Page 103 of The Substitute Fiancée

But we are alone in our bubble.

Just him and me. His mouth against mine. His arms around me. His heart beating against mine.

“Happy New Year,” I finally whisper.

33. Stepping Back

Samantha

We spend the day of January first together, just the two of us, savoring our last hours before I return to my friends. A gentle day, almost unreal in its simplicity.

A late breakfast—warm croissants, steaming coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice—by the fireplace. A movie we only half-watch, curled up together on the couch. Then love, slow and tender, as if we were trying to hold back time, to carve every sensation into our bodies.

I know the weeks ahead will be difficult. Despite Alexander’s growing attachment and his half-confession, I don’t know if we’re strong enough to face what’s coming. Each of us has a battle to fight, and I don’t know whether there will be room left in our lives for the other.

And yet I love him.

Desperately.

But love isn’t always enough, and there are so many obstacles between us.

The next morning at eight, Alexander drives me back to the apartment before heading to work. After wishing us a happy new year, Gilles takes us to the Marais. In the back seat, Alexander keeps my hand in his, his thumb absently brushing over my knuckles. And I know that letting me go costs him. I can see it in the tension of his jaw, in the slightly too-tight pressure of his fingers around mine. But we’re not ready for true commitment. It’s too soon.

He helps me carry up my drawing supplies. My heart races as I climb the stairs where I was attacked. Mara opens the door almost immediately. I hug my friends, then stop short.

The apartment is unrecognizable. Clean. Organized. The broken furniture has been replaced. There’s no trace left of the vandalism. The lock has been changed to a reinforced three-point system.

I wrap my arms around Mara.

“Thank you.”

Alexander sets my supplies down in my studio corner. The only remnants of the break-in are my canvases, leaning against the wall. The shattered frames, the slashed fabric tighten my chest, but I don’t have the strength to assess the full extent of the damage yet.

My bedroom, too, has been cleaned. I shiver at the thought that this place, which sheltered me for months, was violated by a stranger. How long will it take before I feel safe here again?

Alexander, who followed me in, pulls me into his arms.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asks softly.

“Yes. Don’t worry. Mara and Emelyne are here.”

He nods.

“I’m going to miss you.”

He kisses me, his lips lingering on mine, as if he’s trying to delay the inevitable separation.

“You too,” I say, forcing a smile. “Thank you for these few days.”

“Can I see you tomorrow night?” he asks, hopeful.

“This weekend would be better. Focus on the IPO. I’m going to work on my thesis project. I only have five months left to present something solid.”

Disappointment flickers briefly in his eyes.

“Okay… Friday night, then?”

“Yes. Friday night.”