CHAPTER 424: LOOKING OUT FOR ME

Coco leapt gracefully into Aiden’s lap as he lounged on the living room couch. He gently ran his fingers through the kitten’s soft fur, and she immediately closed her eyes in contentment, purring faintly.

"She likes me," Aiden remarked with a small smile, glancing over at Sylvia, who had just returned with a glass of water for him. He accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thanks."

"She does," Sylvia agreed, settling into the seat across from him. "Though I think I’m still her favorite. You’re the only other person she willingly cuddles with."

Aiden chuckled, finishing the water before setting the glass down on the table. He leaned back slightly, his gaze still fixed on her.

"So," he began, his tone more playful now, "where would you like to go for our first date? I have to admit, this is all new to me. You might have to show me how it’s done."

Sylvia smiled, her eyes lighting up with thought. "There’s a flower market just beyond the main city. I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Rows of vibrant stalls, rare blooms from all over, and the air always smells like spring. We could go there, if you’d like."

"That sounds perfect," Aiden murmured, watching her with growing affection as Coco shifted lazily in his lap.

"Let’s just order in tonight," Aiden suggested as he pulled out his phone from his pocket.

"I’m cooking," Sylvia replied, her tone firm but gentle. "You don’t need to order anything."

"Then take a break," Aiden countered with a soft smile. "We can use the time to talk while we wait for the food. I’m thinking... pizza? What do you say?"

Sylvia paused, considering his offer before nodding. "Sure. I’ll be back in a bit," she said, heading toward her room.

Aiden smiled to himself as he placed the order through the app. With a tender hand, he stroked Coco’s head, and the kitten let out a soft mewl, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Sylvia’s been quieter than usual," Aiden murmured, watching the hallway. "I wonder if something’s bothering her." Leaving Coco curled up on the couch, he decided to check on her.

He walked to her room and knocked lightly. When the door creaked open under his touch, he peeked inside—only to find the room empty.

As he stepped in, the bathroom door clicked open behind him. Sylvia emerged, her hair slightly damp, patting her face with a towel.

"Oh—I thought..." Aiden trailed off, flustered. "Never mind. I’ll wait outside." He saw Sylvia was only in a camisole and shorts. So, he decided to give her a space to wear a top.

"You can sit on the bed," Sylvia said casually, lowering the towel and tossing it onto a nearby chair. Then, with a spark of mischief, she approached him slowly.

Stopping just an inch away from him, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes locked onto his.

"Why are your ears red?" she asked, her gaze flicking from his flushed ears back to his eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Aiden touched them and shook his head. "They aren’t," he said. Then pointing his finger at the center of her forehead, he pushed her a little away. "The order is here, I guess," he excused himself and walked out of the room.

"I didn’t know a man like him could blush too," Sylvia chuckled.

~~~~~

Luca took off his goggles, letting them hang around his neck as he leaned against the front of his dusty jeep. The sun was beginning to set down, casting a warm golden hue over the rugged landscape.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone, his thoughts drifting to someone he hadn’t spoken to in a while.

"I wonder how Layla’s doing these days," he murmured to himself, unlocking the phone and scrolling to her contact. Without hesitating, he tapped her name and brought the phone to his ear.

After a few rings, her familiar voice came through.

"Luca!"

A smile spread across his face at the sound of her excitement. "Hey! How’ve you been?"

"I’m good! What about you? Where are you these days?" Layla asked, curiosity bubbling in her tone.

"Take a wild guess," Luca said, grinning as he looked out at the scenic view.

"Hmm... Greece?" she guessed without a second thought.

Luca laughed, genuinely surprised. "Damn, Layla! How do you do that? That was a perfect guess."

"Wait, seriously? You’re actually in Greece?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief and amusement.

"Yep! I’m in Greece, watching the sunset right now," Luca said, his voice calm as he took in the golden horizon. "How’s the pregnancy going?"

"Better. Pretty smooth, actually," Layla replied. Her tone was light, but she held back the news about her father-in-law’s condition, not wanting to cloud the conversation.

"That’s good to hear," Luca said with a relieved nod. "I’ll be in Rome next month. Let’s meet then?"

"Sure," she agreed warmly. "Are you just traveling around these days?"

"Yeah," he replied, slipping his shades back on. "I told you that I’d explore the world for a bit before figuring out what comes next."

Layla chuckled. "Still no plans to settle down, huh? I thought you were going to surprise me with a wedding invitation."

"That’s still a long way off," Luca said with a bright grin. "I’m a young guy with a young heart, remember? No need to rush."

"Yeah," Layla responded softly. "I just want you to be happy even if that means staying single. Don’t mind my nagging, okay?" she added, her voice laced with affection.

"Absolutely not," Luca replied without missing a beat. "I never mind anything you say. Honestly, I like it. It makes me feel like I’ve got someone, like family, looking out for me."

A gentle smile touched his lips as he glanced at the fading sun. "Alright, I’ll hang up now. Give my regards to your lovely husband and take care."

"Okay," Layla said and the call ended. "I pray you always stay happy, Luca."