Menantu Pahlawan Negara

123 NOT MY CONCERN 

LUKE’S POV 

I was standing outside the mansion, making a phone call, when I saw her. Ariel was being walked out by two bald–headed men, both wearing shades. She looked scared and confused, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Not after she slappedearlier at the party. 

I observed them leading her toward a black car that was waiting by the curb. I couldn’t help but wonder where they were taking her. But I decided to stay ignorant and not get involved. I was too angry with her to care about her well – being. 

As the men opened the car door for her, she turned back and looked in my direction. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I saw the fear in her eyes. But I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting to show any sign of concern. 

The men got into the car with her, and it drove off, leavingstanding there alone. I wasn’t still settled with what I just saw, but I didn’t move and didn’t try to stop them. I told myself I didn’t care. 

But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. I did care. I cared about Ariel, even after everything she had done. But I was too proud to admit it and too angry to show it. 

I turned back to the party, trying to distract myself from the thoughts of Ariel. I could hear the music and laughter coming from inside, but it all felt hollow and meaningless. The image of those men taking her away wouldn’t leave my mind. 

I tried to convince myself that she deserved it and that she brought it upon herself. But a part ofcouldn’t shake off the guilt and worry that I felt for her. 

There are too many things to think about right now. My good–for–nothing late mother did tellsh*t that she was about to carry out something so noxious. I could stand here, fully prepared for her, but how would I even know when she was going to strike? Oh gosh, I don’t know what to do. 

I saw Andre walking towards me, his face filled with concern. “Hey Luke, have you seen Ariel? She was just at the party, but now I can’t find her anywhere.” 

I gave him an irritated look, my anger toward him bubbling up. He was a good- for–nothing scumbag, taking advantage of Ariel and sleeping with her. And here he was, acting like a great man. It was obvious he was the one who did it; he was „the father of Ariel’s children. Bullshit! 

I kept silent, not wanting to give him an answer, and it was clear that he had no 

NOT BA 

idea about my hatred towards him. He was still trying to understand why I was giving him a cold shoulder. After all, we did put the differences aside earlier at the party. But fuck that! 

He askedagain, and his voice was tinged with worry. But I couldn’t bring myself to answer him. I turned away and started walking,

I could hear Andre calling out my name, but I ignored him. I didn’t want to be a part of his drama anymore. I had my own problems to deal with. 

But seriously, I needed to deal with my anger towards André. I couldn’t let it consme; I needed to think clearly. I knew I had to put my personal feelings aside and focus on… Ughhh, sh*t, no way! To hell with whatever was tellingall this. 

I stopped in my tracks and turned back to face André. He was still standing there, looking confused and worried. I took a deep breath and walked toward him. 

“Listen, I don’t know where Ariel is, okay?” I told him, and he shotan unfriendly look. 

“What’s your problem?” He asked, his tone not nice one bit. 

“My problem? What do you mean by that?” I queried him. 

“I was just asking you if you had seen Ariel, and you acted like you didn’t even hear me. What’s the problem? Are you mad, or what?” 

“You better shut your mouth, okay?!” I snapped, letting my anger get the best of me. And discerning how Andre was looking at me, my tone had to soften. “Look… 

“There’s no need to apologize. I don’t know what had gotten into your head, and I’m not going to stress that. If someone made you mad, that’s your own cup of tea, not mine. But letgive you a piece of advice: don’t use the anger caused by someone to face a different person. And with your actions just now, I have a million thoughts that need to be brought out. But I’m going to keep them to myself. Enjoy the party if you want,” André spoke and walked away from me. I watched him as he made his way back inside his mansion. 

I screamed in rage and was about to forcefully throw my phone to the ground, but it began to ring. I paused for a moment, still thinking about what had just happened between André and me. And after sseconds, I answered the phone call. 

“Pushki!” 

It was my mother; she was the one who had called. Now I could brace myself for 

the shit she was about to tell me, and whatever feats Sr had, I had in mind. 

“You? What do you want now, huh? And I thought I told you to stop callingthat.” I spoke coldly, pressing the phone against my ear. 

“Do you think I will listen to you? I mean, you’re just a piece of trash.” 

“Enough, Mother!” 

“Aww, he calledmother. I’m glad you still acknowledge that.” 

“You are just so annoying!” I snapped. 

“Well, that wasn’t your thinking years ago,” she retorted. “By the way, I just wanted to ask about your lovely wife.” 

“Who? Ariel?” 

“Who else?” she taunted. “Or don’t tellyou’ve gone too far in your billionaire lifestyle by having an excessive number of concubines and feeling like a king.” “Talk like someone with senses, alright?” 

“I think I should be the one telling you that.” 

“Enough! Why are you asking about Ariel?” 

“Aren’t you going to tellhow she’s doing or where she is?” 

“That’s none of your concern.” 

“It is, actually. If you can use your senses right now and put two and two together, you’ll have a clue as to who took her. But you want to know the problem? You’re too dumb. Although I do have a feeling you’ll get this in no time, So enjoy the party, sweetheart.” She hung up. 

What was she trying to tell me? Was she trying to… Oh my god. With what she just told me, it was clear she had… This pernicious woman sent those men who took Ariel to their car. I needed to stop her from whatever she was about to do and do that as soon as possible. 

I quickly walked to my car, burst inside, and drove off. My speed was so out of this world. But I had to slow down the moment. I spotted the car that Ariel had entered, along with those men. It was parked just a short distance from me. I eventually stopped my car, got out, and ran towards their vehicle. But when I looked through the windows, there was no one in the car. It was……empty.