SEBASTIAN
Remi finally seems more at ease, and I have to admit, when he’s not tense or guarded, he’s actually... kind of nice. If he’d stayed in that tightly wound, twitchy version of himself, I’m not sure how long I could’ve managed.
But I get it. The whole situation, me, Maddie, our history, must have been a lot for him to process. And honestly? I can’t blame him.
When Maddie told me she wouldn’t be in London when I arrived, and that her boyfriend would be the one welcoming me, I seriously considered backing out. The idea of staying with a complete stranger who, let’s face it, had every reason to be wary of me?It was terrifying. But not as terrifying as going straight home and facing my parents. So here I am.
And honestly? I think I made the right choice in trusting Maddie.
Her boyfriend, strange and reserved as he might be, has been more open and generous than I ever expected. A bit awkward, sure. But undeniably kind.
I think we’ll manage to share a roof for a few days without too much trouble.
Still, as kind as he’s been, I really do want to find my own place as soon as possible. I don’t want to overstay my welcome, and more than that, I don’t want him to see me if I fall apart.
I’m genuinely glad she found someone like him after all the chaos I left behind. Someone steady. Solid.
Someone who gives her the safety and peace she’s always deserved.
She’s always been smart, and this time, I think she made a good choice.
Beneath all that seriousness and restraint, I can sense it: Remi has a good heart.
And the fact that he’s been kind to me, despite everything…
That says more about him than words ever could.
Tonight’s invitation proves it. He’s giving me the chance to get to know his friends, to feel a little less like a stranger here.
After so many years in France, I’ve lost touch with almost everyone in London. Apart from a few professional contacts, and let’s be honest, they’re not exactly the people I want to spend my evenings with. Not when I could be seeing Anne again. And maybe even getting to know Remi’s circle.
Hopefully, they’re a bit more relaxed than he is…
Although, to be fair, his awkwardness is actually quite charming. And there’s no denying that, nerdy-professor vibe aside, Remi is, well… very attractive. With those broad shoulders, slim waist, and that gorgeous blond hair, I’m pretty sure he’d turn heads anywhere.
Even in a potato sack.
Still, I really shouldn’t dwell on thoughts like that.
Yes, I find him attractive.
But Remi is completely off-limits.
He’s Maddie’s boyfriend. And, as far as I know, straight.
If someone like him ever looked at me that way… I know myself well enough to admit it, I’d fall. Hard. But that’s not reality. And right now, I’ve got far more important things to focus on. Like trying to clean up the mess I left behind four years ago.
Tonight, though… Tonight I just want to breathe. To enjoy Anne’s company. To laugh. To feel, even just for a little while, like I belong somewhere. And when the moment comes, I’ll tell her the truth. The real reason I left. The part I’ve kept hidden for far too long.
CHAPTER 4
REMI
By the time we reach the Blackbird, after a relaxed, easy walk, I notice Sebastian’s gone quiet.
Just before we head inside, he folds his arms across his chest, like he’s suddenly cold. His teeth catch his bottom lip, and he shifts his weight from foot to foot.
He looks uncertain. Vulnerable.
