Her activity for today was for her Spring Collection. She wanted to get some inspirations from the beautiful countryside scenes, thus, she prepared a long list of places to visit. Her itinerary included the lavender fields in Provence, the vast golden sunflowers, the lonely canyons and the deserted castles. All were objects of her observation today.
Soon enough and Leena found herself indulging with the landscapes of Paris' countryside. There were even times when she would just stop her car and took pictures of blooming flowers. Sometimes, she would sit down, take out her drawing board, then begin sketching views. Gerard was like a quiet companion who spent his time looking at her. He would give her some water or biscuits from time to time but never had he made any sound that could disturb Leena's thoughts. It made Leena a little uncomfortable but at the same time impressed by how considerate he was today. She never experienced that from him before. It seemed that Gerard was not as worthless as she first thought. However, they had already lost each other. If only Gerard had known how to cherish her from the very beginning, they would not have parted.
"Mignonne, would you mind having a candlelit dinner with me tonight?" Gerard did not waste any time and asked her out with a pleading voice. She ended her whole day's work as soon as the sun set and its afterglow spread across colorful Provence. Her satisfied smile gave him the cue to approach her. She looked more relaxd now.
"Hmmm. Dinner is okay, but there is no need for candles". Although it was not like her to agree, Leena still wanted to thank Gerard for helping and taking care of her the whole day. Having an ordinary dinner with Gerard might not give him much hope, right? Leena thought to herself.
"Well, as long as you can have a dinner with me, everything is fine." The French guy was pleased with Leena's unexpected nod. He was so happy that he almost jumped to his feet as a brilliant smile made its way to his handsome face.
"Okay. Let's go. We can go back to Paris first." Leena found his bright smile infectious and wasn't able to stop herself from smiling back. She got on her car without hesitation and started driving back to Paris. On the other hand, Gerard hadn't recovered from his surprise yet and just noticed her car already left after it drove a good distance. He ended up rushing to get into his own car and drove in a hurry to cope up with her.
Leena finally had the chance to reassess her relationship with Gerard as she drove back to Paris. She clearly knew that it was impossible for them to be together again. However, as she had lived in France for several years, she also knew that the French people cherished friendship a lot. Therefore, she decided to take Gerard's behavior as a sign of friendliness. She wouldn't live in this place for a long time anyways, hence, she didn't have to worry about being followed by him all the time.
After thorough thinking, Leena felt relaxed and had a good appetite during dinner. French cuisine varied according to the season. The chefs would choose the freshest foods and ingredients within the season to come up with their unique delicacies. French cuisine was incomparable both in the taste and in presentation. It could be considered as an art. And the French restaurants also pursued the exquisite atmosphere. The French dinner was fantastic. Other than which were mentioned, Leena liked delicate French cuisines and sauces. Tonight's dinner was definitely something Leena enjoyed. It was that satisfaction on her beautiful face that gave Gerard a little more hope.
"Mignonne, have you forgiven me?" The man asked as he watched Leena eating sirloin in an elegant way. Gone was her cold and indifferent aura.
Gerard, I don't have to forgive you, as I have never hated you." She wiped her mouth, put down the knife and fork, then looked at him seriously.
Then why are you so indifferent to me if that is the case? You did not even want to talk with me at the beginning?" Confused, Gerard felt the strong need for him to know her reasons. The changes in Leena were huge. She had not even smiled to him since they met again!
Just as I told you two days ago, I'm already married. Marriage means a traditional life in our country. With that said, I could not be close to any other man except for my husband. Coming out clear of it would avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and suspicions. Can you understand what I meant?"
Leena sighed. Explaining her country's tradition and history was hard for her. After all, there were a lot of words and meanings which could not be fully translated and understood.
"I do not understand, Mignonne. However, I will wait for you even though you're married. I believe that one day, you will finally find that I am the right person for you." It seemed that Gerard had not figured out what Leena exactly wanted to say. Therefore, he continued to insist on his own way of love.
Wait for what? Wait till I get a divorce? Don't be silly, Gerard. That is impossible. I love my husband. I have never thought of betraying him and falling in love with you again! So, please, listen to me. Forget me and find your destined girl! We've already lost each other. Let's not have that pity happened again. I have found my lifelong lover. I am sure your girl is waiting for you somewhere in this world. That girl is not me. Why don't you just let me go and let your heart go? Otherwise, I will not even tolerate befriending you."
Exhaustion got Leena. It was lucky that they were in Paris and not in the S city. She couldn't tell what would Kevin think if he had seen Gerard following her, "Mignonne, isn't there really any possibility between us?" Gerard felt his heart breaking with Leena's straight words. A part of him just couldn't believe what he had heard. Letting her go was a huge mistake and it was only now that he realized it. Lenna was his. She was his destiny but he lost her.
"No, Gerard. Let me tell you again. It is impossible for us. I would not go back even if I'm not married. Forget me, Gerard. We could both agree to be friends or I could just keep my distance away from you." Leena knew that her words were straight and hurtful. However, she did not regret what came out of her mouth. A one-time hurt was better than an enduring pain. Besides, she did not believe that Gerard would love her forever. He must have suddenly realized her worth after having been together with other people for a long time. He might just give up her again once he found another beautiful woman. He already did it before! Fast-Food love game wasn't her kind of stuff.
I know, Mignonne. I hope we could be friends." Gerard reached out and offered Leena a handshake. His eyes were filled with sadness. He understood that it was his past behaviors that made Leena lose her trust on all his efforts. It was the conviction in her eyes that made him give up. Letting go was another kind of love. Gerard would be fine as long as Leena was happy.
Thank you for understanding. You're welcome to the S city whenever you are convenient. We will warmly receive you." Leena said, giving more emphasis to the word "we". She would like to stress that she would do what she said together with Kevin. Honestly, she did not think that Gerard could think through her friendship-offer quickly. He exceeded her expectations and it made her feel relieved.
"I will certainly go to see you in S city. To our friendship." Gerard raised his glass and toasted to Leena. The crisp sound of bumping glasses indicated a new relationship between them. They would only be friends from that second on. Gerard reminded himself that there were more hopes in the world than regrets.
The night scene of Paris seemed to be more gorgeous because of that new relationship. It was only then that Leena felt herself fully relaxed. After all, she managed to solve a sticky situation and gained a friend from it. She was really happy.