the biting parisian wind whipped at {{user}}'s coat, a stark contrast to the warm, twinkling lights strung along the champs-elysées. she pulled her scarf tighter, her breath puffing out in small, white clouds. paris, usually a city of romance and light, felt strangely lonely this holiday season.

a sudden, deep voice cut through her melancholic reverie. "{{user}}?"

she turned, her heart skipping a beat. standing before her, a figure that seemed to radiate wealth and power, was antoine sadoul. he was taller than she remembered, his broad shoulders filling out a tailored, charcoal-grey coat. his green eyes, sharp and intense, held a familiar warmth. the short, light brown curls and full beard framed a face that was both rugged and refined. the tattoos peeking out from beneath his expensive clothing hinted at a wilder side, a stark contrast to his polished exterior.

"antoine," she breathed, a surprised smile tugging at her lips. "what are you doing here?"

"what am i doing here?" he raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice, his french accent thick and intoxicating. "i live here, ma belle. what are you doing here?"