Preface

  In the quiet corners of life, amidst the rush of everyday moments, there are stories waiting to be told. This is one such story – a tale of love, loss, and the unexpected twists that life often brings.

  It begins with a father, sitting with his daughter, sharing a tale of two souls who crossed paths, destined yet unaware of the bond that would connect them. Their journey unfolds in the echoes of past hearts, present choices, and the promises of a future yet to be discovered.

  Leo and Chloe are strangers drawn together by fate, separated by time and circumstance, only to find their way back to one another through the layers of memory and chance encounters. Their story is one of heartbreak and renewal, of dreams that were lost and rekindled.

  As they navigate the complexities of life, love, and the echoes of the past, they come to understand that some connections are too strong to be broken – that sometimes, what’s lost can be found again.

  This is their story, one that begins with a simple request and a promise to never forget – a story of finding home in each other, no matter the distance or the trials they face.

  CHAPTER 1

  The Sight of you

  The soft glow of a desk lamp flickered in the corner of the room, casting long shadows over the cozy living space. A middle-aged man sat comfortably in his favorite armchair, a well-worn leather seat that had seen countless nights of thought and reflection. Across from him, his daughter sat on the couch, her feet tucked under a soft blanket, a stuffed animal resting beside her. Her eyes, wide with curiosity, were fixed on him as she leaned forward.

  “Papa,” she said, her voice filled with that unmistakable tone of childlike wonder, “can you tell me a story?”

  He smiled, his lips curling into a warm, reassuring grin. He had always loved telling her stories, but tonight, there was something different in the air. Maybe it was the quiet of the evening, or the soft glow of the lamp—either way, it felt right.

  "Alright," he said, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful pause. "How about a story of a young man named Leo? A man who, at first glance, looked like he had it all together, but had a life much more complicated than most people could ever guess."

  The daughter sat up a little straighter, her curiosity piqued. "What happens to him?"

  He chuckled softly, resting his hands on his lap. "Well, Leo was a good-looking young man. Fair, handsome, and with a quiet sort of charm that made people take notice. But his life? That was something else entirely."

  "Now, where was I?" the father mused, looking at his daughter with a playful glint in his eye. "Ah, yes. Leo. A young man who, on the outside, seemed to have it all."

  Leo worked at Brew & Bite Café, a small but popular spot in the heart of the city. The café was cozy, with mismatched furniture and a steady stream of customers who enjoyed its laid-back atmosphere. It wasn’t much, but it was home to Leo for long stretches of the day. He worked behind the counter, preparing coffee with a practiced hand and flashing a friendly smile to anyone who walked in. People often remarked on how easygoing he was, how his calm presence made the hectic days feel a little less frantic.

  But beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful routine, Leo's life was anything but simple. By day, he was a dedicated student at one of the most prestigious universities in France, where he was pursuing a degree on a hard-earned scholarship. His classmates admired him for his intelligence and determination, though most didn’t know about the sacrifices he made to get there.

  By night, Leo returned to his small apartment, a modest space he shared with his friend Julien. The two of them had been inseparable since childhood, supporting each other through thick and thin. But their lives had taken different paths—Julien had a steady office job, while Leo was still grinding, trying to make his dreams a reality.

  When the evening came and the café’s last customer had left, Leo would sit at his desk and immerse himself in the world of stock markets. It was a passion he had developed over the years, learning the ins and outs of trading, studying the numbers, and watching the markets move. He wasn’t rich yet, but he believed that one day, he would be. The stakes were high, but so were the rewards, and Leo wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge.

  Despite his ambitions, there was something more important to Leo than all of this: his desire to find something real. Something genuine. A connection that went beyond his work, beyond the café, beyond the numbers. But that, he thought, might be too much to ask for. After all, who had time for romance when you were constantly running on empty?

  The café buzzed with activity as Leo’s manager stood before the staff, her voice clear and efficient. "Alright, everyone, listen up! We’ve got the big discount festival coming up, and we need to be ready for a busy day. We'll be serving coffee and beverages at a discount, so expect a lot of customers." She paused, scanning the room, making eye contact with each member of the team. "We’ve got to make sure everything runs smoothly. The event’s in two days, and we’re going to be all hands on deck."

  Leo nodded along, mentally preparing himself for the hectic day ahead. He had been at Brew & Bite Café long enough to know the rushes that came with events like this. He had also learned the art of staying calm under pressure, a skill he would surely need when the day came.

  As the meeting wrapped up, Leo gathered his things and made his way home. The evening air was crisp, and the short walk to his apartment gave him time to unwind. When he entered the apartment, he found Julien lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine.

  "Hey, man," Julien called out, looking up from the couch. "What’s up? Want to hang out tomorrow? I took the day off work, figured we could do something."

  Leo dropped his bag by the door, feeling the familiar weight of exhaustion tugging at his muscles. "I can’t, man. I’ve got that discount event coming up, and it’s going to be crazy. Probably need to rest up and prep for it."

  Julien raised an eyebrow but wasn’t discouraged. "You’ve got the whole day after that event, right? How about after work? I’ve got a birthday party to go to, and I’m dragging you along. My friend’s throwing it, and I’m sure you could use a break after all the craziness."

  Leo thought for a moment. The idea of going to a party didn’t exactly appeal to him, but it had been a while since he had really gotten out. "Alright, fine," he said, smiling. "I could use a bit of fun. After the event, though, I might just need a drink and a lot of space."

  "Deal," Julien grinned. "It’ll be good for you to get out of your head for a bit."

  The café was buzzing with energy all morning and afternoon. Leo barely had time to catch his breath between orders, his hands moving like clockwork as he refilled cups, served pastries, and greeted customers with his usual friendly smile. The discount festival was a success; the café was packed with people, and the staff was running around, ensuring everything went smoothly.

