You... and Me - Tome 2 E-Book

Adams Emilia

• Herausgeber: So Romance - INT
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: You… and Me
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 323

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Will Léa's dark secrets destroy Adrian and Zoé's happiness?

Ever since she found out that Adrian might be the father of Léa's baby, Zoé no longer knows what to think. Will she destroy a possible family happiness by staying with him? Where will their story lead them? Can she trust him and accept his increasingly strong feelings? ⠀
Adrian, for his part, is convinced of two things: he is not the father of the child, and he can no longer live without his fiery Red Tigress. So, he is ready to do anything to uncover the truth. But how far will that take him? ⠀

This second volume of You... and Me is just as explosive. Enjoy a wonderful time with your favorite quirky couple thanks to Emilia Adams’ lively and addictive writing style.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mother of three, Emilia Adams is a huge fan of the band The Strokes. A dreamy young woman with a touch of madness, she loves writing and enjoying life with a good cappuccino or pastry! After Hate me! That’s the game!, she begins a new saga with So Romance: You... and Me.

Leseprobe

Cover

Title page

Chapter 1“Where Is Happiness”(Christophe Maé)

Zoé

I wake up with a start, drenched in sweat, my heart pounding like a drum. The light filtering through the slats of the blinds tells me I’ve just had a nightmare. A nasty dream where Léa was telling Adrian she was pregnant with his child. But… where am I? This isn’t my room! No, this one isn’t as colorful as mine. The walls are yellowed, and the curtains are as old as the ones that used to hang in my grandmother’s house—brown with little red flowers. A single crooked painting of an autumn landscape is the only thing attempting to brighten this dreadful place. It’s not very charming.

I push the hideous, faded pink blanket off my body and get out of bed in a hurry. Panic overwhelms me, and my legs start to shake. As soon as I step out of the room, I remember why I’m here. I collapse to the floor, curling up as tears stream down my cheeks.

It all comes flooding back. Léa really is pregnant. Adrian was with her when I arrived at his studio. In that moment, I panicked, and the only solution that came to mind was to run. I’ve never been much of an athlete, but yesterday I could’ve won an Olympic medal for endurance. I ran straight to the metro and headed to my workplace. Julien, my sweet boss, immediately opened his arms to comfort me.

He tried to reason with me, but his words weren’t enough to chase away my bitterness. At that moment, I thought about Adrian’s happiness and this baby. Seeing him with Léa brought back memories of my ex, Matt. That guy was having a great time with me while he had two kids and a wife waiting for him at home every night. When I discovered his secret, I swore I’d never let something like that happen to me again. I’m not a homewrecker. Knowing Adrian is going to have a baby terrifies me. I’m scared that nothing will ever be the same between us. Scared he’ll leave me to build a life with Léa and their newborn. Scared I’ll be an outsider in their story. I’d rather leave now before I get even more attached to him. But it feels like it’s already too late because the feelings are there.

Seeing me in such a sorry state, Julien offered to let me stay with him, and I accepted without hesitation. His place is above his café. It’s not big, but it’s enough for him since he lives alone. I gave him the keys to my apartment so he could grab my suitcase. Luckily, he didn’t run into Alicia or Adrian. When he came back, he insisted I eat something, but I couldn’t swallow a bite. I retreated to the guest room and cried almost the entire night.

I’ve received countless calls from Adrian and my sister. I reassured Alicia as best I could, telling her I needed to be away from home. I never told her where I was. But I know what’s coming. She’s going to curse me and ruin my entire vacation. Not that it matters—they’re already ruined. Léa destroyed everything.

“But… what are you doing here, little one?”

Julien crouches in front of me and places a calming hand on my head. A loud sob escapes me.

“It’s time to get ready.”

“I don’t want to go anymore.”

“How about a swift kick to get you moving?” he snaps coldly.

I furiously shrug off his hand and stand up, pouting, arms crossed over my chest. I must look like a spoiled brat, but I don’t care.

He scrutinizes me, frowning, then points a finger in my direction:

“You’ve got thirty minutes to shower and get dressed. So… do me a favor and get ready, and then I’ll take you to the airport as planned. This vacation will do you a world of good.”

