Karl So far, the plans to have Abby’s staff cater for the library building event are going well. Abby was very receptive to the idea, and now her staff is all here. I’m certain that this event will be great press, not just for the election, but also for Abby and her restaurant. And even though t
“I know I’ve broken Abby’s heart.” I pause, my tone somber and low as I stare down at my lap. “But I thought we had an understanding, Chloe. I don’t want to hurt Abby ever again. I thought you knew that.” “Why, then, did she come here to hide from the city and didn’t even tell her two best friends
Abby “I support you. I support you all the way, Abby.” Leah’s unexpected support leaves me feeling both shocked and relieved. Her willingness to stand by my side and accept this unconventional arrangement fills me with gratitude, especially after the tension that hung heavily in the room moments
Karl takes a deep breath, his gaze flickering to me for the briefest of moments, before he begins. “I have an election coming up, and having a family will significantly boost my approval ratings,” he explains. “On the other hand, as you know, Abby is currently facing allegations regarding her restau
Abby Chloe and Leah stare at me incredulously after what I just told them. Their expressions are a blend of surprise and concern, and I can’t blame them; I did, after all, just inform them that I plan on trying to have a baby. “But Abby,” Chloe says, standing and pointing incredulously at Karl, “how the hell is he supposed to help you heal your infertility?” I meet Karl’s gaze once more, finding his shock mirroring my own. The truth has tumbled out, raw and unfiltered, and there's no retracting it now. “Karl has been speaking to a doctor,” I say. “A doctor who might have some experimental treatments that could help me have a baby.” But Chloe just shakes her head, her face a mask of frustration. She runs both of her hands over her hair; it’s a gesture of hers that’s a telltale sign of anger and confusion. “Abby, you need to listen to what you’re saying right now,” she says quietly. “Experimental treatments? A baby? Who would the father even be, hm? Would you be a single m
Abby I stand in the dimly lit kitchen, leaning against the counter with a half-empty glass of wine in my hand. The soft hum of the refrigerator is the only sound breaking the silence of the night. Dinner with the team was lively tonight, filled with laughter and chit-chat, but now the quiet feel
But Karl isn’t the only one who has changed. A few years ago, I would have spilled everything to my friends and I wouldn’t have done a quarter of the damage control that I do now. I think part of the reason why Chloe is the way she is with me is because I set that precedent of telling her every litt
Abby The morning sun filters through the large windows of the mansion’s kitchen, casting a warm, golden glow over the array of ingredients that’s waiting for us. I’m standing at the counter island, a chopping board and a pile of fresh vegetables in front of me. The familiar scents of garlic and