Too Late to Love me Now のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

“Okay, I accept. Over time, maybe we’ll become good friends. And thank you again for today. You didn’t hesitate to defend me, even though he’s your friend. Thank you.”“I did what was right, Claire. And I feel better knowing you’re doing so well.”For that brief moment, we didn’t take our eyes off each other.My eyes and my heart were speaking more than I could admit to myself.I didn’t want to rush. First, the basics. And who knows… maybe that’s all we needed.“Yes, that works perfectly for me.”“I’m glad. We’ll start fresh. Okay?”He nodded.“I’m Claire… and you are?”“I’m Ayman, and I particularly enjoy your company, Claire.”We were starting over on new ground.I was putting aside that marriage and all the betrayals that came with it.It was a fresh start, with those who were ready to love me and choose me first.The evening went beautifully.I learned a little more about him, and I saw more of that playful, joking side of him that not many knew.Lili had come home and found us la

“I hope I didn’t overstep?” he asked once we were in the car.I turned to him, a little conflicted.“Well… it was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t expect your visit. What made you do it?” I asked.“I wanted to surprise you. And I was happy to see you again.”My heart skipped a beat an odd, almost unsettling feeling but it wasn’t unpleasant.As he drove, our eyes met every now and then. Just a few glances in a row, and we’d burst out laughing.It was a strange feeling, but it was so funny.Even better, I felt… good. Nothing felt forced; everything flowed naturally.Finally, we arrived at the park.Everything was perfect: a sunny day, children laughing as they played, the greenery sparkling in the sunlight, and a gentle breeze making the atmosphere soft and pleasant.We walked along, and from time to time, my eyes lingered on him.It was obvious he was a little nervous. So I decided to break the silence.“The park is beautiful,” I said.“Yes, it really is. Almost as beautiful as you,” he r

Mom would have definitely liked this. Ayman, on the surface, seemed like the simplest man, but deep down, his soul was limitless.And for that for everything I wanted him close, close to me, close to my family.“I insist. Come with me,” I said firmly.He looked at me, surprised, and I smiled back, confident that his presence wouldn’t bother anyone.After a long moment of silence, his eyes flicked toward Dad and Lili, then back to me.“No, Claire. This is your moment,” he said calmly, taking my hands again.“Ayman, I insist. You’re my friend, and with friends, we share our joys and our pains. And something tells me Mom would have liked you.”“Don’t feel awkward. Come with me.”“Okay… I’ll come with you. But I won’t stay long, Claire. Really, this is a family moment,” he added.That was already something. I couldn’t force him, either.We stepped out of the car and were met with the scene I’d described. The place was full of people, and above all, it radiated warmth.I looked at Ayman. I

I felt beautiful. Comfortable in my own skin.And deep down, I hoped he noticed.But… I wasn’t ready to admit it to myself.Finally, I arrived.I got out of the car and walked straight down the path toward the entrance.Suddenly, a shiver ran through me, and my steps grew less confident.The hallway leading to the event felt so long that I thought I might not have the courage to make it all the way.Then, I heard a voice echo.“Well, dear friends, we won’t delay the festivities any longer.”It was Ayman.And my heart started pounding as if that voice was the signal I’d been waiting for—the signal I needed to take the next step and not turn back.I kept moving forward, with more conviction, wanting to honor him.Finally, I reached the entrance.I took a deep breath—a really deep one—and told myself I was in the right place, for the right person.And I stepped in…And there he was, right in front of me, dressed elegantly. His hair was slightly messy, but he looked incredible. Totally hi

“Claire? Are you okay? You’re making a funny face!” Lili noticed, already back in my room that morning.“Oh no! Everything’s fine…” I replied with a smile, though I was still unsettled by that unexpected message from the night before.“Well, tell me! I want to know everything, Claire. I bet Ayman was totally captivated by your beauty. He couldn’t believe it!” she gushed, barely able to contain her excitement.“Lili! You really don’t let anything go, do you? Well, everything went perfectly, and yes, Ayman was happy to see me. That’s it,” I said, keeping the details to myself.“But Claire, tell me about his reaction! What did you do? Describe everything! Just thinking about it, I can imagine his face when he saw you walk in. Love is so beautiful!”She stayed there, hands clasped, eyes looking upward, as if she was really picturing the scene in her mind.“What are you doing, Lili?!” I exclaimed, laughing… then sighed, overwhelmed by her. But at the same time, her excitement about Ayman a