The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

22- When you love someone

Cause when you love someone

The feelings never go away

[...]

Now what ? I ruined such a good thing

By Alexander Stewart

Andrew drove carefully along the winding roads, his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel as the car glided along in the afternoon sunshine. 1 p.m., read the digital clock on the dashboard. In the back, Celeste was sleeping peacefully in her baby seat, her gentle breathing barely perceptible under the purr of the engine. Next to him, Camille was looking out, her eyes shining with admiration and curiosity, commenting from time to time on the green landscapes that were passing by. Every word she spoke seemed to make the moment even more special.

Andrew glanced discreetly in her direction. He loved seeing her like this, amazed, absorbed in what she was seeing. Part of him was still on the alert, worried about the safety of Camille and Celeste, but he couldn't help smiling inwardly. Despite everything that had happened, a lingering emotion clung to him: he was still in love. Every gesture, every smile from Camille awakened in him that deep affection he had never really lost.

They drove on for several minutes, the scenery becoming more and more majestic, until they came to the sight of an imposing stone castle, an ancient edifice with seven towers standing proudly in the middle of the hills. Andrew slowed down instinctively, impressed by the sight.

- Wow, Camille murmured, her eyes wide. It's magnificent... it's like something from another time.

Andrew nodded, torn between admiration and a slight feeling of nervousness. This was no ordinary place, and part of him felt under pressure. He had to protect them. Not here, not exactly against immediate danger, but the instinct was there, somewhere deep inside him. He wanted to look after them, to make sure everything was perfect.

They finally arrived at the entrance to the castle. Martha and Matthew's mother were waiting for them. Camille came out first, holding Celeste in her arms, who was wriggling gently, waking from her sleep with her restless little hands. She looked radiant, and Andrew couldn't help smiling when he saw her in Camille's arms.

- Welcome,' said Marthe with a warm smile, coming over to greet them. Andrew nodded politely, extending his hand in greeting, while Camille, radiant, spoke. Celeste, who cracked everyone up once again with her sleepy little smile.

- She's really adorable,' commented Matthew's mother.

- Yes, she's already wreaking havoc,' replied Andrew, his voice a little hesitant but full of pride. Camille, next to him, smiled and added a few sweet words, melting the atmosphere even more. Celeste was a real little star.

After exchanging a few words, Andrew helped carry the bags, leaving them at the entrance before joining everyone else. As they approached the group, Andrew felt slightly out of place. He had prepared himself mentally for this moment, but being invited to the De Clairmonts' house was still something strange to him. If someone had told him he would end up here, in this castle, he probably wouldn't have believed them.

Diana suddenly appeared, greeting him with a big smile and a warm hug. She made him feel welcome, and Matthew, calmly watching the mares in the distance, greeted them. Chris and Myriam were also there, exchanging quick greetings. Sophie, on the other hand, hugged him more naturally, as she had been more in touch since the pregnancy. Nate, her husband, smiled at her, along with little Margaret, who was clearly getting bigger by the minute.

- She's getting big, isn't she?' said Andrew, smiling at Nate and looking at Margaret.

- Too fast,' replied Nate, laughing softly. You don't have time to get used to them before they change.