374: WOES AT WORK LUKE’S POV I looked up to see a journalist standing before me, a determined look in her eyes no she held out n recording device, ready to capture my every word. “Mr. Reynold, can you comment on the rumors circulating about your engagernent to Ariel Gray?” she asked, her voice insistent. I froze, just giving her a face that showed how disgusting she was. Questions about my personal life, especially from nosy journalists, were the last thing I needed right now. “I have no comment at this time.” I replied curtly, attempting to brush past her. However, she persisted, stepping into my path and blocking my way. “But surely you must have something to say about the rumors? Is it true that your grandfather planned the whole thing?” I gritted my teeth, my frustration mounting with each passing second. I had no desire to engage in a conversation with this woman, especially not about something as personal as my relationship. “Look, I said I had no comment,” I snapped. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to.” I maneuvered around her and continued on my way, ignoring her protests as she called out after me. I had more pressing issues to address, and the last thing I needed was to become entangled in a media frenzy. I reached the office building, opened the door and stepped inside. I could notice how my workers were staring at me, and they continued their whispers, which was really irritating. I didn’t want to listen to it any further. As I entered the office building, the whispers and stares of my workers only served to heighten my frustration. I could feel their eyes on me; their murmurs were growing louder as I passed by. It was as if they were waiting for some sort of explanation, some confirmation of the rumors that had been circulating about me. Fed up with the speculation and gossip, I slammed my hand down on the nearest desk, causing everyone to jump and fall silent. All eyes turned to me; their gazes fixed on my furious expression. “If anyone has a problem with me, say it to my face!” I bellowed, my voice echoing through the office. “I won’t tolerate this behind–the–back chatter any longer!” But no one spoke up. They simply stared back at me, their expressions a mix of fear and uncertainty. It was clear that none of them were willing to confront me directly, preferring instead to whisper and speculate about the safety of their cliques. “Fine,” I spat, my anger boiling over. “If none of you have the guts to speak up, then don’t expect me to stick around and listen to your cowardice.” With that, I turned on my heel and stormed to my office, not bothering to give any of them a second 374 WOES AT WORK glance. They didn’t deserve it, not after their spineless behavior. It appeared that not even these goddamn employees were on my side. I always treated people nicely. making their place of work a paradise for them. But to hell with their bad, useless thinking. I refused to let their opinions dictate my actions, I had made my decision and would stand by it, no matter the consequences. I firmly believed that this was the intended outcome. ARIEL’S POV I sat alone at the coffee shop, and my mind raced with thoughts of the choos that had engulfed my life. I couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal that gnawed at me, knowing that my own parents had arranged this entire mess without my consent. I glanced at my watch, noting that Tessa was running a few minutes late. I sighed, hoping that she would arrive soon so we could delve into the tropical storm of emotions swirling inside me. Finally, Tessa rushed in, her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk. She slid into the seat next to me, her eyes filling with concern as she took in my troubled expression. “Ariel, I’m so sorry I’m late,” she apologized breathlessly. “I got caught up in traffic. Are you okay?” I forced a smile, grateful for her presence. “It’s okay, Tessa. I’m just glad you’re here.” She reached out and squeezed my hand, her touch offering a small measure of comfort. “So, what’s been going on? You sounded really upset on the phone.” I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the flood of emotions that threatened to consume me. “It’s my parents, Tessa. They’ve betrayed me.” “What do you mean?“How could they betray you?” I recounted the events of the past few days, from the revelation of the forced marriage to my parents‘ role in orchestrating the whole debacle. As I spoke, the weight of the truth settled heavily within me, the betrayal cutting deep. Tessa listened intently, her expression a combination of anger and sympathy. “I can’t believe they would do something like that to you, Ariel. “It’s… it’s despicable “I know,” I replied softly. “I thought they had my best interests at heart, but now I realize they only care about their own selfish ambitions.” Tessa reached out and took my hand in hers, offering silent support. “You deserve so much better than this, Ariel. You deserve to be loved and respected, not treated like some pawn in their game.” I nodded, heeding her words. “I just don’t know what to do, Tessa. Everything is now.” just so messed up right “We’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone in this, Ariel. I’ll stand by you every step of the way.” I took a deep breath, my eyes narrowing, but then I glanced at Tessa. “But you want to know something?” “What is that?” She asked right away, shooting me a curious face. 374 WOES AT WORK. 3/3 “I feel kind of bad for being mad at my parents.” “Hold on, Ariel. I don’t get you. Are you trying to tell me that you’re” “Thinking of getting married to Luke? Yes, I cut her off. “Seriously? You were against this a minute ago, and suddenly, you’ve changed your mind.” “These past few minutes in silence, I had to think things through. It’s about my family’s business.” “Well, of course it’s about your family’s business, Tessa blurted out promptly. “They did you wrong, and now you’re feeling bad for getting mad at them? Seriously, Ariel?” “Their business will fall, Tessa. I need to get married to Luke to stop that from happening.” “You have got to be kidding me.” “I’m serious about this, Tessa.” “But you are human, Ariel,” she told me loudly. “You have feelings. You can’t just let anyone treat you like shit. You can’t let them take advantage of your kindness.” “I understand your point, Tessa. My parents did wrong; there is no doubt about that. But they were only doing it to secure the future. My father worked so hard to get to where he is today. He wanted the best for me and my mother and for our family. And seeing all of that going down the drain, I can tell he’s broken. He’s ruining the better future he wanted for me. This is the only way.” “The only way to do what, huh?” A man uttered it suddenly.