Chapter 18
The apartment sat in a prime spot near the university–quiet, well–located. Skylar loved it immediately.
Aiden showed her through each room, mentally noting what still needed to be furnished.
Then he gave her the neighborhood tour grocery stores, cafes, parking, even the shortcuts through the ancient streets.
She tried to memorize it all, genuinely grateful for his help.
Aiden shrugged it off, checking his watch. “Hungry?”
Unfamiliar with Florence’s dining scene, she let him choose.
He led her to a small trattoria tucked away on a cobblestone street, the kind of family–run place tourists never find.
Over handmade pasta and local wine, Skylar found herself warming to Aiden.
Unlike his expressive parents, he was quiet – not standoffish, just economical with words.
Though reserved, he moved through Florence with easy confidence, anticipating what she needed before she asked.
She found herself naturally trusting him, grateful for this steady presence in her new life.
His mom called just as they ordered, asking when they’d be home.
Aiden glanced at Skylar, who held up four fingers.
After hanging up, he explained briefly. “Mom’s throwing you a welcome dinner tonight.”
A welcome dinner?
Such a fuss.
Skylar felt touched but didn’t protest the hospitality.
After lunch, they were heading back from touring the campus when she froze.
Callias stood at the gate.
Her smile vanished.
Aiden noticed her tension, following her gaze to the man striding toward them.
He stepped between them instinctively.
Callias’s face darkened at the protective gesture. He raised his fist.
08:59
Addio To The Stand–In Past, This Time I Chose To Reclaim My Own Life
75.29
But Aiden caught it easily, holding him back.
“You know him?” Aiden asked Skylar quietly.
She hadn’t expected Callias to follow her here, but answered honestly.
“My brother.”
“Her boyfriend!” Callias snarled simultaneously.
Something flickered across Aiden’s usually impassive face.
But he trusted Skylar’s word, stepping back to give them space.
Callias glared at him. “Who the hell is this guy?”
Skylar sighed, knowing his possessive nature. “A friend.”
Two simple words Callias clearly didn’t believe.
But he had bigger concerns. He grabbed her wrist. “You’re coming home.”
Skylar pulled away, moving closer to Aiden.
“I’m busy.”
His barely controlled anger exploded.
“Is this how you talk to me now?”
“I’m just stating facts,” she said coolly.
T- D
