AN UNEXPECTED GROOM

The day classes started, Roxane was on the third day of her period. She went to check in before being summoned by Professor Watson to his office.

He didn’t call her during the summer vacation, but he sent a list of books on WeChat that could help her improve.

– Have you read the book I recommended to you?

“I did,” Roxane replied. After injuring her arm, she couldn’t draw for a while. At that time, she bought the books recommended by Professor Watson and read them.

He nodded with satisfaction.

-I called you here because the president of the Golden Brush Competition told me there was a place in the student exchange program. What do you think?

– Exchange student?

She was stunned. Then she asked:

– Do you mean going abroad?

Professor Watson smiled.

– Of course. This opportunity is very valuable. If you agree, you will go to the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, France. It is one of the four best fine arts academies in the world.

Roxane naturally knew the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. She had produced many skilled painters, but she never imagined she could go there.

– How long does the exchange last?

– It’s a bit long. Three years, replied Professor Watson.

– Three years? She hesitated. She had never been abroad for this long. The two times she went abroad, she was with Sebastian, and their stay abroad was brief.

Seeing her hesitation, Professor Watson patiently analyzed the pros and cons with her.

– I know that your current situation is special. It’s not easy to leave like that when you have a family. However, you must understand that you are only 20 years old. You have years ahead of you, and you shouldn’t trap yourself. You are very talented, and you should get out and see the world. It’s good to broaden your horizons. This opportunity will only be beneficial for you…

Roxane nodded.

– Master, I know. It’s just that it’s too sudden. Plus, going abroad is a huge deal. I still need to discuss this with my family.

Going abroad did not only concern Sebastien, but also his parents and his brother.

– I understand. I just want to let you know first. If you really want to go there, you need to learn the language first. You won’t leave until next fall, Professor Watson said with a kind smile.

– Go back and discuss it with your family first. Think carefully. This is linked to your future. Don’t be in such a hurry to decide.

…

Roxane walked on the shaded path, still in shock.

– Paris Academy of Fine Arts… Am I really going there?

-Roxy!

A distant voice brought Roxane out of her reverie. She turned around and saw Jessica walking towards her.

Maybe she had been dancing since she was in elementary school, her posture had always been very good. Her back was straight and her neck was beautiful and graceful. She looked like a beautiful, elegant and confident white swan.

– Jessi, have you finished your classes?

She was very happy to see Jessica. She couldn’t help but smile.

Jessica nodded and looked behind Roxane before asking:

-Did Professor Watson call you into his office?

She nodded.

– Since I won the competition, they want to recommend me to go to the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris for a student exchange program.

– That’s great!This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Jessica was happy for Roxane.

– Three years.

– Uh…

She looked deflated as soon as she heard those two words.

-Are you going to be gone that long? Didn’t they say it was only a year ago?

Roxane took a deep breath and shrugged with a helpless expression on her face.

– Yeah.

-So, do you agree?

She shook her head.

– I said I would think about it.

Jessica walked next to Roxane saying:

– It’s true. You are Mrs. Flores now. If you leave, President Flores will have to sleep alone in an empty room. Who knows how many people are looking at your position as Ms. Flores…

– It’s not just Mr. Seb. There are also my parents and my brother. They might not agree to let me go, Roxane said, sounding slightly discouraged.

At the mention of Enzo, Jessica’s eyes darkened slightly. When she recovered, she said:

– If you really want to go, discuss it with Sebastien. He shouldn’t object, right?

After all, it was so easy to go abroad now, especially for someone like Sebastian. Plus, they could even video call each other. Three years wasn’t short, but it wasn’t long either.

“Then I will find a chance to speak to Mr. Seb,” said Roxane. Then she changed the subject and said:

– I met Deborah a few days ago.

Jessica stopped abruptly and looked at Roxane.

– Did you tell him about Enzo?

Roxane nodded.

– Deborah said she wouldn’t marry my brother. This means you still have a chance! Jessi, why don’t you try?

She felt that Jessica had loved her brother for so many years, it would be a shame if she gave up without trying.

She was a little hesitant.

– Roxane, it’s not that I haven’t thought about it, but if I fail…

– I would never have the courage to appear in front of him again…

Everyone said she was very outspoken and bold. However, when it came to relationships, she still couldn’t help but be a coward.

-If you fail, just treat him like a stranger. You don’t even need to greet him when you see him, Roxane said with great open-mindedness.

– At the time I decided to pursue Mr. Seb, I was also prepared for failure. At most, I thought we would separate and never see each other again. It’s better than worrying about every little thing and jumping between hope and disappointment over and over…

Jessica seemed to waver when she heard Roxane’s words. She asked:

– But what should I say? I can’t invite him to the escape room. He will definitely call me crazy!

Sebastien was brave, but Enzo was not. He wasn’t even as brave as her.

– Hmm…

Roxane bit her lip and thought for a moment. Her eyes suddenly lit up as she exclaimed:

– Got it !

Then she moved closer to Jessica and whispered a few words.

Jessica’s expression gradually changed from hesitation to determination.

– I think, I think I’ll try…

She was right. Better to try to get an answer once and for all. It was better than jumping between hope and disappointment over and over again. If she failed, she would cut her losses and stop torturing herself.