Chapter 0128


    “Smells amazing in here,” Karl says as he walks in, his eyes meeting mine for a moment beforending


    on the pot. “Whatcha cooking?”


    “Spaghetti Bolognese,” I reply, stirring the pot once more. “I remember it was one of your favorites.”


    “Still is,” he grins, moving closer. “Need any help?”


    I look at him, momentarily caught off guard. It would be so easy to say yes, to let him slide back into


    that role he once yed so perfectly. But I hesitate, unsure. I’m still upset about earlier, about finding


    out that he never cleared my name. But at the same time, I can’t bring myself to be too mad at him—


    not when he so willingly agreed to set the record straight. And not when we’re in our old home together,


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    and the nostalgia is taking over me.


    Finally, I nod. “Could you chop those mushrooms for me?”


    He grabs a knife and starts slicing, his movements as fluid as they always were. For a brief moment,


    the kitchen feels like it used to—full of life,ughter, and the smell of delicious food.


    As we work side by side, I can’t help but marvel at how well we function together. The synergy is still


    there, as if time hasn''t changed anything. I find myself imagining what it would be like to have him by


    my side at thepetition.


    He’d be the perfect sous chef—steady, reliable, intuitive…


    My lips part, prepared to ask him if he would join me for thepetition. But at thest moment, I close


    them, shaking my head to myself.


    What am I thinking? This is just dinner, nothing more.


    “Abby?” Karl asks, snapping me back to reality. “You good? You looked like you were about to say


    something.”


    I shake my head, ncing away. “Nope. Nothing.”


    Finally, the meal is ready. We sit down at the dining table, a space that once hosted countless meals,


    countless memories. The spaghetti is tender, the sauce rich and savory.


    “This is incredible, Abby,” Karl says after the first bite, looking up at me with sincerity in his eyes.


    “Thank you,” I reply, my heart swelling at thepliment. There’s a lot unsaid between us, but for the


    moment, the food says it all.


    We drink red wine, each sip easing away the day’s worries. Conversation flows easily after the first few


    sips, filling the room with an ambiance that’s oddly intoxicating.


    “I miss this,” he says softly as he refills my ss. “I miss us.”


    His words hit me like a tidal wave, drowning all the caution and restraint I’ve been holding onto. I look


    at him, really look, and see the man who once was my everything. For a heartbeat, I want to let go, to


    bridge the distance between us in a way words never could.


    But I can’t.


    “It’s gettingte,” I murmur, pushing back my chair abruptly. “I should head to bed.”


    He looks at me, eyes searching, but doesn’t push. “Alright. I’ll clean up. Goodnight, Abby.”


    “Goodnight, Karl.”


    With a terse smile, I stand and turn, heading for the door. But at thest moment, Karl’s voice reaches


    me.


    “Abby. Wait.”


    There’s something in his tone. Something… hopeful? I pause, shooting him a nce over my shoulder.


    “What is it, Karl?”


    As I meet his gaze, I can see something soft there. It’s as if he wants to close the distance between us,


    but he doesn’t. I watch as he nces away, reverting his attention to his ss of wine.


    “Nothing,” he says, shaking his head slightly. “Nevermind. Goodnight, Abby.”


    I pause, puzzled by his words. But, not wanting to create more tension, I nod quietly and slip out of the


    room. And in fact, it’s not until I’m back in my old room that I finally let out a shaky breath and allow the


    tear that I’ve been holding in to roll down my cheek.