After one week
At "Montilia Higher University of Arts and Design" — one of the most elite universities in Paris,
the morning was bright in a way that did not seem spontaneous at all.
The sky was a vivid blue, and the clouds were lightly painted as if a hobbyist artist had drawn them to compete with the art students.
Sunbeams slipped through the wide windows, reflecting off the spotless floor to the point of glowing.
The place…
was literally shining.
Flower beds were filled with seasonal blossoms as though summoned from an animated world.
The recently polished benches, the cafeteria that usually served meals of questionable identity,
now emitted steam from fresh food, and the cookies lined up on trays like soldiers.
Even the milk was perfectly warm. This... was not natural.
In the university's corridors, girls and students walked in formal, elegant clothing.
Not luxurious, but… clean, ironed, new.
Almost like a secret fashion show under the supervision of the college dean.
In the long hallway overlooking the college's inner garden,
"Director Laurent" stood with the professors as if awaiting a death sentence.
> "Are the chairs arranged? The cameras, where will they be placed?"
"We don't want to look like a bunch of clowns in front of Bella Leclaire!"
"Where is the guest guide from the design department?!"
he said, wiping his brow with a scented handkerchief.
Meanwhile, in the southern wing, specifically in the Fashion Design Department…
Lucian was sitting in his usual seat by the window.
His notebook was open, and his pen glided lightly, sketching a new design for a classic women's dress
with elegant folds and sharp lines… as if expressing his mixed feelings.
He was surrounded by several girls standing at a distance, whispering while glancing at him from time to time.
> "Did you hear? Bella Leclaire herself is coming today!"
"She's not just a fashion designer, she's the granddaughter of the Duchess of France! Do you know what that means?"
"She's like royalty… and more."
"Oh my God… imagine if she saw my project? I might die before she does."
Light laughter.
The sound of a girl's heels echoed in the hallway.
Perfume sprays drifted lightly through the air.
And Lucian?
He wasn't part of any conversation.
He was immersed in thought, his eyes fixed on the paper…
But his mind?
In a completely different place.
Lucian (thinking while drawing):
"Bella… will come today."
"I hadn't planned to attend, but they insisted."
"I… can't even look at her naturally now."
His heart was beating more than usual.
95% because of Bella.
And 5% because of the global cameras that would film this visit…
A worldwide university documentary, broadcast in Europe, America, and maybe Japan.
With his name there… and his picture… and perhaps his designs.
Yet despite all that,
none of it was scarier than meeting Bella's eyes again.
> "Lucian!"
One of the professors rushed into the classroom.
"You're the official representative of the design department, right?!"
"Please, come to the main hall immediately. The guests are on their way. We don't want to be embarrassed!"
Lucian lifted his head slowly, took a deep breath,
then closed his notebook, thinking:
Lucian (whispering):
"Yeah… facing the world is easier than facing one person."
He rose from his seat, adjusted his tie lightly,
then looked into a small mirror beside him.
> "Alright, Lucian… be the best."
"Or… at least, don't collapse in front of the camera."
•••
Time: 10:04 AM
Location: Main entrance of Montilia Haute École of Arts and Design
Situation: A documentary is being filmed.
> "Bienvenue à Paris, mes amis..."
( "Welcome to Paris, my friends..." )
"Welcome to Paris… the city of art, light... and now, the future of fashion."
The voice of the foreign presenter flowed in soft English, harmonizing with the elegant music accompanying the opening scenes of the filmed documentary.
The cameras moved in a panoramic shot, capturing the university building from above.
The next shot?
The flower-lined hallways, the university students stiffly smiling in their awkwardness, the chefs pouring soup into beautifully crafted porcelain bowls.
Then, as if time paused for a moment—
A sleek black car stopped gracefully at the university gate.
The car bore a small golden emblem at its rear corner: "House of Leclair."
The camera lens advanced smoothly as the back door opened.
First to step out was one of the bodyguards — wearing a black suit, reflective sunglasses, and an earpiece wire trailing behind his ear.
He was followed by the protocol manager holding a small device, silently dictating instructions to the university staff.
But no one paid attention to them.
Because after a moment,
Bella Leclair stepped out of the car.
