A Lonely Billionaire

ses of fields and small houses scattered here and there, was far from the hustle and bustle of the city and the sophistication of her usual world. Her mother, in her desir

ing for her. She smiled, a smile that seemed completely natural and sincere. There was no trace of hypocrisy, no arti

, hugging her with a gentlenes

ile smelled of lavender, and her perfume enveloped Louisa, like an unexpected caress. Her hair, silvered by age, was braided in a simple but neat

e?" Odile asked, her mischievou

r a moment. "I gues

city soon, my dear. There'

ot a question of simplicity. It was a question of conquest, of achievement, of ambitions. The countryside

andered over the landscape, her mind drifting between the frustration of having to be there and the strange feeling

" Odile continued, as if to break the silence that had settled. Louisa looked up at her, waiting to

eemed to breathe tranquility, but it seemed almost too quiet to her. The shutters were open, and the smell of fresh bread floated

made you some

nish, seasonal fruits. Louisa ate in silence, absent-mindedly, casting occasional furtive glances around her. The house was tastefully decorated, but there w

... strange to you," Odil

eally trying to hide her embarrass

s a different kind of life,

curious in spite of herself. She went to the window and saw a figure moving away down the main street of the vi

her aunt, a hint of c

"It's Raphaël Belmont," she answered in a neutral tone, but there was a kind of restra

seen. His features were marked by the years, but his eyes, hidden under bushy eyebrows, seemed unfathomable. His be

any, isn't interested in anyone, except when he has to buy products f

l came to mind. "Why live here, t

usiness world. He stayed there, away fr

expected encounter. Raphaël Belmont. She had the impression that he was carrying a secret. His gaze, that evening, was sti

She wondered if this village would really change her perception of the world, or if it was simply another step imposed by

sque houses and the smiling faces of the inhabitants formed a picture that Louisa found both soothing and a little boring. There was no room

seemed so distant, almost out of reach. She stopped for a moment, hesitating, but before she could make a move, he turned his head and their gazes met. His dark eyes star

ion and danger was growing inside her, as if this man had something to offer her, something