Mystery :Hidden - Hidden From The Past: (Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Suspense Crime Thriller) (ADDITIONAL BOOK INCLUDED ) (Suspense Thriller Mystery dark, murder)

by Mark Peterson

  "Wow, I love it! Paris is so beautiful!!", Sarah told them with so much joy in her eyes.

  "Let's go Sarah. Here, take a picture of me!", Vanessa told her twin sister.

  "Okay, okay.. But after you, I want you to take some pictures of me too!", Sarah replied.

  "Hey, you girls don't go anywhere far. This city is huge and we don't want you to get lost.", Marcus warned them like he's talking to little kids.

  They just nodded in an excited way and ran the park near Eiffel Tower.

  "This place is phenomenal, don't you think, Dad?", Marcus told Aidan.

  "Yes, indeed.", he said with a tear escaping his eye.

  "What's wrong Dad?", Marcus asked with concern and curiousness in his face.

  "Nothing, son.. It's just that, your mother and I went here more than 20 years ago. In here, at the exact place, at the exact location. She was wearing an elegant black dress and I was with my classic tux. It was even more romantic that time because I have her by my side.", Aidan told him.

  "Dad, I didn't know you and mom went here. If that's the case then.."

  "Then I should've told you not to go here? Isn't that what you will say? Well, Marcus, have you seen the looks of your sisters? How could I say no?", Aidan just chuckled. Marcus was left there with so much worry. Aidan was such a good father to them.

  "How do you do this, Dad? You love mom so much.", Marcus asked him.

  "Son, you know, your mom and I had a very lovely story. She was working at a small café when I met her. You grandmother didn't like her that much. She's an average girl with a lot of responsibilities. At first, I was scared to love her.. but then, it came that day when we finally end things up.. and I was shattered.

  I told myself, you loved her.. you know you loved her and now you know what you've lost. Now your hands are feeling emptier.. now your heart feels a little heavier.. You were young, you were careless that you didn't know how valuable she was.

  So what I did was ran after her.. chase her.. and never let her go away from me ever again.. and I tell you son, it was worth it.", Aidan told him.

  "That's very noble, Dad. I like a love like yours.", Marcus told him.

  "Why, haven't you found yourself a woman? I saw you and Melinda at the party..", he chuckled.

  "I don't know Dad.."

  "Don't say that. You know. Or yet you did know.. at least a part of you did so don't say that, son. In some strange, mysterious way, you knew she's the one. In her eyes, I'm pretty sure you caught her. You were just scared. You'd be surprise, a lot of young men like you ask me, how do you know if she's the one? You'll know that and I can't explain how or when.. you'll just know..

  Probably when you thought yourself that nothing had ever looked more beautiful.. that moment when you saw your world with hers. That's the moment you should tell her what your heat is telling you.. Don't be scared, son.. all you have to do is open the door.. all you have to say is: COME IN.", Aidan gave his an advice and everything just made sense to him.

  Aidan went to a very classy opera in Paris. His children were still busy when he left their hotel. Sarah and Vanessa were just taking a lot of pictures to upload in the social media accounts, and Marcus has turned into their personal and temporary photographer.

  It appeared that her twins are enjoying this lovable city without any doubt. On the other hand, Marcus felt bored and exhausted taking the twin's pictures. Marcus doesn't really enjoy posing and taking pictures, and even if he has a social media account like her sisters, he doesn't do much posting in the internet.

  Sarah and Vanessa planned to go to museum and tourist spots. This is what excites Marcus. His children loves studying history, and they love seeing ancient artistry just like their mother.

  Aidan just accepted Kevin's invitation to watch a romantic opera. It is just a few blocks away from Eiffel Tower and their hotel. When they arrived the place, people were everywhere. It was just so crowded so he figured the play's going to be incredible.

  The play is about a woman who was trying to escape her past. She went to Paris to find herself some peace of mind. In there, she met a man who fell in love with her.

  While watching the whole play, Aidan couldn't help but feel attracted to the woman. The play was with a little bit of musical so the woman had to sing before the man kisses her and the story ends.

