Chapter 17
“We can’t go back, brother.”
That was all she could say. All she wanted to say,
The line went quiet except for his breathing harsh and broken.
She didn’t want to push him over the edge. Didn’t want him destroying their family in his rage.
So she softened her voice to a gentle plea.
“Let Mom go. She’s innocent in all this. She’s given everything to you, to Uncle Dan, to this family. All she wanted was a quiet happiness. Please, just let her have that.”
The hatred that had fueled him for so long began to die at her words.
A dreamlike emptiness spread through him, leaving him lost.
He couldn’t remember what he’d been loving or hating all these years.
Like catching smoke with bare hands.
He stood on the balcony, phone pressed to his ear, until his stepmother’s knock jarred him back to reality.
He couldn’t meet her eyes.
She handed him coffee like always, her voice gentle.
“Trouble with Skylar? She’s young – she needs to spread her wings. Don’t be too hard on her. She only kept it quiet because she knew you’d worry.”
Callias mumbled something, returning her phone before trying to escape.
He couldn’t face her anymore.
But she called after him.
“Your birthday’s coming up. Want to celebrate? Friends? Family dinner?”
After the morning’s emotional hurricane, he’d forgotten all about it.
Ironic that the woman he’d hated was now the only one offering to celebrate.
Chest tight with tangled emotions, he shook his head.
“I’m flying to Europe this afternoon.”
“Europe?”
02.59
Addio To The Stand–In Past. This Time I Chose To Reclaim My Own Life
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Seeing her confusion, he added quickly: “To see my mother.”
The late–night call left Skylar restless until dawn.
She dragged herself up when her alarm rang – she didn’t want to make a bad impression in a house that wasn’t hers.
But downstairs, she found empty rooms.
Were the Fosters early risers? Late sleepers?
As she debated exploring outside, Aiden appeared, making her jump,
He nodded hello, offering a plate.
“Up early for your first day in Florence? Over the jet lag?”
Heart still racing, Skylar hesitated before accepting breakfast.
“Almost. Where is everyone?”
Aiden brought out another plate and juice before answering.
“They won’t be up until after ten. No pressure – sleep whenever you want. The housekeeper can make you anything if you’re hungry.”
The casual atmosphere fit what she’d seen of the family.
They ate in comfortable silence until she worked up the courage to ask:
“Since it’s the weekend… do you have time to show me the apartment?”
Aiden nodded, understanding.
“Sure. I’ll take you over.”
