Chapter 0126
“Thanks, Elsie,” I say softly. “It’s good to be back.”

With that, I make my way back into the house, each step carrying a different weight, a different

emotion. As I reach the top of the staircase, I hear Karl’s voice drifting from the living room, and my

heart does a strange little leap. Maybe Elsie’s smirk held more truth than I’d like to admit.

Just then, I hear the familiar ping of my phone and my thoughts snap back to the present. Reluctantly, I

pull it from my pocket and see a message from Ethan. He’s asking a question about inventory, and I

know that I should let it wait until I get home. But before I know it, I’m typing out a reply, unable to resist

the urge to be a boss for five minutes.

I’m halfway through responding when the sound of footsteps approaches behind me. “Ahem.”

Startled, I whip around to see Karl standing on the step below me. He has a knowing look on his face,

and a sparkle in his eye.

He moves closer, and for a split second, I’m transported back to a time when this was an everyday

occurrence.

“You’re not working, are you?” he asks, gesturing to the phone in my hand. “You’re supposed to be

enjoying the weekend off.”

I avert my gaze. “Maybe

from me. “Abby,

without you for a couple of days. Just try to relax.

exasperated but mostly grateful. He

more work. I get

it’s a smile I’ve missed more than I care to admit.

finished up a couple of things here, and now I’m free until my

you used

I

air, mingled with the comforting

us, shooting a discreet, knowing look

and a hazelnut latte for me, just like old

out, we make our way to the nearby

books and Karl occasionally joined me, pretending to read but really just watching the

as an

I say, taking a sip of my latte as we walk

smiles. “Some things

me. And yet, the more we walk, the more

is fresh, and the world

our

nudges me. “Don’t look now, but

a couple pointing discreetly at us. A young woman

“Alpha Karl!” she greets, her gaze

guard. It’s

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