Adelaide DuPont
"How has Paris suited you?" Julian's voice wanders through the thoughts layering my mind.
I understand Sapphire better now. Hazy distance hurts less than seeing the disappointment cloud people's eyes when they watch a friend slip from sanity.
"Fine, and you?" I softly reply, cupping the mug before me for warmth.
See, this — Julian and I — was the entire plan all along. In my love for Emerald and my attachment to our affinity, I temporarily lost sight of my real goal. Julian reminds me so much of James.
"I'm not sure why Soventi is rated so high — probably, because they promise to stabilize the broken. The university here has already covered so much more than that madhouse ever taught me."
I meet his eyes carefully, both loving and loathing the way my stomach flutters at the sight of his archangel face. Maybe I shouldn't have sought him out; I abandoned Emerald alone at the vacation house. Julian doesn't ask about him either, likely avoiding guilt through ignorance.
I'm puzzled when he hesitates to reach toward me. I must look awful if he's afraid to touch me, because he's never been one for caution. Again, I lock eyes with him, assuring him that it's alright.
"Adele —"
His fingertips leave invisible electric burns across my skin wherever they touch as he traces my jawline. I can't look away, trapped within the vivacity of his presence. Julian doesn't provide me with the comfort and stability Emerald does, but he makes me feel more alive than James ever could in the past. Even if Emerald is my second half, he's so involved with the darkness in my life, while Julian shares no part in it whatsoever. Here, with him, I can forget about everything for a moment.
"I've missed you," he finishes his sentence, his expression meaningful.
The background noises of the café fade around us until we're alone in the room. I'm not sure who initiates the first move, but we're soon locked in a kiss. Stars explode between our lips, and time halts completely.
Decency in Paris is different than most cities. Parisians understand the complex nature of love and loss, and they know it demands expression. Julian and I are like a picture waiting to be snapped, our heads angled toward one another perfectly, while shadows obscure our faces from the outside world.
Together, we're perfect.
YOU ARE READING
Adelaide
Mystery / Thriller"My parents heard about James' mental state and worried it was a contagious disease that I would eventually succumb to as well. So, they sent me here, before I could end up where he is now. That certainly would've damaged their reputation." "You've...
