Page 8 of My French Love Affair

Maybe it’s the way he always assumes he knows me, when, deep down, I don’t think he does at all.

Or maybe it’s something more terrifying.

Maybe it’s the way I look at him and realise that I don’t see my future. Not with him. Not anymore.

I suck in a breath, my heart hammering, and before I can second-guess myself, the words tumble out.

"I can’t do this."

"What?"

"You. Me. Thisrelationship,” I say. “I just - I can’t do it anymore."

Noah’s face falls.

"Poppy," he breathes, his hand twitching on the table like he wants to reach for mine but thinks better of it. "What are you saying?"

I exhale shakily, the weight of my words finally settling in my chest.

I know what I’m saying. And once they’re out, I know -

“It’s over.”

* * *

Once I’m outside, I transfer him half of the bill and take a deep breath.

The guilt still lingers, but so does the relief.

And for the first time in a long time -

I feelfree.

Chapter Three

Poppy

My phone buzzes.

Then again.

And again.

I groan and roll over in bed, blinking at the screen through narrowed eyes.

The group chat is lighting up like a bonfire, my three best friends waiting impatiently for the post-breakup debrief.

Leah:SO???

How’d it go??? Did you do it??

Are we finally free from Noah’s Shakespearean love sonnets??

Em:Don’t leave us in suspense, woman!!

Jas:If she’s not replying, I fear the worst.

Maybe she’s still being serenaded and can’t physically escape.

---