My husband, Mark, and I had been married for over a decade. He’s a dedicated businessman, always traveling for work, and this time, his trip took us to the city of love—Paris. I was excited about the idea of being in such a romantic place with him, hoping we’d finally have some quality time together away from the chaos of our everyday lives.

But as soon as we landed, it became clear that Mark’s business commitments were going to take precedence over everything else. Meetings, calls, and dinners with clients filled his schedule, leaving me alone in our hotel room more often than not. I tried not to let it bother me. After all, I knew how important his job was to him, and I wanted to be supportive. Still, I couldn’t help feeling a bit neglected.

After two days of watching the city go by from our hotel balcony, I decided I couldn’t spend my entire time in Paris cooped up in a room. I needed to explore, to feel the city’s heartbeat, to experience its beauty firsthand. So, I dressed up in my favorite sundress, put on some comfortable shoes, and ventured out on my own.

Wandering through the charming streets of Montmartre, I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn’t felt in a long time. The cobblestone paths, the smell of freshly baked croissants wafting through the air, and the sight of artists painting on the sidewalks filled me with joy. I visited the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and admired the stunning view of the city from its steps. I lost myself in the streets, stopping at little boutiques, tasting macarons from a local patisserie, and letting the magic of Paris wash over me.

As I strolled along the Seine, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a young man, perhaps in his late twenties, with a charming smile and twinkling blue eyes.

“Bonjour,” he said in a thick French accent. “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the street. You seem… how do you say, enchanted by Paris?”

I smiled, a bit flustered by his directness. “Yes, it’s my first time here, and it’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

He introduced himself as Julien, a Parisian who loved showing tourists around his city. “Would you like some company?” he asked. “I could show you some hidden gems that aren’t in the guidebooks.”

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if this was a good idea. But then I remembered how lonely I’d been feeling, how much I wanted to make the most of my time here. Mark was busy with work, and there was no harm in having a friendly guide for a few hours, right?

“Why not?” I replied with a grin. “Lead the way, Julien.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city together. Julien took me to a quaint little café tucked away in a quiet alley, where we sipped on espresso and chatted about life, love, and our shared appreciation for Paris. He had a way of making me feel at ease, and I found myself laughing more than I had in months.

As the sun began to set, Julien suggested we take a walk along the Seine, where the city lights were just starting to twinkle. The romantic atmosphere, combined with Julien’s effortless charm, made me feel like I was in a movie. We stopped at the Pont des Arts, the famous bridge known for its love locks, and leaned against the railing, gazing at the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance.

“I’m glad I met you today,” Julien said softly, turning to face me. “You’re not like the other tourists. You have this… light about you.”

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you, Julien. I’ve had a wonderful time. I really needed this.”

He smiled, his eyes locked onto mine. “You deserve to feel special. To be appreciated.”

As we stood there, I realized just how much I had been craving this feeling—feeling seen, appreciated, and admired. It had been so long since I’d felt this way, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to Julien’s youthful energy and kindness.

“Would you have dinner with me tonight?” he asked, his voice filled with hope.

I hesitated again, thinking of Mark and our marriage. But then I reminded myself that this was just a harmless dinner, an evening with someone who made me feel alive and appreciated in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I’d love to,” I replied, deciding to seize the moment.