Eveline turned and took her hands. “He's here with us. In the best way.”
Emery nodded, composing herself. “You're right. And he'd be furious if we got upset on such a big night.”
“Absolutely furious,” Eveline agreed. “So let's make him proud.”
When they were both ready, Eveline reached for Emery's hand. “Ready for your big moment, Emerald Pearl?”
Emery smiled, but there was that nervousness again. “More than you know.”
THE GRAND HALL of the Bibliothèque Nationale sparkled with chandeliers. Eveline felt a flutter of pride as they entered, Emery's hand clasped tightly in hers.
“It's breathtaking,” Eveline said, taking in the ornate ceiling and marble columns.
Emery nodded, looking slightly pale. “I keep expecting someone to tell me there's been a mistake and escort me out.”
“Nonsense,” Eveline squeezed her hand. “Your book deserves this recognition. You deserve this.”
Before Emery could respond, Domi materialized in a cloud of expensive perfume and authority.
“There you are!” she said, looking unusually flustered. “Emery, we need you backstage immediately. Author things. Very important.”
“Now?” Eveline frowned. “The ceremony doesn't start for twenty minutes.”
“Preparations,” Domi said vaguely, already pulling Emery away. “Don't worry, I've arranged a prime seat for you. Front row, center.”
Emery cast an apologetic look over her shoulder. “I'll see you soon. Very soon.”
Eveline found herself being escorted to her seat by an efficient usher. As she settled in, she watched Domi across the room, phone in hand, gesturing emphatically while speaking in hushed tones.
Strange. Domi was usually unflappable, yet tonight she seemed almost… nervous?
The hall gradually filled. Eveline smoothed her dress, her thoughts drifting to the journey that had brought them here. From that first disastrous meeting to this glittering night in Paris, their path had been anything but straightforward. Yet Eveline wouldn't change a single misstep or spilled coffee.
Emery had brought chaos into her orderly life, yes, but also such joy, such unexpected love. For someone who'd once dismissed romance as frivolous fantasy, Eveline now foundherself living inside one, and happier than she'd ever imagined possible.
The lights dimmed, signaling the ceremony's beginning. Eveline sat up straighter, her heart swelling with anticipation and pride.
The ceremony commenced with elegant French introductions, each syllable flowing like music through the grand hall. Eveline leaned forward in her seat, straining to catch every word despite her fluency. Her attention was so focused on the stage that she barely registered someone slipping into the seat beside her.
“They're so formal, aren't they?” a familiar voice whispered. “Makes our book club meetings seem positively rowdy.”
Eveline turned sharply, astonishment freezing her in place. “Maya? What on earth—”
Maya sat there in an elegant floral dress, looking thoroughly pleased with herself. “Surprise!”
Before Eveline could process this apparition, a gentle tap came on her shoulder. She twisted around to find Jax grinning down at her, her tattoos mostly hidden beneath a sleek blazer. Beside her, looking surprisingly dapper in a suit, stood Ollie, their fingers intertwined.
“Don't tell me you started without us,” Jax whispered.
“How—” Eveline began, but was interrupted by Zara sliding into the row behind them, camera already in hand.
“Perfect timing,” Zara whispered. “I was afraid we'd miss Emery's category.”
Eveline felt dizzy with confusion. “What are you all doing in Paris?” she hissed, aware of the curious glances from nearby attendees.
Maya patted her hand. “We wouldn't miss this for the world.”
“But how did you—” Eveline stopped mid-sentence as understanding dawned. Emery's mysterious absences. Thesecretive phone calls. The constant meetings with Domi. It hadn't been about the ceremony at all.
