ma chérie | cl16

chapter forty

"So, I assume you and Charles have settled things, right?" Marianne adjusted her Tommy Hilfiger glasses on her nose, the bright white color of her glasses contrasting with her skin, reminding Adeline of a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a cozy day.

"Yes. I'm sorry for missing our session last week," Adeline apologized. She hadn't missed a single therapy session since August! "We decided to take things slow. We had a date every single day," Adeline said, a beautiful smile gracing her lips.

These past few days had been simply amazing. Adeline had enjoyed every date with Charles, and this fresh beginning felt incredibly right.

Adeline had reached a point where she could openly share her past. Previously, her mind and life had been in constant chaos, and her heart had been empty. When she had started therapy, the void had been filled. Like a missing puzzle piece.

"I'm so happy for you, Addy!" Marianne laughed, clapping her hands in excitement. "Are you labeling your relationship?" She asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Yes. We're girlfriend and boyfriend," Adeline beamed. Those words were rolling off her tongue so effortlessly, filling her with a sense of pride and happiness.

Marianne nodded with a warm smile. "Addy, I'm so proud of you for overcoming all of your fears. Doesn't it feel good?"

"It does! I feel like nothing's changed between us, and yet everything has changed," Adeline said. "I mean, we're more open. I am more open. I'm allowing myself to feel excited, to feel the butterflies in my stomach," Adeline admitted, feeling a warm flush creeping up her cheeks. Embracing the feeling instead of constantly denying it was something so fresh, so beautiful.

"And that's exactly what love is supposed to feel like," Marianne nodded, her deep voice having a soothing effect on Adeline. "What you've experienced with Hunter wasn't love."

"I just wish I realized this sooner. I wish I didn't push Charles away," Adeline let out a sigh. Even though Charles would never blame Adeline for anything, Adeline couldn't help but feel guilt somewhere deep inside. For hurting him, for not listening to him.

Nevertheless, Adeline constantly reminded herself not to carry guilt for her past trauma. It wasn't her fault. She deserved to heal and be happy.

"No, Addy. Embrace your own journey. Embrace the way you've dealt with your trauma and give yourself grace," Marianne gently disagreed, shaking her head and leaning in closer to Adeline, placing her elbows on her knees. "Many people who have been through similar things struggle to overcome them, and that is completely okay. However, you managed to do it. You used your love for Charles and your hurt to overcome your trauma. You transformed your past suffering into a source of strength, becoming someone who supports women facing similar challenges. I find this incredibly admirable, Addy."

The corners of Adeline's mouth curved into a genuine smile. "You always know the right words, doc," she chuckled. "Yes, you're absolutely right."

Marianne joined in the laughter. "I know I am. I'm an Oxford graduate!"

While heading home from therapy, Adeline received a picture from Charles showing Arthur enjoying her signature cookies (yes, she had made him a batch—only for him). Seeing him stuffing his mouth with two cookies at the same time, she couldn't help but burst into laughter. Adeline replied to Charles she couldn't wait to see Arthur and Lorenzo at the party. She was so excited!

When Adeline reached her home, she started searching for the keys in her bag. However, she heard some unusual noise coming from behind the door, causing her to furrow her brows. As she found her keys, she resolutely stepped into her apartment without any hesitation or fear.