I glare at him. I hate being ordered around.

“I just told you I don’t want to go anymore!” I exclaim sharply.

“And I said I’m taking you!”

He matches my tone.

“Twenty-nine minutes! The countdown has started, little one.”

I let out a deep sigh and storm into the guest room, slamming the door behind me. The ridiculous painting falls off the wall and crashes to the floor. I don’t even look at it. I throw myself onto the bed, letting my sorrow pour out.

Tears flood my eyes as memories of Adrian resurface: our electric meeting at the pub, his teasing and undeniable boldness, our fiery kisses, our explosive nights together, our wonderful weekend in Cancale. I regret nothing. No! Not a thing! Adrian gave me all the love I was searching for. He made me happy and pulled me out of my shell, but the journey has come to an end. It’s time to plant my feet back on the ground.

***

I step into the airport and look around for the check-in counter. I dragged my feet coming here, but I eventually gave in to Julien. He’s right about one thing. The southern air will probably do me good, and I need to see my parents. I miss them.

Julien steps in front of me, blocking my path, and locks his warm hazel eyes on mine. He gives me a half-smile and wraps his comforting arms around me. He smells like fresh laundry.

“Promise me you’ll come back all tanned and full of energy?”

I pull away from his embrace, staring at the ground.

“Okay… fine, at least full of energy,” he insists. “The tan doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t tan anyway,” I mumble, my voice shaky.

He lifts my chin, so I’ll look at him. My lips tremble and part slightly.

“You should think about talking to him. Maybe he’s not the father.”

I shake my head. It feels like I’ve been hearing the same song on repeat since last night.

“You know exactly how I feel about this.”

He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment.

“I don’t see why you’re making your life so miserable. That guy seems to care about you a lot. Stop being so stubborn. You’re the one putting obstacles in your own way. You should listen to your heart.”

My nerves snap:

“But my heart is lost!” I scream like a madwoman.

My pulse skyrockets, like a barometer about to burst. And why is everyone staring at me like that? Haven’t they ever seen an angry woman before?

I growl, grab my suitcase, and rush toward the check-in counter. Julien steps in front of me again, blocking my way.

“Zoé! Listen…”

He places a gentle hand on my shoulder and says softly:

“I’m your boss, but I’m also your friend. Today, it’s your friend talking, and he wants you to realize how much it hurts him to see you like this.”

My heart tightens. I have to admit I haven’t been very kind. I’ve been snapping at him while he’s doing everything he can to comfort me. Sometimes, I deserve a slap.

I take a slow breath to calm myself a little.

“I’m sorry, Julien. Thank you for wanting to take care of me, but I can’t control my emotions right now. I’m lost, and I need to sort this out before I make any decisions.”

He drops his arms, completely discouraged. I hate the sadness in his eyes. I’m going to cry… Oh no…

“I hope you make the right choice.”

I wish I could say the same to him.

“Well… we’ll talk about it when you get back. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

I force a smile and whisper:

“I’ll try. Thank you… Thank you for everything.”

He hugs me again. I close my eyes, savoring his comfort, but when I open them, my heart skips a beat. I freeze. Standing in front of me is Adrian, completely devastated. Oh my God! He hasn’t even combed his hair. It’s sticking out in every direction. He must not have slept all night. His tanned face has lost all its glow, and dark purple circles have formed under his eyes.

“I… I have to go, Julien. See you later.”

I quickly pull away from his embrace and rush toward the check-in counter. I pray Adrian doesn’t follow me. No, don’t come. Don’t make this harder than it already is. Go home. But I know he’s there. I can smell him near me. My breath catches when he places a hand on my shoulder.

“Zoé…”

His melancholic voice sends a shiver down my spine. A sob escapes me.

“What were you thinking? Why are you doing this to me? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

He steps in front of me, takes my face in his hands, forcing me to look at him. His sorrowful eyes meet mine, equally filled with pain.

“Why, Zoé? Tell me.”

My lips part, trembling, but only the tears streaming down my cheeks express what I feel.

