(Complete)~BOOK ONE OF THE ENDEARMENT SERIES~
Arabella hasn't had the best childhood, resulting in bad grades, rebel behaviour and mental health problems. She moves to a new school where she meets Jace.
Jace has a great family, friends and life. But...
In pursuit of my university degree in French, I found myself immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Parisian life, destined to remain here for two years of intensive learning and cultural exploration. The city of lights beckoned with its cobblestone streets, towering monuments, and bustling cafés, offering a rich tableau against which to sharpen my language skills and deepen my understanding of French culture.
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Stepping into the quaint café, I was enveloped in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that spoke of Paris's timeless allure. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the tantalizing scent of pastries baking in the oven. Soft jazz music played in the background, a melodic backdrop to the gentle hum of conversation that filled the cozy space.
Approaching the counter, I was met with a tableau that seemed lifted from a dream—a barista, her blonde hair cascading in soft waves around her face, her eyes guarded yet somehow familiar. It took me a moment to place her, but when I did, my heart skipped a beat.
Arabella.
The realization hit me like a thunderclap, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. How had I not recognized her sooner? Her presence seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, a beacon drawing me closer even as it filled me with trepidation.
As I placed my order, my hands trembled with anticipation, the weight of the moment pressing down upon me like a heavy cloak. Arabella's gaze never wavered, her expression inscrutable as she prepared my coffee with practiced precision.
When she handed me the steaming cup, our fingers brushed for the briefest of moments, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through me. It was as if time stood still, the world around us fading into insignificance as our eyes locked in silent communion.
But as quickly as the moment had come, it was gone, shattered by the harsh realities of the world outside. Arabella's smile was polite but distant, her eyes betraying no hint of recognition as she bid me farewell.
Exiting the café, I was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions—a heady mixture of longing, confusion, and determination. Arabella was here, in Paris, her presence a tantalizing enigma that begged to be unraveled.
Pulling out my phone, I dialed the number of our friend group, my voice trembling with urgency as I relayed the news. Arabella's presence in Paris was no mere coincidence—it was a sign, a harbinger of something greater than ourselves.
"I found her," I whispered into the phone.
As the line went dead, I was filled with a sense of purpose unlike anything I had ever known. Arabella was out there, somewhere in the labyrinthine streets of Paris, and I was determined to bring her home.
But as I set out into the city, my mind was consumed by questions—what had driven Arabella to leave everything behind and start anew in Paris? And what secrets was she hiding beneath her carefully crafted facade?
Only time would tell, but one thing was certain—I wouldn't rest until I had the answers. Arabella was counting on me, and I wouldn't let her down.
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