Chapter 19
Chapter 19 – The Unexpected Encounter in Paris
Sylvia had left for Texas, and Leah found herself at a complete loss. The house, despite its luxurious size and extravagant décor, felt painfully empty without Sylvia around. Summer was supposed to be fun, yet here she was, stuck with no real plans.
"What should I do with myself now" she growls
She sighed, tossing herself onto her bed. The golden chandelier above her flickered slightly as the late afternoon sun cast a soft glow across her room. Even scrolling through her phone wasn’t helping her boredom.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her sulking.
"Leah, sweetheart, are you busy?" Her mother’s voice was smooth yet firm.
Leah turned on her side, lazily staring at the door. "Does rolling in boredom count as busy?"
Her mother chuckled before stepping inside. As always, she was dressed impeccably—a silk white blouse, fitted navy trousers, and a pair of designer heels that clicked softly against the marble floor.
"Then you might want to do something about that. I’m heading to Paris for the Haute Couture Fashion Collection Show this weekend, and I want you to come with me."
Leah raised a brow, propping herself up on her elbows. "Paris?"
"Yes. You have no plans, and I won’t leave you here alone."
Leah hesitated. It wasn’t like she had anything better to do, but following her mother to a fashion show didn’t exactly sound like her kind of fun and why was her mother being nice today. Then again… it was Paris. And staying home sounded worse.
"Fine," Leah huffed, flopping back down dramatically. "I guess I don’t have a choice."
Her mother smiled, patting her shoulder. "Pack your bags. We leave tomorrow."
Welcome to Paris
The moment Leah stepped out of the private jet and onto the runway, she was hit with the crisp, cool air of France. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, and the energy of Paris was alive even before she set foot in the city.
They were picked up in a sleek black limousine that weaved through the heart of Paris, passing by elegant buildings, stylish pedestrians, and high-end boutiques that screamed wealth.
Their hotel was nothing short of breathtaking. The grand lobby was an architectural masterpiece—towering crystal chandeliers hung from a high domed ceiling, reflecting light against the marble floors. Luxurious velvet chairs and golden accents decorated the space, and the scent of fresh lilies filled the air.
"Of course, Mother would book a place fit for royalty," Leah muttered under her breath, dragging her suitcase behind her.
As expected, her mother was immediately whisked away by business associates and designers, leaving Leah alone in the lavish suite. She walked around, marveling at the sheer extravagance—gold-framed mirrors, silk curtains, a balcony overlooking the city, and a massive bed that looked softer than clouds.
With nothing better to do, she decided to explore the hotel.
While wandering the halls, she noticed one of the younger maids struggling to carry a stack of towels and cleaning supplies.
"Need some help before you drop those?" Leah asked, leaning against the doorframe.
The girl jumped slightly before looking up. She had short auburn hair and kind eyes, her uniform crisp but slightly oversized.
"O-oh, no, miss! I can handle it!" she stammered, balancing the towels awkwardly.
Leah raised a brow. "You’re literally about to drop them."
Just as she said that, the towels slipped from the girl’s grip. Leah caught them with a smirk. "Told ya."
The maid blushed, scratching her cheek. "Thank you…"
Leah handed them back. "What’s your name?"
"Anais."
"Nice to meet you, Anais. You clean rooms all day?"
Anais nodded. "Yes. Yours was actually next on my list."
Leah thought for a moment before grinning. "Mind if I help?"
Anais looked at her as if she had grown two heads. "You… want to help me clean?"
"Yeah. Why not?" Leah shrugged. "I’m bored, and I’ve never cleaned a hotel room before. Could be fun."
Anais giggled, shaking her head. "You’re not like the usual guests here."
"Trust me, I’m nothing like the usual guests here."
After finishing the room (and learning how not to fold towels), Leah bid Anais goodbye and decided to explore the city.
Paris was a dream—a mix of old-world charm and modern vibrance. Leah wandered the cobbled streets, stopping by street vendors and admiring the fashion-forward Parisians.
Then, something caught her attention—a small, fluffy kitten darting through an alleyway.
"Aww, hey, where are you going, little guy?" she cooed, following after it.
She chased the kitten down the narrow path, laughing softly—until she turned a corner and stopped dead in her tracks.
A group of men lounged against the graffiti-covered wall, cigarettes and bottles in hand. They looked rough—unkempt clothes, piercing eyes, the kind of crowd Leah knew spelled trouble.
One of them smirked. "Well, well, what do we have here?"
Leah cursed under her breath. Of course, curiosity kills the cat. And now I’m stuck in a situation I can’t get myself out of.
The men chuckled, their gazes scanning her with amusement. "You lost, sweetheart?"
Leah crossed her arms, masking her unease with a glare. "Nope. Just following a kitten. But I think I took a wrong turn into a trash heap."
The men laughed, but it wasn’t friendly. One stepped closer. "Feisty one, huh?"
She rolled her eyes. "What gave it away? The fact that I’m not swooning over you losers?"
That was when she knew she messed up.
The man’s smirk twisted into something darker. Before she could react, a bottle was hurled toward her. She tried to dodge, but it clipped her ankle, sending her crashing to the ground.
Pain shot through her foot. She hissed, trying to get up, but her ankle throbbed. The men advanced, their shadows looming over her.
Then, a sharp voice cut through the air. Wait I know this voice
"I wouldn’t do that if I were you."
The men froze. Leah turned her head, her eyes widening.
Standing at the entrance of the alley, illuminated by the dim streetlight, was someone she hadn’t expected to see ever again .
Her heart pounded.
It was him.
The guy she kissed
TO BE CONTINUED…