Aisha's POV Hearing that, my spirit soared even higher. “We could also hold discussion sessions to listen to their hopes and needs. Every voice is important in this journey.”We both smiled, realizing that the small steps we took today would strengthen the foundation for a better future. This clinic was not just a building, it was a place where dreams would come true, where hope would grow.“Thank you for bringing me here, Julien,” I said, looking at him with gratitude.He looked back at me, this time for a longer moment. “Thank you for trusting me, Aisha.”The wind blew gently, brushing my hair. At that moment, I knew it wasn’t just this place that was beautiful... but this moment. And perhaps, the person beside me was also part of that beauty. In the silence, we felt an unspoken closeness, as if the world around us had vanished.“Moments like this make me appreciate everything more deeply,” I said, feeling hope flowing within me. “

Last Updated : 2025-05-26

Aisha's POV We walked home along the narrow path, bordered by dense shrubs and trees on both sides. The sound of the river gradually faded behind us, but my heart was still racing like I had just run a long distance. Maybe it was the warm, humid air or the kiss we had shared. Perhaps it was both.Julien walked beside me. Silent. So was I.We didn’t say anything for the first few minutes. Just the sound of footsteps on the wet ground and the chirping of small birds accompanying our steps.Occasionally, I stole glances at him. He looked calm, but from the expression on his face, the way he slightly lowered his head and smiled to himself, I knew he was just as nervous as I was. Maybe even more.Then our hands brushed against each other. Just the tip of a finger. But it felt like a small spark of electricity coursing from my toes to my head. Reflexively, I pulled my hand back.“Sorry,” I said quickly, feeling foolish for being so re

Last Updated : 2025-05-27

Aisha's POV Every burst of laughter blended with the sounds of nature around us. The chirping of birds and the rustling of the wind seemed to celebrate our moments of happiness. Each step we took felt lighter, as if the burdens that had weighed on my heart began to fade away.“If we could record the village chief’s voice like that, we could make a comedy film,” I said, laughing, imagining how funny that would be if it actually happened.Julien laughed, nodding in agreement. “Yes, and we could invite all the villagers to watch it. They would surely enjoy it.”In that moment, all the doubts and fears that had haunted me seemed to vanish. Every glance, every smile carried a meaning that didn’t need to be explained with words.“I feel like we’re creating something special,” I said, looking at him with hope.“So do I,” Julien replied, his eyes bright. “This is more than just a clinic; it’s about building a supportive community.”

Last Updated : 2025-05-28

Aisha's POV The Paris sky greeted us with gray clouds and a cold breeze that tickled our cheeks. So different from the warm air of the village we had just left. I took a deep breath, the familiar airport aroma felt suffocating—a mix of exhaustion, longing, and the reality that we were back to our old routines.The atmosphere in the airport was bustling, announcements and hurried footsteps reminding me of a busy life. Yet, in my heart, I still felt the warmth of the moments we shared in the village. All the dreams and hopes we planted there felt much more real compared to the hustle and bustle here.“Are you starting to miss the village?” Julien asked, looking at me with a gentle smile.“Yes,” I replied, missing the simple and warm atmosphere we left behind. “I hope everything is going well there.”We walked toward the pickup area, and I couldn’t help but recall the laughter and togetherness we had. “We have to go back,” I said, hoping.

Last Updated : 2025-05-29

Aisha's POV “I’m glad we went there,” I finally said. “It wasn’t just a work trip. I feel like I found something that was missing.”Julien looked at me intently. “Me too. More than I could have imagined.”A meaningful silence hung between us. In his gaze, I could feel all the unspoken emotions. The small moments in the village, the laughter, and the warmth we shared had changed everything.“It’s like a part of me has been filled again,” I continued, trying to explain my feelings. “A comfort that’s hard to describe.”“Same for me,” he replied, his voice soft. “We’ve experienced something special.”We held each other’s gaze, and I felt warmth spreading within. All doubts and fears seemed to disappear, replaced by hope and certainty.My hand was already on the doorknob, but I hadn’t turned it yet.“I’ll go in first, okay?” I said softly, almost whispering.Julien nodded, but his eyes didn’t leave me. “Aisha?”

Last Updated : 2025-05-30

Aisha's POV Mornings in Paris always come with the aroma of toast and the sound of chirping birds from behind the window. But this morning felt different. My heart raced faster than usual, and not because I was returning to work at the hospital after a long trip. It was for one reason that filled my stomach with butterflies.Julien would be picking me up this morning.I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my reflection in the vanity mirror. My hair was freshly dried, still a bit frizzy and messy from the cold air. I picked up a comb, trying to tame the unruly strands, but my mind had already drifted far since I opened my eyes this morning.Since the incident by the river… since the kiss that happened amidst laughter and sunlight… something had changed. Not just between us, but also within me. Julien was no longer just a project partner. He occupied my thoughts like a shadow that lingered, slipping into the silence, making me smile unconsciously.

Last Updated : 2025-05-31

All Chapters of After Five Years: Chapter 51 - Chapter 56

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