Chapter 10
From the beginning, Caroline’s dad had never been on board with her being with Aiden.
Aiden was eight years older than Caroline, and David worried about the experience and calculation that came with those years.
He’d always feared his daughter would end up hurt.
Ever since Caroline’s phone call, he’d been anxious.
“Caroline!”
David waved as he spotted his daughter walking out of the airport terminal.
“Daddy!”
Caroline thought she’d moved on. But the moment she saw her father, all the pain she’d been holding
back burst forth as tears.
“Daddy’s little girl has been through so much,” David murmured, pulling his sobbing daughter into
his arms.
“We don’t need to see him ever again. You’ll stay with me now. My beautiful Caroline deserves so
much better than Aiden fucking Kemnis.”
David lovingly wiped away her tears.
As Caroline approached the car, she was surprised to see someone else inside and hesitated.
“Caroline, this is Lucas Elvador, one of my graduate students. He’s our Stanford’s football star,
seriously.”
Caroline got in awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Caroline.”
Noticing her discomfort, Lucas broke the ice. “It’s great to finally meet you. Professor Flores talks about you all the time. You’re even prettier than your photos on his phone.”
David had been working in California but Caroline was still his world–even using her picture as his phone wallpaper.
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Chapter 10
Caroline blushed slightly. “Thanks… You’re–uh–pretty handsome too.”
Lucas chuckled at the awkward compliment. “I’ll take it.”
Mr. Flores glanced at them through the rearview mirror. Then turned his attention to driving, giving them space.
Lucas was a great conversationalist. From football to the latest internet memes–whatever Caroline mentioned, he could engage with it.
“Wanna join us for dinner?” David asked when they reached their destination.
David liked this student and often invited him over, knowing how difficult life could be for
international students.
“Appreciate it, but I’ve got to take a football training and meet with Professor Deville,” Lucas
declined politely, saying goodbye to both of them before leaving.
David glanced at Caroline in the back seat and cautiously ventured, “What do you think of Lucas? He’s two years younger than you, but he’s mature and well–mannered.”
Caroline responded listlessly, “Dad, I’m not looking to jump into another relationship right now.”
She had genuinely loved Aiden. After years together, those feelings couldn’t just disappear.
Fresh from the wreckage of her marriage, Caroline had no desire to connect with anyone new.
David understood her pain. “I get it. But even just talking to someone, as a friend… Don’t shut yourself of. What are your plans now?”
Caroline had majored in painting. She’d once dreamed of studying abroad, getting her MFA. But she gave it all up after dating Aiden.
Aiden had sheltered her completely, taking care of her every need to the point where she barely had to lift a finger.
For years, Caroline had centered her entire life around him.
She gave a bitter smile. Now she wasn’t sure if that was love… Or control dressed up as protection.
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She looked out the window at the passing scenery and finally said, “I want to get back to painting. Continue my education.”
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Chapter 10
Hearing this, David felt relieved.
He knew how much Caroline had loved Aiden over the years. He’d worried she might fall apart after leaving him.
Vut now she had her own plans and David quickly offered, “I know several professors at the university. With your talent, I’m sure I can help get you an introduction.”
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