  Before they even kiss, the woman sang a very romantic song his wife also loved, Moon River. Amelie was an amid fan of Audery Hepburn. As a matter of fact, Breakfast at Tiffany's was her favorite movie. So, when the woman sang, Aidan felt her deeply in his soul.

  Moon River, wider than a mile,

  I'm crossing you in style some day.

  Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,

  wherever you're going I'm going your way.

  Two drifters off to see the world.

  There's such a lot of world to see.

  We're after the same rainbow's end--

  waiting 'round the bend,

  my huckleberry friend,

  Moon River and me.

  The woman found the man standing behind him, they walked at each other, and the man kissed her. Everybody clapped their hands, and the curtain fell right in front of Aidan. It was a very romantic play.

  After the play finished, Kevin and Aidan waited for the director at the party. He was introduced to Alfredo, the man behind the play. Aidan was just refreshed and amazed by the story. The woman also deserves some appraisal so he complimented Alfredo with so many overwhelming words. They were all having a good time.

  "So, how did you come up with that story? It was amazing!", Aidan told Alfredo.

  "My friend, it's all about expression. Believing in love. Paris is called the most romantic city for a reason. Everywhere we go here, we find inspiration. Every day is another a story to tell. You should visit here more often times!", Alfredo told him with his French accent still going in his head.

  "You know, Alfredo, my friend Aidan here has been single for so long. That's why when he threw a party a month ago, I told him to come with me here in Paris. What city would be more perfect to find love other than Paris?", Kevin told Alfredo.

  "You're single? Ohhhh.. Aidan, my boy, you need to meet women in here! They are one of a kind. This city is so promising, I bet you won't leave this place without meeting someone special.", Alfredo told him.

  "That's great, Alfredo. But I'm only here for 3 weeks. It would be.."

  "No, no, no.. Aidan! My friend! This is Paris!! This is the city of love. I tell you what, just stay here at the party a little longer, and you will meet someone!", Alfredo insisted.

  "Alright. You guys just talk there, and I'll just come check my wife Samantha. Alfredo, can you give Aidan a lot of lectures in love? He needs it?", Kevin teased Aidan and Aidan just give him a sigh in a very funny way.

  "Okay, Kevin.. Tell Sam to go sit here with us so we can chat even more!! (Alfredo laughed) Aidan.. " Alfredo made so many sought after speeches on him again… Aidan was just there sitting so helplessly, listening to Alfredo's love advice. He gotta admit, Alfredo is a really nice man. However, Aidan is just plain dead tired hoping and believing in love. He was just wasted..

  Until something came out to Alfredo's mouth..

  "Actually, there is someone I'd like you to meet.. Do you know Phoebe? She's the woman in the play.. oh wait.. there she is!! Phoebe!! Phoebe!!", Alfredo called her after spotting her walking at the party. She just smiled at Alfredo and walked to their direction.

  Seeing Phoebe in a black classic dress made Aidan reminisce Amelie. They have the same style.. and probably the same eyes. As she walked with every languid, Aidan's heart was skipping a beat. His heart fluttered and he felt butterflies in his stomach.

  "Aidan, I want you to meet the woman of the play.. Phoebe.", Alfredo introduced him to her.

  "Hi.", Phoebe greeted him extending his hand. Aidan just stared at her, and then reached for her hand to kiss it. He was moved and he never thought he'd feel this way ever again.. so he said to her..


  "Hi."

  THE END

  The BIG THRILL

  Loving Paris

  (FREE BOOK 3)

  3Loving Paris

  "Hi."

  That was the only thing that came out of Aidan's mouth when she saw Phoebe. He secretly admires her from a distance.

  Phoebe was the star of the famous play that just happened a while ago. She was the lead actress. Before the play ended, she sang Moon River very deeply that Aidan was left loving her from a far.

  Aidan's wife died 8 years ago because of Leukemia and kidney failures. After several surgeries, therapy, and medications, Amelie died. Because of this, Aidan find it hard to live his life, and his children noticed his pain along the way.

  Kevin invited him in Paris during his 55th birthday. It was a very fun night of celebration but his children wanted to extend their ceremony in Paris, and have a vacation.

  Right now, Aidan children, Marcus, Sarah, and Vanessa are staying at a luxurious hotel near Eiffel Tower. Because Aidan's son and daughters still have jetlags, he came to watch the play solo. Luckily, Kevin and his wife were both there for him.