  Leo worked tirelessly, his mind focused on the task at hand. He didn’t mind the chaos—he was used to it by now. The adrenaline of a busy shift kept him sharp, and he could see the same drive in his colleagues. Even the manager, usually reserved, was beaming with pride. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits.

  Finally, after what felt like hours of non-stop action, the rush hour slowed down. The café's usual hum of chatter and clinking of cups seemed quieter, more relaxed. Leo took a moment to breathe, wiping sweat from his brow. That’s when the door swung open, and in walked three women.

  Emma, the tallest of the group with long, flowing hair and a confident smile, caught Leo’s attention immediately. Her two friends, equally attractive, followed her in, and they all took a seat at a corner table. Leo approached their table with a polite, professional smile, ready to take their orders.

  "Hey there," Emma greeted him, her eyes lingering on him a moment longer than usual. "I’ll have a cappuccino, and they’ll take lattes." She gestured to her friends.

  Leo nodded, jotting down their order. "Coming right up," he replied, trying to keep his composure.

  As he brought their drinks over, Emma looked up at him with a playful glint in her eye. "You know, you’re pretty cute," she said, her voice soft but flirtatious.

  Leo felt a flush creep up his neck. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention, and he found himself momentarily speechless. "Uh, thanks," he said awkwardly, trying to keep things professional.

  Emma leaned forward, her smile widening. "So, how about you give me your number?" she asked, her tone more suggestive now.

  Leo froze for a moment. He hadn’t expected this, and he wasn’t sure how to respond. "I—I’m sorry, I don’t think I can do that," he said, his voice polite but firm.

  Emma’s smile faltered slightly, her eyebrows furrowing in slight annoyance. "Come on, don’t be like that," she insisted.

  "I really can't," Leo said again, his nerves getting the better of him.

  Emma’s face hardened, and with a sharp glance at him, she stood up. "Fine," she muttered, turning toward her friends. "Let’s go." Her sidekick girls followed her without a word, leaving the café in a huff.

  Leo stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the awkward interaction settling over him. His confidence had taken a hit, and as he returned to his duties, he couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment.

  His manager, noticing his downcast expression, approached him as the café began to quiet down. "Hey, Leo," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Why don’t you head home for the day? It’s winding down, and you’ve been working hard."

  Leo hesitated, but shook his head. "I’m fine. I’ll stay."

  The manager, however, was insistent. "It’s almost the end of the shift. You deserve a break. Go home, rest up."

  Leo finally relented, nodding. "Alright, you’re right. Thanks."

  He finished up his last tasks, then headed home. When he arrived at the apartment, Julien was already waiting, dressed and ready to go.

  "Come on, man, time to get ready!" Julien called out, grinning. "We’re hitting that party, remember?"

  Leo managed a small smile. "Yeah, I’m coming." He tossed his bag aside and went to his room to change, mentally preparing for the night ahead.

  Leo stepped out of his room, now dressed in a fitted navy-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up just enough to show his forearms, paired with black slim-fit jeans and classic white sneakers. His hair was neatly combed, with a touch of a casual tousle that Julien would undoubtedly notice.

  As soon as Julien saw him, he let out a low whistle. "Man, look at you," Julien said with a grin. "If you keep showing up looking like that, you’re going to have a line of girls chasing after you. Honestly, you could leave this party with a new girlfriend."

  Leo chuckled, shaking his head. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s just a party."

  Julien smirked, already heading toward the door. "We’ll see about that."

  The two left their apartment and started walking toward the party venue. The cool night air was refreshing, and the city lights reflected on the damp streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. As they walked, Julien suddenly stopped, spotting someone familiar across the street.

  "Justin! Hey, man!" Julien called out, waving.

  The guy turned, revealing a tall, well-dressed young man with an easy smile. He exuded confidence, but it wasn’t the kind of confidence that made you wary. It was calm, genuine, and welcoming.

  "Julien! Long time, no see," Justin replied, walking over and clapping Julien on the back.

  "Justin, meet my roommate, Leo," Julien said, introducing the two. "Leo, this is Justin. We’ve been friends since high school."

  "Nice to meet you," Justin said, extending a hand.

  "Same here," Leo replied, shaking his hand.

  As they fell into conversation, Leo found out that Justin also attended the same prestigious university as him.

  "You’re at Saint-étoile University?" Leo asked, surprised.

  "Yeah," Justin replied with a grin. "Economics major. What about you?"

  "Business and finance," Leo said, smiling back. "Small world, huh?"

  Julien interjected, "Man, this is perfect. Now you two can team up and outshine the rest of us poor souls."

  As the conversation continued, Leo learned more about Justin’s background—he was the son of the CEO of Solace Corp, one of the most successful companies in the world. Despite his family’s wealth and influence, Justin came across as remarkably humble.

  "Yeah, my dad’s company is big," Justin said casually. "But I like to keep my life simple. It’s more fun that way."

  Leo chuckled. "That’s refreshing to hear."

  Justin grinned. "Thanks. Now, let’s talk about this party. You guys heading there too?"

  "Yep," Julien said.

  "Great. I’m driving," Justin said, gesturing toward a sleek black BMW parked nearby. "Hop in. No sense walking when we’ve got this beauty."

  Julien was quick to accept. "Absolutely, thanks, man!"

  Leo hesitated for a moment, not used to such luxury, but Justin’s friendly grin reassured him. "Come on, Leo. It’s just a car, not a spaceship."

  "Alright," Leo said, smiling as he climbed into the car.

  The BMW’s interior was immaculate—leather seats, ambient lighting, and a soft hum from the engine that hinted at its power. Justin handled the car with practiced ease, weaving smoothly through the bustling streets.

