72: SEE YOU AGAINARIEL’S POV I slowly stirred from my deep slumber, my eyes fluttering open as the morning light trickled through the curtains. Stretching my arms above my head, I let out a contented sigh, relishing the warmth of the blankets covering my body. Aslo remembering the exhausting moment with Luke last night. And at this point, my consciousness fully returned. I became aware of the empty space beside me, where that husband of mine should have been. He slept by my side last night, and it was still early in the morning. Luke wouldn’t leave for work around this time. Slightly puzzled, I furrowed my brow and sat up, scanning the room with bleary eyes. “Luke?” I called out, my voice tinged with a hint of concern. Why was I even concerned? But anyway, there was no response, only the echo of my own word reverberating in the silence. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I slipped my feet into my slippers and rose to my feet. I walked to the bathroom and opened the door. But I still didn’t see him. Where could he have gone now? I didn’t even know why I was concerned about him. Oh gosh, what the hell is wrong with me? LUKE’S POV I stood at the entrance of the cemetery, my heart heavy with a mixture of grief and dejection. The air was crisp, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the towering trees that lined the ” path leading to my parents‘ resting place. Today marked the anniversary of their tragic passing, and I had come to pay my respects, just as I had done every year since that fateful day. I walked along the winding path, and memories flooded my mind. I remembered my parents‘ warm smiles, their loving embrace, and the sound of their laughter that seemed to fill our home back then. They had been taken from me too soon, leaving behind an empty void that time had failed to heal. Sometimes I wondered why these bad moments had to strike us on earth. Why did it have to assault me? What wrong have I done to receive this? Finally, I arrived at the familiar spot where their gravestones stood side by side. I kneeled down, gently placing fresh flowers on each grave. I took a deep breath, my eyes filled with tears.“Mom, Dad,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I miss the both of you every day. I know the two of you can see me from up there. And I just want to let you both know that life hasn’t been the same without you.”I sat down next to the gravestones, leaning against a nearby tree. Memories continued to flood my thoughts, transporting me back to happier times. I remembered the countless evenings spent in the backyard, my father teaching me how to ride a bicycle, and my mother’s gentle voice reading bedtime stories. My father had to sacrifice most of his time back then, not going to the company business meetings, all because he wanted to spend time with me. and ignoring Tears streamed down my face as I traced the engraved names of my parents on the cold stone. I whispered my apologies for all the moments I wished I could have shared with them, all the conversations left unsaid. “I wish the two of you were here,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “There’s so much I want to tell you, so much I want to ask the both of you.” Silence filled the cemetery, broken only by the distant chirping of birds. I closed my eyes, allowing the memories to wash over me. In my mind’s eye, I could almost hear my parents voices, offering words of encouragement and unconditional love. “I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you both for everything. I don’t know if it’s going to take me a long time to join you guys. But I can wait to see you again.” With a final glance at the gravestones, I turned, and as I was about to walk away, my phone started ringing. The caller ID was unknown. I gazed at my screen, wondering who was calling me now. It took me quite a few seconds before I answered the phone call. “Luke Reynold, I see you don’t love your life, right?” The caller spoke. “Say what now?” I made a puzzled face, filled with curiosity. I wonder who was talking. “Can I please know who’s talking?” He chuckled. “You still haven’t gotten used to my voice yet. That’s weird.” After he said that, I finally remembered who was talking. It was that guy who kept on blowing my phone with calls. The guy who sent me that video of Harriet. “You?” I vocalized. He laughed. “Yes, me” “What do you want now?” I asked him. “Hold on, hold on. There’s no need to start rushing things. Before we get to that, I need to show some concern. So, how have you been?” “Just get straight to the point, will you?” “Why are you sounding so mad? I didn’t call you to threaten you.” “I’m not mad. And I don’t have time for silly talk right now. Can you please just tell me what’s going on? On our last call, you had to let me know that my life was in danger. Is that true, or not?” “You’re asking me if it’s true? Do I look like someone who cracks cocaine to you?”“Haven’t seen you before,” I responded.I could hear him laugh. “I’m only trying to help you. And you’re here, being rude to me. You know, I can just keep this information hidden from you, and don’t be surprised if you see yourself in hell the next minute.” I breathed out deeply and softened my tone. “Okay, fine, please let me have knowledge of this information of yours.” “Now that’s more like it,” he said. “I will give it to you. But not for free; you’re going to have to pay to get this information.” “How much?” I asked. “Five hundred million dollars. Since you’re a billionaire.” “What?” I blurted. “That huge amount of money? Are you crazy?” “Do you love your life or not?” He aksed. “Of course I love my life, but five hundred million dollars? Are you kidding me? Can you even hear yourself right now?” “When you’re ready, let me know. If I were you, I’d make a decision as soon as possible. Tomorrow might be too late,” he said, and hung up. I couldn’t believe what that guy was telling me. What was this information that he even had to give me anyway? ARIEL’S POV I stepped outside on a crisp morning, dressed in vibrant jogging gear. I had decided to take a leisurely stroll, hoping to enjoy the scenery and clear my mind. As I made my way down the path, I spotted Daniel, who was not too far from me. He was carrying out a jogging exercise, and the moment he got close to me, he stopped. SEE YOU AGAIN “Ariel, what are you doing around here?” He asked, trying to catch his breath. “I live close by,” I answered. “My house is just a few feet away.” “Oh, I see,” he said, still breathing heavily. “It looks like you need some water.” “Yeah,” he uttered beneath his breath. 5/5 Daniel’s eyes widened immediately. “Look out!” He pushed me to the ground, getting on top of me, and a car drove past our previous direction with exhilarating speed. “What the hell was that?” I asked, looking at the car, which had gotten far from us. Daniel was still on top of me. “Crazy drivers. I don’t know,” he replied, slowly getting to his feet. “Ariel, what the heck?” I heard Luke’s voice. He was standing a little bit far from us.