#Chapter 38: A Promise
Abby

The weight of loneliness presses down on me as the pristine table setting lies untouched. The absence

of Adam’s presence burns more than any verbal rebuke ever could. Frustration bubbles within me as I

glare at the untouched plates of food, each dish meticulously crafted to symbolize the deep affection I

hold for him.

“This dam ned evening…” I mutter under my breath.

My fingers tremble slightly as I quickly text Chloe: “Adam didn’t show. AGAIN.”

Before I can even put my phone down, it’s vibrating, and Chloe’s name flashes across the screen. I

take a deep breath and answer. “Hey.”

Chloe wastes no time, her voice thick with worry and frustration. “Abby, what the hell happened? Did he

at least call?”

I sigh, trying to hold back my tears. “I waited, Chloe. Set the table, lit candles, even put on that playlist

he loves. An hour goes by, and nothing. So I called him. And guess where he is?”

Chloe huffs. “Let me guess. The restaurant?”

“Bingo,” I mutter bitterly. “And the best part? He acted like it was just another day. Like he hadn’t

promised he’d be here just yesterday.”

There’s a pause on Chloe’s end before she says, “Abby, how many times are you going to let him do

this? This isn’t what love looks like.”

My voice cra cks a bit as I feel the irresistible urge to defend him, even though I know it’s wrong. “But

we share so much. The passion for food, our dreams… There are moments, Chloe, where everything

feels right. I love him.”

Chloe takes a deep breath, “You remember that one time we tried to bake Leah’s birthday cake, and

we accidentally mistook salt for sugar? On the surface, they looked so similar but tasted worlds apart.

Maybe that’s Adam. Looks right but isn’t good for you.”

I’m taken aback by her words, the truth in them stinging. “I… I don’t know, Chloe. Maybe I’m afraid of

being alone.”

it is,” Chloe murmurs. “You moved on so quickly after

just…

lip, fighting the truth in her words. “Adam’s not a

end things, know that everyone

with conflicting emotions. “I need to cool

is soft and comforting. “You deserve happiness. You deserve

someone’s priority.”

voice as I change the subject. “Hey,

be on a date

and I can imagine her blushing on the other end. “Oh, it was… well,

very good.”

soon? That

The comfort of our shared

was thrilling, but, well,

always being there, Chlo,” I say, feeling

her voice.

call,

its flavor, though rich, now

is drenched in warm hues from the

they cast illuminates the high ceilings

care, seems to mock my

a fit of fury, I swipe at a plate of caprese salad, sending cherry tomatoes rolling and

leaves.

I

necessary, I begin scraping the food into the

the delicate veal. Everything is discarded, just like the promises Adam made.

in our relationship, is heartbreakingly

when

wine, hits me.

like

been different—reliable, true to his word. He’s an as shole, but in those

antithesis of Adam. And I miss him, and

by the second, and perhaps the wine lending a hand, I

I hear the familiar ring on the other end. What am

Karl’s voice breaks through my spiraling

into my impromptu plan.

chuckles softly. “You mean the

somewhat embarrassed. “I mean at my place. I cooked up a

food to feed an army. Care to

between us, but it’s more contemplative than

furrowing, trying to decipher the unexpected

“It’s late. Is everything

how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me. Again. And I just… I don’t want

food, to

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