Diamond Tears | Book 2 of The Champagne Chronicles

O N E - Life in Exile

The soft Mediterranean breeze, still warm from the lingering summer, whispered through the narrow streets of Nice, gently tapping at the windows of Daphne's small dorm room. Despite the mild weather, there was a coolness to the air—more of a suggestion of the approaching autumn than a full arrival. Wrapped in a blanket, she sat by the window, gazing out at the palm trees swaying gently. In the distance, the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean Sea peeked through, a reminder that even in the fall, the Côte d'Azur held onto a warmth that refused to fade completely.

Her room was modest, barely enough space for her bed, desk, and wardrobe, but it was hers. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over the streets below, where early risers made their way through the town, jackets draped loosely over their arms, unused to the slight chill. Though the temperatures weren't harsh, there was a refreshing crispness that settled into the mornings, especially as the scent of saltwater mixed with the ever-present sea breeze.

Daphne stretched, her thoughts weighed down by the reality of her new life. The long summer was over, and with it, her old life had truly come to an end. There were no more luxuries, no safety net of wealth or privilege to fall back on. She had traded it all the moment she chose to walk away from her grandfather's demands.

Now, it was just her—living simply, working to get by, and navigating her way through the teacher training program. It wasn't glamorous, but there was a strange freedom in the simplicity. The mild autumn air drifting in through the window seemed to echo the sentiment, gentle yet unfamiliar.

Her phone buzzed beside her on the nightstand, pulling her back to the present. A message from Fenna flashed across the screen.

Fenna: Shift starts at 10! We're short-staffed, so try to get here early if you can.

Daphne smiled softly, the heaviness in her chest lifting just slightly. The café had become her haven in this new chapter of her life, and Fenna was one of the few constants she had. Though the work wasn't easy, it was grounding.

She glanced at the clock—9:00 a.m. She had enough time. After a quick shower, Daphne slipped into her work uniform—a simple black dress with the café's logo embroidered on the sleeve. The soft morning light bathed the room as she stood by the window for a moment longer, watching the pale, faded greenery of the Mediterranean autumn. Unlike the dramatic fall foliage of northern countries, autumn here was subtler, with palm trees still standing tall and resilient, though some of the greenery was tinged with a golden hue.

As she grabbed her bag and headed out the door, a familiar sense of unease tugged at her thoughts—not the pressure of her family's expectations or the lingering bitterness of her grandfather's demands, but a memory she couldn't shake, something buried deep in the folds of her past.

She remembered the cold gust of wind as she had left Riley's apartment that night—though "cold" was relative for the Mediterranean climate, where even nighttime carried a certain warmth. She hadn't slept much, her mind too restless, even though his bed had felt familiar, comforting in a way. She had arrived on his doorstep the evening before, not knowing where else to go but certain she couldn't remain at the Arnault estate any longer.

Riley hadn't questioned her. His eyes had said everything she needed to hear—understanding, sympathy, perhaps even a quiet sadness. He'd let her in, given her a blanket, made her tea, but hadn't spoken about the night they broke up.

His family had been there too, his mother and younger siblings, casting curious glances her way, though they said nothing. Daphne had sat silently, holding the cup of tea Riley had handed her, too overwhelmed by the weight of the decision she had made.

That night, she had slept in his bed, cocooned in his familiar scent. But things had changed—he had taken the couch, a small gesture of respect for the space between them. She had wanted to stay, to explain everything, but knew she couldn't.

By dawn, she had decided to leave. Before the sun had risen completely, she wrote him a note, placing it on the pillow where she had rested her head only hours before.

Thank you, Riley. I didn't know where else to go, but I respect that you need space. I'm sorry for showing up like this.

Slipping out of the apartment, she had walked through the quiet streets of Nice, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the pavement. The Mediterranean breeze had been cool, yet mild enough that she didn't need her jacket.

As she stepped outside the dorm building, the breeze carried with it the scent of the sea. She made her way to the café, the familiar warmth of the place greeting her as she stepped inside. Fenna was already working behind the counter, flashing a smile when she spotted Daphne.

"Just in time," Fenna said, as Daphne tied on her apron and took her place behind the counter. The routine of work was comforting, allowing her to push aside the memories—at least for a while.

The familiar hum of the café filled the air, but despite the warmth inside, Daphne couldn't shake the cold feeling left by her memories. She carried the tray of drinks to a nearby table, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Fenna's voice broke through the fog of Daphne's thoughts. "Earth to Daphne," she teased, nudging her playfully. "You've been staring at that spot for five minutes."

Daphne blinked, shaking herself out of her reverie. "Sorry," she mumbled, wiping the table once more before turning back to Fenna.

Fenna handed her another tray. "Don't worry about it. I know you've had a lot on your plate," she said, her voice softening. "But you're doing great, really. Things will get easier. Trust me."

Daphne nodded, grateful for Fenna's support, but deep down, she knew her struggles went beyond adjusting to a new job. The warmth of the café, the laughter of the customers—it all felt so far removed from the life she once knew. The world she had left behind was one of secrets, power, and influence, and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't fully escape its shadow.

The flicker of a news broadcast on the TV caught her attention. The headline scrolled across the screen: Evian Grimaldi Still Missing: Speculation Grows as Palace Remains Silent.

A familiar unease settled in her stomach. Though she was no longer part of that world, the weight of Monaco's secrets still clung to her like a shadow.

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Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers! 💎✨

Welcome to the first chapter of Diamond Tears! I can't believe we're finally starting this new adventure together. For those of you who've been following along since Champagne Problems, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. And if you're new here, welcome to the chaos, drama, and romance that is Daphne's world. 🌟

This book is all about love, friendship, and the struggles that come with choosing your own path, no matter how hard the road might be. I'm so excited for you to dive back into the lives of Daphne, Riley, and the rest of the crew. Expect mystery, romance, and a few unexpected twists along the way. 😉

If you enjoy this chapter, please leave a comment or vote to let me know what you think! Your support means everything and helps me keep the story going. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @milaavermeer for updates, sneak peeks, and more behind-the-scenes fun.

Let the adventure begin! 💫