Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 44 – Conversations Under Parisian Lights

Evelyn wandered through the narrow streets of Montmartre, the golden glow of Parisian street lights making everything feel like a dream.

The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint aroma of freshly baked bread from a nearby boulangerie. She clutched her coat tighter, feeling the day's weight settle in her bones.

"You walk like you're lost,"

Leo's voice came from behind her.

She turned, surprised.

"I wasn't expecting company."

He smirked, stepping beside her.

"Neither was I, but here we are. Tell me, what troubles you, mademoiselle?"

She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head.

"I'm just... adjusting."

Leo tilted his head.

"Adjusting to Paris, or adjusting to yourself?"

Evelyn paused. She hadn't expected such a perceptive question.

"Both, I guess."

He nodded as if he understood completely.

"Paris has a way of making you confront things you thought you had left behind."

---

**A Café Conversation**

They ended up in a small café, the scent of espresso and vanilla filling the air. Evelyn traced the rim of her cup, watching the steam rise.

"Tell me something,"

Leo said, leaning forward.

"What's the most terrifying thing about being here?"

She exhaled slowly.

"Not knowing if I truly belong."

Leo tapped his fingers on the table.

"Ah, the infamous imposter syndrome. It plagues even the best artists. But you—"

he pointed at her,

"—you have something different."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"And what's that?"

"You paint not just what you see, but what you feel. Not many can do that."

She smiled slightly, feeling warmth creep into her chest.

"And you? What's your fear

Leo leaned back, considering the question.

"That one day, I'll wake up and realize I've lost my passion. That I create because I must, not because I love it."

She studied him for a moment, understanding the depth of his words.

"Then we'll remind each other why we started."

He grinned.

"Ah, a pact. I like it."

---

**Midnight on the Seine**

Hours passed, and soon, they were by the Seine, watching the water shimmer under the city lights.

"Did you always want to be an artist?"

Evelyn asked.

Leo hesitated.

"No. I wanted to be an architect. But my father... he thought art was a waste of time. So, naturally, I had to prove him wrong."

She chuckled.

"Rebellion through art. I like that."

He smirked.

"And you? What made you choose this life?"

Evelyn's gaze softened.

"Art was the only thing that made me feel like I existed. Like I had a voice, even when no one was listening."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Leo nodded slowly.

"Then you must never stop. Because the world needs more voices like yours."

For the first time in a long while, Evelyn felt seen.