7

And he concluded this falsely solemn declaration with a mischievous wink at Crystal, who burst out laughing as Nathan falsely threatened his friend with a finger. It was also true that Crystal was particularly beautiful this evening, with her starry black hair pulled back into a sophisticated chignon at the top of her head, revealing the purity of her face, her short Tropezian dress in a bright electric color that highlighted her dreamy figure, and finally pumps that elongated her even more, while the two men were in suits with colorful tailored shirts.

But the warm atmosphere in which the trio basked faded when Leandro turned to a new arrival who sat down at a table and immediately ordered a drink before running his hands over his exhausted face.

"I think there's a new problem," Leandro remarked, almost to himself, as he continued to study the young woman.

"Really!" inquired Crystal, unable to suppress her concern.

"It's not physical since the doctor reassured us on that point, it's mental, and ultimately quite understandable, imagine losing memories completely with the uncertainty of perhaps never being able to get them back..."

"Yes, it's awful." the young woman nodded, perfectly aware of the lightness of the word to describe what this person was now in.

Nathan was waiting for explanations, and Crystal provided them. She made no secret of her concern or of the fact that the news was a week old.

"Why didn't you say anything, darling?" he asked when Crystal had expected him to. And of course she was frank with him, answering by looking him straight in the eye to show that she had nothing to hide and, above all, that she was telling the truth. Once again, Crystal was flabbergasted to discover how a deep belief in something, even if false, could be interpreted as true.

"Because I had the impression that it didn't really matter, despite my concern, a concern I would have felt towards anyone, even someone who had counted in my past."

Nathan saw the look on her face and was pleased, as well as reassured. Then he smiled and kissed her forehead.

"That's so like you."

"Thank you, darling. And I also thank you for your understanding. I stopped hating this being a long time ago, so I don't wish him any harm."

"I know, that's why I love you so much."

This time, it was Crystal's turn to kiss her fiancé, but instead of on the forehead, it was on the mouth.

"Then I'll leave you lovebirds to it, and go and join Leonie."

The lovers greeted their friend and followed him as he went to join this person's new fiancée.

"You look really worried," Nathan remarked, stroking his fiancée's swan neck.

The latter couldn't help but sigh.