#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.”

on so

not just… moving

in her words. “Adam’s not a

look, Abby, he’s a workaholic. He’s not treating you

to end things, know that everyone

conflicting emotions. “I need to

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

someone’s priority.”

voice as I change the

on

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

very good.”

Chloe! Leaving so soon? That must’ve

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

thrilling,

there, Chlo,” I say, feeling the weight of

Chloe replies, warmth evident in her voice. “And remember, you’re not

the call,

take a sip of the deep crimson wine, its flavor,

dining room is drenched in warm hues

ceilings and ornate woodwork of

with care, seems to mock

a plate of caprese salad,

leaves.

I

the food into the trash. The soft

risotto, the delicate veal. Everything is discarded,

moments in our relationship, is heartbreakingly thrown

this cathartic—albeit wasteful—process when an idea,

wine, hits me.

the name acting like a beacon

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

Adam. And I miss him, and I’m

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

as I hear the familiar ring on the other end. What am I even doing? What would

Karl’s voice breaks through my

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

“You mean

my place. I cooked up a storm,

food to feed an

between us, but it’s more contemplative than awkward.

trying to decipher the

starts, “It’s

bite my lip, debating how much to reveal. “Adam bailed on me. Again. And I just… I don’t want

food, to

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