**A PARIS VALENTINE **

**Chapter Three: New beginnings and Conflicted hearts**

The Valentine’s Day celebration had ended hours ago, leaving the hall sparkling and the scent of roses lingering in the air. Moniq stepped outside the mansion, the winter night crisp against her cheeks. The ride back on the bus had been quiet; the other decorators chattered about their dresses and gossip, but Moniq only stared out the window, replaying every detail of the evening in her mind.

Her cheeks still burned from the earlier embarrassment — the stumble, the toppled centerpiece, and the little girl she had saved. Even with the mask, she had felt exposed, as if the entire hall had been watching her every move. And yet, Juliette Dubois’ praise still echoed in her ears: “This young lady… deserves recognition for her talent.”

It had been a confusing mix of emotions. Pride and joy warred with lingering humiliation. But Moniq reminded herself of her vow: No love until twenty-two. Focus first. Work. Shine.

The next morning, Moniq arrived at the company to receive her first paycheck. The boss, usually brisk and no-nonsense, handed her a neat envelope. “For your work last night,” he said curtly. “Well done, for the most part. Don’t get distracted by the little devils or the glamorous family. You’ve done enough here.”

Moniq nodded, clutching the envelope with trembling fingers. She had earned every franc, and the acknowledgment, however quiet, felt like validation after years of struggle.

“You may go now,” the boss added. “Thank you, Moniq.”

Outside, the Paris streets seemed different, almost magical in the early morning light. Moniq walked home, her kit tucked under her arm, replaying the night in her head. I survived. I shone. And I made a difference for a little girl tonight.

When she entered the small apartment she shared with her mother and Aunt Amy, she immediately sought the comfort of familiarity. Aunt Amy was in the kitchen, humming softly as she arranged a few fresh flowers.

“Aunt Amy…” Moniq began, her voice shaking. “It was… I mean… the party… I embarrassed myself. I tripped, the centerpiece fell, and everyone saw…” Her words tumbled over each other.

Aunt Amy set down the vase and pulled Moniq into a gentle hug. “Shh, child. You did not embarrass yourself. You acted bravely. You protected that little girl, didn’t you?”

Moniq nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “Yes… but I still feel… I don’t know… exposed. Everyone was watching.”

Aunt Amy stroked her hair. “That is because you care, Moniq. And that is why they will remember you, too. Not for the stumble, but for your courage, your skill, and your heart. You shone tonight, even under pressure. Don’t forget that.”

For the first time since the party, Moniq felt a warmth bloom in her chest. “Thank you, Aunt Amy,” she whispered. “I… I feel better now.”

Hours later, Moniq’s phone buzzed insistently. She glanced at it and saw “Boss Deco” flashing on the screen. Excited, she grabbed the phone — but a sudden noise outside startled her, and she missed the call. Her heart sank. What if it’s important? What if…

She quickly called back, but there was no answer. Her mind spun with possibilities as she waited. Eventually, a knock came at the door.

“Moniq?” a familiar voice said. She opened the door to see Boss Deco, looking professional but warm.

“Bonjour, Moniq,” he greeted. “I’ve come because… well, Juliette Dubois herself called. She is impressed by your talent and wants to hire you as a low-level designer at her company. You will start with basic designs, attend certain meetings, and if you perform well, there is the possibility of integration into the main team.”

Moniq’s eyes widened. Her heart raced with excitement. This is it… my chance to shine. My real opportunity.

Before she could speak, her mother stepped forward, arms crossed, expression stern. “Moniq, no,” she said firmly. “You will not work for them. I won’t allow it.”

Moniq froze. “Mum… but… it’s a job! A chance to show my talent! Juliette Dubois herself… she’s offering me a place!”

Her mother shook her head. “I do not trust that family. They’ve caused enough pain to people we know. You are too young, too vulnerable, and I will not let you walk into a trap.”

A wave of confusion and frustration coursed through Moniq. “But… I don’t understand. I worked so hard, I’ve learned everything… this is my chance. Why won’t you let me take it?”

Her mother’s face softened slightly, but she remained resolute. “There are things you do not know, Moniq. Things that might destroy your hopes if you knew them now. I am protecting you.”

Moniq felt a lump rise in her throat. She wanted to argue, to demand the truth, but a part of her knew her mother would not relent. Aunt Amy, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward.

“Please,” Aunt Amy said, placing a gentle hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Moniq is ready. She has talent beyond measure, and this opportunity could shape her future. Do not let fear hold her back. You know what it’s like to have talent wasted. This is her chance.”

Her mother hesitated, glancing between the two women. Finally, after a long moment, she sighed. “Very well. But be careful, Moniq. I am agreeing only because I trust Aunt Amy’s judgment. I do not trust the Dubois family fully, and I do not want you hurt. Promise me you will be cautious.”

Moniq’s heart leapt. “I promise, Mum. Thank you. I… I won’t let you down.”

Boss Deco smiled warmly. “Excellent. Moniq, you start tomorrow morning. Wear what is comfortable but professional. Juliette is expecting you.”

Later that evening, Moniq sat with Aunt Amy, recounting every detail of the evening’s events — the embarrassment, the rescue of the little girl, the mask, the praise from Juliette. Aunt Amy listened, nodding, and offered comforting words at every pause.

“You see,” Aunt Amy said finally, “even in that chaos, you stood tall. You proved who you are — talented, brave, and kind. That is why Juliette called you. She sees it. And soon, so will everyone else.”

Moniq leaned back, smiling faintly. “I feel… ready. Scared, yes, but ready.”

Aunt Amy chuckled. “Good. Fear keeps you sharp. But courage… courage will carry you further than you know.”

Moniq’s thoughts drifted to Jean Dubois, the tall, intense young man whose eyes had lingered on her that night. Even with the mask, he had noticed something, some spark beneath the surface. She shook her head, reminding herself: No love until twenty-two. Focus first. Shine first. Romance will follow, if it will.

The following morning, Moniq arrived at Juliette’s company. Her first day as a low-level designer felt surreal. She was given small tasks, sketches, and the chance to observe major designs being discussed. Juliette herself did not speak to her extensively at first, but the knowledge that the matriarch had hand-picked her fueled Moniq’s determination.

Even the little devils had noticed her arrival, whispering behind their fans. But Moniq ignored them, focusing on her work. She remembered her father’s words and her vow to herself. No love yet. Focus on excellence. Let my talent shine first.

By the end of the day, Moniq returned home exhausted but exhilarated. Aunt Amy greeted her with a warm smile. “How was your first day?”

Moniq grinned, holding up her sketches. “I did small designs today, but Juliette… she’s watching me. This is my chance, Aunt Amy. I can feel it.”

Aunt Amy squeezed her hand. “Yes, child. You will rise. And when you do, nothing will stop you.”

Moniq nodded, heart full of hope, her thoughts already racing to the days ahead — challenges, triumphs, and perhaps… the faintest hint of something else.

Paris, she realized, was no longer just a city. It was a place of beginnings, a place of courage, and, maybe, the start of a story that would change her life forever.