CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: COUNTDOWN

~MAE~ We embraced each other tightly, and despite the fact that I badly wanted a kiss, he didn't make a move, probably because he was in a hurry. “Bye,” that was all I could say as we disengaged. He smiled sadly and walked over to the car. I remained in the same spot, watching the car reverse, and until I completely lost sight of it, I didn't move. “Mademoiselle...” the gatekeeper called as I turned to move inside, but I wasn't in the mood to answer him, so I didn't bother stopping in my tracks; I walked in immediately. The deafening silence that pervaded the atmosphere welcomed me upon entering the house. I heaved a deep sigh, walking towards the dining room where we both ate. After packing the dishes from the dining table to the kitchen, I headed to the room. It immediately dawned on me that I hadn’t given Charles an answer yet, nor have I saved his number, and so, with the need to distract myself from thinking about George, I picked up my phone and the letter, saving the digits