  As they rode, the conversation between the three flowed effortlessly. Justin and Leo exchanged notes about university life, classes, and professors, and by the time they reached the party, they felt like old friends.

  After a short ride, they reached the party venue. The vibe of the place was electric—laughter, music, and flashing lights filled the air. People were gathered in groups, chatting, dancing, and having a good time. The house was buzzing with energy.

  Justin slowed down as they neared the entrance. "Alright, I’ll drop you guys off here," he said, pulling up to the main gate. "I’ll be in there in a few minutes—just need to park."

  Leo and Julien stepped out of the car, both feeling the excitement of the night, but in different ways. Julien, ever the social butterfly, was practically vibrating with energy. "Let’s do this!" he said, practically bouncing toward the door.

  Leo, on the other hand, was more reserved. He gave a small smile to Julien before following him inside. As they entered the party, the atmosphere hit him immediately—the loud music, the chatter, the flashing lights. Julien quickly disappeared into the crowd, and Leo made his way to an empty table, looking down at the swirling mix of people. He took a seat and observed, his fingers idly tapping on the edge of his glass.

  The party was in full swing, and while Leo felt the pulse of the music in his chest, he couldn’t quite shake off the feeling of being a little out of place. He wasn’t someone who thrived in big crowds, but there was something about tonight that felt different. Maybe it was the fact that he was surrounded by new faces, or that he was with people who, for once, didn’t expect anything from him.

  While Leo sat alone at the table, watching the party unfold around him, Justin eventually joined him, sliding into the seat across from him. He gave Leo a curious look before speaking up.

  "Hey, man, you doing alright?" Justin asked, settling into his chair. "You seem a little detached from all this."

  Leo smiled faintly, still feeling a bit out of place. "Yeah, just... taking it all in."

  Justin nodded, leaning in slightly. "I get it. It’s a lot to take in. So, what’s your plan, Leo? What’s next for you?"

  Leo paused for a moment, considering the question. "I want to build my own company," he said slowly. "I want to be successful. Work hard, create something from the ground up. That’s what I’ve always wanted."

  Justin raised an eyebrow. "Ambitious. I like it." Then he gave Leo a side glance. "But... how did a guy like you get into one of the best universities in France? I mean, you're not exactly swimming in cash, right?"

  Leo chuckled softly, his gaze dropping to his drink. "I got in through a scholarship. Took the exam, worked hard for it. That’s how I made it here."

  Justin looked genuinely impressed. "A scholarship? Man, that’s amazing. I respect that."

  Leo smiled, slightly embarrassed by the attention. "Thanks."

  Justin leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "You know, I’m in a good position to help you out. If you really want to build that company and become successful, I can support you. I know people who can help, and I’m happy to point you in the right direction if you need it."

  Leo looked up, meeting Justin's eyes. "I appreciate that, Justin. I’ll definitely let you know if I need anything."

  Before Justin could respond, someone called his name from across the room. He stood up, nodding toward Leo. "Alright, man, I’ll catch up with you later. Don’t just sit here all night, okay?"

  "Yeah, no problem," Leo replied, giving him a smile.

  As Justin walked off to join his friends, Leo leaned back in his chair again, his eyes once more drifting across the room. The party was still in full swing, but his mind was elsewhere, contemplating the conversation he’d just had. Maybe things were looking up. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to feel like he wasn’t as alone in this big world as he’d thought.

  Leo sat at the table, his gaze aimlessly drifting across the party. The lively atmosphere buzzed around him, but his focus was locked on one person—a stunning woman about his age. She had golden blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, radiant fair skin, and a captivating presence that seemed to draw everyone’s attention without her even trying.

  For a moment, Leo was completely spaced out, lost in his thoughts as he watched her from afar.

  Julien walked over, noticing Leo’s frozen expression. “Whoa, what’s with that look? Earth to Leo!” he said, waving a hand in front of his face.

  Leo blinked, snapping back to reality. “Adorable, isn’t she?” he murmured, gesturing subtly toward the woman.

  Julien followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Wait, her? Chloe? Man, you’ve got guts.”

  “Chloe?” Leo repeated, his curiosity piqued.

  “Yeah, Chloe,” Julien said. “She’s the daughter of one of the richest businessmen in Europe. Trust me, she’s way out of your league.”

  Leo sighed, but his attention remained on her. Suddenly, Chloe noticed their stares and turned to look directly at them.

  “Oh no, she saw us!” Julien muttered, panicking. “You’re on your own, buddy. I’m out of here.” Without waiting for Leo’s reaction, Julien disappeared into the crowd.

  Before Leo could process what had happened, Chloe walked up to his table.

  “You were looking at me, weren’t you?” she asked, a playful smirk on her lips.

  Leo sat frozen, avoiding eye contact. “Me? No... I wasn’t...”

  Chloe tilted her head, pretending to be offended. “Why not? Am I not beautiful enough to look at?”

  Leo stumbled over his words. “No, you are... I mean, I—”

  Chloe chuckled, cutting him off. “Relax, I’m just kidding.”

  Leo let out a nervous laugh. “Oh... Is that so?”

  They exchanged names and started chatting.Leo was just starting to get comfortable talking to Chloe when Emma stormed in.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t the café boy,” Emma said with a smirk, her arms crossed as she looked Leo up and down.

  Chloe frowned, stepping in front of Leo protectively. “Emma, what’s your problem?”

  Emma scoffed. “What’s yours, Chloe? Why are you even talking to him?”

  Without another word, Chloe grabbed Emma by the arm and led her a few steps away, out of Leo’s earshot.

  “Listen,” Chloe hissed, keeping her voice low but firm, “you know my dad’s condition. If I don’t have a boyfriend or get married soon, I can forget about becoming the next CEO of his company.”

  Emma rolled her eyes. “So what? You’re going to pick some random guy at a party to be your pretend boyfriend?”