“I… I want you to understand that I care about you, and without you, I’m nothing.”

I don’t know what to say. He doesn’t break eye contact. Everything feels blurry. His mouth moves closer to mine. What is he doing? He’s not going to kiss me, is he? Oh my God, he is! And like a fool, I let myself go, closing my eyes. I’m too weak; I can’t resist. It reminds me of how much I reveled in his love. He takes me to another world, one where you feel happy and forget everything. For a moment, nothing else exists. A delicious kiss that makes me float, like a drug you can’t quit. But I quickly snap out of it. We can’t keep doing this. It’s over.

I pull away from his lips, the ones I love more than anything, and move back. I feel limp, drained, weak. That’s what happens when you don’t sleep!

I shake my head. He looks stunned.

“We can’t, Adrian.”

“Why? I don’t understand what’s happening either. But I’m sure Léa is lying. I don’t believe for a second that I’m…”

I cut him off:

“The father! You’re the father, Adrian! Why would she lie about that?”

Damn it! Now I’m getting angry. Just hearing her name drives me crazy.

“Because she wants to ruin my life. But damn it, Zoé! Stop being so stubborn!”

I flinch at the rising volume of his voice.

“Have you even tried putting yourself in my shoes for a second, Adrian? Have you thought about how I felt when she told you that?”

“I don’t care about Léa. Can’t you listen to me for once? What about me? Have you thought about how I feel? I wasn’t expecting her to come and tell me something like that! And you… you believe her. Whose side are you on, for God’s sake?”

His gaze darkens, almost as black as his T-shirt. The last time I saw him this frustrated was when he spotted Valens. He’s mad at me. But he better not think I’m going to back down.

“I’m not on her side! I’m lost! Do you get that at least?”

He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. His anger is still palpable, and so is mine. I’m not giving in. I hate being spoken to like a child.

“I thought you were smarter than this, Zoé!”

I’m going to lose it if he keeps this up.

“So, what… you’re telling me you’re leaving me because of this damn lie?” he yells, raising a trembling hand.

“Yelling at me isn’t going to make things better! And this isn’t the place to talk about it.”

He should leave. People are watching us, and I feel uncomfortable.

“You started it, just so you know! You’re so stubborn. You’re ruining your life when happiness is right in front of you.”

Our eyes lock like two vampires ready to tear each other apart.

“You should go. We have nothing more to say to each other right now.”

“So, this is how it ends?”

My stomach twists.

I don’t know what I want, Adrian. Just give me time.

Tears roll down my cheeks again. I feel like I’m going to faint. My legs are trembling, my head spinning like a propeller. I’m so exhausted.

“Your silence is breaking me. You’re destroying me.”

“No, I don’t want to destroy you. Oh! My God! I feel awful.”

“Okay… If that’s what you want… I’m leaving.”

He spins around and bolts toward the exit. No, come back…

“Adrian! Wait.”

He doesn’t turn around. My voice isn’t strong enough, and I don’t have the energy to chase after him. It’s over. Is it really over? Oh, damn! I just ruined everything. I’m such an idiot. What was I thinking? That everything would magically work out?

My shoulders slump. My gaze drops to the floor. I’m completely crushed. But I jump when I hear my name. I lift my head. Alicia appears in front of me, furious, dragging her suitcase behind her. Oh no! Is she going to start too?

“You,” she says, pointing a finger at me. “You’re in for it!”

She shoots me a murderous glare. I should have locked myself in Julien’s guest room. I feel like turning back.

“What were you thinking, leaving me like that without telling me where you were? I was worried sick. Adrian told me everything. Poor guy! Did you see the state he’s in? Do you see the pain you’re causing him?”

Poor guy? And what about me? Does anyone think about me? And… damn it! It’s none of her business. I’m about to explode.

“I think you owe me an explanation! You’re such a brat!”

I want to rip her head off and shove her words back down her throat. But I hold back because, once again, I feel like we’re being watched.

“If I were you, I’d shut up, or you’re in for a rough flight!” I threaten her.

“This isn’t over! You won’t get away with this.”

I roll my eyes before replying, “Say whatever you want. I don’t care!”

