Chapter 544: Plenty of Time Ahead

[Chapter 544: Long Way Ahead]

Eric listened to Sophie's translation and found it both amusing and perplexing. The logic of children was often quite unreasonable. The little girl in the princess dress, much like many proud French people, held a belief in the primacy of the French language, naturally assuming that others should learn French, rather than adapting to others' languages. Although France and Britain were only separated by the English Channel, French people's proficiency in English was notoriously poor, as evidenced by the backlash from French employees and visitors when Paris Disneyland adopted English as its working language.

Sophie found the little girl to be quite entertaining and slightly bent down to say something to her. But perhaps due to a natural rivalry among attractive young girls, the child didn't seem impressed by Sophie at all. Instead, she rolled her eyes at Sophie and turned away.

Noticing Sophie's slight awkwardness, Eric didn't pry into their conversation. Instead, he directed his attention to the little girl and asked, "Hey, I don't think I caught your name."

Despite having just scoffed at Sophie, the little girl showed no sense of formality upon hearing Eric speak. She looked to Sophie, prompting Sophie to reluctantly take on the role of translator.

"She said her name is Léa."

Eric instinctively wanted to compliment the child's name, but quickly realized they were in the residence of the Seydoux family. A child navigating a party without adult supervision was likely one of the hosts. Thus, the girl's name became obvious: Léa Seydoux.

Eric took a moment to study the little girl's features and found faint traces of familiarity. In his original timeline, Hollywood's major film studios had increasingly focused their resources on big-budget movies, leading to fewer opportunities for newcomers. This shift meant Hollywood's second-generation talents became more exposed to the public. For various reasons, film companies were keen to provide these children of celebrities opportunities, especially those who already possessed some level of fame.

Léa Seydoux was one of those children. The girl in front of him frequently appeared in films by legendary directors like Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino, and Ridley Scott, thanks to the vast connections her family had in the industry. She was also cast in major blockbusters like Mission: Impossible 4 and Spectre, acquiring roles that could drive ordinary actresses absolutely mad with jealousy.

The seven- or eight-year-old Léa noticed Eric zoning out again, her displeasure evident as she muttered something in French before sprinting away towards the hall.

Sophie translated with a smirk, "She says you are really very rude, and she's decided she will never watch your movies again."

Eric chuckled at the retreating figure of the little girl. "So I've lost a fan, huh?"

"Looks like it," Sophie laughed along with him.

The abrupt entrance of the joking little girl eased the initial strangeness between Eric and Sophie. As someone who had crossed over from another timeline, Eric not only remembered most of Sophie Marceau's films, but his knowledge of her vastly exceeded what she herself might have realized. This understanding allowed Eric to easily tap into topics that interested Sophie. In just under an hour of casual conversation, the typically guarded French rose revealed a glimmer of genuine connection.

"Eric, you're absolutely right. I believe marriage is simply a form of bondage. Sure, lovers should be together, but if the love fades, there's no need for entanglement. It only leads to pain. That's why I never intended to get married."

During their chatter, Sophie had downed a few glasses of red wine, and now a slight blush graced her cheeks as she spoke. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if recalling troubling thoughts.

Many things were often easier said than done. Saying one wouldn't cling desperately is rarely straightforward.

A waiter passed by with a tray, and noticing Sophie reaching to grab another glass of wine, Eric gently interrupted him and motioned for him to walk away.

"I don't think you should have any more to drink," Eric said softly.

Sophie frowned slightly but quickly smiled charmingly. "Hey, Eric, haven't you ever secretly wished to see me drunk?"

"Of course! I've planned out the 'show' for when you get tipsy," Eric replied, lounging comfortably against the railing. "So I'm just stirring up your rebellious spirit to get you to drink more."

Sophie shot Eric an incredulous look, then erupted into laughter, drawing the attention of several guests in the hall. Thankfully, she hadn't completely lost her senses; after a few more giggles, she reined in her demeanor. "You are quite an amusing person, Eric."

"Just so you know, sparking a woman's curiosity is often the first step for a man to attract her."

Sophie opened her wide, bright eyes in surprise and leaned in closer to Eric, like a carefree little girl. "And what's the second step?"

"The second step," Eric leaned in slightly, reaching out to gently hold her delicate chin, then unabashedly kissed her as she wore a mixed expression of surprise and excitement.

...

Waking up in the slightly cool Paris morning, Eric felt a warm body carefully attempting to escape his embrace. Instinctively tightening his arm, he pulled the woman back into his hold, only to open his eyes at her startled soft gasp.

Sophie's body tensed for a moment, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "Eric, you... you're awake?"

"Yeah, good morning, Sophie," Eric leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Sophie sensed Eric adjusting her comfortably in his arms, suggesting he might want to continue sleeping. Reluctantly, she nestled deeper into his warmth. After a few more minutes, Sophie firmly pushed away Eric's hand from her waist, sitting up to begin dressing. She noticed Eric propped up on the bed, watching her every move, causing her to feel a rare shyness.

After she finished dressing and casually tied her disheveled hair into a ponytail, she seemed to regain her composure. She scanned the spacious bedroom for her purse.

"It should be in the living room," Eric gently interjected.

"Thank you, Eric," Sophie paused for a moment. "I had a great time last night, but now, I think I should be going."

Eric put on a sad expression. "Come on, after I was toyed with all night, can't you at least leave me a kiss?"

Blushing lightly, Sophie smirked and leaned over the bed, quickly pecking Eric on the lips before making a swift exit, reaching the bedroom door as she tossed a quick goodbye over her shoulder.

A moment later, the sound of the door closing echoed from the living room, leaving the suite quiet once more.

With a smile lingering on his lips, Eric took a moment to reflect before getting out of bed. He understood Sophie's inner turmoil from just moments before and chose not to hold her back. She was a woman who pursued freedom above all else; trying too hard would only drive her further away. Better to let things flow naturally.

After all, there was plenty of time ahead, wasn't there?

*****

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