  The play was about a woman having such a terrible life.. She then met a man and from there, they started to be friends, then fall in love. It was one of those romantic movies where the woman was caught in the arms of a man who cares.

  Phoebe was the one playing woman's character. She was Alfredo's artist way back her first few years. Alfredo is a close friend of Kevin who also happens to be the director of the play. He knows Phoebe very well.

  After the play, Kevin and Aidan headed to the party to come celebrate with Alfredo's another success and masterpiece. Aidan and Alfredo had a conversation about love, and they immediately came up with a mission: to find Aidan someone special before he leaves Paris.

  Soon, Kevin had to check on his wife. This left Alfredo and Aidan talking even more about love and Paris. Finally, Alfredo saw Phoebe at the party, and he introduced her to Aidan.

  Aidan was moved by Phoebe; he thinks Phoebe is a good actress and performer. Her voice was very classy, and unlike the many women his son fixed him up, her style is probably the best.

  She reminds him of his late wife, Amelie. Aside from their style, body language, and eyes, Phoebe also happens to love Audrey Hepburn, which Amelie's favorite icon of all time.

  Phoebe also sings like Amelie. Although the commonality is overwhelming, Aidan knows Amelie and Phoebe are both different women.

  They are both lovely, actually. When Phoebe extended her hand to Aidan, Aidan felt his heart skipped a beat. He was just so attracted to Phoebe that it makes him shiver down his spine. His heart was fluttering and he can't explain why. He also felt butterflies in his stomach. Suddenly, his world mattered no more the time he saw Phoebe.

  "Aidan, do you know that Phoebe is only 35 years old? Can you believe how young she looks like?", Alfredo told her. Aidan was still holding Phoebe's hand. It seems like Aidan has completely forgotten that Alfredo's still in the table.

  "Wow. That's great, you don't look 35 in my eyes.", he smiled at her, and finally, he let go of her hand.

  "My dear Phoebe, would you like to sit with us? We also have another friend, Kevin, but he went to check his wife. Both of them will be back here any minute now. I'm telling you, you will enjoy your time with us!", Alfredo's tempting offer to him.

  "Sure, Alfredo. Why are you guys seated in here? You guys should be there at the center..", she chuckled.

  "Oh dear, I couldn't stand the people in there. Aside from that, I already had credits for the play.", Alfredo laughed, "Wait.. Hold on, you two.. I have a very important phone call. I will be back after speaking to this one.", he said while leaving the table.

  Aidan just looked at Phoebe. God, she's stunning. Her hair is straight and simple.. no pretentious color at all. He pale skin compliments her pinkish lips. And her eyes are just out of this world. She must be seeing someone. With that kind of look, she obviously has someone.

  "Well, this is awkward.", Aidan said breaking up the ice. Phoebe just laughed because of the silence.

  "How are you.. Aidan?", Phoebe asked politely.

  "I'm fine. Great, actually. I'm just enjoying my stay here in Paris with my children.", Aidan told her.

  "Oh, I see. Where's your wife?", Phoebe asked.

  "She's dead. 8 years ago. I'm a widower… for too long actually.", Aidan made a joke and Phoebe thought it was very kind.

  "So, I'm guessing… American?", Phoebe's question.

  "Yeah.. Yeah. Pure American. Even my children are all American.", Aidan replied, "How about you?", he then asked.

  "I'm half French and half American. My mother is French and my father is American from the army. I grew up here in Paris. We call ourselves Parisian.", Phoebe responded giving him a sweet smile. Aidan felt some urge kissing her after seeing her white teeth. Also, Phoebe's red lips were both tempting, "So, where exactly are your children. Alfredo just told me about that Kevin guy and his wife.. he never mentioned any children whatsoever?", she added.

  "They're at the hotel. Sorry they couldn't come to watch your play. I have a son, 24 years old, and twins, both girls and both 20 years old. They are a bit exhausted. You know how they roll nowadays", Aidan kid.

  "Well, it's really nice that you guys came here in Paris. It's the most romantic city in the world.", Phoebe said.

