Just for Tonight

53.

Chloe posted the interview on her social networks, and it was widely shared by all the fans. The number of views quickly reached the million mark, then exceeded it.

Ville stayed by her side for a few days, waiting to return to Europe.

"How do you live things, Beautiful?", she asked him softly.

"I'm not sure. On the one hand, I know we did what we had to do. But ... I had to expose ... my friends, you ... and you of all people should know how much I hate that".

"I know and again, I apologize for the whole ... mess".

"When you walked onto the studio, I thought the journalist was going to cry. A few too many surprise guests for her", he laughed. "But you ... what a presence in front of the camera. What calm! I was proud of you, really".

One last point bothered him.

"Chlo ... how could he have known you worked at the restaurant?".

She pondered. She couldn't think of many explanations.

"You know I often forget to lock my door. One evening, I came home and had a strange feeling, like shivers down my spine. Nothing had moved in place, and yet it was as if someone other than you or I had come to our house ... there was something in the air, I don' t know how to explain it rationally ... ".

"And this person, if anyone did get in here, could have seen papers, or payroll ....Promise me to lock up, please. This guy's dangerous, honey. I'm not comfortable leaving you alone, especially since the interview".

"We didn't say anything ... in the sense that we didn't talk about him. No names, no direct accusations. As difficult as it was for me, by the way".

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me to Europe? I'd be both so happy and reassured if you were by my side. Try to see if you can take some time off, won't you?".

"Ville, I'll be fine. Migé is just a stone's throw away, if needed".

Ville took a box from his pocket and handed it to Chloe. "It took me a while to find exactly the same one, but I haven't forgotten," he said softly.

She opened the box and was immediately overcome by emotion. She threw herself around his neck.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Beautiful!".

He helped her put the bracelet around her wrist.

"Why... has this bracelet remained so important to you?", he asked, looking at her intently.

"How can I tell you... It was like an invisible link between you and me. The symbol that I'd really lived a beautiful story with you. I needed to feel it on my wrist every day to ... just keep going on. During a... fight with Raf, the clasp broke and I left it in a drawer in the bedroom."

"She ... Emy... I suspect she threw away the pendant you made for me".

He sighed, then took her face in his hands.

"Chlo, honey, promise me ... don't run away. Ever again. Even if sometimes we have an argument or trouble happens ... and it will happen again ... stay. It's the only thing I ask. When I saw your apartment for rent, my heart really broke".

"I promise. When you said, in the interview, that we' re stronger than ever, that' s how I feel. But Ville ... he's still likely to create problems, precisely as a result of our appearance on television".

"If anything weird happens, I want you to tell me and Migé. Trust your instincts".

---

Her phone rang.

"Chlo, have you finished your shift?", Migé asked her.

"Yes, I just closed the restaurant. Why?".

"I was wondering if you didn't feel like dropping by my place, so we could watch TV or talk. I miss my friend, you're so busy right now ...."

"He asked you to spend time with me, right?".

"Yeah, you know he's worried, but it's true that I miss you too and want to hang out with you".

"I'm just stopping by my place to change and I'll be right there, Migé." She smiled as she hung up. Even from a distance, Ville was watching over her. The tour was going well and, since their appearance on television, the media had been regularly publishing positive articles. For the first time in a long time, the weight on her shoulders seemed lighter.

She arrived home and mentally admonished herself. Once again, she hadn't locked her door. She went inside and fumbled for the light switch. Everything happened very quickly. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. She fell to the floor, stunned. There were two hooded men in the room, as far as she could see. She felt kicks raining furiously down on her back and stomach. The pain took her breath away. Memories came flooding back. Those blows had a signature, a name. She clenched her teeth. If she'd make any move, the situation would get worse. She didn't cry. Otherwise he'd win. She'd never be weak again. She distinctly heard one of her assailants say: "Now he's finished with you". Another violent blow to the face and then she lost consciousness.