Mark and I had been married for 12 years. We had our ups and downs, like any couple, but lately, the downs seemed to outweigh the ups. Mark had been increasingly consumed with work, his job pulling him further away from home and into long nights and endless meetings. When he suggested I join him on a business trip to Paris, I leaped at the chance, hoping it would give us some much-needed time together.

I had dreamed of visiting Paris ever since I was a little girl, and the thought of exploring the city with Mark by my side filled me with excitement. But once we arrived, it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t going to be the romantic getaway I had imagined. Mark was caught up in back-to-back meetings and business dinners, leaving me alone in our hotel room, staring out at the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, feeling more alone than ever.

On the third day, after watching Mark rush out of the room early in the morning with a quick kiss on the cheek, I decided that I couldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. I was in Paris, after all, and I wasn’t going to spend my time sulking in a hotel room. I slipped into a chic dress, applied a touch of makeup, and set out to explore the city on my own.

I wandered through the winding streets of Le Marais, admiring the historic architecture and browsing through charming boutiques. I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. As the day turned to dusk, I found myself near the Seine, the river shimmering in the golden glow of the setting sun. The atmosphere was magical, and for a moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the beauty of it all.

Just as I was about to cross a bridge to the Île de la Cité, I heard a voice call out behind me. “Excusez-moi, mademoiselle!”

I turned around to see a tall, handsome man with dark hair and a warm smile approaching me. He looked to be in his early thirties, with a confident yet friendly demeanor.

“Hello,” I replied, smiling back, unsure of what he wanted.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” he said, his English tinged with a delightful French accent. “I saw you standing here, and I just had to say hello. My name is Alexandre.”

“Nice to meet you, Alexandre. I’m Jess,” I replied, feeling a bit flustered by his forwardness.

He gestured to the scene around us. “Paris is such a beautiful city, especially at this time of day. Are you visiting?”

“Yes, I’m here with my husband on his business trip,” I explained, feeling a bit awkward mentioning Mark.

“Ah, I see,” Alexandre said with a nod. “And where is your husband now?”

“At a meeting,” I said, shrugging. “He’s been very busy with work, so I’ve been exploring on my own.”

Alexandre’s smile softened. “That’s a shame. Paris is meant to be enjoyed with company, don’t you think? How about I show you around tonight? There’s a fantastic little bistro not far from here, and I promise you won’t find a better place to enjoy the city.”

I hesitated for a moment, my mind racing. I knew it wasn’t exactly appropriate to go off with a stranger, especially when my husband was just a few blocks away, caught up in his business dealings. But there was something about Alexandre’s kindness and the sparkle in his eyes that made me want to say yes. I had felt so alone lately, and here was someone offering me a chance to feel connected again, if only for a few hours.

“I’d like that,” I finally said, surprising myself. “Lead the way, Alexandre.”

As we walked through the charming streets, Alexandre pointed out hidden gems that I would have never noticed on my own—a small art gallery tucked away down an alley, a centuries-old bakery famous for its éclairs, a quaint bookshop that smelled of old paper and adventure. His knowledge of the city was impressive, and his passion for Paris was infectious. I found myself laughing and smiling, feeling lighter than I had in weeks.

We reached the bistro, a cozy little place with outdoor seating and twinkling fairy lights. Alexandre pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves. It felt like I was on a date, something I hadn’t experienced in so long, even with my husband.

Over dinner, Alexandre was charming and attentive, asking me about my life, my interests, and my dreams. He listened intently, his eyes never leaving mine, making me feel like the most important person in the world. It was a feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time—being seen, truly seen, and appreciated.

As the night went on, we shared stories and laughed over a bottle of wine. There was a moment when our hands brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I could see the attraction in his eyes, and I knew he felt it too. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once.

“Jess,” Alexandre said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know this may sound bold, but I can’t help but be drawn to you. You have such a beautiful spirit.”

I felt my heart race, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I knew what he was implying, and I had to make a choice. I could let myself get swept away in this unexpected connection or pull back and remind myself of the vows I had made to Mark.

Taking a deep breath, I gave Alexandre a gentle smile. “Thank you, Alexandre. I’ve had an amazing time tonight, and I’m grateful for your company. But I need to go back now. My husband is waiting.”

He nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes. “I understand, Jess. I didn’t mean to overstep. I just wanted to let you know how special you are. Not many people have that effect on me.”

We finished our meal, and Alexandre insisted on walking me back to my hotel. As we reached the entrance, he took my hand and kissed it softly, a gesture so sweet and sincere that it made my heart ache.

“Thank you for tonight,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ll never forget it.”

“Neither will I,” he replied, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before he turned and walked away into the Parisian night.

As I watched him disappear into the crowd, I felt a strange mix of sadness and contentment. I knew that I had made the right decision, but it didn’t make it any easier. Alexandre had given me a gift—a reminder that I was still desirable, still worthy of attention and affection. And while it wasn’t the kind of validation I needed to seek out again, it had shown me that there was still a part of me that was alive and vibrant, even if my marriage was struggling.

When I walked into the hotel room, Mark was already asleep, his laptop still open on his lap. I sighed softly, closing it and covering him with a blanket. I knew we had a lot to talk about, a lot to figure out if we were going to find our way back to each other. But tonight, I was content with the knowledge that I still had so much life left to live, so much love left to give.

Paris had given me more than just a romantic evening with a stranger; it had given me a new perspective on what I wanted and deserved. And for that, I would always be grateful.