Forgotten Love

Chapter 2

As Allen walked out of the room, her shoulders slumped in defeat, the assistant quickly got up from her desk and ran after her.

"Ms. Allen, wait!" she called out, her voice low and urgent. Allen turned around, surprised, and the assistant caught up to her in the hallway.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I know how it feels. I've seen it happen to so many women who come here with their manuscripts. Mr. Browne...he's not interested in publishing books written by women. He thinks they won't sell."

Allen's eyes widened in shock. "But why do you work for him, then?" she asked. The assistant looked around nervously, ensuring they were out of earshot.

"I need the job, but I also want to help women like you. Let me give you some advice. Don't give up. There are other publishers out there who will appreciate your work. And..."

She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small piece of paper.

"Take this. It's the name of a publisher who might be interested in your book. But be careful, Mr. Browne has connections everywhere."

Allen's face lit up with a small smile, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time since leaving Mr. Browne's office.

"Thank you, Eleanor," she said, taking the piece of paper with the publisher's name.

"Just knowing that there are people like you who believe in me makes a big difference." Eleanor smiled back, her eyes warm with kindness.

"I know how hard it is to be a woman in this industry. We have to stick together." She paused, then asked, "Would you like to grab a cup of coffee with me? I'd love to chat more about your book and maybe offer some advice."

Allen's smile grew wider. "I'd love to." As they walked out of the building together, Eleanor asked, "How about we go to that new café down the street? I've been wanting to try it out."

Allen nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger who had suddenly become an ally. "Sounds perfect."

And with that, the two women set off into the afternoon, arm in arm, ready to take on the challenges of the publishing world together.

As they sipped their coffee, Eleanor leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"So, Allen, what's your dream? What drives you to keep going despite the setbacks?"

Allen's gaze turned inward, her voice filled with conviction.

"I want to show the world that women are powerful, that we have stories worth telling, and that our voices deserve to be heard. I want to share my life, my struggles, and my triumphs with everyone, to inspire others to do the same."

Eleanor's face lit up with a warm smile. "I love that. You know, I've always believed that women's stories have the power to change the world. We just need to be brave enough to tell them."

Allen's eyes shone with determination. "I'm ready to be brave. I'm ready to share my story, no matter what it takes."

Eleanor reached out, her hand covering Allen's. "Then let's do it. Let's make your dream a reality, together."

And in that moment, a bond was formed, a bond that would face many challenges, but would remain unbreakable.

As they strolled through the charming streets of Paris, Eleanor walked Allen to her apartment, a cozy little flat in the Latin Quarter. "Well, you're all settled in,"

Eleanor said, smiling. "Now, since you're new here, I think it's essential to explore this beautiful city together. And what better day to do it than Sunday?"

Allen's eyes widened with excitement. "I'd love that! I've always wanted to see the real Paris, beyond the tourist attractions." Eleanor grinned mischievously. "Leave that to me. I'll show you the hidden gems, the secret spots only us locals know about." She paused, thinking for a moment.

"I'll pick you up at 10 am tomorrow. Be ready for an adventure!" With that, Eleanor bid Allen adieu, leaving her to unpack and dream of the exciting day ahead.

As Allen drifted off to sleep, she smiled, feeling grateful for this newfound friendship and the promise of thrilling experiences to come. Little did she know, their adventures would be filled with laughter, tears, and moments that would change their lives forever.