She didn't just walk... she descended like a legend from the cover of a magazine.
Her wavy black hair flowed softly over her shoulders,
Her blue eyes didn't meet anyone's gaze, but instead faced forward — with an unreadable expression.
She wore a cream-colored dress with a simple design,
But every stitch screamed: "This was made by my own hands."
Her ivory heels tapped gently on the ground,
And the sound of her steps was a calm rhythm, syncing with the heartbeats of those students.
She wore cream silk gloves, and carried a cream leather bag.
A whispered voice of a female student from the crowd:
> "Is... is that her? She looks... like a painting."
A whispered voice of a male student:
> "I swear, the perfume she passed by with... made me forget my name."
The documentary cameras moved between her face, the nervous director's face,
And Lucien's face... standing inside, trying not to swallow himself whole.
Lucien (in his mind):
"She's not just the same… she's now more than she ever was.
How can someone look this perfect... after everything?"
Presenter:
> "Since the age of fifteen, Bella Leclair has been a symbol in the world of fashion,"
"And today, she visits the students of Montilia University, to share with them conversation, food, and maybe… a glimpse into their future."
"So, are you ready to stand before a woman who has changed the map of fashion?"
The documentary voice continues,
While Bella now stands in the university's grand hall.
The director approaches her, bowing his head in respect.
Director:
> "Miss Leclair… it's a great honor for us today. The entire university welcomes your presence."
Bella (with a light smile, her voice calm and professional):
> "The honor is mine. I've always wanted to see this place up close…
Today, I'll witness the beauty of this university."
She said this while looking directly into the camera, then at the students standing on both sides.
And at that moment—
Her eyes met Lucien's.
A close-up shot,
As if time slowed down, the camera locked in.
His confused eyes,
And her eyes... no, that wasn't just a professional gaze.
It was the look of someone who knows.
But chooses silence.
Narrator of the documentary (off-screen):
> "The students are the new hope for our world... they are the future… the generation that will carry humanity forward."
•••
Location: Bella's designated lounge room, behind the main stage.
Time: Five minutes before the Advanced Fashion Department presentation.
The walls were painted ivory, a light floral scent filled the space,
and the seats were comfortable... but not more so than the wooden chair Bella sat on.
She took off her leather glove, revealing slender fingers tapping the table gently, their rhythm steady as if she were counting something unseen.
She crossed one leg over the other and looked into the mirror opposite her.
Then she smiled faintly at herself — not out of vanity… but to stay composed.
Bella (in a sarcastic whisper):
> "Well... what's the worst that could happen?"
Silence.
Then she whispered again, as if answering herself:
> "...That I look into his eyes... and he recognizes me."
She placed her hands behind her head, leaned back slightly, her gaze settling on the closed door.
Bella (in a low voice):
> "But if he... doesn't recognize me?"
"Will I be upset? Or relieved?"
She let out a short, echo-less laugh, then stood up.
Bella:
> "Oh, enough philosophy, Ellen or Bella. Just walk in… and make sure your heart doesn't betray you."
•••
Location: Main Hall, Advanced Fashion Department.
The seats were aligned, cameras were rolling, and breaths were held.
Announcer:
> "And now we move on to the Advanced Fashion Department, where one of the university's most prominent students will present his personal project..."
"The student: Lucien Valier."
Lucien entered.
Silence.
His steps appeared steady... but inside, he was like an ocean caught in a hurricane.
He stood before the table where Bella sat, along with several professors and cameras broadcasting to the world.
And for a moment… he didn't look at her.
He stared at the dress hanging behind him.
Simple. Elegant. Completely different from all the previous designs.
Then… he spoke.
Lucien (in a calm voice):
> "This design... is not the result of a moment of inspiration… not really."
"But still, it is the outcome of years of contradiction."
He finally raised his eyes.
His gaze collided with hers.
The deep blue color, the faint smile… it resembled "Elene" a lot.
But it was stronger, purer, and far more enigmatic.
Lucien (continued):
> "I chose simplicity... not because it's easy."
"But because it's the hardest thing in the world of fashion."
"To keep a person pure... without stripping them of beauty."
He pointed to the dress.
It was an evening gown in a warm gray shade, decorated with intersecting golden threads like a star map.
