"So, I assume you and Charles have settled things, right?" Marianne adjusted her Tommy Hilfiger glasses on her nose, the bright white color of her glasses contrasting with her skin, reminding Adeline of a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cozy day.
"Yes. I'm sorry for missing our session last week," Adeline apologized. She hadn't missed a single therapy session since August! "We decided to take things slow. We had a date every single day," Adeline said, a beautiful smile gracing her lips.
These past few days had been simply amazing. Adeline had enjoyed every date with Charles, and this fresh beginning felt incredibly right.
Adeline had reached a point where she could openly share her past. Previously, her mind and life had been in constant chaos, and her heart had been empty. When she had started therapy, the void had been filled. Like a missing puzzle piece.
"I'm so happy for you, Addy!" Marianne laughed, clapping her hands in excitement. "Are you labeling your relationship?" She asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"Yes. We're girlfriend and boyfriend," Adeline beamed. Those words were rolling off her tongue so effortlessly, filling her with a sense of pride and happiness.
Marianne nodded with a warm smile. "Addy, I'm so proud of you for overcoming all of your fears. Doesn't it feel good?"
"It does! I feel like nothing's changed between us, and yet everything has changed," Adeline said. "I mean, we're more open. I am more open. I'm allowing myself to feel excited, to feel the butterflies in my stomach," Adeline admitted, feeling a warm flush creeping up her cheeks. Embracing the feeling instead of constantly denying it was something so fresh, so beautiful.
"And that's exactly what love is supposed to feel like," Marianne nodded, her deep voice having a soothing effect on Adeline. "What you've experienced with Hunter wasn't love."
"I just wish I realized this sooner. I wish I didn't push Charles away," Adeline let out a sigh. Even though Charles would never blame Adeline for anything, Adeline couldn't help but feel guilt somewhere deep inside. For hurting him, for not listening to him.
Nevertheless, Adeline constantly reminded herself not to carry guilt for her past trauma. It wasn't her fault. She deserved to heal and be happy.
"No, Addy. Embrace your own journey. Embrace the way you've dealt with your trauma and give yourself grace," Marianne gently disagreed, shaking her head and leaning in closer to Adeline, placing her elbows on her knees. "Many people who have been through similar things struggle to overcome them, and that is completely okay. However, you managed to do it. You used your love for Charles and your hurt to overcome your trauma. You transformed your past suffering into a source of strength, becoming someone who supports women facing similar challenges. I find this incredibly admirable, Addy."
The corners of Adeline's mouth curved into a genuine smile. "You always know the right words, doc," she chuckled. "Yes, you're absolutely right."
Marianne joined in the laughter. "I know I am. I'm an Oxford graduate!"
While heading home from therapy, Adeline received a picture from Charles showing Arthur enjoying her signature cookies (yes, she had made him a batch—only for him). Seeing him stuffing his mouth with two cookies at the same time, she couldn't help but burst into laughter. Adeline replied to Charles she couldn't wait to see Arthur and Lorenzo at the party. She was so excited!
When Adeline reached her home, she started searching for the keys in her bag. However, she heard some unusual noise coming from behind the door, causing her to furrow her brows. As she found her keys, she resolutely stepped into her apartment without any hesitation or fear.
"If you're planning to rob me, I'm a fucking lawyer, so you better jump out of that window before I catch you! Plus, I'm very good at punching and kicking, just ask Gasly!" Adeline swiftly removed her heels and hastened towards her living room, determined and ready to confront any potential intruder.
The moment Adeline laid her eyes on Knightley, happily running around her apartment and greeting her as if they hadn't seen each other just two hours ago, she instantly knew there was no intruder present, but rather someone else.
"Surprise!"
Adeline widened her eyes in shock, seeing Hazel and Pierre pop a confetti in her living room. She noticed a sign in their hands with Hazel's unmistakably neat handwriting that read: "Congratulations on opening up, Daddy Addy!"
"What's going on, you guys?" Adeline dropped her bag on the floor with laughter, making her way to hug Pierre and Hazel. "I mean, good to see you, but why are you two here? Together?" Adeline asked after pulling away, her gaze shifting between the two. "Oh my god, I hope you didn't do it on my couch."
Pierre shook his head, meeting Hazel's gaze. "We're not doing anything. However, since you, a very stupidly headstrong woman opened up–"
Adeline's brows furrowed. "Thank you, Pierre. You always know how to compliment a woman."
"I can't stand you sometimes, Pierre. Be nice!" Hazel rolled her chocolate eyes, and if she wasn't holding the banner in her hands, she would probably hit Pierre in his shoulder.
"Let me finish!" Pierre exclaimed, watching Adeline cross her arms over her chest. "What I wanted to say... We also decided to talk. We're going to start working on my merch by the beginning of January, and we needed to clear the air. Also, you opened up to Charles, which is huge! And also the reason why we made all of this!" He threw his free hand in the air, grinning from ear to ear.
