Morning slowly crept into the villa. The orange light brushed the walls, reflecting on polished furniture and family photos hanging on the walls. For Mel, every ray of sunlight seemed too bright, too revealing. Her head felt heavy, still foggy from alcohol and the memory of last night with Antoine. She sat on the bed, wrapped in a white robe. Her heart raced, but not with the excitement of the previous night. No—it was guilt. The guilt of crossing a line she should never have crossed.
Her hands trembled slightly. She thought of Andrew, the trust he had placed in her, the stable and quiet life he offered. And then Antoine. The fire, the passion, the stolen kisses… She lowered her head, ashamed. Even if she knew it had been only a mistake, even if Antoine hadn't forced anything, the weight of what had almost happened was crushing.
Footsteps on the hardwood floor pulled her from her thoughts. Andrew entered the room, a cup of coffee in hand, still looking a little sleepy.
— You're awake… he said softly, noticing the fatigue on her face. Last night… you came home very late. Where were you exactly?
Mel lowered her eyes, cheeks burning. — I… I just… went for a walk… to get some air. I felt dizzy, that's all.
Andrew set down his cup and took her hands in his. — You know I don't want to judge you, he murmured, but I felt something was off.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. — Andrew… nothing happened. I let myself make a mistake, but it's nothing, really nothing. I don't want it to affect us… you and me.
Andrew looked at her gently, not pressing further, sensing the weight she carried was bigger than her words. He hugged her briefly, then left the room so she could breathe.
Later that morning, Mel ran into Antoine in the living room. Their eyes met, and her entire body froze for a moment. He approached, but this time, she didn't retreat physically, only emotionally. She needed to speak.
— Antoine… she began, her voice firm despite the inner trembling. Last night… what happened… it was a mistake. I… nothing should ever happen between us. Ever.
Antoine looked at her, surprised and slightly hurt. — A mistake? he murmured. But you don't seem to believe that…
— I do! she exclaimed, feeling his anger and frustration rising. I came here to live with this family, to be loyal to Andrew… I didn't come to break a family or give in to my desires. Last night was… a moment of weakness. I deeply regret it.
Antoine stayed silent for a moment, eyes dark. — So, you're pushing me away?
— Yes, she said, categorical. — Because it's the right thing to do. And because I refuse to put this family in danger.
A heavy silence fell. Antoine, despite his obvious desire, forced himself to step back and slowly nodded. The tension was still there, but the line was clear. Mel felt her chest tighten: that intense desire wouldn't disappear, but she had to contain it.
Life in the villa slowly resumed. Maëlys was preparing university documents in the living room, focused, while Henri watched her from a distance, his gaze occasionally sliding toward Evan, who entered through the garden door with a gym bag. Henri felt his heart tighten; he had never dared confess his feelings to Evan, and seeing the friend he cared for surrounded by girls brought a mix of envy and silent frustration.
Evan didn't notice. He greeted Maëlys and Henri briefly, then turned to the kitchen to make coffee. Henri remained there for a moment, watching him, wondering if he would ever find the courage to tell him how he felt.
Later in the afternoon, Ethan returned from work, tired but attentive. He nodded at the villa occupants. Maëlys smiled, exchanging a few words about her classes and projects. Ethan, usually reserved, seemed to search for something in Maëlys' gaze—support, a spark of complicity.
— Do you want to go out for a drink tonight? Maëlys asked with a mischievous smile.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, hesitant. — I don't know… I'm exhausted.
Henri, still in his corner, observed the scene. The family dynamics, unspoken feelings, subtle glances… everything intertwined. Antoine quietly approached to talk to Henri about trivial things, but his eyes kept returning to Mel, who was seated in an armchair, pensive.
Mel spent the afternoon reflecting, unable to concentrate. Every interaction with Antoine, every glance exchanged, every restrained smile made her shiver. She knew her marriage with Andrew had to remain her priority, but that mistake had sown a turmoil she couldn't ignore.
Henri, on the other hand, observed Evan with almost painful attention. Every laugh, every gesture of Evan with the girls reminded him of how invisible he was to him. But he said nothing, remaining silent, waiting for a moment when maybe… someday… Evan would notice him.
Evening approached. Maëlys and her brother, Antoine, and Ethan had prepared for a small outing into town—not a club, just a casual social moment. Mel hesitated, but Andrew returned early that evening, and she chose to stay at the villa, thinking it safer. She settled on the balcony, watching the city lights flicker, thinking of what she had done, what she needed to fix within herself before things got out of hand.
Antoine quietly joined her, taking a seat beside her on the balcony ledge.
— Are you sure about what you said this morning? he asked softly.
— Absolutely, she replied. — I can't let this happen again. Even if… there's something, I won't give in.
He looked at her for a long time. His desire was obvious, but he finally respected her boundary. — Good… he said finally. But know that I won't forget this easily.
Mel inhaled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew it wouldn't be simple; every day would be a battle between desire and loyalty, but she had to stand firm. Andrew, the family, the villa… all of it mattered more than fleeting impulses.
The rest of the evening passed with realistic interactions:
Maëlys preparing documents
Henri observing Evan and Antoine
Ethan working on his projects
Mel meditating on her emotions and the guilt gnawing at her
No impulsive gestures, no forbidden closeness. Just glances, conversations, and a palpable tension promising that the fire between Mel and Antoine was not extinguished, but for now, restrained.
Night fell, the villa regained its calm facade. Mel fell asleep with the certainty that her choices the next day would be crucial: protect her family, preserve her marriage, and survive the dangerous desire that had left its mark.