Page 24 of Johan.

His words cut through my defenses, and I look away, the truth too painful to face head-on. “It’s complicated. I don’t even know what I feel anymore.”

He nods, letting a few seconds go by before speaking again. “May I ask you something?”

I turn to look at him; his face holds a seriousness that is so foreign to him, and I nod, letting him make his question.

“Since when have you had feelings for him?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“Since my sister, Elise, introduced us,” I admit, my voice trembling. “But now that he’s officially engaged, I feel like I’m losing hope.”

Conrad takes another swig of vodka, then hands the bottle back to me. “If I may say, I think you need to move on. Just like Johan is doing.”

I take a long drink, the vodka burning a path down my throat. “Do you think he’ll ever break up with her?”

Conrad shakes his head gently. “I don’t think so. You’ll be, at best, his lover, his side-chick. Is that what you want?”

His words hit me hard, and I realize with a sinking heart that he’s right. By having sex with Johan last weekend, I’ve become the lover, the side-chick. I can’t let this continue. I wonder if Conrad knows about that weekend and if he’s subtly trying to tell me something.

We continue sharing the bottle, the alcohol making us more relaxed and open. The night air is cool, and I pull my shawl tighter around me, feeling the weight of the dossier hidden in my backpack. The mission isn’t over, but for tonight, I allow myself to lean into Conrad’s warmth and the hope that maybe, just maybe, there is a path forward that doesn’t involve heartache.

“I guess you’re right,” I say, my voice slurring slightly. “I need to move on.”

Conrad’s eyes soften, and he gives me a sympathetic smile. “You deserve better, Hannah. You deserve someone who will make you their priority.”

I look at him, the alcohol making me bolder. “Thank you, Conrad. For everything.”

He leans in closer, his hand still on mine, his grip firm and reassuring. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m here for you, whatever you need,” he whispers, his voice steady and comforting, his gaze unwavering.

His proximity, his warmth, it all feels so comforting, so right in this moment. Before I can overthink it, Conrad leans in and closes the small gap between us, pressing his lips on mine. It’s a gentle, tender kiss, filled with unspoken emotion. His lips are soft against mine, and for a moment, the world fades away. Conrad pulls back, his eyes wide with surprise and apology.

“I’m sorry, Hannah. I shouldn’t have?—”

“Don’t apologize,” I interrupt, my voice soft but firm. “I willingly accepted.”

We sit there for a moment, the air between us charged with new possibilities. His hand goes up on my cheek, his thumb gently caressing my skin. “Johan has no idea what he is losing.”

I can see the sincerity in his eyes, the quiet strength in his gaze. It’s a look that promises understanding and patience, something I desperately need right now.

The distant sounds of the party continue, but here, by the fountain, it feels like a different world. The garden is our sanctuary, a place where I can breathe and begin to piece together my broken heart. I don’t know what the future holds, but for now, I’m grateful for Conrad’s presence, his support, and the promise of something more.

“Let’s stay here a little longer,” I suggest softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Conrad nods, his arm wrapping around my shoulders, pulling me closer. “As long as you need, Hannah. I’m here.”

We sit in silence, the gentle sound of the fountain mixing with the distant laughter from the party, finding a sense of peace amid the chaos.

11

Johan

I stand on the balcony,staring down at the garden below. The soft glow of fairy lights casts a warm light over the scene, highlighting Conrad and Hannah as they sit by the fountain. I can see their faces, close together, whispering. Then, Conrad leans in and kisses her. My chest tightens, jealousy and rage consuming me. Howdarehe? My hands grip the railing, knuckles white, as I struggle to control the surge of emotions. To my dismay, Hannah doesn’t push him away. Instead, she leans into the kiss, her acceptance twisting the knife deeper into my heart. They remain together, Conrad’s arm around her shoulders, and my world shatters.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind me. I turn to see Ludovic approaching, a glass of whiskey in each hand. He smiles and offers one to me.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Ludovic says, looking out at the garden. “The stars are particularly bright tonight.”

I nod, accepting the drink. The cool glass in my hand is a small comfort, but it does nothing to quell the turmoil inside me.I force myself to take a sip, the burn of the alcohol grounding me somewhat.

Ludovic continues to gaze at the sky, his expression thoughtful. “You can see the constellations so clearly from here. It’s one of the reasons I love this place.”

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