Chapter 0185


    Abby


    The restaurant door clicks shut behind Karl, sealing off the outside world and its nosy journalists. Karl


    brushes off his hands as if he’s just dealt with a minor annoyance, but his eyes meet mine, full of


    concern.


    “You okay, Abby?” he asks, walking over to where I’m standing.


    “I’m fine,” I say, even though my pulse is still racing. “Just a little shaken up. I didn’t expect that.”


    Karl sighs and leans against the counter. “Wee to the future, Abby. The more sessful you


    be, the more people wille after you, trying to crush your spirit and ruin your reputation.”


    His words, although harsh, are true. I should have expected that something like this would happen if I


    hired a homeless person. Not everyone is as understanding as the people who work in my restaurant, I


    guess.


    “Yeah,” I admit, ying nervously with the edge of my apron. “I just hope it doesn’t affect the


    restaurant. You know how easily people can be swayed.”


    He nods, his gaze still intently on me. “But you also know that people are already talking about how


    much better the food is, all thanks to Anton. You’re just getting started, Abby. You’re gonna knock ‘em


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    dead.”


    Something in the way Karl says it, the sincerity in his eyes, washes over me. I want to believe him. No,


    I need to believe him.


    “I hope you’re right, Karl. I really do.”


    Karl nods and offers me a slight smile. I pause, my eyes lingering on him. “And, um, thank you for


    apologizing to Anton earlier, by the way. It means a lot to me.”


    His eyes soften, just a little, enough to take the edge off his usually stern gaze. “I’ll do whatever it takes


    to make you happy, Abby. You know that.”


    My cheeks flush; I can feel the warmth spread across my face. Karl saying that, in that tone, with those


    brown eyes locked onto mine, brings back a rush of memories and emotions.


    Suddenly, it’s just the two of us, and we’re married again, standing in our old kitchen. Back before all of


    the appointments and the Alpha duties, back before the ck hair and the modest clothing and the


    arguments.


    Back when things were simple. Back when things were easy.


    “I appreciate it, Karl,” I manage to say, clearing my throat. “But promise me something?”


    Karl smirks. “Anything.”


    I pause for a moment, hoping that he doesn’t see the blush that’s creeping into my cheeks. “Just


    promise that you’ll be kind and willing to make amends with people. Not just for me, but because it’s


    the right thing to do.”


    He looks at me like he’s trying to read theyers of meaning behind my words. After a moment, he


    nods, seeming to understand. “I promise.”


    For a fleeting second, I wish he could make up with Chloe, but the thought slips away as quickly as it


    Rtionships are a two-way street, and you can’t force someone to walk down a path they’ve chosen


    to abandon.


    I watch as Karl walks away. His fading form holds my attention, the way that his arms bulge against his


    sleeves, the way he strides so confidently back into the kitchen as if he’s been doing this for years.


    God, I think to myself, shaking my head. It’s been too long since I gotid. I’m starting to go off the


    deep end here.


    …


    “Afternoon, Abby,” he greets, his eyes scanning the dining area where customers seem happily


    engrossed in their meals. There’s a slightly more serious look on his face than usual, which gives me


    pause. “Could we talk?” Reаd at Draмanоvels


    “Of course, Mr. Thompson,” I manage, swallowing my surprise. “What brings you here?”


    “I’ve heard your restaurant is making quite the sshtely. Mind if I take a look at the kitchen?”


    His request takes me off guard; he’s already seen my kitchen before, but I can’t refuse.