I was married since I told him about my husband. Yet he wanted to carry out something so disgusting in his condition? In that goddamn condition? Humans can be quite stupid and unpredictable sometimes. LUKE’S POV This canon ball continued her barrage of insults, each word slicing through the air like a dagger, trenchant enough to go through you and pierce your heart vigorously. At this moment, my anger had reached its boiling point. I could feel the heat rising within me–a fiery rage that threatened to consume everything in its path. “Enough!” I bellowed, my voice echoing off the walls of the room. Seriously, enough is enough. I’ve had enough of this woman and her toxic words. My great–aunt paused, quite surprised by the sudden ferocity in my tone. But her expression quickly hardened into one of defiance as she met my gaze with a steely glare. “Don’t you dare disrespect my father again?” I roared, and you must have faith that the venom in my voice was palpable. Her lips curled into a mocking smirk. “And what are you going to do about it, little boy?” She taunted, her voice laced with malice. I took a step forward, my fists clenched at my sides. And I could just give her a hard punch in the face. “You don’t want to tempt me,” I warned, my voice low and dangerous. Now the other side of me was slowly coming out. She scoffed a derisive sound that grated on my nerves. “You are a worthless piece of garbage, just like your father,” she spat, her tone piercing my heart with the force of a dagger and arrow, like nails sinking into me to the fullest. I screamed in anger, the sound reverberating through the room like a thunderclap. ” Enough!” I roared extremely loudly. Louder than a lion, I couldn’t compare the sound of a dinosaur. Oh, sh*t, I don’t know, but I was mad as hell. With a final, contemptuous glance in my direction, my great–aunt turned and angrily walked away, her footsteps echoing loudly in the silence that followed. SAN VENDAVALT DWELL 2/4 Breathing heavily, I clenched and unclenched my fists, struggling to rein in my tumultuous emotions. But the anger still burned brightly within me, a fiery inferno. that threatened to consume everything in its path. With a frustrated growl, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the living room, making my way upstairs to my own quarters. The encounter with that woman had left me seething with rage, and I needed to find a way to calm the storm that raged within me. It was too early for this, and fuck! I have a business meeting to attend, I am right into my room now, and I am fuming from the confrontation with my great–aunt. As I entered my bedroom, I made a beeline for the wardrobe, needing to distract myself from the anger boiling within. Taking deep breaths, I scanned through my suits, trying to decide which one to wear for work. The navy one, perhaps? No, too somber for today. Maybe the charcoal gray, then. Yes, that should do. Just as I reached for the suit, my phone rang, breaking the tense silence of the room. It was Ariel. I quickly answered, trying to mask the lingering frustration in my voice. “Hey, Ariel,” I greeted, forcing a calm tone. Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just dealing with some family drama.” “Okay, I never asked you that, but it’s cool. Have you gone to work yet?” I hesitated before replying, “Not yet; I’m sorting things out.” Ariel’s voice softened with concern. “What’s going on, Luke?” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Just some family problems. Nothing I can’t handle.” “Oh, right. I totally understand that.” “No doubt about that.” “So, Luke, I have to tell you something.” And what is that?” “The man we brought to the hospital has regained consciousness.” 105 VENÇAL ALL OVER “Are you serious?” I blurted out, my anger momentarily forgotten. “Yeah, he woke up a little while ago,” Ariel confirmed. “That’s… that’s great news,” I said, genuinely relieved. “Are you still at the hospital?” “Well, I’m outside the building.” I couldn’t help but smile. “Make sure you stay safe out there, you hear me?” She giggled softly. “Trying to look out for me, huh?” I chuckled, feeling some of the tension melting away. “What can I say? It’s in the job description.” “Indeed.” She laughed. Then I paused, a warmth spreading through me. “You know, talking to you… I was mad before, but now I feel better.” “You feel better now?” “Uhmm yeah?” “Why were you mad?” She queried. 1 just laughed it off. “Oh, you know, family drama. But you just have to know that talking to you is like therapy.” Her laughter tinkled through the phone. “I’m glad I could help, Luke. “I love you,” I said softly, the words carrying more weight than usual. “I love you too,” she replied, her voice warm and affectionate. With a smile on my face, I ended the call, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Okay, time to get ready. I was about to go to the bathroom when I heard a huge scream in the mansion.