When We Meet Again

Charlotte turned to Melvin, her expression serious. "I need to say something."

Melvin's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

"I'm sorry for how things ended before," she said softly. "I was scared, and I pushed you away. But I've realized that I don't want to live without you."

Melvin took her hand, his eyes filled with emotion. "I'm sorry too. For not fighting harder, for not showing you how much you mean to me. But we're here now, and I'm not going to let anything come between us again."

They sat there for a long time, talking about their past, their fears, and their hopes for the future. It was a conversation they should have had some years ago, but now it felt like the right time. The barriers between them were finally breaking down, and they were building something new, something real.

As the afternoon turned into evening, they decided to take a boat ride on the Seine. The river sparkled under the setting sun, the city's landmarks bathed in golden light. They boarded a boat and found seats at the front, the perfect spot to take in the views. The boat glided smoothly along the water. Charlotte rested her head on Melvin's shoulder, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't known in years.

"This is perfect," she whispered.

Melvin kissed the top of her head. "It is. And it's just the beginning."

As the boat ride came to an end, they made their way to a small, intimate restaurant Charlotte had discovered during their first visit. It was tucked away on a quiet street, a hidden gem that would hold a special meaning for them. They were greeted warmly by the staff, who seemed to remember Charlotte from before. They ordered a lavish meal and settled down to eat. They talked and laughed, sharing stories and dreams. The conversation flowed easily, a testament to the bond they were rebuilding.

After dinner, they walked back to their hotel, the streets of Paris alive with the energy of the night. They took a detour through the Latin Quarter, the lively atmosphere infectious. Street performers entertained crowds, and the air was filled with music and laughter.

Back in their hotel room, they stepped out onto the balcony, staring at the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance; it was beautiful at night. Charlotte had stared at it so many times during their last visit but it felt different now. She leaned against the railing, her eyes reflecting the city's lights.

"Thank you for today," she said softly. "It's been perfect."

Melvin joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Thank you for giving us another chance. I love you, Charlotte."

She turned to him, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you too, Melvin. And I'm so glad we found our way back to each other."

As they stood there, the night enveloping them in its embrace, they knew that this trip had not only rekindled their love but had also forged a stronger bond, one that would withstand the tests of time. Paris had given them a fresh start and, with it, the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

**

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months. It was time to return home. Charlotte wished they could spend a few more days but work calls. She wasn't the only one who needed to return to work, but Melvin was too. She reluctantly packed her bag a day before, ready to leave the following morning.

At the airport back home, Mia and Bella waited to welcome them. Matthew, Ryan, and David were not left behind either. They were all at the airport not only to welcome them but to listen to how their trip was. Seeing how happy they were together, they were happy too. They had fears but now they had nothing to worry about.

"Look who is acting all lovey-dovey?" Matthew teased, Melvin.

"You've outdone yourself," Ryan said with a smile. "Paris did change you."

"Did it?" Melvin chuckled. "Or maybe it just revealed what was already there."

They got to the house and everyone settled down to listen to their stories. After their meal, Charlotte and Melvin talked about their trip. They talked about their favorite moments from the trip, plans for the future, and the little quirks they had discovered about each other. Charlotte teased Melvin so many times with her eyes sparkling with appreciation.

At some point, she leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips; it made the rest shriek happily. They were all so happy. Charlotte's laugh was infectious, and Melvin found himself grinning more than he had in years. He realized that Charlotte's presence had brought a lightness to his life that he hadn't realized he needed.

**

It was one of their Friday evenings and Charlotte and Melvin prepared for a night out with their friends. Charlotte looked forward to it. It was the reason she and Bella had come to the city; they would return a day after. Melvin stood beside Charlotte as she stared at herself in the mirror for the last time.

"You're so beautiful," he said.

"I think I am getting fat," Charlotte said.

Melvin smiled. "You are not..."

His phone began to ring and he glanced at it, his smile fading away. Charlotte noticed the shift in his demeanor immediately and wondered what could be wrong. "Everything okay?" she asked.

"Yes, just a message from an old friend," Melvin said, brushing it off.

He didn't want to dampen the evening with unnecessary drama. Charlotte, on her side, wondered who the old friend was; she had never had him speak of a friend. "Can we leave now?" Melvin asked, and Charlotte nodded.

"Yes, please."

As they headed to the door, Melvin couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his chest away. They headed to join their friends and Melvin tried to keep a smiling face, not to make Charlotte worry. The night was filled with laughter, drinks, and the kind of love that only old friends can share. Charlotte fit in seamlessly, her charm winning over everyone. Melvin watched her, pride swelling in his chest. But as the night wore on, his phone buzzed again, and this time, he couldn't ignore it.

"Excuse me for a moment," he said, stepping outside to take the call. Charlotte watched him go, her brow furrowing in worry.

Charlotte was worried, she could not bear it; she went to eavesdrop on Melvin's conversation.

Melvin's voice was low as he spoke into the phone. "Alexia, what do you want?"

Charlotte's heart sank at the name. Alexia. Seeing Melvin tensed and closed off, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and fear.

"I just need to talk, Melvin. Please," Jessica's voice was pleading, and Melvin sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"This isn't a good time," he said, his tone has become firmer now.

Charlotte couldn't hear Alexia's response, but she saw the way Melvin's shoulders stiffened. Charlotte returned to join the rest, her heart feeling heavy. Melvin ended the call and came back inside, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Everything alright?" Charlotte asked, trying to keep her voice light.

"Yeah," Melvin said, but the tension was still there. "Just some unfinished business. Don't worry about it," he assured her, but Charlotte was worried.

With Alexia calling Melvin again, she felt that her stand in Melvin's life might be threatened.

Why did she call? Charlotte wondered. What did she want? And why did it feel like a shadow had fallen over their perfect return from Paris?

**

Charlotte woke up feeling so tired and dizzy. She was unable to sleep all through the night; she had a lot to think about the reason why Alexia called. Melvin wasn't talking to her about it and that made her worried. She stood up from the bed and headed to the bathroom to brush her teeth and take her bath. She got dressed in a simple dress and headed to the kitchen to get a glass of milk; maybe that would help her feel better.

"You are finally awake," Hannah said.

She had returned to the house now that Charlotte and Melvin's relationship had been going smoothly.

"Yes. Have you seen Melvin?" Charlotte asked.

Hannah nodded. "Yes. He left very early this morning."

Charlotte sighed. Maybe he went to see her. She thought.

"Hannah," she cooed. "Can I get a glass of milk, please? I feel so tired."

Hannah nodded "I will. You should sit over there."

Charlotte sat down on the stool, waiting for Hannah to get her the glass of milk; her mind drifted back to Alexia and Melvin.

What should she expect? Charlotte thought. Is her heart about to be shattered again?