The church was magnificent! We had a breath-taking entrance accompanied by a live orchestra playing Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, one of Camellia’s favourite songs. I tried my best not to cry. I was walking down the aisle with one of the groomsmen, just behind Camellia and her dad. Camellia insisted on having me just behind her in case she fainted.

Well, my dearest friend was doing well and looked amazing in her Vera Wang wedding dress. I was one of the happiest Maid of Honour and Bridesmaid in the world; my dress was amazing and the whole outfit was accessorised with class. Cassius was seated at the front row within the ribbon (of course), looking at me lovingly, and so sexy in his navy tux.

I stood behind her when she shared her vows and shared her first kiss as a married wife. Camellia was beautiful and managed to keep all her composure, to my biggest surprise.

This wedding was full of love. I was introduced to Camellia’ s family members I had never met. We made a few pictures in the beautiful castle’s surroundings. The scenery was breath-taking and the weather magnificent.

It was truly a wonderful wedding. Camellia and Michael were so blissfully happy, sitting together, holding hands, smiling round at their families, at kind fathers, pleased mothers, and with everybody smiling back at them.

The love and complicity between Michael and Camellia was contagious. Cassius and I were so inspired by the whole wedding. I was all overly emotional upon my speech and toast. I was not sure if Cassius’s presence was the case but this whole wedding situation made me realise how much I’d changed since I moved to London. I was a completely different person and I realised that I was the person I wanted to be, surrounded by the friends I would have picked myself. I was blessed and in love.

Even Bianca was enthralled. “Look at you guys; you make me want to be in a relationship.” Cassius loved my friends. He had met my sisters by then and we were all having fun in Paris once a month. We’d even planned a family holiday in Africa. I just couldn’t wait.

Camellia’s party was like her. Catholic: very. Chic: Very, very… And very organised: zero Faux-pas during the evening. Her wedding was immaculate.

The ambiance was amazing, everybody was talking to each other, and the orchestra was fabulous.

We were blessed to have two mega Italian VIPs, Laura Pausini and Andrea Bocelli. They were both amazing; they set a mood for love, signing autographs after the show.

We danced until 6am. Camellia was so happy. “See Valérie… This year has been amazing and I am sure, I will be soon dancing at your wedding.” I smiled. Camellia was clearly drunk and overjoyed by all the smiles and feeling of contentment everyone had that day. Everyone loved Camellia’s wedding.

At 8am, Cassius and I were still talking to the point that Bianca had to knock at our door to have our mouths shut. Awkward because we were not only talking…

I woke up in the afternoon around 2pm just to realise that Cassius was gone. He left a note for me with a beautiful red dress signed Karl Lagerfeld. “Let’s have a romantic brunch just the two of us. Car is waiting outside. Love you.”

So, sweet… I wanted to congratulate Camellia again first and started exploring the castle. “Camellia! Camellia!”

“She’s away, Madame,” said one of the cleaners. “With husband somewhere!”

“Okay, okay. Thanks.” Well, I was surprised, as I wasn’t sure this was planned.

I headed toward Bianca’s room. Her room was locked with a big written sign. Do not disturb until at least 7pm! Couldn’t sleep until late. I decided not to bother her, as it was an open complaint against me.

I went back into my room and started to get ready.

I got dressed up and suddenly said to myself, am I not a bit dressed up for a lunch? I sensed something was happening. I smiled; after all we were in Italy.

A driver was waiting for me outside. He politely opened the door for me and started driving toward the unknown.

20 minutes later, I was at Villa Porticciolo, a restaurant with a splendid view over the Ligurian sea. Cassius was waiting for me outside.

“Did you even sleep?” I laughed.

“I certainly did.”

“Okay, why am I dressed like this?”

“We’re in Italy, young lady. Who knows where we’re going to end up tonight?” he winked.

He took my hand and led me inside the restaurant.

He pulled my chair at the best table we could possibly have there. It was so romantic. The restaurant was very cosy, the lightings set with candles everywhere. The atmosphere was magical; even Cassius looked magical.

I felt a panic attack; I couldn’t breathe properly. I excused myself and ran to the ladies. I had a quick rest, put myself together, looked at the mirror, and just said to myself: I am ready for this.

When I came back to the restaurant, Cassius was standing up and our song was playing. He smiled.

“Miss Duval, would you come and dance with me?” I blushed purple and flashed a one million dollar smile. We started dancing, Cassius firmly holding me against his body. It was so romantic. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong were singing, “I am in heaven, I am heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak, and I seem to find the happiness I seek. When we are together dancing cheek to cheek.” This is how I felt …

I looked at Cassius and my heart purely melted in his body. He caressed my face with his shaky hands and I knew him so well feeling his nervousness.

Cassius bent on his knees, “Dear Valérie Duval… My best friend, my lover, my partner in crime, my cheeky smile, would you marry me?”

I froze for a second, lost in his green eyes, and I replied, “Of course I would!” I suddenly heard people drumming their feet on the floor and slapping their hands. My sisters came to me and I realised that people were coming towards us from all over the restaurant, congratulating us.

Oh my! My sisters were here! Camellia, Bianca… God Stephanie from Celest Connections too… Everybody was there. I didn’t realise that I was also crying. Oh my…

How Many Dates Does it Take to Find the One? How Many men? How many fucks? How many slaps on the face? And how many lies?

It’s been four years since my divorce, three years of online dating, where I chatted with 333 men online, I ghosted five men, been benched twice, I was cat fished once, I had passionate Textlationship, Skylationship, and phonelationship. I had 100 dates, I dated 56 different men, and slept with… Well... You know. I’ve dated a lot of great guys, not so great guys, a drug dealer, probably a thief or two, two or three schizophrenics, possibly one or two sociopaths, and perhaps a murderer.

A man broke up with me because I was smoking. Fair enough!

Another man, because I was French. Well, I guess we have a reputation.

Another one because I was always away on weekends, thinking I wasn’t working hard enough.

I texted a date a text aimed at Bianca, saying, < This idiot is late. > And had the polite reply, “Well, the idiot is going home now. Adieu beautiful.” 

I learned so much. The more I dated, the more I knew what I was looking for, and the less I was making mistakes. I was dating less but my dates were more substantial and relationship minded.

Then, my heart picked Cassius. I smiled for his love. I loved him for his smile. I cried for his touches. His touches made my cry of pleasure. We could talk for hours and hours at night and still have things to say to each other the following day. He is my brother, my husband, my lover, and my best friend. And we were now writing our story together.

We were starting a whole new book. Bye for now. Next book?