64. Paris (4)

That morning, the Parisian air felt colder than usual, as if it shared Ashley's pent-up anxiety. Upon opening her eyes, she was surprised to find herself in Josh's arms, closer than ever before. Their position this time was very different-their faces were too close, almost inches apart. They stared at each other with their eyes wide open, both stunned.

Josh seemed to have just realized their position. Reflexively, he pulled his body slightly, separating the distance between them. However, their gazes remained focused, as if time had slowed down. There was only an awkward silence between them. Josh, who usually looked relaxed, now looked a little uneasy. On the other hand, Ashley could only look at the man with mixed feelings-between confused, upset, and not knowing what to do.

"Ma-sorry," Josh stammered, finally breaking the silence. "I... didn't mean-"

Ashley looked at him sharply. She could feel his irregular heartbeat, perhaps even faster than usual. "I... don't know what to say," she replied softly, trying to catch her breath.

There was a palpable tension, but no one said anything further. They both turned around, staring at the ceiling of the room that suddenly felt very large. Yet, in Ashley's heart, she could feel something different after last night-something she had never felt before.

After a few minutes of silence, they both got out of bed and prepared for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Each of them walked to the bathroom to freshen up. Inside, Ashley tried to calm the feelings that kept rumbling. Outside, Josh looked like his usual self-walking fast, wearing a neat casual suit, but his gaze this time was not like before.

At the hotel restaurant, the atmosphere was lighter although Ashley still felt awkward. They sat across from each other, ordered a light breakfast, and tried to talk as much as possible so that there would be no more tension. However, the feeling inside Ashley's heart was like being filled with a thick fog-something heavy, which made it difficult for her to breathe.

As they were munching on croissants and enjoying their morning coffee, Josh got a call. The number that appeared on his screen was instantly recognizable to Ashley-Sharon.

"Excuse me a moment," Josh asked for permission and answered the phone.

Ashley bowed her head, trying not to pay too much attention to the conversation. However, Josh's soft voice rang out clearly.

"Sharon?" Josh spoke calmly, but Ashley could hear from the tone of his voice that there was a hint of excitement. "Oh, you've arrived at the airport? Fine, I'll pick you up."

Ashley felt her chest squeeze a little. She held the coffee cup in her hand, trying to keep her facial expression neutral even though her heart was crying softly. All this time, he had known that Josh was still attached to Sharon, but hearing those words straight out of Josh's mouth, made him feel very hurt. He could only stare blankly, wishing he hadn't heard the conversation.

"So... I have to go now," Josh continued, turning his gaze to Ashley who was still sitting in silence. "Sharon just arrived in Paris, and I promised to pick her up at the airport."

Ashley stared at Josh, silent for a few seconds, trying to control the feelings that came over her so quickly. "Oh," she replied briefly, as if at a loss for words. "Sure."

"I'm sorry I had to leave you alone," Josh continued, looking awkward. "But I'll be right back, okay?"

Ashley just smiled slightly. It was a bittersweet smile, but she couldn't say more. She knew that her feelings wouldn't help much.

Josh then stood up, grabbed his jacket, and with quick steps, he left the breakfast table. Ashley stared at Josh's retreating back, and in her heart, a sense of devastation slowly grew. What did she expect all this time? More attention from Josh? A feeling that they could share together? Or maybe it was just a sweet lie that they had woven from the beginning?

However, when Josh did leave, Ashley felt so lonely at the breakfast table, surrounded only by the biting silence. The breakfast suddenly felt bland. She felt as if the world was much bigger than she could imagine, and she had to face it alone.

The day passed very slowly for Ashley. She walked around Paris by herself, enjoying the beautiful scenery even though she was far from happy. All the places they had planned to visit with Josh now seemed like a distant dream. She had prepared everything to be able to enjoy Paris with Josh, but the reality was much different.

Meanwhile, Josh soon picked Sharon up and took her on a tour of Paris. They visited many of the planned sights-Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre. They talked, laughed, and even made out in public. It was all done freely, as if the world belonged to the two of them.

Ashley who was walking along the banks of the Seine felt even more alienated. As she walked among the classical buildings of Paris, she could feel as if she was just a spectator in a story that she could not follow. On the one hand, she knew that her marriage to Josh was not a love affair. It was just a business marriage, a bond that was nothing more than a formality. Yet, why was it so hard for her heart to let go?

Amidst the colorful crowds of Paris, Ashley felt empty. He wanted to feel happiness, the happiness he should have enjoyed with Josh. But Josh, with all his charm, had chosen Sharon. And he had to accept it.

As night fell, Ashley returned to the hotel with tired steps. She felt there was nothing more she could do. All the hopes she had built up in Paris were now dashed in an instant. He was trapped in the harsh reality that Josh only saw him as part of a contract, not genuine love.

But, on the other hand, she also knew that there was no turning back. Josh had chosen Sharon, and Ashley had to learn to let go.

That night, he returned to his room, alone, with an atmosphere that was far from peaceful. A memory that should have been sweet now tasted so bitter.