Continuation,
Grey and Carmen, their hair slightly damp from the recent rain, entered the restaurant. Their arrival caused a stir among the people around, who couldn't help but notice the dramatic scene they had just witnessed. The couple walked hand in hand to a secluded table at the back of the restaurant, their faces flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief.
Grey and Carmen sat in comfortable silence, sharing a peaceful gaze. Their moment was interrupted by a waiter who approached their table, greeting them in French.
"Bonsoir monsieur," the waiter said.
Grey and Carmen exchanged glances.
"Sorry madam, we don't speak French," Grey replied softly, his voice barely audible. The waiter, realizing her mistake, apologized and called for a colleague who spoke English.
"The waiter approached their table, greeting them politely.
"Good evening, sir and madam. What can I get you?" she asked.
Grey turned to Carmen, a warm smile on his face. "What would you like, Carmen?" he inquired.
Carmen sighed, shaking her head. "Actually, I'm not very hungry. But a warm drink would be nice. How about hot coco with chocolate?" she replied, returning his smile.
Grey nodded. "Make it two," he told the waiter, who took their order and left
"Grey gazed intently at Carmen as they sat in silence at a round table. Carmen noticed his gaze and smiled shyly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She averted her eyes, unable to maintain eye contact with him.
"Stop it, Grey," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Grey chuckled softly. "I'm just so glad that I finally found you again. I was really worried about what would happen if I never saw you again." He reached out and gently touched her hand, his touch sending a shiver to Carmen.
Carmen, I'm truly sorry for everything that happened. I never meant to hurt you."
"Grey, I understand. It's all in the past. I forgive you."
Carmen took Grey's hand and held it tightly. "I'm also sorry for making things difficult for you," she confessed.
Grey smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Carmen." He gazed into her eyes, their silent connection deepening with each passing moment.
The waiter returned, placing two steaming cups of hot coco and chocolate on the table. "Here's your hot coco. Can I get you anything else?" she asked.
"Oh, thank you," Grey replied. "Nothing else, thank you." The waiter nodded and left.
Carmen smiled at Grey, who was already sipping her drink. "Grey, I want to thank you for saving me," she said.
"I didn't know what came over me," she spoke, her voice soft. "I was lost in my own thoughts and didn't see it coming."
Carmen," Grey said, his voice filled with emotion. "When you left me at the subway station, I felt a wave of fear wash over me. It was like I was going to lose you forever, never to see you again." He sighed, his eyes filled with sadness.
"I had to follow you, no matter what," he continued, his voice brightening. "I guess my heart knew what it was doing." He smiled, his expression filled with relief.
"Thank you for worrying about me, Grey," Carmen replied, her voice soft and grateful.
"Speaking of worrying, I was also curious, Carmen. Where were you staying all this time? You've just arrived in the city," Grey laughed.
"Actually, it's not been that long. It's only been a day," she smiled.
"Yeah, I know it was a day, but it was a long one. So, where were you staying?" Grey asked, his curiosity piqued.
I guess I was lucky, Grey. I kept walking and finally found a nearby motel. I had to stay there, avoiding you. I felt relieved that night, but I guess it was all my anger," she said, her gaze fixed on Grey.
"Carmen, I was so worried that night. I called you several times, but you didn't answer. I tried knocking on your door but heard no sound. I then found out that you had left your phone in the car, then confirmed that you hadn't arrived at the hotel. It was hard to believe that I had no way to reach you," he said, his voice filled with concern.
So, how did you actually find me?" Carmen asked, taking a sip of her drink.
Grey took a deep breath before speaking. "I thought I would find you easily, but you weren't. Let's just say I got lucky too. Remember the ice cream boy, Adrien?"
"Yeah," she replied.
"He led me straight to you. It's a long story, but we had talked earlier, and he promised to help me," Grey said with a smile.
That naughty boy," Carmen laughed. "He just talked to me too, and I told him the whole story. He said he would help me avoid you, but I guess he's smarter than he seems. I'm glad he played us that way, Grey. It was all worth it," she said with a smile.
I'm truly happy to see you again, Carmen," Grey said, his voice filled with sincerity.
"And so am I, Grey," Carmen replied, their eyes locking in a moment of shared relief.
For a time, they sat in comfortable silence, their behavior suggesting a renewed connection. Grey gently took Carmen's hand, and together they watched the sun break through the rain clouds, casting a warm glow over the city.
