AGAIN || MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

Charles 

Now

Today felt like an endless stream of appointments and meetings, leaving me barely enough time for a quick lunch break. By the time the mechanics and engineers from our last meeting had left, the office was nearly deserted. Despite the urge to head home, I can't bring myself to face Alexandra. Ever since Céline resigned, things between us have taken a turn for the worse. As I make my way toward the exit, the sound of the meeting room doors closing behind me signals the end of another hectic day. When I finally arrive at my building, Juan, the concierge, greets me warmly and wishes me a good evening. Just as I'm about to step into the elevator, his voice stops me.

'Mr. Leclerc, I just remembered, about a week ago, a girl came by looking for you.' My first thought is that it might be Alex, trying to surprise me. But then again, she would have mentioned she was my girlfriend. 'Oh, alright. Did she say why she was looking for me?' I ask, my curiosity piqued. He shakes his head. 'No, she just asked me to tell you she was sorry.' My heart starts to race. It couldn't be her, could it?

'Her name was Céline, if I'm not mistaken.' He adds.

It was her.

I can hardly believe it, but a rush of happiness floods through me. 'Merci beaucoup, bonne soirée.' I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. For the past week, I've been replaying everything in my mind, wondering if I said or did something wrong. The truth is, I didn't, except for being honest. If she came here to apologize, it means she was the one in the wrong. Céline has never been the type to make the first move, let alone to apologize. That's why I'm both astonished and moved.

Now it's my turn, I have to step up.

But first, I need to talk to Alexandra. This week made one thing painfully clear: if I'm thinking so much about Céline, about the possibility of spending even just ten minutes with her, it's because I still hope we can go back to what we once were. And in that perfect picture, Alex doesn't fit. Alex was there for me during one of the darkest periods of my life, but deep down, my heart has always belonged to the girl who made my world magical for four years.

Ma Céline.

I already know that what I'm about to say to Alexandra will make her angry, it's an inconvenient truth for her. But when I open the door and find her standing there in nothing but her underwear, holding two wine glasses, the situation becomes even more awkward and complicated.

'Finally, mon amour!' Her enthusiastic tone only deepens the thousand feelings of guilt rising within me. 'I didn't think you'd still be up.' Or better, I was hoping she wouldn't be. I take a deep breath before stepping into the apartment, fully aware it's going to be a long evening. 'I just wanted to spend some time with you. You've been so distant lately.' As she says this, her mouth moves closer to mine, but I pull back.

I don't want her to kiss me, not now.

I'm here to break up with her, not to lead her on.

I quickly turn my head, offering her my cheek, rough from the beard. 'You sure you're alright?' The truth is, I don't know. I shrug off my coat and avoid her gaze, trying not to betray the turmoil inside me. I know exactly where this is heading, and the only thing that eases the tension is the thought of Céline, her apology, her possible willingness to start over.

'Can we talk, Alex?' I finally say it, and there's no going back now. She sighs, as if she's been expecting this, and glances down at the lace set she's wearing. 'Give me two minutes.' She replies before disappearing into the bedroom. She emerges a moment later, fully dressed, her expression unreadable. 'I've been expecting this moment ever since she came back.' Her tone is laced with irony, but it takes me a second to register her bitter joke. 'C'mon, Charles. We both knew this conversation was going to happen sooner or later.' Her calm demeanor unnerves me. It's unlike her, and frankly, it scares me.