Chapter 58: Chapter 58

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

-Charles M. Schulz-

***

Laurent handed over a mug of hot chocolate to Jovanna with a warm smile on his face. She thanked him as she took it from his hand, she had only removed her gloves and settled herself on the couch as her other hand scrolled down the tab trying to find something to watch.. It was snowing heavily outside, meaning there was nothing more perfect than a warm cup of hot chocolate to accompany a good movie, especially when you are surrounded by your loved ones, which was the case with Jovanna. They were spending some time alone on a rented cabin in The French Alps.

It was also a celebration of their three months dating anniversary, which was something Jovanna never thought she would have with Laurent, whom previously she had only considered as a friend. It was a strange way to be with someone, they had officially dated each other since the day Jovanna decided to give up on Raphael after realizing that no matter what she did, she simply would not come around to love her.

Laurent was not exactly her type, but it was the beauty of love, was not it? Sometimes when you fell in love, you forgot you even had a type. No, that was a lie, if Jovanna had a choice, she would still date Raphael, but Laurent was the one who treated her the best. So she did the most logical thing she did, to date him instead.

Keeping that aside, she was genuinely happy with him for he offered her some of the most wonderful experiences within such short period of time. With him, she was able to release her inner child and yes, he was the kind who would spoil her with anything she wanted, though it seemed strange in some people's eyes that these two were together, they matched each other perfectly.

"Aren't you going to give me more marshmallow?" Jovanna pouted when she saw her hot cocoa only contained five marshmallow floating around it. Laurent smiled and took her cup, with a small spoon, he moved some marshmallow pieces from his mug and transferred it to hers.

"You do know there are a whole pack of it in the counter right?" She raised her eyebrow and smirked at the same time.

"Yup, but I'm too lazy to move my legs over there" She punched his arms lightly and he pretended to get hurt before both of them laughed together as they drank their hot chocolate. The sweet, velvet taste of chocolate warmed her whole body up. It was probably one of the finest tasting hot choco that she had ever tasted. She did not know how Laurent could make such delicious chocolate but whatever his secret was, she needed to know the recipe later on.

Surrounded by the icy mountain, it was a comforting winter location. They were seated on the couch near the fireplace where they could smell a faint scent of burnt wood in the air. The quiet atmosphere was filled with serenity. After a year long busy and hectic schedule filled with plans and events, Jovanna had a chance to breath for once. It had been a strange year. Though she was glad it was finally over.

He pulled one of the shelves and took a large blanket and handed it over to her. She caught it and grinned before wrapping it around her body. Eventually they settled to watch some old Christmas movie together while waiting for dinner to arrive. They had just gone skiing earlier that day and both were fairly exhausted. After dinner they had planned to cuddle in bed while talking about their future together.

It was all pleasant and fun until suddenly, out of the blue, he brought a topic which was certainly unwelcomed.

"Have you heard of the news? Clara Bellavance got poisoned." Laurent instantly regretted saying it when he saw Jovanna's expression dropped hearing Clara's name. He knew Jovanna was not exactly the biggest fan of Clara considering their past history together.

"I am sorry, I should not have told you that." he apologized.

"No, I don't care. I no longer have feelings for Raphael. I chose you, remember? Now whatever happens to him or those around him are no longer my business." She took a sip of her hot chocolate and it instantly warmed her body up. She took a deep breath and fog was out of her mouth as she exhaled. Laurent wrapped his arms around her. He brought his face closer to Jovanna and rested his temple on her neck.

"He could not see the woman in you that I see. You have no idea how happy I was when you accepted my confession, I love you." He kissed her cheek ever so gently. Truth to be told, despite what Jovanna had told Laurent, deep down inside, there was still a space in her heart for Raphael, after all she had loved him for so many years, sometimes when she went to sleep at night his face was pictured in her mind, but Laurent was such a gentleman, he was the kind of man she should end up with, and her mother especially was fond of him.

"But I do feel bad for Clara. I used to really hate the woman, but I have to admit she was a pleasant person. I was just being bitter." She admitted. After doing a lot of self-reflection, she discovered that all along she had some unfinished issues with herself and her attachment toward Raphael which made her did what she did. Laurent listened and shook his head.

"You are not bitter. I understand your feeling. I want to erase all of your bad memory so you never have to feel heartache again. You are special to me, Jovanna. From now on, I will teach you how you are supposed to be treated, like a queen." Laurent spoke in a very serious manner, Jovanna did not know if she should felt fluttered or humored. Laurent had always been an innocent man, he was a bit sensitive but good hearted. Though she never knew before that he was an all-out man.

"I know. Thank you."