Aiden closed the laptop as he was done preparing the list of the people to be invited in the upcoming Christmas party in the company. "Once Layla will be back, I’ll show her if more are to be added, just for her approval," he murmured and put the laptop on his desk.
However, instead of heading to bed, Aiden put on a thick jacket and went outside for a walk. Even in the cold weather, many young people could be seen walking on the streets, enjoying each other’s company.
Aiden stopped by a convenience store and walked in to grab a drink. He paid for it and sat on the counter chairs near the window. While sipping the drink, he looked at the outside world.
His attention was drawn to a small figure near the glass—a tiny kitten, sitting in the cold, its wide eyes fixed on him.
Aiden frowned to look at the little creature, which had a delicate bell hanging from its collar. Yet, there was no sign of an owner nearby. ’Was it abandoned?’ The thought made his chest tighten.
Finishing his drink, he stood up and walked outside. The kitten barely flinched as he crouched down beside it, its fur fluffed up against the cold. Gently, he scooped it into his arms.
"ow."
The soft sound was almost grateful, and as Aiden held it close, he could feel its tiny body warming against him. The bell around its neck jingled softly and a small smile ford on his lips.
As he turned around, he said, "Seems like you are abandoned by your owner. Will you be happy to co to my ho?" Aiden asked, his fingers brushing the kitten’s face, which snuggled closer to his warmth.
"Excuse ! Did you see a small kitten nearby?"
A familiar voice reached Aiden’s ears and he turned around.
"My coco!" Sylvia exclaid seeing her kitten in Aiden’s arms while panting.
"Is it yours?" asked Aiden.
"Yeah. I bought Coco for myself in the morning," Sylvia said and took her kitten back from Aiden’s arms.
"I’m sorry. I thought it was abandoned," Aiden replied.
"It’s fine. I’m glad nothing happened to Coco. Thank you," Sylvia said, patting the kitten’s head.
"What are you doing in this locality?" Aiden asked her.
"I decided to shift my apartnt, so had co to check a few properties here," Sylvia replied.
"I see. Is there any issue in that residential complex?" Aiden asked, wondering if everything was fine.
"Hmm. He found out about ," Sylvia said.
"He? Who?" Aiden frowned.
"It’s just a friend from college ti. Nothing more," Sylvia said. She didn’t wish to tell him the entire story of being followed by a guy from her college ti. It would create more nuisance than ever.
"Tell the na. Changing places won’t give you the security," Aiden said, feeling a bit worried.
"I don’t want to," Sylvia replied rudely and turned around to walk away.
Aiden caught her arm and stopped her. "Don’t be so stubborn, Sylvia. It won’t cost you anything if you tell the na."
"Why? Are you going to eliminate that man as all of you do all the ti?" Sylvia retorted at him.
"Fine. I will find out. Go ahead," Aiden said, pulling back his hand.
"I don’t want any involvent of yours, or Roger, and Lucius. Please let live in peace. I’m done with all this shit of taking the protection from you three. Let live in my own way," Sylvia said coldly to him.
"Sylvia, be a mature woman," Aiden said.
"ow!" Coco’s voice ca at the sa ti as if she also agreed with Aiden.
"No, I don’t want to," Sylvia snapped at him and after a mont, she sighed. "I filed a complaint in the police station. From now onward, I don’t need any of your protection. I never wanted it. All of you always took Matteo’s na to give attention only to abandon later," she sharply said.
"ow! ow!"
Coco again let out those sweet sounds, wanting Sylvia not to be angry.
Aiden understood her frustration. "Where’s your car?" he asked.
"Why?" Sylvia narrowly gazed at him.
"I will make sure to drop you safely to the car, not because of Matteo or anyone. But because I know you," Aiden stated.
Sylvia didn’t say anything and began walking slowly.
Aiden followed her silently. "You need to keep your anger in check, Sylvia. I know it’s frustrated to be alone, but that doesn’t an you need to hurt yourself after making others hurt. I do feel you do think a lot after fulfilling your actions," he pointed.
Sylvia tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze eting his for a mont before she looked straight ahead.
"I suppose you live nearby," she said, changing the subject.
"Yes," Aiden confird.
A brief silence stretched between them before Sylvia suddenly asked, "Did Tsar beg when he was close to death?"
Aiden exhaled slowly, sensing the shift in her tone. "Yes. He pleaded with Lucius until the very end," he admitted. "But Boss didn’t spare him or his father."
Sylvia humd softly, as if weighing his words. "It’s frustrating that I was kept out of that plan," she muttered. "Matteo was my brother, yet I knew so little about what he was truly involved in. I never got the chance to do anything for him. I just wish he had chosen over chasing so madman." Her voice held both bitterness and sorrow. "But I hope he’s resting in peace."
Aiden studied her for a mont before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sylvia, you’re surviving on your own. That in itself is enough. It’s the best thing you can do for Matteo now."
"I hope I can live peacefully soday," Sylvia murmured. "I’m trying to change my life... to beco a better version of myself." Her gaze flickered with longing and resolve, as if she was fighting against the weight of her past while reaching for a future she wasn’t sure if she deserved.
Reviews
All reviews (0)