She mutters a curse before joining the check-in line, fuming with anger. I love my sister, but right now, I think she’s gone too far. I’ll stand my ground, whether she likes it or not.

***

The flight was dreadful. An hour and a half of enduring my sister’s horrible remarks. An hour and a half of wishing for an emergency exit. If it had been possible, we would have been kicked off the plane. The flight attendant came over more than once to tell us to quiet down. What an embarrassment!

We’ve just landed in Nice. For late morning, the air is stifling. It’s too hot. I hate this heat. I feel like I’m in a sauna. I’m already sweating. It’s awful. I can tell I’ll be spending my vacation wearing nothing but a swimsuit.

I take off my black cardigan and tie it around my waist. Alicia does the same and ties her blonde hair into a ponytail.

“Do you love him?” she blurts out in a sharp tone.

She gives me a nasty look. Seriously? Is she ever going to stop harassing me like this?

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from answering her and instead gaze at the clear sky.

“I asked you if you love him?” she presses.

I growl, glaring at her. She’s just put on her sunglasses.

“What does it matter to you?”

My heart races in my chest. I’m trying to fight back my anger, clenching my fists. I can’t take her relentless badgering anymore.

“What does it matter to me? Well, I want to know if you regret leaving Adrian in such a sorry state!”

She’s mentioned this at least a hundred times since we were on the plane. She’s exhausting me.

“Change the record already! It’s getting tiresome hearing you say the same thing!”

I grab my suitcase furiously and stride quickly through the airport. I spot my mother in the distance, walking toward me. What a relief! Alicia will finally leave me alone.

“Mom’s here,” I shout, turning toward my sister, who’s fiddling with her phone.

I don’t know if she heard me, but I don’t care.

I walk toward my mother, stunning in her ivory suit. Her platinum blonde hair is styled in a low bun. A “Pandora” necklace adorned with a small purple pearl graces her neck, and dangling earrings add an elegant touch to her sun-kissed face. She’s incredibly beautiful. I’ve always compared her to Kim Basinger. Same kind of woman.

She hugs me tightly and kisses my cheek.

“I’m so happy to see you. I’ve missed you so much.”

I give her a hesitant smile.

“Me too, Mom.”

She studies my face, her brow furrowing.

“Oh… I don’t like that look. What’s got you in such a state?”

I lower my eyes. I wish everyone would just leave me alone, but my mother knows nothing about my situation and didn’t even know I had a boyfriend.

“A broken heart?” she asks.

She gently lifts my chin with her hand. My eyes immediately well up with tears. Damn it!

“Oh, sweetheart! I’m so sorry,” she says in a very soft tone. “Do you want to talk about it?”

I shake my head and wipe my eyes.

“Alright… okay, we’ll talk about it later. Did the flight go well?”

“No,” my sister suddenly snaps in a very dry voice.

She elbows me in the arm.

“Ouch! Stop it, Alicia!”

We glare at each other. She needs to stop provoking me like this!

“Girls, stop it! What happened to make you hate each other so much?”

“She didn’t tell me where she was last night. I was worried!”

My heart pounds in my ears. I close my eyes to keep my anger in check. I think it’s going to be difficult.

“Your sister isn’t a baby anymore. And I’m sure she has a reason for that.”

My mother looks at me with a small smile. I have nothing to say. And I’m getting tired of everyone piling on me. It’s time to set things straight.

“I want everyone to leave me alone! I’m an adult, and I decide what I want to do with my life. So from now on, I don’t want anyone bothering me, or I’ll spend the entire week locked in my room!”

My mother and Alicia stare at me, speechless.

“Okay, well… let’s go. We’re not starting the vacation with a fight. I think you both need some rest,” my mother says, her cheeks turning red as if she’d just gotten sunburned.

Alicia stays silent, but I know she’ll come back to lecture me. Maybe when I’m less angry, I’ll be able to make her understand how I feel. For now, I only want one thing: sleep. I must look like a zombie.

I put my suitcase in the trunk of my parents’ red Clio and sit in the back while Alicia takes the passenger seat.

