Chapter 0127
Abby

The warm afternoon sunlight casts dappled patterns on the ground as we walk through the park,

holding cardboard coffee cups in our hands. The warmth seeps through the cup, mingling with the crisp

air. It’s a nice moment, bordering on something that feels almost normal.

And then we stop in front of it—the old oak tree.

Its massive trunk and sprawling branches are as iconic as they come. It’s always been a sort of

landmark in this small town, here long before the town was ever built. But to me, it’s more than just a

tree. It’s a bitter reminder of another life, of another version of us.

We took our wedding photos under this tree.

“Do you remember?” Karl asks, his eyes meeting mine as if he’s searching for something—recognition,

perhaps.

“Of course I remember,” I snap, maybe a little too quickly. “How could I forget?”

He looks taken aback, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. Then, as though sensing he’s

wandered into a minefield, he falls silent.

We stand there for another minute, neither of us able to speak. Then I can’t hold back any longer.

ever tell the staff the truth?” I ask, my voice edged

actually cheated on you with the gardener? That it was a terrible

the creases on his forehead deepening. I wait for what

with

“Karl?”

I didn’t make an

within me, mingling with a heavy dose of disbelief. And yet, somehow,

must be why Gerald was giving me dirty looks

earlier.”

flash, a ripple

let that slip. “It’s nothing, really. I just caught him giving me

perturbed when I

jaw clenches, and for a moment, it looks like he might explode.

calm.

record straight?” I press, my voice filled with

again, and my annoyance flares up once

Why didn’t you clear

me look incompetent,” he finally admits, avoiding my eyes. “That

my personal matters

my reputation gets tarnished

fair, Karl. You need

at me, his eyes meeting mine without evasion this time. “You’re right. I’ll handle it.

Abby.”

Karl is so willingly offering to make things right. I was so angry with

yet somehow, he’s exceeding

he changes the subject. “Where do you want

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