Understand love

Chapter 2

Gabriel was lost in thought for a while when suddenly he heard the sound of something hitting the window. He approached to check what could have caused it but saw nothing outside. He looked around the kitchen-it was empty. Once again, he was left alone. He glanced at his watch. It was already twenty minutes past two. Panic gripped him, and he hurriedly rushed out of the kitchen and headed toward the atelier. When he almost reached the place, he noticed the door slightly ajar, and muffled voices could be heard from inside. Curious, he slowed down and approached the door, trying to remain unnoticed. He gently opened it and peeked inside-he saw Adrien talking to Nathalie.

N: Adrien, I heard you ran away yesterday, what happened?

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, remembering his performance yesterday.

A: It's nothing, just...

Nathalie placed a hand on Adrien's shoulder and smiled fondly.

N: Adrien, you know you can tell me anything.

Adrien took a deep breath.

A: The way my father spoke about my mother caused a pang in my heart. He spoke as if the only important person in his life was her. I got the feeling that, to him, we didn't matter at all.

N: "Adrien..." Nathalie said it with tenderness, hugging the boy close to her. "I'm sure your father didn't mean it that way, but you must remember that your mother is his sun, and we will always be in her shadow. But maybe it will comfort you to know that, to me, you are my sun."

Nathalie smiled broadly. After a moment, Adrien returned her smile and hugged her even tighter.

A: I love you Nathalie.

N: "I love you too, Adrien." Nathalie kissed Adrien on the head.

Gabriel observed the scene with his mouth agape. He had no idea that such a strong bond had developed between Nathalie and Adrien. He felt foolish hearing Adrien's words. When he had defended Emilie's name, strong emotions overtook him, unaware of the impact his words had on Adrien. Meanwhile, Nathalie's words pierced his heart. He never suspected that Nathalie might think that she and Adrien were so insignificant to him, but looking back on his actions, he couldn't blame her. Watching this scene, he felt as though he was witnessing something forbidden. To avoid arousing suspicion, he decided to pretend he had just arrived. He pushed the door and entered.

G: "Sorry, Nathalie, for being late, but I was talking to..." Gabriel pretended to be surprised when he saw Adrien in the atelier.

Nathalie and Adrien broke apart and looked at Gabriel.

N: I know, but I hope you'll keep the time next time.

G: Of course.

There was an awkward silence in the atelier. Gabriel, feeling too overwhelmed by his inner guilt, decided to return to work because he was unable to look into Nathalie's eyes.

G: Maybe I'll go back to work.

Nathalie nodded and walked over to the computer to respond to the rest of her emails. Adrien glanced between his father and Nathalie, sensing a strange tension in the air. He didn't understand what was happening. He noticed that his father seemed more upset than usual. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. He realized that his father must have overheard their conversation, and his behavior suggested that he was ashamed of what he had said. This thought brought a wide smile to Adrien's face. If his father regretted his words, it meant that there was still hope.

A: Father, I was wondering. I brought a dye hair and some clothes for you. So maybe you should prepare.

Gabriel looked at Adrien, then at Nathalie, waiting for her decision. Nathalie also glanced at Adrien, her face showing confusion. Then she checked the time on her computer. It was already 3:30 PM. Although work hours hadn't ended yet, she decided to let Gabriel finish earlier.