312: CAN’T CHANGE MY MIND
ARIEL’S POV
I cleared my throat, feeling a bit nervous under Andre’s scrutinizing gaze. “Um, yeah, so… I want to
come back and work with thepany again,” I finally blurted out, hoping I didn’t sound too awkward.
Andre raised an eyebrow, still not saying a word, and I shifted ufortably under his intense stare.
“I’m serious, Andre,” I stammered, feeling the need to defend my
decision.
He finally broke his silence with a small chuckle. “Of course, I know you’re serious, Ariel,” he said, his
voiceced with amusement. “I was just… processing.”
I couldn’t help butugh at his response. “Processing? You looked like you were
about to grill me for a second there,” I teased, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.
He shrugged nonchntly. “I don’t know; maybe I thought you found some other
I shook my head, still chuckling. “No way, Andre. You know that I’ll always work with Vitality Group. You
helped me out years ago, and I’ll never forget that.”
Andre’s smile widened at my words. “I’m d to hear that, Ariel,” he replied sincerely,
his eyes reflecting genuine gratitude.
“So, am I hired?” I asked, slowly widening my mouth.
He chuckled, tapping
s desk lightly. “Wee back to the team.”
“Thanks, Andre,” I told him with a smile. It’s good to be back.”
“So, Ariel, I need to ask you something.”
I gave
him a curious face. “Go ahead.”
“I know we’ve talked about this before, but I just have to make things clear around
here.”
“Hmm, okay, so what is it?” I queried.
112 EAST CLANG MY MIND
Andre sighed before he finally decided to speak up. Do you still n to take revenge on Mason?
“Oh, I see. Now I understand this whole conversation from the very beginning.”
Andre chuckled. “I’m sure you do. So, Ariel, aren’t you going to give me an answer to my question?”
I took a deep breath. “Yes, Andre. My decision about Mason hasn’t changed. And it’s not going to
change. I thought we made this clear at the hospital.
“I know, but I just want to see if I can still change your mind.”
“Well, you can’t. I think you’ve seen enough now.”
“Ariel, you can’t do this. You can’t decide to kill him.”
“I have to, André. Mason must pay for what he did to my son.
“But you do know there are other ways to seek justice. Killing him won’t bring your
son back.”
“I’ve thought about it, André. This is the only way.
Andre exhaled deeply and leaned his back against his chair. “I know you won’t change your mind, but I
had to try.”
“Thank you for understanding, André. But Mason needs to pay.
“I know, Ariel. I won’t stress it further. Let’s focus on your return to thepany.”
LUKE’S POV
I sat on the weathered bench in the heart of the park, a sanctuary amidst the bustling city. The rhythmic
chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop, a symphony of nature in contrast to the cacophony of
urban life. I took a deep breath, relishing the momentary respite from the demands of work.
I was drawn to the vibrant tapestry of life unfolding before me. Children of all ages danced and yed,
theirughter echoing like music. Each one seemed to possess irrepressible energy, an infectious joy
that enlivened the surroundings.
Nearby, a group of toddlers chased after a colorful ball, their tiny legs pumping with
212 CANT CHANGE MY MIND
determination. Theirughter bubbled with pure delight, filling the air with a heartwarming and nostalgic
innocence. I couldn’t help but smile at their antics, reminded of simpler times when life was measured
in moments of unbridled
happiness.
Further along the path, a pair of siblings swung hand in hand, theirughter mingling with the rustle of
leaves overhead. The older sister pushed her brother higher and higher, his squeals of excitement
reaching new heights with each arc. Their bond was palpable, a testament to the unbreakable ties of
family and friendship.
Watching these little children, a smile popped on my face, transporting me back to my childhood days
spent in this park. I remembered the thrill of racing down the winding paths and the exhration of
conquering the yground’s towering structures. Back then, the world was a vast yground, filled
with endless possibilities and adventures waiting to be discovered.
I yearned for those carefree, free of obligations–and expectations days with a pang of longing tugging
at my heart. But amidst the wistfulness, there was also gratitude – for the memories forged in this very
park, for the moments of joy andughter that had shaped me into the person I am today. Yes, my
grandfather used to take me here, as wdidmy parents. I can still remember every scene I spent with
them around
this location. Oh, the sweet memories.
A sudden burst ofughter drew my attention to a group of older children engaged in a game of tag.
They darted and dodged with practiced agility, their movements fluid. and effortless. A timeless custom
passed down through the generations, shouts of ecstasy and the asional burst of yful taunting
apanied each chase.
I couldn’t help but marvel at youth’s resilience and creativity and ability to find joy in the simplest of
moments. In a world fraught withplexities and uncertainties, they remained beacons of hope,
reminders of the enduring power ofughter and
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friendship.
This was just me sometimes, thinking too much. I get lots of pleasure in that, observing the better
things, and thinking about how the individuals enjoying relishing
such times are doing.
Lost in contemtion, I barely noticed the passage of time until the distant tolling of a bell stirred me
from my reverie. Reluctantly, I rose from the bench, a sense of peace
settling over me like aforting nket.
As I sat there, immersed in my thoughts, my phone suddenly rang, jolting me back to the present
moment. With a sigh, I fished it out of my pocket and saw Jack’s name
shing on the screen.
“Hey, Jack,” I answered, trying to soundposed despite the interruption to my peaceful interlude.
“Luke, sorry to disturb you, but there are some people at thepany who really want to see you.
They’re insisting on a meeting today.” Jack’s voice came through, urgent yet respectful.
I nced at the lively scene around me, torn between the park’s serenity and work demands. “Alright,
tell them I’ll be there,” I replied, resigning myself to the inevitable
return to reality.
After ending the call, I stuffed my phone back into my pocket, preparing to leave the
park’s sanctuary. But before I could stand, I felt a tap on my shoulder, causing me to
slowly turn around, curious as to who had interrupted my departure from this peaceful oasis.
“Harriet?” My eyes widened in shock the moment I noticed she was the one who had
tapped me–the one standing behind me.
She had a smirk on her face. “What’s the problem, Luke? Are you shocked to see me?