Lucien:
> "I designed it for someone... strong."
"Someone who hides their weakness with a smile, and hides their feelings with pride."
He paused for a moment.
Lucien (in a softer voice):
> "Someone who doesn't know they inspire… just because they chose to survive."
Bella, without realizing it, had clasped her fingers together.
Her voice didn't come out… not because she had nothing to say,
but because her eyes… had started to glisten.
One of the professors said:
> "An unusual design... but meaningful. Right, Miss Leclair?"
Bella (finally, with a tilted smile):
> "Indeed."
"The piece doesn't matter… but the message it hides."
She looked at Lucien for a long moment.
Then added, in a very calm tone:
Bella:
> "And from the message... sometimes... we read the sender."
The camera caught a small smile on Lucien's lips… but it didn't last.
As if every word he said… was only for him.
And for the entire world.
•••
Location: Behind the administration building, near the mobile equipment van for filming.
Time: After the end of the tour through the departments.
A small camera is being reloaded, the presenter drinks from a water bottle, and Bella removes a heavy earring from her right ear.
Presenter (in a relaxed tone):
> "Well, the tour was amazing… these kids are incredible, and the shots? Pure gold!"
One of the cameramen:
> "And now? The garden, right?"
Bella (with a small smile):
> "The university garden… then the principal's interview, then a nice break at the cafeteria."
Director (while reviewing the schedule):
> "Yes. And there's a student named 'Elenora' who will accompany you in the garden. Full of energy, she'll add a fun touch to the shoot."
Bella:
> "Perfect… just let me breathe for a minute before we start again, okay?"
And as she was about to walk away, she caught something from the corner of her eye… no, someone.
At the far end of the courtyard... a young man climbing the rooftop stairs, alone, without turning back.
His steps weren't heavy, but they were trying to be non-existent.
Bella (whispered to herself):
> "...Lucien?"
Presenter (noticing her distraction):
> "Miss Leclaire? Where are you going?"
Bella (with a light, unjustified tone):
> "The rooftop… the air is purer up there. Find me when you're ready to start filming."
___
On the other side
With Lucien
Location: Rooftop of the southern building.
The wind is light, whispering.
The edges are high, and the view is panoramic.
Lucien sat in the far-right corner, leaning against the stone wall.
His eyes are closed, his breathing slightly heavy.
Lucien (to himself):
> "Why was I looking at her specifically? Why her?"
" I should've been neutral… just a show, no emotions."
"But when she looked at me... I felt like I…"
He fell silent.
Then whispered as if someone would judge him if they heard:
Lucien:
> "…Like I was back that night... that look…"
"Could it be?"
He stood up suddenly, heading to the far side of the rooftop where the wall is high.
And before he could lean on it… he saw her.
She was there.
Bella, with her hair fluttering, eyes watching the horizon, leaning her body on the distant wall.
His steps stopped.
He almost turned back… but it was too late.
Bella (without looking):
> "Wanted fresh air? Or just running away?"
Lucien (nervously):
> "I… didn't know anyone was here."
Bella (in a soft tone):
> "But I knew you would be."
He went silent.
He stepped back slightly but stumbled… then sat down, unintentionally, on the ground.
As if gravity pulled him with a force he couldn't resist.
Bella approached.
Her steps were steady, light, but each one was tightening the circle around him.
He sat in front of her, raising his eyes slowly… only to find her standing above him, smiling.
Bella (whispering, placing a hand on the wall beside him):
> "So, Lucien… was what you said just for the show? Or was it from the heart?"
Lucien (taking a deep breath, then laughing nervously):
> "Why is that a question?"
Bella:
> "I want the answer."
Lucien (relaxing his shoulders, looking away):
> "It was from the heart... (then continued loudly, nervously, and falsely) but I did it because I love fashion, nothing more."
Bella (sitting in front of him on the ground, getting closer softly):
> "Why? Lying, Lucien… you're not good at it… you're too cute to lie… leave it to the professionals."
Lucien (looking down like a child who did something wrong):
> "OO..Okay..."
Bella (with a calm smile, tilting her head):
> "Good boy?"
Lucien (finally looking into her eyes):
> "I'm not a boy."