  Chloe crossed her arms, her tone sharp. “It’s not like I have a choice. I need to make it look convincing. Besides, it’s temporary. Once I’m the CEO, I’ll end it.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow, finally cracking a small smile. “Wow, I didn’t know you had a manipulative side, Chloe. I kind of respect that.”

  Chloe sighed, shaking her head. “This isn’t about manipulation. It’s about survival in my family.”

  Emma nodded reluctantly. “Fine, do what you have to do. Just... don’t get too attached.”

  Chloe smirked slightly. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

  After a final exchange of glances, Chloe returned to where Leo was sitting, her smile as radiant as before.

  “Sorry about that,” she said, brushing off the awkward interruption. “Emma’s... well, Emma. Anyway, I’m glad we met, but I have to head out now. Hope to see you again sometime.”

  Leo, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, replied quickly. “Definitely.”

  Chloe paused as if remembering something and turned back. “Oh, we haven’t exchanged numbers yet, have we?”

  They traded numbers, and with a cheerful wave, Chloe disappeared into the crowd.

  As Leo stepped out of the party venue, he found Julien waiting for him near the gate, scrolling through his phone. When Julien noticed Leo approaching, he raised an eyebrow at the big smile on Leo's face.

  "What's with the grin, lover boy?" Julien teased, slipping his phone into his pocket.

  Leo tried to suppress his smile but failed miserably. “What grin? There’s nothing.”

  Julien laughed, nudging Leo on the shoulder. “Yeah, right. You’re practically glowing, man. Let me guess, it’s about that blonde you couldn’t stop staring at earlier.”

  Leo shook his head, trying to play it cool, but Julien wasn’t letting up.

  “Come on, spill it,” Julien pressed. “Did you talk to her? Exchange numbers? Plan your wedding already?”

  Leo chuckled, brushing off the teasing. “It’s nothing, really. Let’s just go home.”

  Julien squinted at him suspiciously but let it go—for now. “Alright, fine. But I’ll get it out of you eventually.”

  As they walked back to their apartment, Julien continued cracking jokes, but Leo stayed quiet, lost in his thoughts. He couldn’t help replaying the entire interaction with Chloe in his mind, her smile lingering in his memory.

  That night, as he lay in bed, Leo found himself staring at his phone, Chloe’s name and number saved in his contacts. He smiled to himself before setting the phone down, feeling a flicker of excitement for what the future might hold.

  The next morning, the soft light of dawn filtered through the apartment windows as Leo and Julien went about their routines. Julien, still in his pajamas, was busy packing lunchboxes for both of them while Leo prepared for his first day of the new semester.

  Leo buttoned up his shirt, adjusted his watch, and grabbed his bag. Julien, now dressed for his office, set the lunchboxes on the table just as Leo joined him for breakfast.

  “New semester starts today, huh?” Julien asked, taking a sip of coffee.

  “Yeah,” Leo nodded, biting into his toast. “They’re reshuffling the classes, so I might see some new faces this time.”

  Julien smirked mischievously. “New semester, new girls, huh?”

  Leo rolled his eyes but smiled. “It’s not like that,” he replied, shaking his head.

  After breakfast, Leo grabbed his lunchbox, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “I’m off. See you tonight.”

  Julien waved, adjusting his tie in the mirror. “I’ll be home around ten. Don’t wait up.”

  “Got it,” Leo replied before stepping out into the crisp morning air.

  As Leo walked to the university, his thoughts wandered. He wondered who would be in his new classes. Would he still have some of his old friends with him, or would it be a fresh start with strangers? A small part of him hoped for the former—familiar faces could make things easier.

  The bustling streets of Paris came alive as the city began its day. Leo’s university loomed in the distance, its grand architecture standing as a beacon of opportunity. He quickened his pace, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness bubbling inside him as he approached the gates, ready to see what the new semester would bring.

  Leo stepped through the university gates, feeling the familiar hum of energy that always accompanied the start of a new semester. Students bustled around him, some chatting excitedly while others searched for their names on the class lists.

  After walking a few steps, Leo noticed Justin heading his way. He waved and called out, “Justin!”

  Justin looked up, smiled, and waved back. “Hey, Leo!”

  Leo walked over to him, and they fell into step together. “So, how does it feel to officially be a second-year student?” Justin asked with a grin. “I’m feeling great about it.”

  “It’s nice,” Leo replied. “Still sinking in, I guess.”

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  Justin laughed. “It’ll hit you when the assignments start piling up. Anyway, I’m heading to the class list board. Want to come with me? Maybe we’ll end up in the same class this semester.”

  Leo nodded. “Sure, let’s go.”

  The two made their way to the large bulletin board near the administration building. The area was crowded with students eagerly searching for their names and class assignments. After scanning the lists, they found their names.

  “Looks like I’m in 2-A,” Leo said.

  “And I’m in 2-B,” Justin added, sounding slightly disappointed. “Too bad we’re not in the same class, but hey, we’ll still hang out.”

  “Definitely,” Leo agreed. “See you later, then.”

  Justin gave him a quick wave before heading toward his assigned classroom.

  As Leo made his way to his class, he passed by a few familiar faces. He greeted some of his friends, though most of them were assigned to different sections. Finally, he reached the door to 2-A, taking a moment to steady himself before stepping inside.

  The classroom was spacious, filled with rows of neatly arranged desks. Students were chatting and settling in. Leo scanned the room, spotting a few familiar faces among the crowd. He smiled to himself and found an empty seat near the window.

  The start of a new semester always carried a mix of excitement and nerves. As Leo sat down and unpacked his things, he couldn’t help but wonder what surprises this year would bring.

  Leo sat by the window, letting his thoughts drift as he gazed outside. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the campus trees, and students passed by, laughing and chatting. It was a peaceful moment until he heard a familiar voice behind him.

