Unexpected is a collection of true life short stories inspired by the author’s travels around the world and the people he has met. The book features seven thought-provoking, humorous and engaging stories that end with the most unlikely twist.

In one of the stories, The Wedding Contract, the author tells the story of a man who was forced to sign a pre-nuptial agreement simply because his wife was wealthy and he was considered poor. As time went on, fortunes changed and the man became far wealthier than his wife. His wife and friends dreaded the worst from him because of his new financial position but what he did next was shocking.

Julie’s parents were concerned. Julie was a single child from a pretty wealthy family with many properties and stores. So, her parents, her family, and her friends convinced her to protect herself by writing a prenup agreement. Should they get divorced, Julie would keep all her family’s belongings. All her entourage pressured her so much that Julie finally arrived at the idea that it was necessary to sign a prenup.

Jean-Pierre didn’t accept it at first, but in the end, he had no choice: Was it worth losing the woman he considered to be his soulmate?

Jean-Pierre and Julie finally got married and had two gorgeous daughters. But Jean-Pierre was still a little bit sad. After all, if they insisted on a contract, it was because her family didn’t completely trust him.

Jean-Pierre had been writing for a few years, and he had written many books. He was also working as a French teacher to get some additional revenue. However, he decided to stop writing to become a full-time teacher and contribute more to the family expenses.

He threw himself into his work as a teacher. One day, as Julie was watching television, she saw that the press was looking for the anonymous author of three books. From their description of the writing, she immediately recognized her husband’s style. After he was identified as the author of these books, he was given royalties for the book sales.

Jean-Pierre soon became very rich and famous, so much so that Julie (and, indeed, the press) was now waiting for the day when Jean-Pierre would cheat on her. She expected that he would eventually divorce her to marry another girl—probably an actress or a model or simply a younger woman. He was now famous and powerful, far richer than his wife and her entire family.

Rumors of cheating grew more and more persistent. The rumors said that Jean-Pierre would ask for a divorce and that he was getting ready for another wedding.

During a press conference, Jean-Pierre was asked about the rumors. He answered that he would act like a man and not hide anything anymore. In front of everyone, he told his wife:

“Honey, since the very first time I met you, I loved you more than I loved any other woman. Then, we got married and had two wonderful girls. I love them so much Over the years, I always thought about…that prenuptial agreement I had to sign because I was poor. Today, I am very rich… I am sorry, honey, but I am announcing…

INTERVIEW

Welcome!

Writing and Reading:
Do you draw from personal experiences and/or current events?
As unbelievable as it may seem Unexpected is based on true life stories that people have shared with me. This is true life—unexpected. Tragedy and injustice go hand-in-hand with humor, friendship, and love.

Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
One of the amazing things about writing short stories is that you never know how it ends. You discover the story as you write it. Yet, most of the stories here are based on true life stories.

Are any of your characters based on you or people that you know?
Yes to some extent my characters are based on people I know. Of course I have taken the necessary precautions so that they are not recognized.

Your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
When I write I usually listen to classical music.

Tell us why we should read this book.
I think you should read my book because the messages it delivers in a ‘’fun’’ way. At first, you feel like you’ve heard these stories many times before, until you read the ending. These stories consistently deliver a punch to the gut, reminding readers to cherish what they have, speak their minds when they can, and never expect life to play out as you expected out as you expected.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
One of my favorite writers is Guy de Maupassant: he was as a master of the short story form.

What are you reading now?
I am currently (re)reading Harry Potter.

Are you working on your next novel? Can you tell us a little about it?
I haven’t started to write my next novel…I mean on paper. I am currently working on translating Unexpected in other languages.

Fun questions:
Your novel will be a movie. Who would you cast?
Thank you so much for funding my movie! Eva green and Omar Sy will be part of the movie!

Favorite leisure activity/hobby?
I enjoy travelling!

Favorite meal?
I enjoy eating a cheeseburger with a strawberry lemonade!

Thank you for stopping by CMash Reads and spending time with us.