The villa was silent, only disturbed by the soft ticking of the clock and the wind rustling the curtains. Mel sat on the sofa, her hands clasped on her lap, her gaze lost in the city lights through the bay windows. Her mind was still full of remorse for the evening with Antoine.
Andrew, who had been home for several hours, watched her from the entrance of the living room.
— Mel… he murmured softly. You seem… elsewhere.
— I… I was just thinking, she replied, almost in a whisper.
— I understand… said Andrew, sitting beside her. Listen, this week has been… complicated for both of us. Tonight, I want us to take a moment for ourselves. Just you and me.
Mel looked up at him, surprised. — Just you and me? she murmured.
— Yes, said Andrew, taking her hand. I know you carry a lot on your shoulders, and I want you to know that I am here. Always.
She took a deep breath, letting a mix of gratitude and relief wash over her. — Thank you… she murmured. Thank you for thinking of us.
The dinner took place at a small nearby restaurant, chosen by Andrew for its intimate and warm atmosphere. The candles on each table cast a soft glow, and the subtle scent of flowers lingered in the air. Andrew guided Mel to their table.
— You look beautiful tonight, he murmured.
— Thank you… you look handsome too, she replied with a shy smile.
— So… how was your day? Andrew asked, pouring a little wine into her glass.
— Tiring, but normal… Mel replied. Many thoughts, especially after… last night.
Andrew lowered his eyes slightly but held her hand. — I know. And I want you to know that no matter what happens, I am here. We can get through everything together.
— Thank you… she said, feeling a slight shiver.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Henri and Maëlys were in the living room, between the office and the kitchen, working on their school projects. Henri watched the city through the bay window, his mind preoccupied with Evan.
— You're still thinking about Evan, aren't you? asked Maëlys, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Henri blushed slightly. — I… I don't know… he replied, avoiding her gaze.
— Don't lie to me, she said. You always blush when you think about him.
Henri sighed. — Maybe… but he'll never notice me.
— You know, you should talk to him, Maëlys replied. Even just a word or a smile matters.
Henri shrugged, embarrassed, but his attention remained on the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Evan.
At that moment, Ethan returned from work, tired but attentive.
— Hey, he said. What are you up to?
— We're talking about Evan… Henri muttered, a bit embarrassed.
— Ah… Ethan smiled knowingly. — Maybe you should tell him how you feel, man. You can't just stand there watching him and wait.
Henri looked away. — It's complicated…
Maëlys interjected teasingly. — Complicated or excuses?
— Maybe both… Henri sighed.
Antoine, who was passing by to tidy up some things in the living room, added:
— You're still talking about Evan? You're hopeless.
— And you, Antoine, how was your day? Ethan asked.
— Tiring… always work, Antoine replied with a sly smile. But it's fine. And you two, are you still stuck in your complicated love stories?
— As usual, Maëlys replied with a little laugh.
Meanwhile, Mel and Andrew finished their dinner. The walk in the nearby park was gentle and peaceful.
— I'm glad you planned this… murmured Mel, the cool evening air making her shiver.
— I knew it would do you good, Andrew replied. And I wanted us to take this moment to breathe, talk, and just be ourselves.
— I know… I… she murmured hesitantly. I feel guilty… about Antoine.
Andrew looked at her, understanding. — I know you have complicated feelings, Mel. But we're here now. And I'm here, by your side.
Mel rested her head against his shoulder, enjoying the reassuring touch. — Thank you… truly.
Back at the villa, all the residents had gathered in the living room.
— So, how was dinner? Antoine asked, curious.
— Perfect… replied Mel with a slight smile.
— I bet he spoiled you again, Maëlys laughed.
— Always, Andrew replied with a smile.
Henri watched Evan, a mix of jealousy and admiration in his eyes. Ethan, sitting near the fireplace, talked about his day at work and shared a few jokes with Maëlys. Antoine, discreet but present, contributed with small teasing comments, adding spice to the conversation.
— You know, Ethan said, looking at Antoine, sometimes you should be a little less serious.
— And you, Antoine replied with a smile, should be a little more attentive.
Laughter spread throughout the living room. Mel felt her heart completely relax. She knew that despite the tensions, the attraction to Antoine, and all the complications, the family remained united, and Andrew was there for her.
— Good night, murmured Andrew to Mel later in the bedroom, taking her in his arms.
— Good night… she replied, a peaceful smile on her lips.
For the first time in several days, Mel felt that love and loyalty could soothe troubled hearts, even when emotions were complicated and past mistakes lingered.