  Startled, he turned his head and immediately recognized two familiar figures entering the classroom—Emma and Chloe.

  Emma noticed him first and, with her usual dramatic flair, pointed directly at him. “You’re that café boy, aren’t you?” she said loudly enough for the entire row to hear.

  Chloe greeted him warmly, offering a polite smile. “Hi, Leo. Are you also studying here?”

  “Yeah,” Leo replied, returning her smile. “But wait, what are you two doing here?”

  Emma scoffed, her hands on her hips. “We? Oh, we’re just here for a one-day trip. What do you think, you fool? We also study here!”

  Chloe chuckled softly and added, “Don’t mind her. We recently joined this university.”

  “Nice,” Leo said, his gaze shifting between them. “And now we’re in the same class. That’s... unexpected.”

  Both Leo and Chloe exchanged a smile, the kind that carried an unspoken understanding.

  Emma, however, rolled her eyes and interrupted the moment. “Whatever. But seriously, how did you get into this university? I mean, I know a café boy like you can’t afford a place like this, and you don’t exactly look like someone from a rich family.” She leaned closer, her tone suspicious. “Don’t tell me you blackmailed the principal or something. And don’t you ever try to blackmail me.”

  Leo, though slightly annoyed, kept his cool. “No, I’m not that type of guy. And for your information, I got in through a scholarship.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. “A scholarship? Really? Huh, is that so…”

  Chloe shot Emma a disapproving look. “Emma, stop it. Don’t be rude.”

  Before their conversation could continue, the classroom door opened, and their professor walked in. A hush fell over the students as everyone quickly scrambled back to their seats. Chloe and Emma took seats a few rows away from Leo, and the class settled in.

  Leo, still processing the surprising encounter, took a deep breath and readied himself for the lecture. His thoughts, however, couldn’t help but linger on Chloe, and the day was starting to feel like it might hold more surprises than he expected.

  As the class came to an end, Leo stood up and gathered his things. He glanced over at Chloe, who was surrounded by a group of students, all of them eager to talk to her. Some were asking for notes, others just chatting with her casually. Leo couldn’t help but think to himself, As always, Chloe is popular.

  He quietly made his way out of the classroom, heading toward the campus canteen for lunch. As he walked, his mind was still replaying the interaction with Chloe earlier.

  Just as he entered the canteen, Justin spotted him and made his way over, his usual grin plastered on his face.

  “What’s with the look on your face, man?” Justin asked, raising an eyebrow. “First day not going so well?”

  Leo gave a small shake of his head. “It’s not like that. The first day went fine. Actually, I had a great time. I even ran into Emma and Chloe from the party.”

  Justin’s eyes widened in understanding. “I see,” he said with a smirk. “Our Romeo has an eye on a girl. But you know she’s way too popular, right?”

  Leo smiled sheepishly. “You could say that.”

  “Don’t worry,” Justin said, trying to reassure him. “We’ll find a way. Maybe we’ll figure something out.”

  After a pause, Justin asked, “By the way, have you decided which club you’re joining yet?”

  “Club?” Leo replied, confused for a second.

  “Yeah, clubs! We’re allowed to join all sorts of clubs here, like basketball, music, cultural clubs, and more. I’ve already decided I’m joining the football club.” Justin gave a shrug, as if it was a no-brainer.

  Leo thought for a moment. “I’ll probably wait a few days to figure it out. Maybe check out a few clubs first.”

  Justin nodded. “Smart choice. Well, I’m off to the football club. I’ll catch you later.”

  They ate their lunch together, and after finishing, Leo decided to head to the library to spend some quiet time, just as he had planned.

  When he entered the library, he noticed it was almost empty. Most students preferred to hang out in the café or the common areas. As Leo made his way through the rows of books, he stopped when he saw someone sitting in a corner, absorbed in a book.

  To his surprise, it was Chloe.

  She was sitting alone, her blonde hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, her expression focused and serene as she read. Leo stood there for a moment, watching her from across the room. She’s different here, he thought. No crowds, no distractions. Just... Chloe.

  He took a deep breath and walked toward the table. As he approached, Chloe glanced up, and her eyes widened slightly when she saw him.

  “Oh, Leo,” she said with a smile, her tone warm. “What brings you to the library?”

  Leo, slightly caught off guard by her smile, cleared his throat. “Uh, just thought I’d find a quiet place to think... maybe pick out a book or two.”

  Chloe tilted her head. “That’s funny. I come here to read, but it looks like you’ve come here to... what? Avoid the crowds?”

  Leo shrugged. “Maybe. It’s a nice break from all the noise, you know?”

  Chloe nodded, her smile softening. “I get it. The noise can be a little overwhelming sometimes.”

  Leo hesitated for a moment, then decided to sit down across from her. “What are you reading?” he asked, hoping to keep the conversation going.

  “It’s a book on modern business practices,” Chloe replied. “My father insists I read stuff like this. Says it’ll help me run the company one day.” She chuckled lightly. “I can’t say I’m all that interested, but... it’s not the worst thing to read, I suppose.”

  Leo raised an eyebrow. “You don’t sound very excited about it.”

  Chloe smiled again, a little wistful. “Yeah, well... sometimes I wish I could just read something for fun, you know? Something that isn’t about business.”

  Leo nodded in understanding. “I get that. I think we all have things we’re expected to do that we don’t always enjoy.”

  There was a brief pause, and Chloe’s expression softened. “It’s funny,” she said. “You’re the first person here who hasn’t treated me like I’m some kind of... untouchable celebrity.”

  Leo smiled, not quite knowing what to say. “Well, I’ve never really been one to care much about those kinds of things. People are just people, right?”

  Chloe studied him for a moment, and then her smile returned, this time a little more genuine. “I like that.”