“Before we get home, I have something to ask you girls,” my mother says as she backs out of the parking spot. “I’d like you to take care of your father tomorrow afternoon while I prepare his little party.”

Great! He’ll be thrilled! He hates surprises! And I doubt I’ll be able to distract him since my mind won’t be at ease.

“No problem, Mom. Zoé and I will find a way to keep him entertained. Right?”

Alicia turns her head toward me, lifts her sunglasses, and scrutinizes me sternly.

“Yeah… no problem, Mom,” I confirm, lowering my gaze to my handbag.

Yeah, right! I know I won’t manage it!

I open my bag and turn on my phone. No messages or calls. I sigh and put it away. I don’t even know why I checked. What was I hoping for? That Adrian would text me something like “Have a great vacation” or “I’ll miss you”? After the way I sent him off, that’s not going to happen.

Serves you right, Zoé!

We arrive in Saint-Raphaël an hour later. As soon as I step out of the car, the smell of the sea hits my nose. It reminds me of my childhood, building sandcastles or collecting shells when the tide was low. Every year, I used to vacation with my parents. They’ve always loved the air of the Southwest.

I admire the house’s façade. It’s adorned with flower boxes in all sorts of colors. They own a white stucco villa in a residential neighborhood, close to the beach. It has a large courtyard decorated with numerous marble statues and shrubs.

My father is waiting for us at the door, dressed in a light gray suit and a white shirt. I don’t know how he can stand wearing such an outfit in this heat. The temperature must be around 30 degrees. But that’s just like him. He doesn’t mind lounging in the sun dressed like that. In truth, he hates spending time on the beach. He’s more of a homebody. My mother has to use all her persuasion to get him to go out.

He opens his arms wide, and Alicia immediately throws herself at him. Meanwhile, I’m ambushed by a puppy scratching at my calves. Lucky, my parents’ chow-chow. I wince as I inspect my skin, reddened by his claws, then I pet his head. He can’t help but nibble on my fingers.

“Lucky! That’s enough,” my mother exclaims. “Get inside the house.”

Lucky doesn’t obey. He keeps bouncing around me. Luckily, he stops when my father walks over and wraps me in his arms. He hugs me tightly. Too tightly. He’s on the verge of suffocating me. When he lets go, he brushes my cheek with his fingertips. I feel like I’m about to soak his nice shirt.

“You look sad,” he says, his golden-brown eyes locking onto mine. “Aren’t you happy to see us?”

I inhale and exhale slowly. No way am I going to cry. My father scratches his bald head, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t be silly, Dad. I was looking forward to coming.”

“Then why the long face?”

“Because she just dumped her boyfriend,” Alicia blurts out in an aggressive tone.

And here we go again! If she keeps this up, I’m taking the first flight back to Paris. I won’t be able to endure her comments much longer.

“You had a boyfriend?” my father asks, surprised.

“Yes, and she just made a huge mistake,” Alicia answers for me.

I flip her off to show my frustration, then grab my suitcase from the Clio’s trunk. I storm into the house.

“Zoé!” my father calls out. “Don’t be mad.”

I turn around, my face full of pain, annoyance, and sadness.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” I shout. “Leave me alone!”

I walk down the hallway and enter my room, angrier than ever. Still, I try to calm myself down, even though I feel like punching a wall to release the black rage coursing through my veins.

I leave my suitcase in a corner and do a quick yoga session. I close my eyes, place a hand on my stomach, inhale, and exhale. Meh… I’m still in the same state. I don’t know how I’m going to calm down.

I step into the living room. This is my second time here. The house is large and spacious. Everything is white except for the red curtains covering the French doors leading to the terrace. My mother is a plant enthusiast. They’re everywhere. She also loves photos. Several frames decorate the walls.

I venture outside and sit on a wooden chair. My eyes wander over the garden. The lawn is immaculate. Fruit trees provide some shade. There’s also a rectangular pool and a swing. A little haven of peace. However, I wonder if this scenery will help me relax. I’ve never felt so low. Unfortunately, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who ruined everything. Alicia is right about one thing. I hurt Adrian when everything hit him like a ton of bricks. I didn’t think; I panicked. I think I’m in for a disastrous vacation.

