Chapitre 39: Chapter 39 Love at First Sight

Alicia craned her neck, her doe-like eyes sparkling as they locked with Louis's. For a guy like Louis, confessing "I can change for you" was a pretty big deal.

Alicia had deep feelings for Louis too. His short fuse was the only thing that irked her, but he'd been keeping it in check around her for the past year. His pesky ex-girlfriend, Madelyn, also bugged Alicia, but lately, Louis's been sticking by her side during confrontations. Ever since Alicia mentioned Madelyn got under her skin, he'd been keep distance from Madelyn.

Alicia's heart melted, and she was just about to say yes when someone knocked on the door. A young woman, perhaps a receptionist, popped in and said, "Mrs. Martinez, someone's been calling you nonstop."

She had stashed her phone in a locker while she changed into her wedding gown. Alicia figured it must be important. She apologized to the photographer and headed downstairs to take the call.

Reaching the ground floor, she picked up the phone and was met with Henry's cold voice. "Did you forget what you promised me? I don't have time for those who don't keep their promises."

Alicia felt like she'd been humiliated in public, her cheeks ablaze. After a beat, she shot back, "I didn't break my promise. Louis just got back from his trip yesterday, and the courts are closed today because it's the weekend."

Henry replied icily, "Next Monday, I'll have my assistant clear his schedule. I hope you won't let me down again, Miss Valdez... and I hope you'll be the real Miss Valdez after that."

Alicia simply acknowledged with a grunt.

Henry added pointedly, "I've got a lot of patience for Louis, but if he lets me down, I won't think twice about replacing him. His big brother, Asher, might not be as business-savvy, but he's got guts and doesn't get sidetracked by love. He listens to me. Our family isn't like yours. We've got big shoes to fill, and the business world's a war zone. There's no room for lovey-dovey stuff. You get me?"

His implication was crystal clear: If Alicia didn't divorce Louis, she'd be a roadblock on his road to success, causing him to fail.

Henry was one sly old dog. He hadn't cursed once, but his words stung like nettles, making it tough for Alicia to hold her head up.

Alicia felt like she'd hit her limit. If she didn't divorce Louis, she'd be labeled a sinner. With a ghostly pallor and shaky voice, she muttered, "I get it."

After hanging up, Alicia left the reception area, her heart heavy, and ducked into a hidden corner. It took all her strength to pull herself together. When she felt she'd calmed down enough, she put on a brave face and went back to the photo studio. But her zest for the photoshoot had died down.

After only a few more snaps, she told the photographer, "That'll do. Let's stick with these."

Exiting the studio, she quietly went back to the changing room to change and wipe off her makeup before leaving with Louis.

As Louis took off, he asked, "Who called you earlier?"

Alicia shook her head. "Nobody special."

He narrowed his eyes. "C'mon, just tell me."

Dodging his stare, Alicia checked her watch, half-joking, "I once promised I'd look out for you, but I can't. I'll make it up with a meal, at least."

Louis went quiet, the hope in his eyes dimming. He playfully rubbed her hair, teasing, "One meal to ditch me? That's cheap."

Alicia managed a smile. "If one doesn't cut it, we'll do two."

They didn't talk much after that. They found a nearby restaurant and grabbed dinner. When they left, it was pitch black outside.

As they got in the car, Louis asked, "Where to now?"

Alicia clicked her seatbelt in place and answered, "Take me to the hospital."

"It's late. What's up at the hospital? Doesn't Véronique have a caregiver?" asked Louis.

Alicia shrugged and replied, "She's been super needy recently, especially at night. She doesn't want the caregiver or my mom—just me."

Louis gently tucked her hair behind her ear, his eyes holding a message: I'm needy for you too, especially at night. But it sounded too sappy for a grown man, so he kept quiet. It wouldn't change anything, anyway, given that they'd get divorced in no time.

When they got to the hospital, it started pouring.

