Page 110 of Arianna

Besides, it was the perfect outfit choice for this day. Where it is quite cold, but no snow has fallen yet.

I hate the cold.

The snow, as well, but somehow here with them, I feel anything but cold.

The streets, trees, and most of the businesses have been decorated with Christmas lights, displays, and decor for the season.

Garlands hang from the front steps of the small businesses, and wreaths hang from ribbons in the windows. There are sleds by the front doors, wreaths, miniature Christmas trees all over the pavements, and more.

It is as if Christmas exploded all over this wonderful city.

Straight out of a Disney fairytale.

A dream that was too perfect for someone like me.

So, jaded.

Angry.

It seemed so out of reach.

Sebastian’s words from earlier come to mind. A partir de maintenant, ils le font. He said, and I felt the truth of his words, of his vow down to my shredded soul.

Dreams were just dreams to me before. A little girl’s wishful thinking that most likely would never come true.

Until today.

Until this man.

Until this man crash-landed into my life like a shooting star. Like a being from another planet because that is exactly how I see Sebastian Kenton.

Out of this world.

His energy, his presence, and his rogue beauty.

Dreams do come true for me because he makes them so.

I would never have imagined I would be the type of girl who stood back and let a man take over her life. I am not. Trust me. But I must admit that the tyrant has helped me find my voice, and never once has he silenced or torn me down to lift himself.

No.

I’ll even dare say that he has given me wings to fly.

God, what a cornball I have become.

After resting all day yesterday, and this morning, Sebastian woke us up with a schedule. Seriously could this man be any more anal, yet I can’t stop the huge smile on my face that’s been present all through this morning while he shows me, Ella, Benjamin as well, the city, and his favorite places.

Now, we are sitting here, in a cozy coffeehouse called Café Flore, located in a charming corner with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and instead of feeling sorry for myself and the cards that I was dealt, I breathe in the wonderful moment and enjoy it.

I watch as Ella plays with the macaroons the waiter brought her, along with a tiny cup of milk so she could feel part of the experience. Taking my phone out of my coat’s pocket, I snap a few pictures of not only Ella but also our beautiful table and delicious baked goods decorated with flowers. I even sneak one of Sebastian leaning back in the small seat, looking handsome as ever and pretentious as hell, too, even a little intimidating in his dark gray full suit and a black coat over it while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Then I turn over and take another picture, but this time of Benjamin flirting with a French woman. When he notices me, he subtly flips me off without his new friend noticing. How very crass of him, yet I don't mind it. Not even a little.

“Quelle belle famille.” A young man exclaims as he approaches our table. I instantly turn into protector mode, not used to people being so warm and happy around me all the time, and this man has the biggest smile I have ever seen on a human before. It would be creepy as fuck if he weren’t as cute as he is in his white coat, ripped jeans, and cream-colored coat with a bag filled with what I think are paint materials hanging off it. “Et si nous chérissions ce beau moment pour toujours avec une caricature de famille, oui?

Ah, a street artist.

Before I have the chance to politely correct the man about his family comment, feeling a bit embarrassed, Sebastian jumps in. “Ce serait merveilleux, n’est-ce pas, Arianna?” He turns to me and smiles so arrogantly that I suddenly have the urge to kiss or slap that smile of his.

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