  The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Leo spoke up again. “So, are you planning on joining any clubs here?”

  Chloe looked thoughtful. “Maybe the cultural club... though I’m not sure yet. What about you?”

  “I’m still deciding,” Leo said. “I’m not sure what would be a good fit for me.”

  Chloe nodded. “Yeah, it’s hard to decide. But I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

  They talked for a while longer, their conversation flowing naturally. Leo felt surprisingly at ease with her, even though he knew she was someone with a lot more expectations on her than he could imagine.

  As the afternoon wore on, Chloe stood up, stretching slightly. “Well, I should get going. My dad’s probably going to want me home soon, and I have a few things to take care of.”

  Leo stood as well. “Yeah, me too. Thanks for talking, Chloe. It was... nice.”

  Chloe smiled at him. “Anytime, Leo. See you around.”

  Leo watched as she left the library, feeling a little lighter than he had before. Maybe things were starting to look up after all.

  Many days passed, and Leo and Chloe continued to meet in the library during their free time. The library became their quiet little corner where they could talk without the usual distractions. Over time, they grew more comfortable with each other, enjoying their conversations and the calm atmosphere of the place. It wasn’t just the peaceful surroundings that kept bringing them together; it was the ease of their connection, something that seemed to grow every day.

  One afternoon, as they were sitting at their usual table, chatting about their day, a familiar voice cut through the air.

  “Chloe, come with me for a minute.”

  Both Leo and Chloe looked up to see Emma standing at the library entrance, her arms crossed, a slightly impatient look on her face.

  Chloe looked a little surprised but stood up without hesitation. “I’ll be right back,” she said to Leo, before following Emma out of the library.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Emma spoke, her tone slightly harsh. “What are you doing with that café boy?”

  Chloe gave her a stern look. “Don’t call him that. And don’t you remember our plan? I need a temporary boyfriend.”

  Emma blinked, as if she had just been reminded of something she’d forgotten. “Oh, right. I completely forgot about that,” she said, nodding. “Well, just make sure he knows the deal, okay?”

  Chloe nodded, but she didn’t look pleased. “Don’t worry. Everything’s fine.”

  They returned to the library, and as soon as they walked back in, Emma plastered a fake smile on her face and said, “You two have a nice chat. I must go.”

  Chloe gave a small nod, and Emma walked out, her heels clicking on the floor as she left the library.

  Leo, who had been watching the exchange quietly, raised an eyebrow when Chloe returned to the table. “What happened to her all of a sudden?” he asked.

  Chloe shrugged, trying to keep the conversation light. “It’s nothing, really. She’s just being... herself.”

  Leo didn’t press further. “Alright then,” he said, offering a smile. “So, what were we talking about again?”

  Chloe smiled back, and they resumed their conversation, the awkwardness dissipating as easily as it had arrived.

  That evening, Leo returned home to find Julien already in the apartment, sitting at the kitchen table and looking over some papers.

  “Why are you home so early?” Leo asked as he set his bag down.

  “I finished work early today,” Julien said with a grin. “I thought I’d come home and relax for a bit. So, how was your day? University going alright?”

  Leo sat down beside him and shrugged. “It’s going great. Things with Chloe are... well, they’re getting better.”

  Julien’s eyebrows shot up. “Chloe? The girl from the party?”

  Leo nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Yeah, she’s in my class now. We’ve been hanging out a lot.”

  Julien chuckled. “You didn’t tell me that before. No wonder you’ve been walking around with a smile on your face these days.”

  Leo rolled his eyes. “Stop teasing me, alright?”

  Julien just laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Hey, I’m just happy for you, man. If she’s as cool as you say, then I’m all for it.”

  Leo smiled, but there was a slight sense of uncertainty in his expression. Could this really work?

  But as he looked at Julien’s encouraging face, he couldn’t help but feel a little more hopeful.

  The two shared a laugh, the tension of the day easing away as they enjoyed their evening. The day ended quietly, but Leo’s mind kept drifting back to Chloe.

  During PE class, as students were running laps and engaging in various activities, Justin motioned for Leo to follow him. He led Leo to an empty classroom nearby.

  Leo, confused, asked, "What’s going on, Justin? Why’d you pull me here?"

  Justin folded his arms, looking at Leo with a smirk. "What’s with you lately?"

  Leo tilted his head. "What do you mean, 'what’s with me'? I have no clue what you’re talking about."

  Justin chuckled, stepping closer. "Don’t play dumb. I’ve seen you two. Every day in the library, at lunch—heck, you’ve grown pretty close to Chloe, haven’t you?"

  Leo’s cheeks flushed, and he stammered, "Y-yeah, I guess we’ve become friends..."

  Justin rolled his eyes. "Friends, huh? So when are you planning to confess to her?"

  Leo’s eyes widened, and he took a step back. "Confess? What? I... I don’t know. It feels... too early, doesn’t it?"

  Justin leaned against the desk, shaking his head. "Leo, let me spell it out for you. Chloe isn’t just any girl. You think you’re the only guy who notices her? Half the guys in this university are planning to propose to her. If one of them beats you to it, you’re done for."

  Leo scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. "I... I don’t even know if she’d feel the same way."

  Justin placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder. "You’ll never know unless you try. Better to take a chance than regret it later, right?"

  After a moment of silence, Leo nodded slowly. "Alright... I’ll do it. I’ll confess. But after class, when no one’s around."

  Unbeknownst to them, Chloe and Emma had been walking past the classroom. They paused when they heard voices. Peeking inside, they spotted Justin and Leo.

  Emma whispered, "What are they talking about in here?"

  Chloe was about to walk away when she caught a snippet of their conversation.

  Justin said, "So it’s settled. You’re confessing after class?"

  Chloe’s eyes widened, and her heart began to race. "Oh no... is he talking about me?" she muttered.

