Page 98 of Stronger Than Fate

“In the morning, but Thursday and Friday I don’t have classes, so we’ll have four days together.”

“That’s wonderful. We’ll make plans tomorrow,” I affirmed.

“I already have in mind everything we’re going to explore, but you already know Paris.”

“It’s always nice to explore it with a soul friend.”

“Thank you, beautiful.”

“Thank you, handsome.”

After dinner, we cleaned the kitchen and I helped Sean prepare the couch for him to sleep on, since I couldn’t convince him that I could sleep there and he gave me his bed. When I went to bed it was past one in the morning. I looked at my phone knowing that I had to gather my courage and turn it on.

Again I found myself with many missed calls and unread messages. The first thing I did was to let my brothers know that I had arrived safely, although I suspected Sean had already done so.

When I faced Henry’s messages, I couldn’t believe he had so many. I started reading from the oldest one, it was his first message and he had sent it on Monday, after ten in the morning.

«I was set up

I swear it»

The following messages in order:

«Answer me I beg you

Let me explain»

«Dalina I’m desperate

We need to talk»

«They put something in my drink

I don’t know that woman

I swear it»

«I’m heading to the hotel»

I didn’t continue reading. Tears were running down my face without me realizing when I had started crying. As I read his messages, I kept recalling what I had seen. It was impossible that it was a setup; he was with his friend, he had named him when he called while with me, and that friend knew the woman who was accompanying them. Besides, I had seen how they laughed, including him. There was no doubt that he was terribly drunk, but for him to make me believe it was a setup, that was really low. He wasn’t aware that I had seen him personally and that I had followed them to his house, I suppose that’s why he had tried to save the situation by inventing that lie. I couldn’t believe he was such a bad person. How had I been so wrong about him?

I put the phone on the nightstand and it immediately started ringing. It was Henry. I wasn’t going to answer. At some point he would realize that he couldn’t keep insisting, that I no longer believed his words. I turned it off again.

I rested my head on the pillow trying to sleep, but my mind wouldn’t stop thinking about him and what had happened. I couldn’t stop longing for his body when making love to him, sleeping next to him, his warmth, his kisses, his caresses, and even his laughter. When Henry laughed, the whole place lit up. I shook my head from side to side, denying it. I had to make an effort and do my part to forget him. It was time to put things in order, to take control of my feelings and emotions. It was time to turn the page.

I don’t know if it was the jet lag or the anguish that was tormenting me, but that night passed very slowly and I could barely get any sleep.

When I woke up it was nine o’clock and my friend had already gone to the university. I got up and found a note from him on the table.

I didn’t wake you because you were sleeping like a log. There’s coffee ready, I made it strong just how I know you like it. There’s lasagna for your lunch or you can prepare something or go out to eat. There are very good restaurants and cafés nearby where they serve excellent coffee. I’ll be back around five. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me. Turn on your phone. I love having you with me. Sean

I smiled reading the note; being with him gave me the peace I needed during these days.

After breakfast, I put on comfortable clothes and went out to explore the area. The neighborhood was one of the most popular in Paris. I walked leisurely, taking in all its charms. The area was distinguished by its elegant hotels, mansions that preserved the charm of previous centuries, its small cobblestone streets, and its carefully maintained aesthetics. After walking for a while, I ended up at Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and iconic squares in France. In the center of the square, the gardens, of great beauty, invited you to take a rest, so I sat there, connected my AirPods and started listening to one of my playlists.“Fire on Fire”by Sam Smith began to play. I don’t know if it was the romantic music that softened my heart, but I went to Henry’s messages and continued reading the ones I still hadn’t opened.

“I’m at the hotel. Come to the lobby”

“I’m going up to your office”