PARISIAN HEARTS

Chapter 22

The days following the gallery showcase were a whirlwind. Collectors reached out, expressing interest in Isabelle’s work, and the gallery owner had already arranged for several pieces to be shipped to buyers. Isabelle was overwhelmed by the sudden rush of attention but also thrilled. For the first time, her art wasn’t just a dream—it was her reality.

Yet amid the excitement, there was always Adrien. He was her steady rock, offering quiet support whenever she felt unsure. They spent more time together than ever, sharing meals, laughing over inside jokes, and exploring the city. Paris felt more beautiful with him by her side, and Isabelle couldn’t help but wonder if this was what happiness really looked like.

One afternoon, Adrien picked her up to celebrate another sale. He took her to one of his favorite spots in the city—a cozy bistro tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. They sat by the window, watching the world go by as they sipped their coffee.

“You’re practically famous now,” Adrien teased, his eyes twinkling with pride.

Isabelle laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t know about that. I’m just trying to keep up with everything. It all feels... surreal.”

“You deserve every bit of it,” Adrien said, his voice softening. “Your work is incredible, Isabelle. I’m not the only one who sees it now.”

Isabelle looked at him, her heart warming at his words. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had believed in her like this. Adrien made her feel like anything was possible, like she could conquer the world if she wanted to.

As they finished their meal, Adrien suggested taking a walk along the Seine. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city, and the river shimmered beneath its light. They strolled in comfortable silence, their hands occasionally brushing against each other’s.

At one point, Isabelle stopped to admire the view, her eyes drifting across the water. “It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, almost to herself.

Adrien stood beside her, his gaze fixed on her rather than the scenery. “It is,” he agreed softly.

Isabelle turned to him, catching the look in his eyes, and felt her heart skip a beat. There was something unspoken between them, a tension that had been building over the past few weeks. It was more than friendship now—she could feel it. But she wasn’t sure if she was ready to name it.

They continued walking, the tension growing heavier with each step. When they finally reached a quiet park, Adrien stopped and turned to her, his expression more serious than usual.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” he began, his voice low.

Isabelle’s heart pounded in her chest. She wasn’t sure what he was about to say, but something told her it was important.

Before Adrien could continue, his phone buzzed. Isabelle instinctively glanced at it and saw a name flash on the screen: Sophie. Her stomach dropped. This wasn’t the first time she had come across that name—she had heard someone mention Sophie to Adrien before, and now this.

Adrien quickly silenced the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket, his face tense. The sudden shift in his demeanor was impossible to ignore, and Isabelle couldn’t help but feel a wave of unease wash over her. Who was Sophie, and why was Adrien hiding her?

They continued walking in silence for a few moments, but Isabelle’s thoughts were racing. She tried to brush it off, but now that she had encountered Sophie’s name twice, the feeling of suspicion grew stronger.

When they were finally alone again, Isabelle couldn’t hold back any longer. “Adrien,” she began, her voice steady but curious, “who is Sophie? This isn’t the first time I’ve heard her name.”

Adrien’s steps slowed, and he glanced at her before looking away. “She’s... a friend,” he said, but Isabelle could tell there was more to the story. He wasn’t looking at her, and his tone was too guarded, too careful.

Isabelle frowned, her unease deepening. It was clear that Adrien wasn’t being entirely honest with her, but for now, she decided to let it go. She didn’t want to push too hard, not when things had been going so well between them. But she couldn’t deny that the name Sophie now hung over them like a shadow, casting doubt on the happiness they had been building.

“Okay,” Isabelle said softly, though her mind still buzzed with questions.

As they walked through the fading light of the Parisian evening, Isabelle couldn’t shake the feeling that Sophie was more than just a friend. The tension between her and Adrien lingered, unspoken but palpable, and Isabelle wondered just how much Adrien was hiding—and what it would mean for them when the truth finally came out.