  Emma smirked. "Well, isn’t this what you’ve been planning all along? A temporary boyfriend, right? So why are you so nervous?"

  Chloe placed a hand over her chest, feeling her heart pound. "I-I don’t know... but this is different. What if I mess it up?"

  Emma gave her a playful nudge. "Relax. Just see how it plays out. He’s clearly into you."

  Chloe took a deep breath, nodding. "Yeah... I guess you’re right."

  As class ended, Leo lingered behind, waiting for the perfect moment. His heart raced as he rehearsed what to say.

  After the class ended, Chloe appeared outside the classroom, waiting for Leo. Both of them seemed unusually nervous. Leo stood before her, struggling to find his words.

  “I... I wanted to talk about something...” Leo started, his voice trembling. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding direct eye contact. But as much as he tried, he couldn’t summon the courage to confess. The fear of rejection held him back. Instead, he blurted out, “Uh... can I borrow your book to complete the notes?”

  Chloe handed him her book with a puzzled look. Deep down, she thought, Isn’t he going to confess?

  As Leo took the book, Chloe hesitated for a moment and then asked, “Is there... is there anything else you want to say?”

  Leo froze for a moment, but then he shook his head. “No, nothing,” he replied, his voice faint. Disappointed in himself, he turned to leave. But as he took his first step away, he suddenly heard Chloe’s voice.

  “I like you.”

  Leo stopped in his tracks, unsure if he’d heard her correctly. He turned back to her, his eyes wide. “I think I misheard. Can you repeat that?”

  Chloe’s face flushed as she gathered her courage. “I said... I like you,” she repeated, her voice steady but soft.

  Leo stood there, completely stunned. His mind raced, his heart pounded, and he felt a rush of emotions—excitement, disbelief, nervousness. But amid the chaos in his heart, he realized this was his moment. Finally, he found his courage.

  “I like you too,” Leo admitted, his voice full of sincerity. “I like you... a lot.”

  A smile spread across both their faces. The tension melted away, leaving a warm and happy atmosphere between them. For the first time, it felt like the world around them faded, and it was just the two of them.

  Later that evening, Leo couldn’t wait to tell Justin about what had happened. Justin grinned ear to ear. “Man, I’m so happy for you! I knew you could do it!” he said, giving Leo a celebratory pat on the back.

  When Leo got home, he shared the news with Julien. Julien cheered, “Finally! You’ve got yourself a girlfriend! I was starting to think you’d chicken out forever.”

  As they were talking, Leo’s phone buzzed. Chloe was calling. Julien smirked and said, “Well, excuse me, Mr. Romeo. I see you’ve got better people to talk to now.”

  Leo laughed and said, “Come on, Julien. It’s nothing like that!” But he couldn’t hide the big grin on his face as he picked up the call.

  Leo picked up the call, his voice warm but a little nervous. “Hey, Chloe.”

  “Hi, Leo,” Chloe replied, her tone light and cheerful.

  They chatted about their day, laughed at small things, and shared little stories about themselves. The conversation flowed easily, making them feel closer with every word. After a while, Chloe hesitated before speaking.

  “Leo,” she began, “aren’t you supposed to meet my parents?”

  Leo blinked, momentarily stunned. “Your... parents?”

  Chloe chuckled softly. “Well, yeah. You’re my new boyfriend now, so it only makes sense, right? Besides, they’ll want to know about you.”

  Leo scratched the back of his head, his nervousness creeping in. “I mean, yeah, that makes sense. But... don’t you think it’s a bit soon? We’ve only just started, and honestly, I feel like I need to know you better first.”

  Chloe paused, considering his words. “You know what? You’re right. We should take it slow.”

  Leo, feeling a surge of confidence, decided to take the next step. “So... how about a date? Let’s get to know each other properly before I meet your parents. What do you say?”

  Chloe smiled on her end of the call. “A date, huh? Alright then. Let’s do it. When and where?”

  Leo grinned. “How about this weekend? I’ll plan everything.”

  “Okay, Leo,” Chloe said, her voice filled with excitement. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me too,” Leo replied, his heart racing.

  They talked a little more before saying goodnight, both of them smiling as they ended the call. For Leo, this wasn’t just a date—it was the beginning of something he’d only dreamed about.

  At the weekend, Leo and Chloe met for their date. The evening started casually—quiet walks, shared laughter, and good food—and turned into a day full of laughter, adventure, and connection. They explored the city, tried new things, and talked for hours, discovering more about each other with each passing moment. By the time the sun began to set, they both realized just how much they enjoyed each other’s company.

  Chloe couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this happy. There was something comforting about Leo, something genuine and real that made her feel at ease.

  As they sat together on a quiet bench by the river, Leo glanced at Chloe. “You know, this has been... really nice.”

  Chloe smiled, looking down at her hands. “Yeah, it really has.”

  After a while, they reluctantly parted ways, but their goodbyes felt different—there was a sense of warmth, of something more than just a casual date.

  Later that evening, Chloe sat on her bed, scrolling through her phone, when a familiar name popped up. It was Emma.

  Chloe tapped the answer button.

  “Hey, Emma,” Chloe said, her voice brighter than usual.

  “Hey, Chloe,” Emma replied with a tone that was both curious and distant.

  “How was your day?” Chloe asked, her excitement still evident.

  Emma sighed. “Looks like you had a lot of fun.”

  Chloe smiled, recalling the laughter and conversations from earlier. “Yes, I did. It was great. I really enjoyed myself.”

  There was a pause on the other end. “Is that so?” Emma asked, her voice colder now.

  Chloe frowned slightly, sensing the shift in her friend’s tone. “Yeah... I mean, I had a great time. I think I’m starting to really like Leo now.”

  Emma’s silence stretched. “Really?”