Chapter 2“Don’t Leave”(Shy’m)

Adrian

Sitting on the couch, a beer in one hand, I stare at my phone without taking my eyes off it for a second. Nothing. No message. No call. She’ll change her mind. It can’t end like this! I know she cares about me. I saw it in her eyes, and besides, she wouldn’t have let me kiss her. No! It’s impossible. Our story isn’t over. Don’t leave, Zoé…

I wandered aimlessly through Paris. I spent hours in my car, hoping she’d come home. I was scared something might happen to her. It could have. Doesn’t she realize my night was a living hell? No, just a message saying it’s too complicated for her. But why? What Léa said isn’t true. I’m not the father of her child, damn it! Why won’t she listen to me, even a little? Why is she so stubborn? I don’t care about Léa or her kid. All I want is that redhead who caught my eye the moment I saw her. I want her and nothing else.

She was wearing a lovely black lace dress, her hair pulled up in a loose bun, her complexion pale. It broke my heart to see her like that. I wanted to kiss her again and again, hold her in my arms, touch her. One kiss. It was too quick. We didn’t have time to really talk things through. I left, even though I didn’t want to. But there was no point in insisting. And now? What’s really going to happen? Does she really want to leave me? I have to do everything I can to get her back. I’m certain we can go far together, and I don’t want to awaken my old demons.

I take a long swig of my beer and open the Facebook app. It’s been ages since I last went on there. Maybe she has an account. I never thought to check. There’s nothing interesting on my newsfeed. My sister is complaining about being tired, an old classmate just shared some ridiculous songs, and some Sabrina is posting pictures of her cat getting into trouble. I should probably clean up my feed.

No messages, but the little “friend request” icon shows I have a pending request. I click on it. My heart does a somersault in my chest. Zoé Simon. Damn! Am I dreaming? My Zoé? Yes, it’s her. Cheerful, dazzling, wonderful. A smile revealing perfectly white teeth, her hair styled in a braided updo. This request is from July 5th. And why didn’t she tell me? She must have been looking for information about me. How bold!

Her profile is empty. Too bad. Still, I accept her request. An idea crosses my mind.

I abandon my beer on the coffee table and stand up.

“What are you doing?” Seb asks when he sees me heading for the front door.

He gives me a questioning look while putting a glass away in a kitchen cabinet, a dish towel slung over his shoulder.

“Nothing that concerns you.”

He scrutinizes me, frowning, then checks his watch.

“You okay?”

“Yeah…”

Yeah, right! I look like a corpse. I’m in no shape to go anywhere.

“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes. I suggest you don’t go far.”

I grab the door handle. A wedding photoshoot awaits us. Damn it! I don’t want to go.

“I’ll be downstairs if you need me. I won’t be long.”

“You sure you’re okay?”

No, Seb! Nothing’s okay, and you know it!

“I’ll be better when she comes back,” I say in a hollow voice.

I feel like I spoke as if I’d just learned of a death. But what I’m feeling is pretty much the same. If Zoé doesn’t come back, my heart will wither like a flower losing its petals.

I rush down the stairs and enter my personal space. I settle into my leather chair. I know I’m going to hurt myself by opening the “Cancale” folder, but Zoé didn’t get the chance to see the photos from our vacation, and I’d like to show her a few. Maybe it’ll make her think. Will she realize we had the perfect happiness?

I click on the photo album and scroll through the beautiful masterpieces. Sure enough, a knot forms in my stomach. Zoé is radiant. My favorite is the one where we’re in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms, our bodies covered only by a white sheet. We were so happy. I love her little face after we’d let ourselves go, her hair a mess, her cheeks flushed. I’ll never forget her playful act in that sexy nurse outfit that night. I loved how she’d surprise me. It was so amazing.

I close my eyes for a moment, trying to push away the melancholy. It’s hard. I see her everywhere. She haunts my thoughts every second. I really thought we’d go far, this fiery redhead and I. I wouldn’t say I was ready to get married since our relationship was still new, but I could see myself living with her. She drove me crazy, and I’m still addicted. Addicted like a drug, like a sweet treat you can’t give up. I’m really going to miss her cherry-flavored lips.

