JoyReadChapter 40
-Ava’s POV-
Slipping away in a strange place was not a good idea. | knew that, but | had been to Italy once with my parents
and had b dragged around wherever they wanted to go like a puppy on a leash. | wasn’t that sgirl anymore.
Grayson might hav promisedsfreedom, but he was beginning to take that familiar route, and before |
drowned in it, | wanted a tast freedom-just a little.
Then cthe idea of the note. | didn’t want him to cafter me. | just wanted tto experience Italy all by
myself. Luckily, that little boy had been so eager to helppass the message along. | could only wish | had
smoney to give him.
Now it was just me, alone, and | was determined to make the most of it. | didn’t want him to cafter me, |
thought aga forcing the fact into my head. | could feel that familiar thrill whenever Isabella draggedinto her
chaos rushing tou me-excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension.
As | walked through the narrow, cobblestone streets, the scent of fresh pasta and warm bread filled the air. The
bustling market was alive with locals chatting animatedly, their laughter echoing off the walls. It was the kind of
scene | had dream about, but | had to keep reminding myself that I didn’t have any money. | wouldn't be able to
buy anything.
| paused at a small stall, admiring a handmade necklace adorned with delicate silver charms. The vendor noticed
“I don’t have any money, but it’s beautiful,” | replied, glancing down at my empty hands.
“Next time,” he smiled, “Italy will always be here.”
| smiled, appreciating his nonchalance. | moved on, soaking in the sights and sounds, my heart racing with every
step. 1 passed a street artist painting a colorful mural on a nearby wall, his brush dancing over the canvas with
fluid grace. “You have a great eye for art.”
“Thank you!” he replied, not pausing in his strokes. “You're a traveler?”
“Just exploring,” | replied, my pulse quickening. “It's my first real tin Italy.”
“You'll love it. Where are you from?”
“America but secretly, I've always wanted to explore this place.”
He grinned. “I hope you find the adventure you are looking for.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
too,” | sighed, my heart racing at the thought of what awaited me.
With each step, | felt the thrill of being alive in this beautiful, chaotic city. | wandered through narrow alleys
adorned with vibrant flowers spilling from windowsills. Tourists snapped photos, their laughter ringing out in
bursts. | was free, and the world aroundpulsed with energy.
As dusk began to settle, my stomach growled, remindingof my empty pockets and how much thad
passed. | glanced longingly at a nearby gelato stand, the rich colors of the treats gleaming like jewels. My mouth
watered, but | shook my head, knowing better than to ask for anything | couldn't pay for. I'd have to make do
with the sights and sounds, at least
for now
| looked away, soaking it all in instead, “Can you believe this place?” | leaned against the railing, taking a
moment to breathe. to savor the freedom coursing through my veins.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” A voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to find a young man, maybe a couple of years
older than me, leaning beside me. He had tousled hair and an easy smile that | new won girls over.
Fri, Dec 13
Chapter 40
“Yeah, it’s incredible,” | replied, “I'm just...taking it all in.”
He nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I'm Luca. You?”
“Ava
“Nice to meet you. Ava,” he extended a hand and | took it, a hand, feeling the warmth of his grip.
“Visiting or living?” he asked, leaning casually against the railing
“Visiting. Just for a few days,” | smiled, my excitement bubbling, | have to be careful, though. | don’t have any
money to spend.
Luca chuckled, a sound that was deep and rich. “Don’t worry. There are plenty of free things to enjoy. | can show
you sspots where tourists don’t usually go.”
“Really? I'd love that.”
“Let's go then!” He gestured forto follow as he walked ahead, leadingaway from the touristy hustle and
bustle.
We ventured down smaller streets, where the sounds of laughter and conversation floated from open windows.
He tookto a small courtyard filled with locals playing cards and sharing stories, their faces illuminated by the
soft glow of fairy light: string above.
“Here's the real heart of Florence,” he sighed, pride lacing his voice. “No tourists allowed.”
I laughed, feeling as if I'd stumbled into a secret. “This is amazing.”
As we chatted, | felt the thrill of connection. “So, what do you think of the food here?” he asked, tilting his head
slightly.
His words madethink of Grayson. He should have foundby now. | quickly brushed it off, “I actually just
ate at this really nice restaurant but with all this exploring. | think | might be hungry again.”
“Letshow you a place. They have the best pizza,” He grinned, but | hesitated, the lack of money pressing at
the back of my mind.
“Really, | can’t
“Pizza's on me. Consider it a welcgift,” he insisted, his tone playful yet firm.
| opened my mouth to protest, but his charming smile caughtoff guard. “Okay. Thank you. | really
appreciate.”
He just smiled as we walked to a small pizzeria tucked away on a side street, the sign faded but inviting. Luca
ordered a Margherita pizza, and when it arrived, the aroma was intoxicating. The crust was perfectly charred,
and the cheese melted invitingly.
“Eat up!” he said, watchingeagerly.
| took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. “Oh my god this is incredible!”
He chuckled, “I'm glad you liked it.”
The conversation flowed easily, a natural ebb and flow that madeforget where | was. We bounced from one
topic to another-favorite foods, stories, even silly childhood memories was surprised by how much | enjoyed
talking to Luca. There was something magnetic about him, an ease that madeforget my worries.
| didn’t realize how much thad passed until the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmthe bustling streets of the city, | caught a glimpse of my watch and my stomach dropped. Grayson was probably
already. ordering hundreds of men to search for ine.
09:01 Fri, Dec 13 TG.
Chapter 40
“You know, | should probably get back soon,” | said reluctantly.
-Why? Afraid your boyfriend will worry?” Luca teased, a playful glint lighting up his dark eyes.
“Not my boyfriend,” 1 corrected quickly, feeling a heat rise in my cheeks. It felt strange to call Grayson that. My
fiancé, actually, but instead, | blurted, “More like a guardian.”
1
Luca’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before shifting into something more intense, as if a shadow had
crossed hi face. “Grayson Blackwood?”
My heart raced. | froze, the slice of pizza halting halfway to iny mouth. “How do you know him?”
Luca leaned back slightly, studying me, a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place flickering in
his gaze a then at that exact moment, it hit me.
The world titled on its axis, the restaurant aroundbegan to blur, the laughter of other patrons fading into a di
Panic rose in my throat like bile, choking me. “Luca,” | stammered, feeling a weight settle on me. “What did you-
hu
“Maybe we could-have been friends if only you weren't marrying a man with so many enemies,” he interrupted,
his voice eerily calm amidst my spiraling thoughts.
Darkness seeped into the edges of my vision, and | felt my grip on reality slipping. “No, wait..” | gasped, feeling
the floor beneathshift as my surroundings began to fade. It was as if the walls of the restaurant were closing
in, the air thickening with dread.
Luca leaned forward, his expression shifting from playful to something darker, more predatory. “I'm really sorry,
Ava, but your head is going to bringa whole lot of money.”
The last thing | heard before the shadows closed in was the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears,
drowning out the noise of the world.
Then, everything went black-
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