Protagonist: Anais Bellerose
Anais Bellerose was born in Lyon, France, and experienced the loss of her mother at birth. As the daughter and only child of a prominent oil tycoon, she is poised to inherit a substantial fortune upon her father's passing. However, financial wealth is of little importance for the prominently beautiful Anais—tall, slender, with long auburn hair and captivating sapphire-blue eyes. She seeks love, friendship, and family, often feeling isolated within her expansive cobblestone mansion.
She demonstrated remarkable abilities from a young age, Anais is a self-taught piano prodigy who draws inspiration from her late mother's grand piano. Additionally, she excels as a swimmer, with her gracefully fluent strokes barely making ripples in the waters of her Olympic-sized indoor pool. The extensive library within her childhood home provides her a sanctuary, where she engages deeply with literature while nestled in a grand leather chair beside the stone fireplace.
Growing up her primary companions were a nanny and a chauffeur who maintained a wintry but respectful distance, which amplifies her sense of solitude. For eighteen years, Anais has pursued a genuine connection with others. Driven by the desire for companionship and love, she is committed to overcoming her daunting past of isolation and eager to embrace the fulfilling life she envisions for herself.
Peter Lenhoff was born into a distinguished family in South Africa. His parents, expatriates from the United Kingdom made their way to the country in the late 1800s. From an early age, Peter faced challenges due to a congenital heart murmur, an experience that left a lasting mark on him. He was deeply touched by the compassion of his pediatric cardiologist and the nursing staff, which sparked his desire to become one himself. Driven by the wish to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others grappling with similar health issues, Peter dedicated himself to this path.
Alongside his commitment to saving lives, he also held a dream of one day meeting the beautiful woman of his dreams and starting a family of his own. But he had no idea she would turn out to be a patient of his and at the most inopportune time...a near-death experience consult brought him face-to-face with Anais Bellerose.
Avery Smiths journey began with tragedy when her parents succumbed to influenza just a year after her birth. Raised by her devoted grandmother in the quaint town of Paris, Texas, with a modest population of just over fifteen thousand, Avery found solace in the outdoors and exploring. Her grandmother understood her passion and gifted her a camera for Christmas, igniting a profound love for photography. Avery developed a remarkable eye for capturing beautiful moments, specializing in stunning images of birds, vibrant flowers, and charming historic buildings downtown. However, her true passion flourished best from the breathtaking vantage point of the Clarksville Bridge, her favorite spot for nature photographs.
Upon graduating high school, Avery was eager to explore the world and make a name for herself as a renowned photographer. Her grandmother wholeheartedly supported her dreams, facilitating Avery’s journey to study abroad in Europe at the University de Lille. As she departed for the long flight to Paris, tears were shed, unbeknownst to both it marked their last goodbye. Still, Avery's resolve to impact the world through her camera lens remained unwavering. She faced the unknown with excitement and courage, fully committed to the life she sought for herself.
On her very first day at the University, she met Anais Bellerose, and a beautiful friendship blossomed. Their bond quickly deepened as they became sorority sisters; Avery’s vibrant temperament brought Anais out of her shell. This friendship not only enriched Anais's life but also encouraged her to embrace every moment with enthusiasm. Together, they embarked on a journey that would shape their futures and inspire those around them.
Sidekick: Zach Hart
Zach Hart was born in the small town of Aubrey, Texas, into an affluent family of land developers. His family was among the first settlers to begin developing the town, aiming to create new economic opportunities. From an early age, Zach worked alongside his father and grandfather, helping to build homes, businesses, a train depot, a schoolhouse, a post office, doctor's office, and a general store.
After high school, Zach enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU) to pursue a degree in architecture. Following his graduation, he moved to Lakewood and began renovating the Lakewood Country Club, which was his first job in the field he loved with the perks of being his own boss. During this time, he met Avery Smith as she was coming out of a yoga class, and a romance blossomed between them.