Chapter 19

WhatsApp 19 UNUSUAL FEELINGS ARIEL’S POV “Oh Ariel, it’s so good to see you again,” Mason exclaimed, giving me a radiant smile. He looked quite dashing in the suit he was wearing, holding an umbrella as the rain poured relentlessly.

Mason happened to be Andre’s younger brother. Both of them used to assist their parents in running the family business until Andre decided to start his own.

I was taken aback to see him here, as I thought he was still in Canada. He had told everyone that he would be coming to New Haven in the next three months, so his presence came as a big shock to me. I was certain Andre would have the same reaction. However, I had a hunch about the reason behind his unexpected visit.

Regardless, Mason wasn’t exactly known for his gentle nature. Most of the time, he was annoying and a real pain. With a short temper, it was best to avoid getting on his bad side. If provoked, he could easily become violent.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?” he asked, maintaining his smile.

‘Oh, sorry,” I apologized, quickly stepping back to welcome him inside. Once he entered the house, I closed the door behind him.

Mason glanced around, grinning at everything. However, that smile seemed too forced for him to genuinely appreciate the surroundings. He always found a way to criticize people, even if there was no fault to be found.

“This place looks nice,” he commented, but his tone and expression contradicted his words. ” But why didn’t you guys get yourselves a mansion?”

“Andre didn’t want to,” I replied. “We won’t be staying here for long, so he chose a regular apartment.”

“That’s crazy!” Mason chuckled. “I mean, how can you all be comfortable living in a place like this?”

“Mason?” Andre interrupted, and both of us turned to look at him. Andre, still in his pajamas, descended the stairs and approached us. “When did you arrive in the country?”

“Oh, come on now, brother,” Mason moved toward Andre, opening his arms wide. “Is this how you welcome your brother who missed you so much?”

They both laughed as they embraced each other.

“How have you been doing?” Andre asked Mason, their smiles beaming.

“I’ve been doing great,” Mason replied, returning the smile.

“What about Mom and Dad?”

“They’re doing well, enjoying themselves,” Mason said, surveying the entire house. I could sense what he was thinking. “They’re even planning to throw a party this weekend.”

“A party?” Andre asked, his face displaying confusion.

“Yes, indeed.”

“What’s the occasion?” Andre inquired, eager to know. I shared his curiosity.

“What!” Mason burst out. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten,” he said sarcastically, while Andre remained puzzled. “It’s their anniversary, remember?”

“Oh my…” Andre trailed off. “Their anniversary?” He looked shocked, and Mason nodded in confirmation. “How did I not know about it?”

Mason sighed deeply. “It’s quite disappointing, especially considering you’re the older one.” The mocking grin still lingered on his face.

Andre’s smile vanished upon hearing that comment. He had to keep his composure and not lose his temper. If those words were directed at Mason, he would have lost his cool instantly.

LUKE’S POV I made my way to my room and sat on the bed. My hands covered my face as my mind swirled with countless thoughts. I felt completely unlike myself at the moment.

So much had happened in just two days, to the point where I started to feel like I was living in a movie.

I couldn’t comprehend why things had to be this way. I was drowning in pain, and now I understood why my grandfather had warned me against marrying Harriet.

It seemed he had seen the horrible side of her, while I was just being blinded by ignorance. Of course, I vowed to always be with Harriet, no matter what, because of the help she gave me while we were still children.

I would continue to be grateful to her for that, but as for the relationship stuff, it’s not happening anymore. To be honest, the love had already faded, and the future I pictured with her disappeared from my head. I wasn’t even as crazy about her as I was before; that’s just the simple truth. And then an opportunity came for me to break up with her, but she brought it upon herself anyway.

And then there was Ariel, who came out of the blue with a modified name, looking stunning, ravishing, refined, stronger, and courageous.

I had no idea, but I didn’t want to hate her as I did in the past. When she left the country, I felt kind of horrible, considering myself guilty for that. And of course, my grandfather put pressure on me, which led to an unusual feeling. I had to carry out a search, hoping she would still be in the country. But what the hell was that? I literally didn’t want that.

I walked to a table, grabbed the bottle of alcohol, and just stared at it. I screamed loudly, smashing the bottle, and it shattered into different pieces, leaving the drink on the floor.

I sat on my bed and started thinking about the moments I spent with Ariel. Then anger rose once again.

How I treated her badly all flashed in my head, reminding me of the vigorous and cold Luke Reynold, who didn’t care about anything or anyone else’s opinion.

ARIEL’S POV so, when did you come to the country, brother” Andre asked Masons I could tell he wa quite happy with his brother after that comment ownerning their parents‘ anniversary Mis But that was how Mason worked, that was what he was good at. Let’s just say that’s h profession Wandering around like a devil, searching for a way to pull one dom Mason laughed a little at Andre’s question. “Well, I came back three days ago. I spent my nights in this five–star hotel. But then, I had to come here.” Mason’s eyes wandered everywhere. “To this apartment.”

Andre held Mason’s shoulder, smiling narrowly. “You’re fully welcome.”

Mason chuckled. “You want to know something?” Mason raised an eyebrow, and Andre nodded. “This place is so lame.” Mason’s lips swerved into a caustic grin.

Andre’s expression became disapproving. “What did you just say?”

“I said this place is just garbage.” Mason gave the house an exasperated look. “There are different mansions where a rich man like you could just settle down. But no, you had to come to a place like this.”

Andre just stared at him for a moment, then let out a deep sigh, taking his hand off Mason’s shoulder.

“Do you have a problem with me living here?”

“I just brought it up to you, didn’t I?” Mason retorted.

“If you don’t like this place, the door is that way.” Andre gestured toward the door. “Now goodnight,” he told Mason in a brittle tone before walking away.

“Did you just see that?” Mason turned to me. “He literally disrespected me.”

“Maybe he wouldn’t have if you had been more respectful,” I muttered, gazing in a different direction. I yawned promptly. “I think I should be going to sleep now.”

As I began to walk to my room, Mason seized my hands, and I stopped. I turned around, and his look