#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.”

moved on so quickly after Karl. Are you sure it was

not just…

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

“But look, Abby, he’s a workaholic. He’s not treating you right. And

things, know that everyone

with conflicting emotions. “I need to cool

comforting. “You deserve happiness. You deserve

someone’s priority.”

of mischief enters my voice as I change the subject. “Hey, speaking of priorities, weren’t

to be on

imagine her blushing on the other end. “Oh, it was… well, let’s just

very good.”

Leaving so soon?

laughs, and I join in. The comfort of our shared humor momentarily eases my

thrilling, but,

I say, feeling the weight of the night’s disappointment ease a

voice. “And remember, you’re

end the call, my emotions

wine, its flavor, though rich, now tainted by the

is drenched in warm hues from the strategically

glow they cast illuminates the high ceilings and ornate woodwork of my apartment. Every

chosen with care, seems

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

leaves.

I

I begin scraping the food into the

is discarded, just like the promises Adam made.

of moments in our relationship, is heartbreakingly thrown

when an idea,

wine, hits me.

say aloud, the name acting like a beacon in the fog

true to his word. He’s an as shole, but in those

antithesis of Adam. And I miss him,

the second, and perhaps the wine lending a hand, I dial Karl’s number. My

familiar ring on the other end. What am I

breaks

I plunge into my impromptu plan. “Hey, Karl. Fancy some

chuckles softly. “You mean the restaurant

place. I cooked up a storm, and now I

an army.

between us, but it’s more contemplative than awkward. I can almost picture Karl,

trying to

know,” he starts, “It’s late.

my lip, debating how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me.

all this food, to go to

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