CHAPTER 43: Bumped Into Someone

It was an autumn morning in Paris, the kind of day that carried the promise of something new with every cool breeze. I had started a small routine—waking up early, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and stopping by the café near my apartment for coffee before heading to Claire’s boutique. The city still affected me, the beautiful distraction I desperately needed. It was almost therapeutic, just being part of the hum of life here.

I pushed open the café door, the soft chime of the bell welcoming me into the familiar warmth. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hit me instantly, comforting and grounding. I stepped up to the counter and ordered my usual—a cappuccino—before taking a seat by the window, watching the world outside.

As I waited for my order, my thoughts drifted to the modeling offer. The agency followed up with me yesterday, wanting me to sign a contract. Claire was ecstatic, urging me to do it, but I was still hesitating. It felt like such a leap, like diving headfirst in