✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*CORDIALLY LINKED✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

*＊✿❀CHAPTER SIXTY❀✿＊*

➹THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE➷

⋆˚｡⋆୨୧˚FLASHBACK˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

❀✿Canterbury, June 21st, 1999✿❀

They have been on the train for five hours now en route to Cornwall. It will take seven more hours until they reach their destination and an additional hour to reach the hotel where they will be staying for a week. It will be worthwhile in the end.

At this moment, Alistair was in a state of deep slumber, with Giovanni's jacket gently covering him like a blanket. His head rested comfortably on his boyfriend's shoulder, while Giovanni was engrossed in reading a book titled "Wuthering Heights" by the esteemed English author, Emily Brontë.

Published in the year of 1847, this literary work presents a captivating narrative of love and vengeance, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.

Suddenly, the individual seated opposite Giovanni chose to engage in conversation for the third time since their entry onto the train three hours prior.

"Excuse me, could you please tell me what book you are reading?" They inquired politely, despite the fact that the title of the book was clearly visible to them.

"Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë," Giovanni politely responded as he gently adjusted his glasses with his index finger and turned to the next page of the book.

"Excuse me, if you don't mind me asking, what is it about?" Giovanni looked up at the individual who had just smiled at him, unaware that they were interrupting his reading time and causing him annoyance.

"Love and revenge," He stated calmly as they hummed in response.

"Is that everything?" Giovanni gently placed the bookmark between the pages and set the book on the table in front of him. With a sigh, he turned his attention to the person, ensuring eye contact before speaking.

"I would like to kindly request that you refrain from speaking to me at this time, as I would like to focus on reading my book. I understand that we are strangers, and I do not wish to be impolite, but I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Thank you for your understanding." They nodded in acknowledgement and turned their head to gaze out the window, captivated by the mesmerizing view passing by.

Giovanni quietly encouraged himself and picked up the book to at least complete the chapter he was reading, but the stranger had different intentions.

"May I know your name, please?"  Giovanni let out a quiet sigh as he gently placed the book down for the second time within a short span of a few minutes. He directed a polite yet firm gaze towards the unfamiliar individual, who responded with a friendly smile. Remarkably, the stranger displayed no signs of being perturbed or affected by Giovanni's gaze.

Before Giovanni could speak, a husky, sleep-induced voice interrupted him.

"Excuse me, but he requested that you refrain from speaking to him as he wishes to read his book. Could you please respect his wishes? If you are having difficulty understanding, I can clarify further." Alistair had awakened just before the stranger inquired of Giovanni about his reading material. Despite still feeling a bit drowsy, he kept his eyes closed for a moment, but now they are wide open as he gazes at the stranger with a serious expression.

"I was merely attempting to engage in a conversation with him as I find myself rather unoccupied at the moment." Alistair glanced at the unfamiliar individual and let out a soft sigh.