Page 266 of My French Love Affair

Jas smirks knowingly, her eyes flicking between me andFrederic. “Some of us don’t need next year.”

I shoot her a look, but she only raises an eyebrow in return. I have no time to retaliate, because Frederic shifts, stepping closer, his presence warm and steady.

"You’ll call me when you’re home?" His voice is low, for my ears only.

I nod, my throat feeling tight.

"I promise."

He studies me for a moment, as if he doesn’t quite believe I’ll follow through. Then, his lips quirk into a smirk.

"Okay. I’ll be waiting."

I swallow, wanting to say something -anything- to make this easier, to make leavinghimeasier.

But before I can, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, sleek box.

His final gift.

I hesitate before taking it, my pulse roaring in my ears as I pop it open.

My breath catches.

Inside, nestled against black velvet, is a delicate gold necklace. And hanging at the centre -

A single gold letter.

F.

My chest clenches, my fingers tightening around the box.

I glance up at him, speechless. "Freddie -"

"It’s just something to remind you," he murmurs, brushing his knuckles against my jaw. "No matter where you are, you’remine, Poppy. As much as I am yours."

The words land heavily between us, filled with a weight that makes my heart ache.

I exhale sharply, overwhelmed with emotion, and before I can overthink it, I throw my arms around him, burying my face into his shoulder. He exhales softly, wrapping his arms around me in return, holding me against him like he never wants to let go.

Andfuck, I don’twanthim to.

I pull back slightly, just enough to meet his gaze.

His thumb skims over my cheek, and then, without hesitation, he leans in and kisses me - slow and deep, his lips moving against mine in a way that makes me want to forget about my flight, forget about everything but this.

Emma clears her throat, loudly.

“Hate to break up the romance, but if we don’t go now, we’llactuallymiss our flight.”

Reluctantly, I pull away, inhaling sharply. I glance at Frederic one last time, his expression unreadable, but there’s somethingsoftbehind his eyes - something almost vulnerable.

"I’ll message you when I land," I tell him.

He nods, his fingers brushing against mine. "Safe flight,mon ange."

And with that, I turn, my heart heavy, and follow the girls toward security.

As we move through the airport, Monaco disappearing behind us, I reach up, unclasp the necklace, and fasten it around my neck.

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