Between our hands

Chapter 80 : Unveiled Affinities

The next morning, the first rays of sunlight slowly filtered through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden light. The air was soft, filled with the subtle scent of jasmine floating in the morning breeze, seeping through the slightly open window. Maëlle was the first to wake, her eyes still heavy with sleep, but her heart felt light. She turned gently to the side to watch Samy, who was sound asleep beside her. His face was serene, almost childlike in repose, his features relaxed, a slight shadow of stubble covering his jawline.

Maëlle lay there for a long while, taking in every detail of this face she knew so well and loved more each day. Her heart swelled with infinite tenderness. She moved a little closer, her hair brushing against his shoulder, and without waking him, she pressed a delicate kiss to his forehead. This simple gesture felt like a silent confession, a promise to keep savoring every moment with him.

She then rose slowly, careful not to disturb his sleep, and slipped out of bed with caution. Each step was measured, so the creaking floor wouldn’t break the calm of this peaceful morning. Once in the bathroom, she took a moment for herself, observing her reflection in the mirror. There was a new light in her eyes, something calm yet vibrant. She took a long shower, letting the warm water flow over her skin, washing away the remnants of sleep and the thoughts of the night before.

Once ready, she decided to prepare a little surprise for Samy, a sweet idea to extend the magic of their morning. She discreetly made her way to the palace kitchen, carefully selecting a few crisp croissants, fresh from the oven, some fresh fruits carefully sliced — strawberries, mangoes, pieces of melon — and brewed some coffee, letting the rich and comforting aroma fill the room. She added a personal touch: a sweet note, written on a small piece of paper, which she placed gently on the tray.

Back in the bedroom, she set the tray on the bedside table, already relishing the thought of Samy's reaction to the surprise waiting for him upon waking. She sat beside him on the bed, her fingers softly gliding over his cheek and through his hair, caressing his face with infinite gentleness.

Samy slowly opened his eyes, still wrapped in the light veil of sleep. He blinked as he saw Maëlle, a soft and sincere smile illuminating his face. "Good morning, my love," he murmured, his voice husky, as it always was upon waking. He took her hand, gently squeezing it, the warmth of his palm heating hers.

"Good morning," she replied softly, her smile growing wider. "I thought we could start the day with breakfast together, before everything becomes too busy."

Samy sat up slightly in bed, glancing at the tray beside him. He let out a light laugh, touched by the gesture. "You really know how to make my mornings perfect," he said, pulling her gently towards him and kissing her on the temple.

They enjoyed breakfast simply, in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Every bite was shared with laughter, knowing glances, and small gestures of tenderness. The croissants melted in their mouths, the coffee was both strong and smooth; everything seemed to taste of perfection that morning.

But this bubble of tranquility was suddenly interrupted. Maëlle felt her phone vibrate repeatedly on the bedside table. Initially indifferent, she eventually glanced absentmindedly at the screen and noticed the names appearing. A wave of messages from old contacts, names she hadn’t seen in years, people who no longer truly held a place in her life. Her face immediately closed off, her gaze hardening. A mixture of frustration and anger filled her as she saw these same "friends" who had once ignored her, now reappearing, drawn by her new life. She tossed her phone to the foot of the bed, irritated by this opportunistic attention.

Samy, ever observant, noticed her shift in mood right away. He leaned over calmly, picked up the phone, and handed it to Maëlle gently. His smile was reassuring, as always, an invitation to not let it bother her.