  "I know. Hey, listen. My friends are gonna be back here in a few moments now.. and you know, I'm not really good in asking a woman out, but I'm definitely sure I don't like doing it in front of my friends.. So, how about I ask you now? Would you like to have dinner with me?", Aidan at last gathered enough courage to ask her.

  "Sure, Aidan. I would love that.", was all Phoebe can say.

  Aidan stood in the middle of their rendezvous spot. He's waiting for Phoebe to show up. Phoebe agreed to have a date with him today. Their conversation didn't really last long because they have friends in the same table. This is the reason why Aidan asked him out on a date.

  He just wanted to meet her.. Probably get to know more about her. Quite frankly, Phoebe is just stunning. He was moved by Phoebe's performance, and she seems like a very interesting woman.

  Aidan has dated a bunch of women in New York thanks to his son who just didn't give up on him. When Aidan told his son, Marcus, he asked someone on a date, Marcus was beyond excited and happy.

  Marcus knows his father, Aidan, is not a type of man who will ask someone on a date. Even Aidan couldn't believe he asked Phoebe out. He described Phoebe as a very sophisticated woman.. and he really means it.

  Phoebe is not the same of those you meet in New York. She's with a lot of class, and everything about her just screams passion. This is the reason why Aidan found Phoebe exceptional. She reminds him of his late wife. Also, Aidan felt a spark in her.. And this made him believe in love again.

  They both agreed to meet at the Eiffel Tower. Phoebe is a Parisian. She adores the Eiffel Tower and she wanted Aidan to see it glisten with so much joy and love.

  "Hi. Waiting for someone?", Phoebe greeted him from behind. He looked at her and for the second time, he felt it again.

  "Hey there. You look incredible. Who are you seeing?", Aidan chuckled.

  "Someone special.", Phoebe answered. Aidan knows it's him, "How long have you been waiting? I hope I didn't kept you way too long.", she added.

  "No, no.. Don't be silly.", Aidan told him, and Phoebe held his hand as they walked.

  "Do you love what you're seeing?", Phoebe pointed the Eiffel Tower.

  "Yeah. I've never seen it like this before. I've been here two decades ago, it's not like this. I think it's more romantic.", Aidan said.

  "Yes, that's because Paris wants to give the people more love. They want them to feel the romance. It is called the most romantic city in the world for some reason, you know.", Phoebe gave him a wink. Aidan just kept staring at her, "Do you know that the Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower? It is merely the reason why the
Champ de Mars is very beautiful.", she said.

  "I like it. You know, it is a symbol of love.", Aidan gave her a smile.

  "I know. And it's amazing.", she said, "I hope your children saw this too. The several hours they spent traveling would be worth it."

  "They've been here.", Aidan responded, "Hey. I wasn't given a chance to tell you how great you were at the play. You were stunning, and you moved me.", he said putting her hand in his chest.

  "Thank you. I've been rehearsing a lot.", they laughed.

  "Do you want to go up there?", Aidan's invitation.

  "Of course. I've been there a couple of times, and I can guarantee you it's breathtaking up there.", Phoebe's answer to him.

  So they went to see the view at the Eiffel Tower. It's sweet, and it's astonishing. Aidan even felt it was awe-inspiring because of the view.. and Phoebe. The day was astounding.. But being with her in a date was just spectacular.

  It's been a week that Aidan and Phoebe have been seeing each other. Aidan is slowly and helplessly falling in love with her. When they were at the Eiffel Tower, they made a vow to the whole place and to themselves that they would always believe in love. Aidan thought it was really romantic. It's something he didn't see he would do.

  No sooner did the days passed by, Aidan kept thinking about Phoebe. He remembers her before he's going to sleep, he think about her when he wakes up, he pictures Phoebe dancing with him whenever he hears a melodious song.

  Last night, they both spent their date on the moonlight near the Eiffel Tower. Phoebe's smile made him hug her. It was one of those nights where he thought he would never feel special again. And it was outstanding.

  Every moment with her is another marvelous time to adore her. He just found himself falling more and more in love with Phoebe. Every little thing she does is magic..Every word she says are just adorable. He felt her comfort soothing in his heart.. It was very nourishing.. It was undeniably love.