I send her some photos through Messenger, along with a short message:

Some memories from our vacation in Cancale. I hope you’ll take the time to look at them. Moments like these are really going to be missed.

They’ll definitely be missed. I was so happy.

I close the laptop, heartbroken. I pray she changes her mind. I don’t want to be the person I used to hate, the jerk I was. Correction: the total asshole I was! She has to give me a chance to be the man I’ve always been. The good Adrian, not the bad one.

For God’s sake, don’t leave, Zoé! I need you so much!

Chapter 3“Fuck You”(Lily Allen)

Zoé

My eyes are clouded with tears as I get out of bed. I haven’t slept. I’ve done nothing but brood. The result? I’m just as lost as before. Still, I have to admit I miss him terribly. Alicia had asked me a question: “Do you love him?” Of course, I love him. But I don’t want to ruin his life. So, I prefer to stay silent.

My head is spinning horribly. I sit on the edge of the bed and close my eyes for a few seconds before standing up again. I haven’t eaten anything since I left the photo studio, and the weakness is starting to catch up with me.

After a few minutes, I take a deep breath and move toward the window, shuffling like a snail. I open the shutters to let light into my room. I find it pretty. It’s decorated with numerous round pink rugs. The walls are painted in light gray and violet tones. There’s a small bookshelf filled with books and DVDs, as well as a shelf with several board games. I remember those games. They’re the ones we used to bring along to keep ourselves entertained during vacations.

I run a hand through my hair as I glance at myself in the heart-shaped mirror decorating the wall opposite the bed. I still look like a zombie. My skin has never been this pale. I hope the sunlight already flooding the room will help me regain some color. But I doubt it will change anything if I never sleep.

I grab the black cardigan I left at the foot of the bed and slip it on before leaving the room. I venture toward the patio door in the living room, where I spot my parents and Alicia having breakfast on the terrace. On the wooden table are croissants and chocolate pastries. The smell of coffee wafting to my nose makes me feel nauseous.

“You don’t look like you slept well,” my father says, rising from his chair.

He places his hands on my shoulders, kisses my cheek, and looks me straight in the eyes. Worry is etched on his face.

“Is the bed uncomfortable?”

“No, Dad, it’s comfortable.”

I let out a weary sigh, free myself from his embrace, and then greet my mother and sister with a kiss. Alicia sizes me up from head to toe. Is she going to start already?

“Have you looked at yourself in a mirror?”

Well, there it is again!

I roll my eyes and sit down on one of the garden chairs.

“Are you going to decide to call him?”

I scowl. I think I’m in for another bad day.

“Are you going to spend your vacation looking like that?”

“Stop meddling in my life!”

“You should be thanking me. You’d never have met Adrian…”

“Leave me alone, Alicia!” I shout furiously, standing up. “Yes, I’ll thank you. Do you know why?”

Her eyes bore into mine with a severe look. My lips start to tremble.

I explode:

“It’s your fault! You lied to me when you said Anna had slept with him. All that just to make me jealous! And of course, I fell for it like an idiot. So, thank you for trapping me!”

My heart is pounding wildly.

“Calm down, girls,” my father growls, slamming his fists on the table. “Alicia, stop bothering your sister, and you, Zoé, eat!”

I shake my head.

“I’m not hungry.”

My mother sighs:

“You’re scaring me, Zoé! Just because you’ve had a heartbreak doesn’t mean you should let yourself go.”

I’ve had enough!

“Yes, Mom’s right. You look like a corpse.”

That’s it! I’m going to rip her hair out if she keeps going, but I prefer to slip away.

I send the garden chair flying and run inside, tears streaming down my face.

“Zoé!” Alicia shouts. “Come back! Okay… I’m sorry!”

Too late!

I lock my bedroom door and collapse onto my bed. I burst into tears. What a miserable vacation! I thought being with my parents would change my mood, but I was wrong. No one understands me. No one wants to support me. I don’t know how I’m going to get through all this alone.

