PARISIAN HEARTS

Chapter 20

The days that followed were filled with a happiness Isabelle hadn’t known in years. With Adrien by her side, everything felt lighter, as though the weight of the world had been lifted. They spent hours exploring the hidden gems of Paris, laughing, talking, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Adrien, who had always seemed so composed, was now carefree, his joy contagious.

One evening, they found themselves wandering through the vibrant streets of Montmartre, the air filled with the aroma of fresh crepes and the sound of street musicians playing soft melodies. As they passed a vendor selling roasted chestnuts, Adrien stopped, handing Isabelle a small bag of the warm treats.

“Try these,” he said with a grin. “They’re a classic.”

Isabelle laughed as she bit into one, the sweet, smoky flavor filling her senses. “They’re delicious,” she said, her eyes sparkling.

They continued walking, stopping at a small café to grab coffee to go. At one point, Adrien pulled her toward the middle of the street where a musician was playing a lively tune on his accordion.

“Dance with me,” he whispered, his hand already around her waist.

Isabelle laughed in surprise but didn’t hesitate. In the middle of the bustling street, they twirled and spun, their laughter mingling with the music. People around them stopped to watch, some clapping along, but neither of them cared. In that moment, it was as if the world existed only for them.

When the song ended, Adrien pulled her close, his breath warm against her ear. “I’ve never been this happy,” he murmured, and Isabelle felt her heart swell.

They continued their journey, walking hand in hand through the city they had both come to love. Isabelle couldn’t believe how quickly things had changed. Adrien, who had once been a distant figure in her life, was now her closest companion, the man she found herself thinking about day and night.

As they walked along the Seine, sharing stories and laughing, a voice suddenly called out from behind them.

“Adrien? Is that you?”

They both turned to see a well-dressed man approaching, his eyes wide in surprise. Adrien tensed slightly, though he quickly smiled and extended his hand.

“Jean,” Adrien said, shaking the man’s hand. “It’s been a while.”

The man, Jean, glanced at Isabelle with a curious smile before turning back to Adrien. “I didn’t expect to see you here, especially not like this. And where’s Sophie? I thought you two were... well, you know.”

Adrien’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, and Isabelle could feel the shift in his energy. “She’s... she’s not here,” he said, his tone tight. “We’re not together tonight.”

Jean raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing the tension. “Ah, well, it’s good to see you, Adrien. And you, mademoiselle,” he said, nodding politely at Isabelle before walking away.

Isabelle watched Adrien as he exhaled slowly, his shoulders stiff. The joy that had filled the evening seemed to dim, replaced by a silence that neither of them knew how to break. They continued walking, but the lightness was gone, and Isabelle couldn’t stop thinking about what Jean had said.

Sophie. The name hung in the air between them, unanswered, unspoken.

When they finally reached her apartment, Adrien kissed her on the cheek, but Isabelle could feel the distance in his touch.

“Who’s Sophie?” Isabelle asked softly, her eyes searching his face.

Adrien paused, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. “She’s... just a friend,” he said, his voice steady but unconvincing.

Isabelle wasn’t sure why, but the way he said it made her chest tighten. There was something he wasn’t telling her, something important, and she could feel it.

“Just a friend?” she repeated, her voice laced with doubt.

Adrien nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just a friend. You don’t have to worry.”

But Isabelle did worry. She could see the tension in his eyes, the way he avoided her gaze, and she knew there was more to the story. But for now, she decided to let it go, not wanting to ruin the fragile happiness they had found together.

“Okay,” she said softly, though her heart was far from settled.

Adrien leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he whispered before turning and walking away, leaving Isabelle standing in the doorway, watching him disappear into the night.

As she closed the door behind her, Isabelle leaned against it, her mind racing. Who was Sophie really? And why did the mention of her name change Adrien so quickly?

She sighed, walking over to her small table and sitting down, staring out the window at the dark Parisian streets. The city, once filled with laughter and music, now seemed eerily quiet. And though Isabelle was falling for Adrien more with each passing day, the unanswered question about Sophie lingered in the back of her mind, casting a shadow over the happiness she had found.