FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

chapter 14

"Your daughter is so beautiful," Agnes said, a smile on her face. "What's her name?"

"Ariel," Maya said, a proud look in her eyes.

"Wow, that's a beautiful name," Agnes said, turning to Ariel. "And meet my son, Alex."

"Hi," Ariel said, extending her hand in greeting.

"Hello," Alex said, his eyes never leaving hers. He felt like he could get lost in those green eyes, and he wondered if she felt the same.

Ariel's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she couldn't move. But then, she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushed and her heart pounding. She couldn't believe she had run into Alex like this, and she was angry at herself for getting so flustered.

She tried to suppress her feelings, but they were bubbling up inside her, threatening to spill over. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down, but it was no use.
Her face felt hot, and she was sure she was blushing like a schoolgirl.

"I think we should leave so they can talk," Agnes said, giving Maya a knowing look. "Come on, let's give them some space."

"You're right," Maya said, nodding in agreement. "Let's go into the kitchen and let them talk."

They both walked away, leaving Alex and Ariel alone in the entryway. They could feel the tension between them, and it was almost palpable. Neither of them knew what to say.

"Ariel, please, I'm really sorry," Alex said, his voice breaking. "Please, just let me explain."

But Ariel continued to ignore him, her arms crossed and her expression stony. Alex tried again, desperation creeping into his voice.

"I know I messed up, but please just listen to me," he pleaded. "I want to make things right."

Still, Ariel said nothing, her eyes fixed on the floor. Alex felt his heart sink, and he knew he had to try something else.

"Ariel..." Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Can't you just leave me alone?" Ariel said, her voice hard and cold.

"I will, but please, just listen to me first," Alex pleaded. "I want to make things right."

"Fine," Ariel said, reluctantly. "I forgive you, but that doesn't mean we can be friends ."

"But I really want us to be friends ," Alex said, his voice full of sincerity.

"I don't want that," Ariel said, her tone flat and final.

"Okay, fine," Alex said, feeling defeated. "But I will really love It if we are friends ."

Ariel still refused to look at him, and Alex felt like his heart was breaking. He turned and walked away.
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"You call that forgiveness?" Chole said, her voice incredulous. "You're just punishing him and holding a grudge. That's not forgiveness, Ariel."

"Yes, it is," Ariel insisted, her tone stubborn. "I'm not going to let him off the hook. He deserves to suffer for what he did."

"That's not healthy, Ariel," Chole said, her voice full of concern. "You need to let go of the anger and move on. You'll never be happy if you keep holding on to it."

Ariel huffed, feeling her anger rising.

"I don't care," Ariel said, her voice cold and hard.

"You might regret it one day," Chole said, worry creeping into her voice. "You can't keep holding on to this forever."

"I'm not going to change my mind," Ariel said, a stubborn set to her jaw.

"I hope you know what you're doing," she said.