PARISIAN HEARTS

Chapter 5

The next morning, Isabelle found herself standing at the riverbank again, staring at the water as the city around her stirred to life. Paris was always at its busiest in the mornings—cars honking, tourists chattering, and vendors setting up their stalls—but in this moment, the Seine remained tranquil, a sanctuary from the chaos.

She hadn’t slept well. The decision to call Adrien weighed heavily on her mind. Marie had been right—opportunity doesn’t knock twice. Still, a part of her resisted the idea of reaching out to someone like him. Would it be her work they cared about, or was she just a tool for them, another rags-to-riches story to flaunt?

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the doubts.

The sound of footsteps behind her made Isabelle turn. Her heart leaped when she saw Adrien walking along the riverbank, alone this time. He hadn’t noticed her yet, his eyes scanning the water, lost in thought. There was something about him that looked different from the last time they’d met. He seemed… less composed, almost as if he were carrying a weight she couldn’t see.

“Adrien,” she called before she could stop herself.

He turned toward her, surprise flickering across his face before his usual calm demeanor returned. “Isabelle,” he greeted, walking toward her. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

Isabelle gave a small smile, still feeling unsure. “I could say the same about you. What brings you back to the river?”

Adrien hesitated, glancing away before he answered. “I come here when I need to clear my head. It’s one of the few places in the city that feels... honest.”

His words surprised her. From what she knew of his life, honesty didn’t seem to fit the world of wealth and business. “That’s funny,” she said. “I come here for the same reason.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them thickening. Isabelle could feel her pulse quicken as the weight of the conversation pressed down on her. Finally, she spoke. “About the other day—your offer...”

Adrien’s gaze sharpened. “Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking about it,” she admitted, biting her lip. “I’m not sure I’m ready for something like that. I don’t know if I fit into that world.”

Adrien frowned slightly, as if her words unsettled him. “It’s not about fitting in, Isabelle. You shouldn’t have to change who you are for anyone. Your art is what’s important.”

“But people like you,” she said, gesturing toward him, “you live in a different reality. You have power, influence... I’m just a painter trying to get by. What could we possibly have in common?”

Adrien’s eyes darkened as if her words hit a nerve. “You’d be surprised,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. “My life may look perfect from the outside, but it’s not as simple as you think.”

Isabelle sensed there was more he wasn’t saying, but before she could press further, his phone rang. Adrien glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. He didn’t answer immediately, but Isabelle could see the tension in his shoulders.

“I should go,” he said abruptly, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “But think about what I said, Isabelle. The offer still stands.”

And just like that, he walked away, leaving her with more questions than answers.