Bella (sarcastically):
> "You're literally seven or eight years younger than me."
They both fell silent.
The air swirled.
And the sky above them was soundless.
Bella (whispered):
> "Rest here for a bit… we'll start filming later."
Lucien (quietly):
> "Got it."
•••
The wind has calmed, the sky still pale blue like milk stirred with water, and the rooftop feels like another world.
Lucian is still sitting, and Bella sits before him on the ground as well, her legs stretched out in front of her, looking at him with a half-smile.
Bella (tilting her head slightly):
> "You know?… You look like a lost little puppy."
Lucian (raising his brow shyly):
> "What?!"
Bella (with a soft laugh):
> "Honestly… that face, those eyes, like you're wondering: Where am I? Who am I? Should I run now?"
Lucian (scratching his neck, cheeks reddening):
> "That's an unfair description…"
(Then whispering, eyes averted):
"But… it's kind of accurate."
Bella (leaning closer, whispering like sharing a secret):
> "I like little puppies. Especially the ones trying to act brave while trembling."
Lucian (looking at her shyly, trying to change the subject):
> "Miss Bella…"
(Then pausing, lowering his head a bit)
"Are… are you enjoying this?"
Bella (in a playfully shocked tone):
> "This? You mean my emotional torture of you?"
Lucian (shaking his head lightly, smiling despite himself):
> "Pretty much, yeah."
Bella (raising her eyebrow and sighing with exaggerated drama):
> "Ah, Lucian… you're not the first man to accuse me of that."
Lucian (lowering his head even more, as if unsure whether to laugh or run):
> "...And I'm the first to believe you instantly."
Bella tilts her head slightly and gently taps his forehead with her finger, whispering softly:
> "Be careful… your heart is too kind. Don't let it break for a woman who laughs too much."
Lucian doesn't reply… but he smiles, a softness like spring breeze.
At that moment…
A voice calls from below the stairs.
Announcer (shouting):
> "Miss Leclaire! It's time for filming! Where are you?!"
Bella (standing up, stretching slightly):
> "Ah, the cameras call me… I can't disappoint my audience."
Lucian (looking down at the ground):
> "...Nice to be seen like a star."
Bella (lightly tapping his shoulder twice):
> "And you? It's nice to be seen like the sky... Don't try to be the ground, you don't always have to stay still."
Then she turns, and begins to walk with light, dancing steps toward the stairs, jogging a little.
Bella (waving):
> "See you in the garden, little Lucian."
Her footsteps fade away…
While on the rooftop, now alone, Lucian sits… placing his hand over his heart.
A faint inner voice whispers:
> "Can you hear it?"
"My heart… it's screaming."
(Then we hear his heartbeat… one beat at a time.)
"Bella..."
"How I wish you'd see me as more than just… a little brother."
The image fades, and Lucian's heart music begins to rise…
•••
Location: The University Backyard Garden
Time: 2:00 PM
Scene: Beginning of the Second Tour Filming
A top-down shot shows the vast garden, a green lawn surrounded by cherry trees that have not yet borne fruit, with several wooden tables scattered here and there, and some students studying or chatting. The camera lowers, approaching the host and Bella walking together.
Host (placing the microphone aside):
> "Thank God we're out of the lecture halls, I feel like my bones need sunlight."
Bella (with a soft smile as she scans the garden):
> "And this is where dreams are planted, where, as they say... students escape to during exam time."
Host (laughing lightly):
> "Yes, the kind of scene that says nothing about exams or studying, but rather the prayer that the professor becomes blind instead of the students having to study."
Bella (with her cunning style):
> "No one ever films students in shock during exams. I swear, all teachers at every stage of education are happiest during exam time—they see it as revenge season."
Host (clapping with laughter):
> "You're right."
Bella (winking):
> "I know."
[The camera now cuts to a student standing near one of the flower paths. She appears to be the chosen guide. A girl with brown hair tied back, looking nervous, holding a small notebook.]
Student (in a shy voice):
> "M-Miss Bella? I'm Elinora, I'll be your guide for the garden tour."
Bella (standing in front of her, smiling kindly):
> "Our guide? Wonderful! Does that mean you know all the garden's secrets?"