Louis parked, grabbed an umbrella, and walked Alicia to the inpatient ward. The umbrella tilted more toward her, leaving Louis's shoulder exposed. Alicia noticed and nudged the umbrella back his way.

But after a few steps, it tilted back to her. As she tried to adjust it again, Louis grabbed her hand and softly said, "I'm a big guy; a little damp won't hurt. But you're fragile and can't take the cold."

Alicia's realized how bittersweet this was, and she clung to his arm until they reached the ward entrance.

That night, Alicia helped Véronique wash up. Seeing her grandma's wrinkled face, she felt a wave of sadness. Véronique had raised Alicia since she was a kid, and Alicia loved her more than her mom.

Late at night, she cuddled up to Véronique. The once tall and strong woman had become thin and weak, like a dried-up stalk swaying in the wind.

A few days back, a full-body exam showed all of Véronique's organs had aged, especially the kidney she'd received three years prior. The doctors wouldn't risk surgery at her age. All they could do was take things day by day.

Alicia couldn't sleep, her heart heavy. Véronique was awake too. In the dark, Alicia heard her hoarse voice whisper, "Sweetheart, it's all on me, you know? If not for me, you wouldn't have married into that family or be getting a divorce now."

Alicia pressed her face into his bony back, pausing before responding, "I don't regret marrying him. Seriously."

Véronique didn't answer, just let out a deep sigh.

The next day, Monday, Alicia and Louis planned to meet at the courthouse. As they stepped out of the car, Alicia glanced up and saw a charming little coffee shop with stylish décor. She stopped in her tracks.

Three years ago, she had met Louis for the first time at that very spot. She remembered the lingering chill of late winter, the cold weather. Louis had worn a black cashmere coat, looking even more dashing than in his photos, with a frosty elegance that set him apart. Even in a wheelchair, his natural grace shone through.

He had beautiful eyes, with heavy double lids and long lashes that dipped slightly at the outer corners. Those stunning eyes held a mournful chill, like tarnished pearls. Gazing into his eyes, Alicia couldn't help but feel a surge of sadness, for they reminded her so much of Chuck's eyes.

Thirteen years ago, when Alicia last saw Chuck in the hospital, he wore an oxygen mask and couldn't speak. He stared at her in silence with those sorrowful, heart-wrenching eyes.

Seeing the same sadness in Louis's eyes, Alicia wanted nothing more than to embrace him, to kiss his eyes, and to tenderly ease the pain hiding beneath them.

"What's holding you back?" Louis's deep, melodious voice brought Alicia back to reality.

He held her icy fingers, his own just as cold. Alicia mumbled her agreement and followed his lead.

As they approached the courthouse entrance, she looked back at the coffee shop, its name—Love at First Sight.

Inside the courthouse, many couples were getting divorced, most of them young, not much older than Alicia and Louis. The ones ahead of them in line had icy, hardened faces, ready for battle, like foes. Only Alicia and Louis stood hand in hand, their gazes warm and loving, as if they couldn't stand to let go.

Because they stood out so much and were both so striking, everyone gawked at them in shock. Alicia felt a little embarrassed, so she turned her face toward Louis.

He drew her into his arms and began to rub her back, consoling her.

It looked as if they were waiting not for a divorce but to publicly show off their love. Eventually, someone couldn't help but point to the marriage registration desk, saying, "If you're here for a court marriage, you're in the wrong line."

With a cold, distant expression, Louis replied, "We're getting a divorce."

Everyone in the room started murmuring, clearly not understanding why they would divorce when they seemed so in love.

Just as it was almost their turn, Alicia's phone rang. She took it out of her bag, walked to the window to answer it, and quickly broke down in tears.

Sensing trouble, Louis went over to her. Seeing her tear-streaked face and pale complexion, he felt his heart tighten and worriedly asked, "What's wrong?"

"Grandma... I just lost my grandma..." Alicia sobbed, her knees giving way as she started to crumple. Louis swiftly caught her and scooped her up, carrying her towards the exit.