The days passed slowly for Pamela, each one filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She wandered the cobblestone streets of Paris, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. Despite the beauty surrounding her, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing—Alexander.
Meanwhile, Alexander found himself haunted by thoughts of Pamela. Every corner of the city reminded him of their fleeting connection. He spent his days in his studio, but the vibrant colors of his paintings felt dull and uninspired without her laughter to accompany him. He wanted to reach out, but without her number, he was left in a frustrating limbo.
One evening, as he strolled through the Marais district, he heard a familiar voice. Turning the corner, he spotted Victoria chatting animatedly with a group of friends outside a café. The sight of her stirred a mix of irritation and regret within him. He had thought he was done with this chapter of his life, yet here she was, effortlessly drawing everyone in.
"Alexander!" Victoria called out, spotting him. Her smile was bright, but he sensed the underlying intent. She approached him, her friends trailing behind.
"Fancy running into you here!" she said, her tone light but her gaze sharp. "We were just talking about the new exhibit at the gallery. You should join us."
He hesitated, the tension in his chest tightening. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Victoria."
"Come on, it'll be fun!" she insisted, her voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Besides, I miss our nights out. We had such great times together."
Alexander felt a wave of anger rise within him. "Those times are in the past. I'm not interested in revisiting them."
Victoria's smile faltered for a moment, but then she regained her composure. "Is this about that girl you met? Pamela, was it? I heard she's been seen around the city."
The mention of Pamela sent a jolt through him. "That's none of your business," he snapped, his voice sharper than he intended.
"Why are you so defensive?" Victoria asked, tilting her head with feigned innocence. "You know I only want what's best for you." "Best for me?" he echoed, incredulous. "Or what's best for you?"
As their argument escalated, a familiar face caught his eye—Pamela, walking towards them, her expression unreadable. Time seemed to freeze as their eyes met. He felt a rush of hope and panic all at once.
"Pamela!" he called out, stepping away from Victoria. But the moment shattered as Victoria moved closer, wrapping her arm around his, a possessive gesture that made Alexander bristle.
"Look who I found!" Victoria announced, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Your new friend."
Pamela's gaze shifted between them, confusion and hurt flashing in her eyes. "Oh, I didn't realize…"
Alexander took a step forward, his heart racing. "Pamela, wait—"
But she turned, walking away, and a sense of helplessness washed over him. He felt trapped, torn between the ghost of his past and the blossoming connection he had felt with her.
"See what you did?" Victoria said, her tone smug. "You need to let go of these fleeting feelings, Alexander."
He shot her a glare, his frustration boiling over. "You don't get to dictate my feelings. I'm done with this."
With that, he turned on his heel, racing after Pamela. He had to make her understand, to explain everything before it was too late.