My Personal Stalker

Chapter 12: Overcoming

François led me through a narrow street towards a little cafe. He pulled one of the chairs back. "Here you go, ma chérie."

I was completely dazzled. We were sitting in a courtyard which was surrounded by colorful flowers. "Where exactly are we? This place looks amazing."

"It's called 'Little Paris'. I love to come here when I'm feeling a little down or when I'm homesick."

After a few seconds one of the waiters came up to us with a big smile on his face. "Bonjour, what would you like to drink?"

"One Cappuccino, s'il vous plaît.", François ordered.

"I would like to have the same, please.", I said giving him back the menu.

"So... do you want to talk about it? You don't have to if you don't want to..." He took my hand into his own.

"No, it's fine." I took a deep breath before continuing. "The guy who came up to our table earlier is my ex boyfriend Mark. I caught him cheating with... it doesn't really matter."

"And what did he mean when he said you owed him? He sounds like an idiot. You don't owe him anything, Chloe."

"It's complicated..." In that moment the waiter came back with our coffees.

"Two cappuccinos for the couple mignon."

"Merci" François let go of my hand while the waiter placed everything on the table. After the waiter was gone, he leaned in closer and wiped away a tear from my face. "I'm here for you, Chloe."

I smiled through my tears as I continued. "Mark was there for me when my little brother died... My brother Finn got caught up in some criminal business and was shot." I swallowed hard at the thought of my baby brother. We were really close when he was little until... "The police is still not sure about all the details but his killer was caught."

François' eyes were filled with empathy and pity. "I'm so sorry, Chloe. I had no idea..."

"It's okay. I've had a lot of time to deal with his death and Mark has really helped me through everything. He was always there for me and my family. He even helped plan Finn's funeral..."

"So that's why he thinks you owe him something? This is ridiculous. Everyone in their right mind would have been there for you in such hard times."

"Not Mark... He does nothing out of kindness." I clenched my fists at the thought of Mark's betrayal.

"You can't let him get to you then. It sounds like Mark is just using you for his own good."

"I know. I should have broken up with him sooner. But at least I got rid of him now."

"Yes, that's all that matters." He smiled at me brightly. "And who was that other guy that stepped in before?"

"You mean Noah? He's one of Mark's teammates and friends... or former friends. I've known him since first grade although he has always been a bit distant." Of course, I left out the part where I imagined Noah while being in bed with Mark or where he tried to help me at the party after Mark left me alone. François didn't have to know everything...

-

"Thank you for everything. I don't know if I would have made it through the day without you.", I said to François after he had taken me home.

"Bien sûr, I will always be there for you when you need me, Chloe." He caressed my cheek with his hand. "You look beautiful by the way."

I looked down at my feet blushing but François lifted my head up again. He came closer, carefully pulling me towards him. I thought about pushing him away. My life was a mess right now and I had just broken up with Mark. Still, it felt so good to have someone's full attention. During these last few hours he managed to make me feel special and appreciated, more than Mark ever did.

François leaned in closer and brushed his lips against mine. It felt so right and so wrong at the same time. I knew I shouldn't return the kiss but by heart was aching for more.

He intensified the kiss sending shivers down my spine. But no, this couldn't be happening. In a split second I pulled back from him. "I'm so sorry but I just can't...", I stammered before rushing inside and closing the door behind me.

There were a few knocks on the door before he finally gave up and left. Although I hated myself for doing that to him, it was the right choice. I couldn't even trust myself at that time.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

Un: I see that you've found a replacement for Mark pretty quickly

Me: Shut up! It's not like that...

Un: Okay, so what is it like then?

Me: It was a moment of weakness after everything that happened

Un: So the whole day that you just spent with him was a moment of weakness?

Me: Why are you acting like this? It's still my own business who I'm with

Un: That may be true but I can't protect you if you're being so foolish...

Me: Who said I wanted your protection?

Un: I owe it to you

Me: What do you mean? We haven't even met in person

I collapsed onto the floor tired of all the lying and all those secrets. I just wanted a normal life without any drama. Was that really too much to ask for?

—

Author's Note:
Hey loves, I hope you liked this chapter about François.

What do you think about François' little surprise for Chloe?
Were you surprised by Chloe's confession about her brother?
Was Chloe wrong for kissing François so shortly after her breakup with Mark?
And why does Chloe's "stalker" think he / she has to protect her?

If you like this story so far please vote, comment, add it to a reading list or share it with your friends. It would mean a lot to me ♥️