Chapter 49
Ariel couldn’t quite describe how she was feeling. It wasn’t disappointment, just irony.
But as she thought about it, it made sense. How could Jayson possibly deny the woman he loved a proper
title?
Lucas had led her to the parking lot by the entrance, while she calmly pulled her hand away and asked, “What are you trying to say?”
Leaning against the car door, Lucas knew Ariel was furious right now. The people who’d stabbed her in the back were her father, husband, sister, and maybe even him.
But he knew that his place in Ariel’s heart had always been above the rest. She’d listen to whatever he said.
“You know Jayson would never get involved with Lori. It’s obvious to everyone how much he cares about Nancy,’ he said, lighting a cigarette. 1
Ariel froze. Right, that was what everyone thought.
His voice was relaxed, and his gaze was serious as he continued, “As for Lori, she’s my sister. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”
Ariel had thought she could brush off what happened today, but that one sentence proved Lucas was here to
defend Lori. ↑
He knew perfectly well that Lori and Teresa had taken everything from her her family and Elena. She’d suffered so much, and he’d watched it all happen.
Back then, he used to get teary–eyed just talking about it. He swore he’d gain the power to protect her no matter what, but now, he could calmly say things like this.
“Your idea of not standing by and watching is making me step back and swallow my grievance, just so Lori can escape unscathed? You’re the last person who should be giving me that advice,” Ariel said with a soft laugh as her heart throbbed.1
She looked at him and thought of how she’d nearly lost her life saving him once, and he was pretending nothing had happened.
Ariel wasn’t one to argue, so she turned to leave.
Lucas frowned somewhat irritatedly. He snubbed out the cigarette and said, “How about dinner sometime? This weekend?”
He knew she was upset now, but she was still that headstrong young lady. If he spent some time and talked to her, she’d let it all go like always.
Ariel took a deep breath and was about to refuse. “No-”
The more she cared, the more intense her reactions were.
Lucas sorted through his thoughts and rubbed his temples. He had no plans to interfere.
Ariel had to learn that he wasn’t hers alone. It was time she grew up.
Janice hadn’t come away with much damage. There was just a careless moment where Lori had managed to scratch her during the scruffle.
In response, she’d dug her fresh manicure into Lori’s inner arm and made sure the pain would last a week.
Ariel couldn’t help but laugh. As for Jayson, she no longer cared to pay attention.
She had someone from the repair service drive back the car she’d left parked at the marital home. If things went according to her plan, she wouldn’t be going back again.
Leonard’s birthday was coming up. Ariel had bought his gift a month in advance, but before heading over, she thought about it and took a little detour to a shopping mall.
After picking out Jayson’s present for Leonard, she finally made her way to Katie’s place.
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