Chapter 0131
Abby

I’m seated on a lounge chair in the back lawn, soaking in the sun and the chirping of birds as a

soothing backdrop. The air smells of freshly cut grass, and I’m surrounded by the vibrant colors of the

garden—reds, yellows, and blues.. It’s peaceful, almost idyllic, but my mind is elsewhere.

I keep thinking about Karl’s words yesterday, how he never made an official announcement about my

fidelity. All morning, I’ve been getting strange looks from members of the staff—aside from Elsie, who

has never been anything but pleasant.

Part of me wants to announce it myself to set the record straight, but something tells me that most of

the staff who are unabashedly loyal to Karl wouldn’t believe me. And besides, he should do it himself.

He should be the one who admits to his shortcomings, not me.

Suddenly, my phone rings, breaking me out of my reverie. I glance down and let out a soft sigh. Ethan’s

name is flashing on the screen.

“Hey Ethan, what’s up?” I answer, my voice casual, but inside I’m wondering if something went wrong

after all. Perhaps the restaurant went up in flames, or that food critic came back for another bad

experience, or the place got robbed. Maybe all three.

on your time off. Quick question—how would you like

for next week? The new seafood vendor is offering different

open my mouth to dive into a detailed explanation, logistics

words about taking time off. A moment of conflict grips me, but I

advice.

and negotiate the best terms possible but keep it in

if you could, save any future questions for when

for interrupting your vacation. Where’d you wind up going anyway, if you

mind me asking?”

smoothly, guilt settling somewhere in my stomach. I can’t

visiting my

new voice

cheeks flush involuntarily at her

You and Karl

let out a nervous laugh.

“Listen, Karl’s been gaining bro wnie points lately in my book and

No

you, I’m not with

whatever you say.

Chloe’s words ringing all too clearly in my head. She’s

upid. Which is

my mind. But that was just last night, after dinner and too much wine.

about what it would be like to invite Karl back to my bed, to reignite

won’t act on those fantasies.

I can dwell on it further, I notice Gerald standing in the

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