Once upon a time, way back in 2012, a handsome Frenchman fell in love with his girlfriend and designed her a pair of patent slippers with feminine bow detailing.
He embossed the inside of this prettiest of shoes with a Victor Hugo quote: "I cannot live far away… from you any longer."
She loved the shoes (who wouldn't? See below), but sadly the relationship wasn't meant to be broke up the humble shoe designer, whose name was François du Chastel.
"I was inspired by Love," he told us. "She was a big fan of flats and I wanted to give her something she could wear every day that would also show off her amazing legs.
"She found the gift incredibly romantic and fell in love with the shoes, but broke up with me and left with the slippers."
It's not a traditional fairytale ending, but du Chastel says he "survived this blow" by launching Chatelles - a French footwear label specialising in pretty slippers. He had no design training - in fact, he was a banker.
"However, I've always had a good idea of what style of shoe suits different women," he says. "I made sure that as well as being beautiful, they're also comfortable enough to run around in, which is why they have a bit of a heel and a proper waterproof lasting sole."
His timeless and perfectly Parisian designs have attracted fans such as Lily James and Pippa Middleton. Even his ex-girlfriend loves them still.
"We are still friends and she's now a Chatelles client," he says. "She's getting married this summer and I am happy for her. She will get the Achille slippers to dance all night in [see below]."
A million hearts break…
For more information visit Mychatelles.com. Prices range between £150 and £190.
