Day 1: Whispers Beneath the Alps
They spent the first night wrapped in soft throws on the terrace, sipping cocoa and watching the lake glisten under the stars. Words weren't needed after Antonio's nursery talk. Selene fell asleep with her head on his chest, heart thudding softly in sync with his.
It was the kind of peace that made you forget time even existed.
Day 2: Pages & Promenades
The next morning, Antonio surprised Selene with a quiet breakfast in bed—croissants, fresh strawberries, and a hand-written note tucked beside the espresso: "Get dressed. I'm taking you somewhere you'll fall in love again."
She chose a flowy ivory dress with delicate embroidery and a messy braid pinned with pearl clips.
They strolled hand in hand through the stone-paved alleys of Annecy, until they stopped in front of a tiny bookshop tucked in a blue building covered in ivy.
Inside, the walls were lined with vintage French novels and faded travelogues. In the corner sat an elderly man playing soft music from a gramophone, while dust danced in sunbeams.
Antonio picked up a leather-bound poetry book and read softly:
> "If I must exist a thousand lives,
I will search for your soul in every one of them."
Selene didn't say a word—just kissed him, right there between the scent of ink and lavender, as the music swirled around them.
Later that evening, they attended a small lakeside dance gathering, with couples swaying beneath fairy lights. Selene was pulled into Antonio's arms as the violin sang, her head resting against his shoulder.
Day 3: Heights of Joy
They began their third day with a cable car ride up to Semnoz Mountain. The panoramic view was breathtaking—clouds grazing the ridges, the lake glittering like melted sapphire below.
Antonio wrapped his coat around Selene as the wind blew stronger at the top.
"I wish I could paint this view," she said.
"You do," he replied. "Every time you look at me like that."
In the evening, they cooked together in their Airbnb-style chalet—pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and basil bread. Selene wore one of Antonio's oversized shirts, and he couldn't stop smiling as she danced while stirring sauce.
They ate on the balcony under a wool blanket and made up stories about the stars.
> "That one?" Selene pointed.
"Definitely named Sasha," Antonio grinned.
"And the bright one next to it?"
"Alex. Always keeping watch."
That night, they made love slowly, like every second mattered.
Day 4: Farewell with Forever
On their last day, Selene woke up early to sketch the mountains through their bedroom window. Antonio was still asleep, his hand draped across the sheets like he was reaching for her even in dreams.
They spent the morning on a private boat ride across the lake, wrapped in scarves and smiles. Antonio played music from his phone—French ballads and soft jazz—as Selene leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You think life will always feel this calm?" she whispered.
"Not always. But I promise to always come back to this peace—with you."
As the afternoon sun settled, they shared ice cream in the village square, scribbled postcards to Ayra, Eliot, Mira, and Amara, and bought two little plush toys shaped like stars.
One was named Sasha. The other, Alex.
They drove home in their BMW M5 just as the sky dimmed, the mountain air slowly fading into the soft lights of Paris. Selene rested her hand over Antonio's on the gearshift, humming quietly.
She glanced at him, and he smiled—like she was the most precious thing in the world.
> And in that moment, Selene knew:
This was not just a chapter of their story.
This was home. Even in the middle of nowhere—because Antonio was beside her.