**✿❀CHAPTER EIGHTEEN❀✿**

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➹THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE➷

✾March 12th, 2013- 14:24: Sheffield✾

Alistair and Dante discovered, to their surprise, that they shared many similarities. Although Alistair was already aware of this, their conversation's significance remained undiminished. After several years, it was refreshing to engage in a meaningful dialogue with him.

During a recent conversation with Alistair, Dante found humour in a story he shared about Lorenzo. While Dante was unable to contain his laughter, Alistair maintained a sombre expression, which went unnoticed by Dante.

"In any case, I believe it is time for me to take my leave. It was a pleasure getting to know you, Alistair. I would be delighted if we could continue our acquaintance. Would you be comfortable exchanging contact information for that purpose, or would that be premature?" With a gentle smile, Alistair extended his hand towards Dante, politely requesting his phone. He swiftly entered his contact information and promptly returned the device to its rightful owner.

"Thank you very much. I will be sure to contact you when I have the opportunity. Farewell!" Dante bid his newfound friend goodbye as he opened the door to the private ward and departed without further conversation.

Alistair gazed at the door with a heavy heart, reflecting on the recent incident. He yearned to disclose the events of that day, but he was bound by a promise made to a former close friend, now a distant stranger.

However, if Alistair persists in acting as though nothing has transpired, it will only exacerbate his pain. He desires to unburden himself once and for all, but when will the opportune moment arise for him to do so?

He clutched his hair in his hands, permitting himself to release all the accumulated emotions that had been pent up within him in the form of tears. He wept for what seemed like an eternity until another knock could be heard, and just like the previous occasion, the door was simply opened, and in walked...

"Giovanni?" Lorenzo's cousin observed Alistair seated on the armchair, his eyes visibly bloodshot and swollen, while his cheeks were flushed with an unusual crimson hue.

"Mr. Gallagher, what brings you here? I believe I made it clear that you are not welcome in my presence or that of my family." Alistair avoided eye contact, unable to bear the scrutiny of  Giovanni's gaze.

"I am Mrs. Guerriero's representative and in all fairness, I should be with her at this moment in Finland. However, she has asked me to assist Lorenzo with his addiction and help him with his daughters. I found it difficult to decline her request, as I have not had the opportunity to see or speak with Lorenzo properly in several years, and I genuinely missed him." Giovanni responded with a polite smile, nodding in understanding.

"I understand there may be a valid reason for your actions. However, I would appreciate it if you could remember the rule that I gave you to follow. Would you like to be punished?" Alistair quickly shook his head. He understood the rule and acknowledged that he had broken it, but he felt compelled to help Lorenzo and wanted to be the one to assist him.

"I kindly suggest that you depart, as I will be taking over the responsibility of assisting Lorenzo and his daughters. I trust you will comprehend this decision." Alistair rose from his armchair with a sense of urgency and approached Giovanni, who maintained a composed demeanour.

"You're the only person who continues to hold a grudge against me. That incident was not my fault, and you are aware of that. If you believe I will be leaving Lorenzo again, you are mistaken." Giovanni gave a slight chuckle as he established eye contact with Alistair, who responded with a noticeable gulp.

"I do not have any personal feelings in this matter, but if you continue to bother Lorenzo, I will be forced to take legal action and file a permanent restraining order against you." Giovanni smiled, but this only served to further anger Alistair.

"I have a significant advantage over you in this situation while you may attempt to file a restraining order. It is unlikely to be successful." Alistair made the decision to temporarily depart from the private ward in order to procure a beverage and obtain some fresh air.

Alistair has a confidential plan that will be revealed in due time, disclosing a long-held secret that has been carefully guarded for a considerable amount of time.

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