600: COUNT ON YOU

ARIEL'S POV I froze, still gazing at Luke, my mind racing. What was he doing here? And why did he look so nervous? "Ariel," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "I...I need to talk to you." My stomach twisted into knots, my heart pounding in my chest. I wanted to run, to hide, to pretend that he wasn't standing there. But I knew that I couldn't avoid this forever. I turned to face him, my arms crossed protectively over my chest. "What do you want, Luke?" I asked, my voice cold and emotionless. Luke took a deep breath, his eyes pleading. "I...I'm sorry, Ariel. I'm sorry for everything. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to know that I love you." Tessa stepped into the dressing room as well, and she wasn't happy to see Luke. "Luke, I suggest you...." "Tessa," I cut her off. "Please excuse us. I want this conversation to be just between me and him." Tessa nodded, a worried look on her face. "Of course, Ariel. Take all the time you need. I'll be waitin