CH.50

We took our time strolling back through the park to where we had parked the car, enjoying the picturesque scenery and each other's company.

We stopped at a nicer Italian restaurant that Karl loved for an early dinner once we returned to the city. It had a warm, romantic ambiance with low lighting, white-tablecloth-covered tables, and a cozy fireplace crackling in the corner.

We were seated at a quiet corner table partially secluded by a series of intricately carved screens, and I immediately felt myself start to unwind in the intimate setting.

Our server brought over a bottle of their finest Chianti to accompany our meal, filling our glasses with rich, full-bodied red wine.

Karl's hand found mine on the tabletop, and our fingers laced together in a comforting way that just felt so natural.

Our food arrived a while later - a hearty beef ragu over thick pappardelle noodles for Karl and a light yet decadent mushroom risotto for me.

I must have been eyeing Karl's plate with a bit