Marie stood at the head of the table, radiant in a cream silk dress. But even in her own home, among old friends, she felt the subtle press of tension. Today wasn’t just about catching up. It was a reintroduction. A declaration.
Francis was officially part of her life now. And that meant bringing him into *their* world.
The women trickled in as the sun climbed higher:
**Clara**, icy and sharp, queen of fashion PR.
**Juliette**, all power suits and litigation smiles.
**Sabine**, the effortlessly cultured art dealer.
**Anouk**, champagne socialite and perpetual patroness of all things photogenic.
They were her constants—through career launches, designer flings, discreet scandals. But today, Marie saw them with new eyes.
Francis arrived mid-brunch, dressed in a simple linen shirt, sle
