Rejected by my ex, Claimed by the CEO

Chapter Eighteen

As the plane descended toward Paris, the city unfolded beneath us like a vibrant and alive painting. The Seine glimmered under the afternoon sun, flanked by majestic structures whispering stories of art and romance. My heart raced from the excitement of arriving in a new city and the prospect of finally letting go of the shadows of my past.

When we landed, Gino's enthusiasm was infectious. “Welcome to Paris!” he said, his eyes sparkling as we disembarked. The familiar buzz of excitement enveloped us when we entered the terminal. The air smelled of coffee, baked goods, and something distinctly French that made my heart flutter.

After the stress of navigating customs and collecting our luggage, Gino slipped his hand into mine, guiding me toward the exit. “I can’t wait to show you everything,” he said warmly. The sincerity in his voice made me forget if only for a moment, the anxieties waiting just at the edges of my mind. I could only smile and nod in response.

The taxi ride was a whirlwind of sights and sounds—colourful storefronts, cafes bustling with patrons, and iconic landmarks peeking out from behind the trees. My fingers tightened around Gino’s as we weaved through the traffic, and I could feel the tension in my chest slowly beginning to ease. He pointed out famous spots, his excitement bubbling over as he talked about the history and culture waiting for us.

Finally, we arrived at our charming hotel on a quaint street just a few blocks from the Louvre. After checking in, we ascended to our room, the antique charm immediately welcoming us. It was small but beautifully decorated with intricate details—a perfect blend of modern comfort and old-world charm.

“Here we are!” Gino announced, throwing open the curtains to reveal a view of the Paris skyline. The iconic Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, bathed in golden light as the sun began to set. I stepped toward the window, breathless. “This is incredible,” I whispered, feeling a swell of emotion at the sight.

He joined me, standing close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. “Just wait until tomorrow morning. I have a meeting with the company executives, and I’m feeling perfect about it,” he said, a grin breaking across his face. “This could be huge for us.”

I smiled back, though the enthusiasm felt slightly tethered by the day's shadows. “I have no doubt you’ll impress them,” I said, trying to channel some of his confidence. But as the reality of my past weighed on me, I couldn’t shake the flicker of anxiety that remained.

“Thanks, Harriet. It’s great having you here for support,” Gino replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “We’re in this together, remember?”

I nodded, the sincerity in his words wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. “I’m glad to be here,” I said, meaning it more than I could express.

As the evening wore on, Gino unpacked a few essentials while I sat on the edge of the bed, gazing out at the cityscape. I tried to breathe deeply and let go of the worries gnawing at me—this was a fresh start. I felt the urge to text Sandra, but I hesitated, not wanting to invite more chaos into what should be a beautiful escape. Damon should just leave me alone after he made his choice to be with Aurora.

“Harriet! Come on—let’s go explore!” Gino called, interrupting my thoughts. He appeared at the doorway, his face alight with eagerness

“Explore what?” I replied, standing up and smoothing down my dress, trying to shake off my lingering apprehension.

“Just a quick walk. We can find a cosy cafe and grab dinner. You can’t visit Paris without having your first meal here, right?”

I laughed lightly, “You’re right! Let’s do it. I'm starving.” my stomach growled in response.

We stepped out into the city's pulsating heart, and the atmosphere wrapped around me like a warm blanket. Gino held my hand as we walked, and I absorbed the sights—the cobblestone streets, the flickering gas lamps, the chatter of locals mingling with tourists.

We finally settled into a small cafe tucked away in a narrow alley. Its outdoor seating was adorned with fairy lights and potted flowers. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries wafted around us, and I felt the weight of my past slip further away with each heartbeat.

As we ordered, Gino’s excitement was palpable. “You have to try the escargot—it's a must! And then there’s the crème brûlée for dessert. You won’t regret it,” he said, his eyes twinkling at the prospect.

I giggled, taking a sip of the wine we had ordered. “Well, if you say so! Guess I’m diving into all things French.”

But as our meal ended and we sipped on our final glasses of wine, the phone buzzed again in my purse, sending a jolt through me. Gino noticed my reaction, and his brow furrowed slightly. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. I’ll check it later.” I forced a casual tone, wanting to protect this moment.

He nodded thoughtfully but didn’t press further, and I was grateful for his understanding.

Once we finished dinner and returned to the hotel, night had fully settled over the city. Street lamps illuminated the path, sending shadows dancing across the cobblestones. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

Upon returning to our room, Gino began reviewing notes on his laptop to prepare for his meeting the following day. I settled on the plush bed, overwhelmed by the day's emotions. As I watched him work, I felt a swell of pride and a layer of trepidation.

“Hey, do you mind if I look at your notes?” I asked, hoping it would help ease my restless mind.

“Of course! Come here,” Gino replied, shifting aside to make space for me on the bed. As I leaned over to glance at the screen, his arm brushed against mine, sending a rush of warmth through me.

I focused closely on the projected slides, absorbing the details about potential partnerships and his strategies. He was clearly passionate about this deal, and his confidence was contagious.

Yet, beneath that excitement, I couldn’t help but hear the distant echoes of my past. I pulled out my phone to check Sandra's message, ready to silence my fears.

I saw her message waiting there. *It's important , Harriet. Just remember, you're stronger than you think!*

“Gino, I'm all for this contract marriage, lets do it. Lets make it official.”