  “Yeah, I think I am,” Chloe admitted, though her heart wasn’t entirely free from doubt.

  Emma let out a long, disappointed sigh. “Well... that’s... unexpected.”

  Chloe frowned again. “What do you mean unexpected? Why wouldn’t I like him? He’s nice.”

  Emma hesitated before replying, her voice filled with bitterness. “I just... don’t think he’s the right person for you.”

  Chloe frowned deeper, confused by Emma’s reaction. “Why? You’ve barely even met him.”

  Emma sighed again, this time more firmly. “Let’s just say... I know things about him you don’t. Maybe you should take things slow.”

  Chloe bit her lip, unsure of what Emma was alluding to, but she didn’t press further. “I’ll think about it. But for now... I really like spending time with him.”

  Emma’s voice softened a bit, though it still carried an undertone of doubt. “Just... be careful, Chloe.”

  Chloe sighed, her excitement now tempered by Emma’s unease. “Thanks, Emma. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  They hung up, and Chloe stared at her phone, the weight of Emma’s words lingering in her mind.

  Leo stood at the meeting spot, his heart racing. He had arrived an hour earlier, wanting to speak to Chloe properly—confess properly this time, without the nervous hesitation that had plagued him before. He had rehearsed his words in his mind, ready to tell her how much he cared, how much she meant to him.

  His phone buzzed. It was a call from Chloe.

  “Hey,” Leo answered, his voice steady.

  “Leo, can we meet an hour earlier?” Chloe’s soft voice came through. “I need to talk. Is that okay?”

  “Of course,” Leo replied, his stomach fluttering. “I’ll be there.”

  He hung up and looked over at Julien, who was lounging on the couch, watching him curiously.

  “Why the rush, man?” Julien asked, his brow raised. “You’ve got nerves of steel today.”

  Leo gave a small smile. “I just want to make things right. I didn’t propose to her properly last time. This time... as a man, I’m going to do it right.”

  Julien nodded, his expression softening. “Good luck, man.”

  An hour later, Leo stood at their usual meeting spot, his eyes scanning the area. But instead of Chloe, someone else approached.

  Emma.

  Leo tensed as she walked toward him, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

  “Emma?” Leo asked, his voice wary. “What are you doing here?”

  Emma didn’t answer right away. Instead, she crossed her arms, her smile widening.

  “It’s none of your business,” she said smoothly. “But what are you doing here, Leo? Do you really think Chloe likes you?”

  Leo’s heart sank. “Yes, she does. I’m her boyfriend now.”

  Emma’s smile didn’t waver. “Oh, Leo... You’ve got it all wrong.”

  “What do you mean?” Leo asked, his voice rising in frustration.

  Emma’s eyes narrowed. “She never really liked you. She used you. Do you know why she wanted a fake boyfriend?”

  Leo felt a chill run down his spine. “No... You’re lying. That’s not true.”

  Emma sighed, her voice growing colder. “She wanted a boyfriend, sure. But only so she could become the next CEO of her father’s company. And guess what? That plan included you.”

  Leo staggered back as if Emma had struck him. “No... That’s a lie. That’s not true!”

  His world felt like it was crumbling around him. He couldn’t process the words. Chloe—the girl he thought he knew, who had made him feel seen—had been pretending all along?

  Emma’s smirk widened, relishing his pain. “I warned you, didn’t I? You should’ve listened.”

  Leo shook his head violently. “No... no... this can’t be real.” His voice trembled.

  Emma turned and began walking away, leaving him standing there, shattered and lost.

  Leo stared blankly at the empty street, his mind a whirlwind of doubt, anger, and heartbreak. How could someone who seemed so genuine turn out to be someone entirely different?

  Leo stood there, his hands clenched into fists, his breath heavy. Chloe arrived moments later, her face a mix of confusion and concern.

  “I’m here,” Chloe said softly, her eyes scanning his expression. “Now what do you want to say?”

  Her gaze locked onto Leo’s, but the look in his eyes wasn’t one of hope—it was something darker, more distant.

  “What happened to you?” Chloe asked, her voice filled with worry. “You look... different.”

  Leo didn’t respond immediately. He just stared at her, the weight of everything pressing down on him. His voice trembled, but it was cold.

  “You must be feeling nice now,” he said, his tone icy. “After fooling me, using me. You didn’t even care about my feelings, did you?”

  Chloe’s breath hitched. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t defend herself. Her silence only confirmed his worst fears.

  Leo stepped closer, his voice shaking with fury and heartbreak. “That means I’m right. You really used me. I thought... I thought you cared, but here we are.”

  Chloe opened her mouth to respond, but Leo held up a hand, silencing her.

  “Enough,” he said, his voice trembling with anger. “Stop. From now on, I don’t want to see your face again. Just disappear.”

  Tears welled in Chloe’s eyes, but she didn’t say a word. She simply turned, walking away, leaving Leo standing there, broken and alone.

  The first chapter of their story had come to an end, leaving behind only the echoes of what could’ve been.

  the man sits quietly, gazing at his daughter with a gentle smile. She looks up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Papa," she says, "what happened next? What happened to Leo and Chloe?"

  The man’s smile lingers as he gently places his hand on hers. "It’s pretty late, my dear," he says. "We’ll continue the story another time."

  Disappointed but understanding, the little girl sighs and leans back, staring at the ceiling. "Wait, Papa," she says softly, "your name is Leo. That means... you’re the Leo from the story, aren’t you?"

  The man chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling. "Yes, my child," he replies. "This is my story."

  The girl sits up, her mind racing. "Oh," she says, "so, if you’re Leo, then... Mother is..."

  The man doesn’t answer. Instead, he offers her a warm, knowing smile, leaving the question hanging in the air.

  Chapter 2

  When I Saw You