Elinora (quickly glancing at her notebook):
> "Uhm, sort of? I mean... I know the flower names, the paths, and a few fun stories."
Bella (placing a hand on Elinora's shoulder):
> "If you mess up, I'll say it was my fault. Deal?"
Elinora (laughs for the first time, shyly):
> "Deal."
[The camera follows them walking down the stone path surrounded by bushes.]
Bella (softly, pointing to a flower):
> "And this one?"
Elinora (looking closely):
> "The white Damask rose… they say it's planted only in this section because a student gifted it to a professor five years ago, and since then it's become symbolic for the place."
Bella (with a tilted smile):
> "A single flower can change the path of an entire university… Beautiful."
Host (walking behind them):
> "You're poetic today."
Bella (lightly looking over her shoulder):
> "Maybe because my assistant abandoned me and I didn't have my second coffee."
[A light laughter fills the scene. The camera captures passing students trying to hide their curiosity to see Bella up close.]
Bella (looking at a student sitting under a tree):
> "Hey, young man! What are you reading?"
Student (looking up, surprised):
> "Oh! A book on… social psychology."
Bella (walking toward him without hesitation):
> "Nice… if you're analyzing us right now, please, don't tell me what you've concluded."
Student (laughs shyly):
> "I wouldn't dare."
Bella (with a theatrical gesture):
> "Smart!"
[The scene ends with a panoramic shot of the garden as they walk toward the eastern side, where the cafeteria and the director's office are located.]
•••
Location: University President's Office
Time: Ten minutes to three in the afternoon
Situation: After the garden tour has ended
[A shot from outside the office shows an old stone façade, with a bronze engraving bearing the university's name above the entrance, surrounded by massive olive trees. The camera transitions inside, revealing an antique wooden desk and neatly arranged bookshelves.]
[The reporter enters first, followed by Bella, then the student guide and the camera assistant. The president is standing by the window, overlooking the garden from the second floor. He's a man in his fifties, wearing a dark gray suit, rectangular glasses, and an aura of calm that precedes him.]
President (turns to them with a calm smile):
> "Welcome to the heart of the university... the place cameras usually don't show."
Reporter (smiles politely):
> "It's an honor, Director Laurent."
Bella (in a respectful yet friendly tone):
> "I love this kind of place... there's something majestic about it." (to herself) "I'm a professional liar."
President (gestures to the chairs):
> "Majestic? A lovely word. And perhaps more accurate than you think."
[Everyone sits down. The camera captures old paintings behind the desk, photos of generations of students, and a newspaper clipping from the 1980s.]
President (calmly):
> "Montilia High University of Arts and Design began as a boarding school for arts and the humanities... before becoming a university in 1913. In the beginning, it had no more than thirty students. Today, we've surpassed six thousand."
Bella (tilting her head slightly, listening attentively):
> "Six thousand minds under the same roof… not a simple matter."
President (looks at her):
> "And most of them have no idea how much it costs to keep the walls standing."
[A short silence, not awkward.]
Reporter (gently interjects):
> "Was there a pivotal moment in the university's history?"
President (thinks for a moment):
> "Perhaps 1968, during the student protests. The university could have shut down. But instead, it transformed... expanded, changed its academic plans, and was reborn."
Bella (whispering):
> "Everything really must go through a break… and rebuilding."
President (looks at her again):
> "And you, Miss Leclair... do you believe that breaking makes something more beautiful?"
Bella (smiles softly):
> "If it doesn't make it more beautiful, it at least makes it worth talking about."
[A light silence follows, this time carrying a sense of mutual respect.]
President (stands up):
> "Well... I believe it's time to reward you with something simpler than talk."
Reporter (stands with him):
> "Food?"
President (smiles for the first time):
> "And not just any food. It's prepared by second-year students from the culinary department. Let's give them some encouragement."
Bella (as she stands):
> "I just hope the experience isn't too artistic."
President (with a short laugh):
> "I wouldn't risk the university's reputation that far."
[The camera closes the scene as the group exits the office, passing through an old wooden hallway where the sound of their footsteps echoes on the floor.]
•••
Location: The Main Cafeteria – At the University
Time: 4:20 PM
Setting: After the meeting with the director, everyone heads for a light meal
[Exterior shot of the cafeteria: a wide glass building with a modern design blended with wooden elements. Trees surround it, and the sound of student laughter fills the air.]
