Et si certaines histoires ne pouvaient se raconter en une seule vie ?Erika et Néo sont liées par quelque chose qu’aucune des deux ne comprend vraiment. À travers le temps, les lieux et les vies, des fragments du passé refont surface de manière inattendue — au détour de rencontres, de choix et de souvenirs qui semblent parfois appartenir à quelqu’un d’autre.À mesure que leurs histoires se dévoilent, l’amour, l’amitié, la famille et la loyauté s’entremêlent aux regrets d’autrefois et aux vérités restées enfouies. Et peu à peu, ce qui semblait n’être que de simples coïncidences commence à révéler une histoire bien plus vaste.Cette fois est un roman illustré qui raconte l’histoire de deux femmes, des vies qui les façonnent et des liens invisibles qui unissent parfois les êtres au-delà des générations, des distances et du temps. Avec, en filigrane, une question : si la vie vous offrait une nouvelle chance, feriez-vous les mêmes choix cette fois-ci ?

The characters

ERIKA LAURENT

PROTAGONIST

Age: 29 years old
Profession: Freelance graphic designer & illustratorHER WORDS“I’ve spent my whole life looking for something I couldn’t even name.”THE CHARACTER
I was born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and somehow ended up trying to figure out where I actually belong.I’m pretty easygoing. Patient, understanding, sometimes a little too much for my own good. I believe in second chances because even good people make bad decisions. I prefer understanding their reasons before judging them.I notice things. The awkward silences, the smiles that don’t quite reach someone’s eyes. I tend to understand more than I let on.I laugh at the worst possible moments, have a ridiculous sense of humor, and can be pretty goofy. I’m also not easily impressed. Money, titles, fame… As I like to say, “Everybody poops.” We’re all human, after all.I like comfortable clothes, good coffee, and keeping things simple. A little blush, a baseball cap, and I’m ready to go.I’m curious about the world, independent, and occasionally an overthinker. There’s something comforting about being somewhere nobody knows you.I don’t think life is about getting everything right. We make mistakes, hurt each other, and lose sight of what matters. What counts is what we choose to do afterward.Still, some questions follow you wherever you go.And sometimes, the hardest questions are the ones you spend your entire life avoiding.I’m still working on those.

NEO

PROTAGONIST

Age: Early twenties
Profession: Hospitality professionalHER WORDS“I don’t believe in coincidences. Not anymore.”THE CHARACTERI have a remarkable talent for getting myself into situations I never planned for. Some call it bad luck. I prefer to think the universe has a very questionable sense of humor.I like long hikes, spontaneous adventures, good music, and people who don’t ask too many questions before I’ve had breakfast.I’m a little unconventional, occasionally ridiculous, and not particularly interested in being anyone other than myself.I’ve learned that family isn’t always about blood, that friendship can arrive when you least expect it, and that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness change everything.I don’t have a five-year plan. I barely have a plan for Friday.But I’m learning to trust myself, to follow my instincts, and to appreciate the unexpected.As for my past? Well, everyone has a story.Mine just happens to have a few chapters I’d rather keep to myself.

MICKAËL JEAN-PIERRE

MAJOR SUPPORTING CHARACTER

Profession: Luxury real estate agent, DJ & event organizerHIS WORDS“I know how to protect what I love. I had to learn how to keep it.”THE CHARACTERI’m a luxury real estate agent by profession, DJ Ti Bey by passion, and a Muay Thai enthusiast by necessity. Some people meditate. I prefer getting punched in the face. Builds character, apparently.I spent years building a life in Thailand, surrounded by good people, good music, and opportunities I never saw coming. Somewhere along the way, I created Afro Vibe, a party that became much bigger than I originally imagined.I’ve been told I have a strong personality. Fair enough. I know what I want, I speak my mind. But I’ve always believed that strength means very little without kindness.I’m protective of the people I love. Sometimes a little too protective. I believe in loyalty, respect, and showing up when it matters, not just when it’s convenient.I’m not particularly proud of every decision I’ve made. But I don’t believe our mistakes have to define us forever. What matters is whether we’re willing to learn from them and become better people.I’ve learned that starting over doesn’t automatically make you a different man. That takes work, patience, and the courage to face yourself.And I’m still learning.

KANG SUN-HO

MAJOR SUPPORTING CHARACTER

Age: 30 years old
Profession: Tattoo artist, entrepreneur & professional troublemaker.HIS WORDS“I have a great sense of humor. Don’t become the joke.”THE CHARACTERI was born into a family where success is inherited, expectations are non-negotiable, and apparently, having a personality is considered an act of rebellion.Naturally, I became a tattoo artist.I own a few businesses, several properties, and an impressive collection of tattoos my father wishes were temporary.I have expensive taste, questionable manners, and a remarkable talent for getting under people’s skin. Professionally and otherwise.I’m charming when I want to be, insufferable when I’m bored, and exceptionally generous with opinions nobody asked for.People say I’m difficult. I prefer selectively delightful.I don’t follow rules just because someone with an expensive watch invented them. And I don’t particularly enjoy being told what to do.Loyalty, however, is non-negotiable. I can forgive bad taste, terrible jokes, and the occasional questionable life decision.Betrayal? That’s a different conversation.And if you think you’ve figured me out, congratulations.You’re probably wrong..

LET’S TALK !

Are you a fellow writer, a literary agent, a publisher, or an editor?Perhaps you’d like to collaborate, ask a question, or simply be among the first to know when This Time is released.Whatever brings you here, I’d love to hear from you.Send me an email, I’ll read it myself.