that lightsome smile as before. These days, she found it harder and harder to read Andre. She vaguely felt that he had lost his usual composure and calmness, seemingly eager to achieve some goal. The constant obstacles on this path made him restless, almost resentful, to the point where he wanted to destroy something quickly and recklessly. This made her gradually unable to distinguish between the real him and his fanatical, cold and inhuman disguise.

"But when can we be together aboveboard?" She rested her head on his chest, her voice filled with regret. "Every time I visit the Desmoulins, and see the peaceful and happy family life they enjoy, how I envy them! "

"Do I not also long to be forever wedded to you? But I''m not Camille Desmoulins. To enter into marriage during such a revolutionary time, is imprudent after all," he sighed as he rolled her braid with his fingers.

"I often imagine myself like Lucile, openly kissing you goodbye in front of our doorstep every morning before you leave for work! "

"That day will come," Andre pressed his lips against her smooth forehead, though his tone lacked conviction.

"But what I want is not just that," Edith nuzzled her cheek against his heart, her gaze gradually unfocused, her voice becoming fainter and fainter, almost a whisper. "When will this phase truly pass? I always believed I was more patient and steadfast than anyone else, but Andre, when will the republic we pictured together, the new happiness founded on virtue, finally arrive?"

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On this br