486: CAUGHT IN THE WEB

LUKE'S POV The room fell into an eerie silence, the weight of my decision settling heavily upon me like a suffocating blanket. I could feel Harriet's eyes boring into me, her satisfaction palpable as she savored her victory. My stomach churned with disgust and resentment, but beneath it all was a flicker of hope—hope that this twisted arrangement might somehow keep Ariel safe. Harriet's smirk never wavered as she stepped back, her gaze lingering on me with a mix of triumph and amusement. "Well, well, well, it looks like we have a deal, Luke," she purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'll make all the arrangements. You just sit tight and wait for our big day." I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening at my sides as I fought to keep my emotions in check. The thought of being bound to Harriet for the rest of my days filled me with a sickening dread, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead on the only thing that mattered: keeping Ariel safe. "And what about Ariel?" I demanded,