Painfully yours

Vexation

Xavier's P.O.V.
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I stood hand in hand with Arya on the Kloten private heliport, the roar of the helicopter's engines filling the air. The blades began to spin, creating a powerful gust of wind that swept around us, ruffling our hair and clothes. I held Arya's small palm tightly, a protective gesture that sought to provide her with a sense of security amidst my actions.

Arya turned her face away from the wind, her eyes avoiding its forceful impact. I could sense her fear, the trepidation that lingered beneath her gaze. But I was determined to take care of her, to ensure her safety throughout the  journey. She hadn't said a word and it ached me and bothered me. I longed to hear her voice.

We stepped into the helicopter and were promptly seated, our seat belts securely fastened. The pilot handed us each a pair of headphones, allowing us to communicate and drown out the deafening noise of the helicopter's engines. I could see the apprehension in Arya's eyes as we prepared for takeoff, and I knew i wanted to ease her fears.

As the helicopter lifted off the ground, I held Arya's hand even tighter, offering her a sense of stability amidst the turbulence. The initial ascent was accompanied by a slight jolt, causing Arya to grip my hand in return. I reassured her with a gentle squeeze, letting her know that it was okay.

"W-Where are you taking me." Her hands were in mine and she almost hid behind my arm. I do like the damaged version of her more than my own liking but I was sure I wanted to love her. Make her my partner. Confident like a lioness who would protect our family just like me. I would show her the world. It was all about settling it. I didn't have the time or patience to keep running after her, her questions. It would lead to the same outcome anyway. Now she's mine and I'm going to love her like no body has.

"Paris."

"Paris? What will we do there ?" Her head rested on my shoulder , looking out the window.

"It's a date." She sighed

Once we reached cruising altitude, the helicopter glided smoothly through the air, the breathtaking landscape of Switzerland passing beneath us. I made it a point to distract Arya. She pointed out the stunning vistas and I shared interesting facts about the regions we flew over, holding her securely in my arms. She lay her head on my chest. I wanted her to momentarily forget the anxieties that plagued her.

Throughout the three-hour ride from Zurich to Paris, I kept a watchful eye on Arya, ensuring her comfort and well-being. I adjusted her seatbelt , offered her water and snacks, doing my best to keep her nourished and hydrated.

As the helicopter descended towards our destination, I could sense a mixture of relief and exhaustion in Arya's demeanor. I held her hand once again, this time with a gentleness that mirrored the care and tenderness I felt for her.

She hardly spoke but I had learnt to wait. We arrived at Issy-les-Moulineaux Heliport, stepping out of the helicopter and into the waiting Bentley. Arya and I settled into my car, and as we drove off, I couldn't help but steal glances at her, hoping to see a spark of happiness in her eyes. She watched the streets leaning on the window and all I wanted was her in my lap again.

We arrived at Passionné Restaurant, a renowned French establishment known for its gourmet French cuisine. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted like VIPs, I was ofcourse one of the frequent visitors to this elegant establishment. It plunges visitors into a hushed atmosphere for intimate dining. With interior designer Kuniko Takano at the helm, the décor shimmers with minimalism, with its midnight-blue mosaic bar, dark walls and uncluttered furniture and lighting. This refined cocoon also includes a table d'hôte facing the open kitchen. The staff guided us to a private booth, tucked away in a dimly lit corner, offering us a sense of intimacy and privacy.