Celine stood in the grand living room of her family home, her suitcases neatly arranged by the door. Her mother, Mrs. Juliette Dupont, was busy ensuring every last detail of their trip to Canada was in place.
Celine's heart was filled with a mix of excitement and sadness. She was leaving Paris, her home, and Lucien—the man she loved—for an indefinite time. But she told herself this sacrifice was for their future.
Lucien arrived promptly to escort her to the airport. He was dressed impeccably, as always, his expression calm and composed.
"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice steady.
Celine nodded, offering him a bright smile. "I'm doing this for us, Lucien. I'll make the Canadian branch so successful that you'll be proud of me."
Lucien returned her smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Celine. But I know you'll do an excellent job. The company is lucky to have you."
Juliette interrupted with a soft laugh. "Well, we better get going before the traffic becomes unbearable."
At the Airport
The ride to the airport was filled with light conversation. Celine spoke animatedly about her plans for the company, the strategies she'd implement, and her hopes for its success. Lucien listened patiently, nodding and offering occasional encouragement.
When they arrived at the terminal, Lucien insisted on carrying Celine's bags inside. The airport was bustling with activity, but Lucien's towering presence made them feel as though they were in their own bubble.
As they approached the gate, Juliette turned to Lucien. "Thank you for escorting us, Lucien. It means a lot."
"It's the least I could do," he replied smoothly.
Celine turned to him, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I'll miss you, Lucien. But I promise to call every day and keep you updated."
Lucien stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "Take care of yourself, Celine. Focus on the work, and don't worry about anything here. I'll handle things."
Celine leaned in and kissed his cheek softly. "I'll be back before you know it."
Lucien watched as she and Juliette moved toward the security checkpoint. Celine turned back one last time, waving with a radiant smile.
Lucien waved back, his face an unreadable mask. Once she disappeared from sight, he turned and walked briskly toward the exit, his mind already shifting to the next phase of his plan.
A New Beginning
As the plane soared into the sky, Celine leaned back in her seat, gazing out of the window. She felt a sense of accomplishment.
"I'll make Lucien proud," she whispered to herself.
Back in Paris, Lucien stood in the quiet of his mansion, staring at a bouquet of flowers he had ordered earlier that day.
"Soon," he murmured, his thoughts drifting to Sophie. His revenge was within reach, but as the silence of the mansion enveloped him, a sliver of doubt crept into his heart.