78.5
CL — To Doclaim My Own Life
Chapter 23
After classes started, Skylar and Aiden were practically inseparable outside lectures.
She settled into her new life quickly, the past beginning to fade.
Her mother called occasionally with family updates.
She mentioned Callias had returned from Paris and suddenly broken off his engagement to Victoria.
Victoria kept showing up at the house, but he wouldn’t see her. They were at an impasse.
Then he’d had a massive blowout with his father, threatening to walk away from Harrison Enterprises for no apparent reason.
Skylar listened in silence. Her only tie to the Harrisons now was her mother.
As long as she was okay, nothing else mattered.
After hanging up, she texted Aiden about his schedule.
He replied quickly – dinner plans with classmates, don’t wait up.
She headed home alone, browsing dinner options on her phone when a car pulled up beside her.
Before she could react, someone yanked her inside.
Terror seized her until she heard a familiar grunt as she fought back.
Callias.
She stopped struggling. “What the hell are you doing?”
He laughed darkly. “Kidnapping you. Isn’t it obvious?”
Despite his words, he loosened his grip when he saw the bruises forming on her skin.
Skylar sat up, watching the scenery blur past. They were heading toward the airport.
He was trying to take her out of Italy.
Her heart sank as she looked at him- and froze.
In just a month, he’d become a ghost of himself, gaunt and wild–eyed.
He caught her stare, his bloodshot eyes cold.
“Don’t recognize me? A month without a single message – when did you become so heartless?”
08:59
Addio To The Stand–In Past, This Time I Chose To Reclaim My Own Life
78.89
His casual tone felt forced. Like always, the charming playboy act was just for show.
This hollow–eyed stranger was the real Callias.
The masks of warmth and charm stripped away, revealing the darkness beneath.
“Does it have to be like this?” she whispered. “Brother?”
The word made his fake smile vanish.
He gripped her chin, barely controlling himself.
“Don’t call me that! From today, I’m your husband. We’re going to Denmark. We’ll get married like we planned!”
Finally, Skylar saw the truth.
Callias had completely lost his mind.”
“No! I don’t want to marry you!” she shouted.
Each word crystal clear, definitive.
His eyes went dead cold.
He leaned in close, his voice soft and dangerous.
“What you want doesn’t matter. I told you – you’re mine. Only mine.”