[The main door opens. The camera follows the director, Bella, the presenter, and the crew as they enter. Three arranged tables, each with carefully decorated dishes, stand before them. In front of the tables, five students in clean chef uniforms, aged between nineteen and twenty-two, wait.]
[One student notices first, lowering his head slightly in nervousness.]
Student (in a low voice):
> "It's… really her."
His classmate (whispering):
> "The duchess's granddaughter… is standing in front of my tray."
As soon as Bella enters, the atmosphere shifts. They stand almost militarily upright, and one of them places a napkin on the table with trembling hands.
Director (softly, stepping forward):
> "These are second-year students from the Applied Culinary Department. They prepared the meals themselves today, specifically for this occasion."
Presenter (smiling):
> "Who was the leader?"
One student (hesitantly raising his hand):
> "Me… My name is Robin."
Bella steps forward with measured steps. One of her escorts stands in the background of the scene, with an earpiece in his ear. He doesn't speak. Just watches.
Bella (standing in front of them, in a calm, even voice):
> "Robin, and your colleagues… Just standing here with such seriousness earns respect. But I'll judge by the food, not appearances."
A light chuckle escapes the presenter, while the students' faces shimmer with a mix of tension and pride.
Robin (shyly):
> "We prepared dishes representing the four seasons. And… umm… we used organic ingredients."
Bella (turning to him, raising an eyebrow slightly):
> "Because I'm a duchess, or because you would've done it anyway?"
Another student (stepping forward, speaking honestly):
> "We did it because we wanted to leave a real impression. Even if you weren't here… we would've put in the same effort."
A brief silence. Then Bella nods slightly, as if approving the answer.
Bella (smiling):
> "Smart answer. Thank you… I look forward to tasting your four seasons."
Her escort gently pulls out her chair, then returns to the background without speaking. The crew spreads out, cameras begin recording side shots. Bella sits, and the students serve their dishes in a calm, coordinated manner, as if dealing with a diplomatic figure.
Presenter (whispers to the side camera):
> "Even the cafeteria turned into a palace of food when Bella Leclair sat down."
[Bella picks up a small fork, tasting bites quietly. Her gaze is sharp, but not harsh. One student swallows audibly.]
Bella (puts down the fork, looks at them, and speaks in a strangely poetic tone):
> "Spring… has a shy lemon. Autumn… a tomato cooked with insistence. I didn't like winter."
Robin (startled):
> "Ah… I'm sorry! I should've added a stronger flavor to the white sauce."
Bella (laughs softly):
> "Don't apologize, Robin. Winter doesn't please anyone sometimes."
A genuine laugh escapes one student, then the others follow. The atmosphere shifts into something more like an informal student gathering.
Director (joins in, raising a glass of juice):
> "A review from the duchess's granddaughter herself… I think you'll sleep like kings tonight."
Bella (raises her own glass of juice):
> "Or like cooks after a feast… with dirty clothes and satisfied souls."
[The shot closes on the dining table, where the sound of quiet conversation and laughter can be heard. The camera gives one last exterior shot of the cafeteria through the glass, showing Bella at the center of the group, different… but blending in.]
•••
[Exterior shot of the university's main gate at sunset. The orange light reflects off the glass of the parked black luxury car.]
[The crew stands next to the car, carrying their equipment and laughing lightly. One of them wipes his forehead with a tissue, another checks the mic.]
The presenter (pulls out her notebook):
> "Alright… final shot in the garden, farewell speech at the gate, and our coverage ends."
Bella (carefully closes her leather bag):
> "You've put in more effort than I expected."
The presenter (laughs as she turns to her):
> "And you… were less formal than we expected, Miss Bella."
Bella (with a slight side-smile):
> "No one escapes the influence of youth. Not even us who think of ourselves as towering castles."
[In the background, the rear door of the car opens quietly. One of the escorts stands there, without saying a word. He just watches.]
[The director approaches calmly, holding a simple folder in his hand.]
The director:
> "Miss Leclair, thank you for your visit. Your presence gave our students a lasting motivation."
