427: HEARTS IN CONFLICT

ARIEL'S POV After the tumultuous events at the hospital, I drove back to the mansion, still not feeling well. Not gonna lie. Luke's rejection was really heavy on my mind, carrying a lot of weight that my brain couldn't actually handle. And, believe me, I never liked the situation. If I were given the chance to change this whole sh*t in seconds, I wouldn't waste it one bit. Hell no! When I advanced towards the gate, Marcus flagged me down; his expression was the type that was brimming with concern. "Um, miss, the woman, Debra, came looking for you earlier," he said, with so much urgency in his voice. "She said you all were supposed to go to church together," he added. Any words to continue this conversation? Not really. So I let out a weary sigh, ignoring Marcus's words as I drove my car into the compound. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts about Luke and our strained relationship. Stepping out of the car, I made my way into the mansion, the familiar surroundings offering litt