61. Paris (1)

Josh had finally arrived in Paris.

The long, tiring flight paid off a little as he set foot on the European soil, greeted with beautiful afternoon skies, cool air, and the typical hustle and bustle of the city of love.

Ashley walked beside her, pulling her small suitcase.

They both looked a little clumsy-not because they were not used to being together, but because each of them was still trying to find a new rhythm in this strange relationship of theirs: a loveless marriage, but with an official status to live up to.

They arrived at the luxurious five-star hotel.

Josh took care of the check-in while occasionally stealing glances at Ashley who looked beautiful in a beige coat and white scarf. For some reason, there was something about her that felt different that day. More calm. More natural.

They took the elevator to the highest floor.

Ashley stepped in first as the door opened. "Wow..." she muttered spontaneously.

Josh just smiled a little at her amazed expression.

Their room was enormous.

Once inside, there was an elegant living room with a large gray sofa, thick carpet, and a coffee table decorated with fresh flowers. To the left, there was a small workspace with modern bookshelves and an elegant wooden desk.

But the highlight is definitely the master bedroom-a king-size bed with a crisp white duvet, a large glass window overlooking the majestic view of the Eiffel Tower.

The golden twilight gently illuminated Paris, creating beautiful shadows in the room.

Ashley stood in front of the window, her eyes sparkling at the sight.

Josh approached, standing next to her.

"It's beautiful," Ashley said softly.

Josh nodded. "Just like you."

Ashley was surprised. She glanced at Josh, wondering if it was just talk or if he meant it.

But Josh looked serious, even though after saying that he immediately looked away, a little awkwardly.

Ashley smiled a little. For the first time in a long time, there was a strange warmth flowing between them.

That night, they had dinner together at the hotel's luxurious restaurant.

The lighting was soft, classical music played softly in the background, and the aroma of French cuisine filled the air.

Ashley wore a simple black dress that made her look elegant.

Josh wore a dark semi-formal suit, quite casual but still classy.

They sat across from each other, sipping wine, and for the first time, their conversation flowed without pressure.

There were no innuendos. No awkward silences. They started talking about small things.

Josh asked Ashley about her childhood in New Zealand, about how she ended up choosing a career as a graphic designer.

Ashley tells me with a smile, her eyes twinkling as she tells me about her favorite projects, the weird clients she's worked with, and how much she loved drawing as a child.

Josh tells stories too.

About his hobby of collecting classic watches. About his love for old cars and road trips. About his frustrations in the world of family business, where every move has to be carefully calculated like a game of chess.

They laughed together as Josh recounted how he once almost got lost in the middle of the Nevada desert because he trusted his GPS too much.

Ashley replied with a story about a small beach vacation in New Zealand that ended with a funny incident when she got caught in a rainstorm with her friends.

The night seemed to fly by. They talk about their favorite foods-Ashley loves seafood, while Josh turns out to be a steak lover. About dream travel spots-Ashley would love to visit Tuscany, while Josh wants to try a road trip to Patagonia.

They even had a mild argument about their favorite movies; Ashley likes emotional drama movies, while Josh prefers action movies or psychological thrillers.

But the arguments ended in laughter, not fights.

Something changed that night. They started to feel comfortable. They began to feel... the possibility of becoming friends. Or maybe more than that, though they were both still afraid to admit it even to themselves.

After eating, they walked back to their room. 

The Parisian sky was already dark, and the lights of the city sparkled like jewels. The Eiffel Tower was beautifully lit up, as if welcoming them.

Ashley stood on the balcony, enjoying the cool night breeze.

Josh stood behind her, a little hesitant, then finally said, "Tomorrow... I want us to go to many places. Let's make the most of our time here."

Ashley turned her head and smiled softly. “I want to, too.”

They started making a small list on their phones.

To visit the Louvre, of course.

The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Versailles.

Have a croissant at the little café on the corner.

Taking a boat down the Seine River.

Wandering the cobblestone streets, looking for small shops selling antiques.

They made plans as if they didn't want to let a single day go to waste. And for some reason, it felt like something they were really looking forward to. Not just as a formality because they had to be together. But because, for the first time... they wanted to.

Josh leaned back for a moment, letting out a long breath.

There was a strange feeling in his chest-something new, something sweet, and something scary.

Maybe... just maybe, Paris could be a new beginning for them.

Maybe... Ashley could hope, even a little.

That this marriage, which began without love, might grow into something more beautiful.

But she knew she had to be careful. Because in the real world, love is not always enough. And not all stories end happily. Still, that night, under the glittering Parisian sky, Ashley allowed herself to dream. Just a little bit.

After dinner, they walked hand in hand back to their room.

Ashley hugged herself, trying to resist the cold Parisian night that crept through her thin coat. Josh walked next to her, his hands stuffed into his pants pockets, occasionally stealing glances at Ashley, searching for the right words to keep the atmosphere warm like at dinner last night.

But as soon as the door to the room closed and silence surrounded the two of them, the tension that had subsided crept back up.

Ashley looked at Josh with a doubtful look in his eyes.

Josh, who had just thrown his jacket on the sofa, let out a long sigh.

“So... about sleeping,” Josh began, trying to sound casual.

“Since it's a big bed, we can just share, right?”

Ashley instantly stiffened.

Her face hardened instantly, and she shook her head firmly. “I don't want to sleep in the same bed with you.”

His voice was calm, but clear, leaving no room for compromise.

Josh blinked, a little taken aback by the outright refusal.

“Why?” he asked, his tone rising without realizing it. "It's just sleep, Ash. We're already married, at least on paper. And we don't have to... do anything. I just want to sleep. I'm tired."

Ashley folded her arms across her chest.

She knew Josh was tired. She knew the long flight and all the drama that had piled up had left him exhausted.

But still... her heart refused.

“I'm not comfortable,” she said firmly. “I... I need my own space.”