My tears eventually dry up. I get up from the bed. My eyes burn like an unrelenting fire. Alicia is right. I look like a corpse. Damn it! What have I done? It’s all my fault. I’m the one who decided to put barriers back in my path. I was happy with him. I had regained my confidence. And now? What am I going to do on my own? Should I check on him? I wonder how he’s doing. Is he sad or still angry with me? And what if he’s already forgotten me? Oh, my God! I don’t want to think anymore. It’s time for me to get some sleep.

***

My mother’s smile greets me as I venture into the garden. Under a pergola, she has set up a long table adorned with a white tablecloth and a red runner, with several bouquets of flowers in terracotta pots. The chairs are draped in ivory covers, a stereo sits on a table, and several balloons are tied to the wrought-iron pergola. It almost feels like a small wedding. And the view from here is stunning. The fruit trees provide some shade to the yard, and the rectangular pool looks inviting.

“Did you get some rest?” she asks, her voice soft and soothing.

She’s stacking red cups into a pyramid on a table set with plastic plates and cutlery.

“Yes,” I say, checking my watch.

It’s almost 5 p.m. I can’t believe I slept that long.

“Where’s Dad?”

I remember she had asked me to distract him so he wouldn’t notice his surprise.

“He went for a walk with Alicia at Cap Dramont.”

Dad went out? It’s a miracle!

“Oh… great. That’ll keep them busy.”

“Yes, but he figured out I was planning a little party for him. We can’t hide anything from him.”

I smile as she glances at her watch.

“They shouldn’t be long. I need to hurry and finish.”

“Do you want me to help?”

“I’d appreciate it. There are some toasts to prepare. Everything’s in the fridge—salmon and pâté. I’ll take a shower before the guests arrive.”

I nod and turn to leave, but she calls after me:

“Zoé… Do you want to talk about your friend?”

Oh no, Mom! Anything but that!

I turn back, my eyes starting to glisten with sadness.

“There’s no point. It’s over.”

Her expression is filled with concern.

“I know you need to talk about it. Alicia told me what happened.”

My heart races. What business does she have meddling in this?

“Don’t be mad at her. She feels bad for you, you know.”

Feels bad? The only thing she’s done is yell at me. Okay, fine, I admit I provoked her a little.

I take a deep breath to avoid breaking into sobs.

“You must know the whole story if she told you everything.”

She steps closer and wraps her arms around me.

Mom, if you do that, I’m definitely going to cry.

“From what she said, he seemed like a kind man.”

Kind… A sly smile creeps onto my face. Very provocative, insolent, a bit arrogant, but also protective and playful. I miss all of that already.

I sigh.

“Why don’t you try talking to him? Maybe you can find a solution together? Just because his ex showed up claiming he’s the father of her child doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you, Zoé.”

My face goes blank. I feel awful.

“You’re punishing yourself by staying silent. Don’t make yourself miserable.”

“I didn’t say he doesn’t love me. But… I don’t want to ruin that child’s life. He needs a family. I’m not his mother.”

She raises an eyebrow, her hands resting on my shoulders.

“Who said you’d ruin that child’s life? He’ll be happy, I’m sure of it, and that doesn’t mean he can’t have a stepmother who loves him too.”

“But I don’t want to mess everything up. Maybe Adrian would be better off with his ex to raise him.”

“You’re talking nonsense, Zoé! Why would he go back to a woman he hates just to make his child happy?”

I shrug. Why did I even think that?

“You should think about it.”

“But I’m afraid of getting too attached to him and then losing him.”

“You should talk to him. You’re hurting yourself. If he came to win you back, it’s not for nothing.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, trust me. If he just wanted a fling, he would’ve moved on by now, and… that’s not the case.”

What have I done? I realize I reacted this way because of Matt. Yes, because of that man who cheated on his wife and spent time with me instead of his kids. But Adrian isn’t like him. Oh, my God! I’m so stupid. My mom has always given good advice.

“Well… I’m going to take a shower now.”

“Thank you for talking to me.”

She flashes me a radiant smile before kissing my forehead.

“Don’t hesitate to come to me when you’re feeling down. A mom is here to listen.”