"There's nothing between us, I swear. And we're so proud of you, Addy. We wanted to let you know that, and also that we're here for you," Hazel added with a warm smile.
Adeline nodded, her eyes catching sight of a cake adorned with white frosting on the table, and a smile crept across her face. The realization that her best friends, who hadn't been talking to each other, had set aside their differences and come together to organize a small celebration for her, warmed her heart. Even the fact that they were celebrating her opening up to Charles—who would do that? Adeline was sure that her best friends were simply one of a kind.
"We are truly so proud, Addy. And we're so happy to see you back with Charles," Pierre said, and Adeline could feel the blush in her cheeks once again. She felt like a teenager in love, and it was the most beautiful feeling. However, her blushing moment was interrupted when Pierre with a frown redirected his gaze towards Hazel. "By the way, I didn't like the look on your face when you said there's nothing between us. You chuckled, almost as if you were denying that there was something!"
"Oh god," Adeline let out a loud sigh, but her friends seemed to forget she was there.
"Well, what do you want me to do?" Hazel lifted one of her eyebrows, letting out a sarcastic chuckle once again. "I obviously can't deny we slept together, but that's it. We both know it was a stupid idea."
Pierre's brows furrowed, and without thinking, he released his grip on the banner, causing it to flutter down to the ground. "Of course it was! But you can't deny that the sex was good. I was good."
Adeline's eyes darted back and forth between her best friends, a look of disgust etched on her face. "I think I'll throw up," she mumbled.
"Well, I was good as well. You can't deny that, Mr. Perfect," Hazel declared, flinging the banner aside before crossing her arms tightly across her chest.
A mischievous glint danced in Pierre's eyes as he tilted his head, almost as if he was enjoying this situation. "I'm sorry, are you complaining that I made you come every single time?"
"Enough!" Adeline shouted out, her frustration reaching its peak as she slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand. "First of all, stop talking about sex. I don't want to imagine you two together, okay?" She let out a deep breath, attempting to push the unsettling image of Hazel and Pierre engaging in any intimate activities far from her mind.
"And second of all, you guys seriously need to talk about your issues! You have to work together, and in order to do that, you should stop this madness!" Adeline exclaimed and Knightley barked as if he agreed with his mom. "See? Even Knightley thinks you two are acting crazy!"
"I'm so sorry, Addy. We're idiots," Hazel shook her head immediately, realizing that this day wasn't supposed to be revolving around her and Pierre's fighting. "But speaking of sex, how has the make-up sex been?" A playful smirk appeared on Hazel's lips.
Before Adeline could take a breath to answer, Pierre interrupted her, clicking his tongue dismissively. "Oh please, she hasn't had sex. I can see it in her eyes."
Adeline raised an eyebrow, her patience wearing thin. "Uh, I'm sorry? Do you want me to punch you? Because you know I'll do it."
Hazel rolled her eyes. "Come on, they used to do it all the time. Of course they had sex! Right?" Her gaze turned to Adeline, searching for confirmation in her expression. However, instead of a reassuring smile, Hazel noticed Adeline shifting her weight nervously from one leg to another. The realization hit Hazel, and she couldn't hide her surprise. "You didn't?!"
"We're taking things slow. And we're perfectly comfortable with that!" Adeline declared, clearing her throat to emphasize her point. Deep down, she truly believed that taking things slow was the right approach. However, there was no denying the growing tension between her and Charles. Especially after the kiss in the park and many kisses in her apartment.
Pierre exchanged a quick, confused glance with Hazel. "Really?"
"No, I'm frustrated as hell," Adeline groaned. "But I really am happy with taking things slow. It feels more natural," she let out a sigh. After all, she valued this slow pace and a fresh relationship more than anything.
"That's completely okay, Addy! This shouldn't be rushed," Hazel responded with an understanding nod, a warm smile gracing her plump lips. "Let's leave behind the sex talk and focus on making you a cup of coffee to go with that cake!" With that, Hazel approached her blonde best friend and affectionately wrapped her arm around her.
Pierre followed the two women to the kitchen, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "Let's have this sex talk after his birthday party."
—————————
hi lovelies! if you haven't noticed, yes, my username changed from "zuzistories" to "lxvenderhze". <3 no worries, i won't be changing it regurarly. you can see the reason behind this change on my message board, hope it won't cause any confusion! but still call me "zu", please! 🫶🏻
ALSO, I JUST PUBLISHED THE CHARACTERS AND INTRO FOR 'ILLICIT AFFAIRS'! go check it out if you wanna see the story of hazel and pierre and see more of addy an charles! <3 i thought it was great to publish after this chapter full of their content hehehe!
i never thought i would publish the second book of my book series, but here we are, and it's all because of your support and love!!!
love, zu 🫶🏻