Grey, about what you said earlier..." Carmen began, but spoke at once with Grey
"Are you done with your drink?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm done," Carmen replied.
"You were about to say something," Grey said, standing up.
"It's nothing," she insisted.
""Okay, let's get moving then," Grey said, extending his hand to Carmen.
"Sure," Carmen replied, taking Grey's hand and stepping out of the restaurant. The couple's exit caused a stir among the patrons, who couldn't help but admire them, unaware of the events that had unfolded a few moments ago.
Grey had left his car at the tower, so they had to walk for a while and then take a train to reach it. As they walked hand in hand towards the station, those who had seen them earlier couldn't believe their eyes. Their reunion seemed like a mystery, leaving everyone wondering what had happened between them.
They finally arrived at the tower again, just as Adrien was preparing to depart.
"Oh, you finally got back together," Adrien said, as they all laughed.
"Mr. Grey, I'm very happy that you finally found her. And to Carmen, I'm sorry I couldn't keep my word, but in the end, you're both happy. Love endures, right?" he said with a smile.
"Adrien, thank you for being such a good friend and kept me from making bad choices. You were a real hero," Carmen said.
"My pleasure," Adrien replied.
"You can't leave without me thanking you, Adrien," Grey said before he left. "Adrien, I'm really at a loss for words. I don't know how I can truly thank you, but I'll try to make it up to you," he said, looking at Carmen.
"Thanks," Adrien said, nodding his head. "Well, I guess I have to get home early. See you around. I hope you'll be buying from my factory soon," he said in a playful tone.
"Alright, Adrien. See you around," Grey waved as he left.
Carmen felt a bit shy as she stood beside Grey, facing the tower. They remained silent for a moment, their eyes locked.
"So, Carmen, I just remembered that you were about to say something earlier at the restaurant. Do you mind telling me?" Grey asked, breaking the silence.
Oh," Carmen replied, her heart pounding. "Well, Grey, I was about to ask you about something you said earlier today, but I guess I didn't pay much attention," she said softly.
"Okay, go on," Grey said, looking into her eyes.
"Well, Grey, when we were on the train, there was a lot on my mind. I didn't pay much attention to what you said, but I think..." she took a deep breath, her words failing her. "Grey, I kind of felt the same too," she finally confessed.
Yeah, and what could that be?" Grey asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Grey, I think I'm a bit in love with you," Carmen confessed, their silence stretching out. "I guess I was too caught up to forget my true feelings for you," she said, looking at Grey.
Grey gazed at her in amazement, his heart pounding. This was the only thing he wanted to hear that beautiful evening. Carmen returned his gaze, drawing closer to him and closing her eyes. It was the moment Grey had been waiting for since the first time he had seen her.
Grey pulled her closer and kissed her, right in the middle of the crowd gathered at the Eiffel Tower. They remained like that for a while, their world melting away.
They finally pulled away from each other, the crowd erupting in applause and surrounding them. It was a beautiful moment for both of them, and they shared another kiss, the crowd cheering even louder this time.
Carmen smiled at Grey as they pulled apart. "That was nice," she said softly, her shyness returning.
It was marvelous, Carmen," Grey said, lifting her chin to look at her once more. "Do you feel like going back to the hotel, or should we explore what else the night has to offer?" he asked with a smile.
"I don't feel like sleeping early today," Carmen replied, returning his smile and kissing him again. The crowd continued to cheer, the scene was more of a romantic movie ending. However, this was just the beginning of their love story.
Grey and Carmen happily moved away from the crowd, hand in hand, as the cheers followed them. They were like a prince and princess in a romantic city. Grey's dream of Carmen being his Cinderella had become a reality in that moment.
"So, everything is alright now. Where do you feel like going?" Grey asked as they sat in the car.
"I suggest we go wherever our hearts take us, Grey," Carmen replied with a smile. Grey smiled back, leaned towards her, touched her left cheek, and kissed her again.
Alright, let's drive and never stop going where love takes us tonight," Grey said, and Carmen nodded in agreement. He started the car and stepped on the gas a little too hard, causing the crowd to gasp and applaud as they drove away.
They were finally happy, after a tragic period for both of them. Grey couldn't let go of Carmen's hand, even while holding the steering wheel. He couldn't help but let it be. A true love story had begun for Grey with a real girl like Carmen, who truly loved him.