Bella (stops, looks at him, with a confident, unpretentious voice):
> "Maybe I'll return, or have my future children and grandchildren attend this university someday."
The presenter (supporting her words):
> "Oh, another brilliant idea from you, Miss Bella."
Bella (with a short laugh):
> "I know."
Light laughter. Bella raises her hand slightly toward the crew in a gesture of farewell. One of the female students who helped serve the food stands at a distance, pulls out her phone, and secretly takes a picture.
Bella notices her. She doesn't speak. She simply smiles in unspoken permission.
Then she turns and walks toward the car. Her hair sways gently with the wind, her steps are steady, and her long coat moves gracefully.
Before entering, she glances at Lucien, who stands beside the other car, holding a box of filming equipment.
Bella (in a low voice, only the two of them can hear):
> "See you later, little kid."
Lucien (stammers, then lowers his gaze):
> "...Next time, I'll be the one cooking."
Bella (winks at him before entering the car):
> "Be careful not to burn spring."
The door closes. The engine starts. The car drives quietly toward the road leading to Paris, while the camera captures Bella's reflection on the window: relaxed, calm, and with something unspoken in her eyes.
The scene shifts to Lucien, standing beside the crew. He looks into the distance where the car disappeared, gently touching his jacket… as if her hand is still there.
Lucien's POV:
> "I'm shy to say this word in front of you but… to carry these sweet feelings toward you, Miss Bella, is an honor to me."
[The shot closes on the sunset sky. Birds return to their nests, and the university returns to its usual buzz… after the exception had left.]
•••
Three days after the event
Time: Evening.
Location: A quiet neighborhood, Lucien's family home. Soft lights glow from the windows, and the sound of the television fills the living room.
Interior – Lucien's Room: The bed is messy, a few books are scattered, and he is lying on his stomach, lazily fiddling with his phone.
The door opens without knocking, and "Lina" enters with her hair tied up and wearing a simple house dress. She stands at the door, her face lit with excitement.
Lina (excitedly):
> "Lucien, come down now! You have to see something immediately!"
Lucien (lifting his head lazily):
> "If it's a video of a cat dancing, thanks… I just watched three a while ago."
Lina (puts her hand on her hip, looking at him reproachfully):
> "Don't get smart… The university documentary is out, and you're in it! On TV, officially!"
Lucien (suddenly gets up from the bed):
> "What?! When?! Didn't they say they'd notify us beforehand?!"
Lina (smirking):
> "Doesn't matter, just come quickly."
Transition to the living room: The mother is sitting on the couch, a cup of tea in her hand, watching the screen with focus and pride. The father sits beside her, wearing reading glasses, his expression calm, but a gleam of pride shines in his eyes.
On the TV screen, shots from the university tour appear: Bella speaking to the camera, the reporter smiling, then a montage of students working in the kitchen... and another shot in the fashion department where Lucien is presenting a dress calmly and with coordination.
Mother (voice thick with emotion):
> "Is that my son?! Look at his posture! Oh my God… his voice sounds so mature!"
Father (examining the screen closely):
> "But he seems a little nervous… you can see it in his eyes."
Lucien and Lina come down the stairs, Lina walks into the living room.
Lina (sitting on the floor, laughing):
> "That's just how he is… his eyes say one thing, his voice says another!"
Shot shows Bella in a short interview, speaking with a calm smile:
> "This student Lucien was one of the calmest and most distinguished."
Lucien (putting his hand on his head, whispering):
> "Wait… even my name was mentioned?!"
Mother (clapping joyfully):
> "Bella Leclaire herself! Imagine! The duchess's granddaughter complimented you, son!"
Father (leans slightly, joking in a calm tone):
> "Should we print your picture and hang it in the living room now?"
Lina (grabs the remote, rewinds the clip):
> "We have to watch it at least three times! Every time we notice something new… look! That moment when she smiled at him!"
Lucien (jumps up and rushes to take the remote from her):
> "Enough! Once is enough! I was really embarrassed!"
Pure laughter fills the room. The mother wipes a hidden tear out of sheer pride. Lucien sits on the floor between his family members, his cheeks flushed, but he can't suppress his smile. And maybe… for the first time, he feels truly seen — even by Bella.
To be continued..