KISS ME IN FRENCH

Most people believed Emmanuella Johnson had the perfect life, and living without problems. She had a smile that could brighten an atmosphere, a laugh that made strangers laugh with her, and a way of turning ordinary conversations into unforgettable moments. Friends often said she was the happiest person they knew ever. Were They were wrong? Let's continue... Emmanuella had simply become very good at hiding her pains. Three years earlier, she had imagined a different future. She was engaged to the man she believed she would marry, and together they had planned a life filled with love, a cozy home, and children who would one day fill the house with laughter and joy but things fall apart, everything changed. One unexpected discovery shattered every promise he had made. He walked away with someone else, leaving Emmanuella to gather the pieces of a heart she didn't know how to mend. Since then, she had made herself one promise: no matter how much life hurt, she would never let the world see her cries. If she couldn't be happy, she could at least make other people smile. That Saturday morning, the little bookstore where she worked was already busy. Willow & Ink sat on a quiet street in Seattle, with shelves packed from floor to ceiling and the comforting smell of fresh coffee drifting through every corner in the area. "Morning, sunshine," Mia called from behind the café counter. "You're late." Emmanuella glanced at the clock and laughed. "By two minutes." "Still late." "I stopped to rescue a pigeon." Mia folded her arms. "Please don't tell me that's another one of your stories." "It looked at me like it needed emotional support." "You need emotional support." "I won't argue with that." The customer standing nearby chuckled. Emmanuella smiled and handed him his coffee. "See? I made someone laugh before nine o'clock. My work here is accomplished." "You still have eight hours left," Mia reminded her. "Then I'll have to keep entertaining people." That was exactly what she did. She recommended books, joked with customers, and somehow convinced a little boy that reading adventure novels was better than spending all day playing video games. His mother thanked her before leaving with a stack of books almost taller than he was. By the afternoon, the store had become quiet. Emmanuella stepped outside with a cup of tea and leaned against the brick wall, enjoying the cool breeze. Her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen. Unknown Number. She opened the message. I've been thinking about you. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm sorry. She didn't need to ask who it was. She knew. Without reading another word, she deleted the message and slipped the phone back into her pocket. Some apologies arrive too late. "You look like someone who's about to declare war on her phone." The voice came from beside her. She turned. A man stood a few steps away with a camera hanging from his shoulder. He looked to be in his early thirties, dressed simply in a dark jacket, jeans, and worn boots. His brown hair had clearly lost a fight with the wind. "I'm sorry," he said with an awkward smile. "That probably sounded strange." "It did," Emmanuella replied. "I was trying to be funny." "Were you successful?" He thought for a second. "I'd give myself a generous five out of ten." She laughed. "I appreciate the honesty." "I'm Ethan Brooks." "Emmanuella Johnson." "Nice to meet you, Emmanuella." "You can call me Emma if it's easier." "I think Emmanuella suits you." She raised an eyebrow. "You've known me for less than a minute." "I know." "And you've already formed an opinion." "I photograph people for a living. It's a bad habit." "So you're judging me?" "Observing." "There's a difference?" "A very important one." She smiled despite herself. "What exactly did you observe?" Ethan looked at her for a brief moment before answering. "You smile with your mouth." She frowned. "But not always with your eyes." His words caught her off guard. Before she could think of a reply, he quickly added, "I could be completely wrong." For a second, the cheerful expression she always carried slipped away. Then she smiled again. "You ask a lot of questions for someone I just met." "And you avoid answering them." "Maybe." He laughed softly. "I walked into that one." The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable. It felt surprisingly easy, as though they had known each other much longer than a few minutes. "So," Ethan said, glancing through the bookstore window, "I actually came in looking for a photography book." "Good. Otherwise this conversation would have been a very strange reason to stand outside a bookstore." "I was beginning to think the same thing." She led him inside. As they walked between the shelves, they talked about books, travel, terrible coffee, rainy weather, and the funniest customers she had ever met. By the time Ethan chose the book he wanted, they were laughing like old friends. At the register, he reached into his pocket. His smile disappeared. "I've forgotten my wallet." Emmanuella folded her arms dramatically. "Convenient." "I swear this isn't a scam." "That's exactly what someone running a scam would say." He sighed. "I deserve that." "I'll give you three minutes." "And if I don't come back?" "I'll tell everyone you're the mysterious man who tried to steal a photography book." "I have a reputation to protect." "You should've remembered your wallet then." Less than three minutes later, Ethan returned, slightly out of breath, holding his wallet high like a trophy. "I made it." "You actually did." "I told you I wasn't a criminal." "The jury is still discussing it." He paid for the book and tucked it under his arm. As he reached the door, he stopped and turned back. "It was nice meeting you, Emmanuella." "You too." "I have a feeling this won't be the last time we meet." She smiled. "That's a bold prediction." "I've always liked taking chances." With a small wave, Ethan walked out into the fading afternoon light. Emmanuella watched him disappear down the street before returning to her work. She told herself he was just another customer. Just another stranger. But somewhere deep inside, a quiet voice whispered that some people walk into your life by accident... ...and leave footprints that never disappear. What's going to happen between the caring photographer and Emmanuella? Would Emmanuella give love another chance? Keep tune...