The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 75

75 /135

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 19**

Tessa had woken up that morning with one clear intention in mind: she was determined to venture out and explore the vibrant streets of Naples. The city was alive with history and culture, and she couldn’t let the opportunity slip through her fingers. As she completed her morning routine, her heart raced with anticipation. After all, how often would she find herself in such a breathtaking place?

As she turned to leave her room, she noticed Aaron standing there, a subtle yet striking presence that made her pause. Today, he had put in a noticeable effort with his hair, styling it just so, which only served to accentuate his already striking features. Tessa felt a flutter in her stomach; he looked particularly handsome.

Not wanting to dwell on it too much, she offered him a gentle smile and moved to step past him. But before she could walk away, Aaron broke the silence, his voice unexpectedly warm.

“Are you going out?” he inquired, his tone hinting at genuine interest.

“I am,” she replied, her heart racing slightly. “Would you like to join me?”

The invitation hung in the air, and she could sense a shift in the atmosphere. Aaron’s eyes lit up, and he responded with an eagerness that surprised her. It was as if he had been waiting for this moment, this very question, for what felt like an eternity.

Tessa paused, a thought flickering through her mind. Had he truly been waiting for her? The idea sent a thrill through her. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to have someone by her side to share in the beauty of the day.

With a smile that felt like the sun breaking through clouds, she nodded, and together they stepped out into the bustling streets of Naples. The air was filled with the mingling scents of fresh bread and blooming flowers, and Tessa couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her.

As they strolled along, Aaron’s gaze often drifted to Tessa’s radiant smile, a beacon of kindness and innocence that seemed to light up the world around them. Despite the cool exterior she sometimes presented, there was an undeniable warmth in her expression that seemed to reach deep into his heart, igniting something he had long thought extinguished.

Their walk took them past a narrow alleyway where they spotted a homeless child sitting forlornly on the pavement, his small frame curled up against the chill of the morning. Without hesitation, Aaron set down the items he was carrying and approached the boy, his demeanor shifting to one of compassion.

In fluent Italian, he spoke softly to the child, asking questions that Tessa couldn’t quite hear. She watched in awe as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a generous handful of cash and some food, which he graciously offered to the boy.

Tessa stood there, momentarily speechless, before she finally managed to voice her thoughts. “Did you give him money and food because you felt sorry for him?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Aaron turned back to her, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he returned to the moment. “I suppose you could say that. When I was younger, life was not always kind to me either.”