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 with more tension than I’d

the gardener?

creases on his forehead deepening. I wait for what feels like

with each passing

“Karl?”

Abby, I

with a heavy dose of disbelief. And yet, somehow, I

it? “That must be why Gerald

earlier.”

flash, a ripple of

let that slip. “It’s nothing, really. I just

seemed… perturbed when I

it looks like he

to calm. “I’ll speak with

the record straight?” I press, my voice filled with

and my annoyance flares

Why didn’t you clear my

look incompetent,” he finally admits, avoiding my

my personal matters

my reputation gets tarnished because you’re worried

That’s not fair, Karl. You need to

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

Abby.”

a bit shocked. Karl is so willingly offering

he’s exceeding my

I can say anything else, he changes the subject. “Where do

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