Chapter 26

(Emily’s POV).

“Well, let’s get the ice cream!” he said, happily.

We then drove in comfortable silence for a while, with Mike's hand resting on my knee. The city lights twinkled past us, and for a moment, I felt like everything was going to be okay.

The car stopped at a small ice cream shop that looked cozy and inviting, with colorful lights and a friendly atmosphere.

Inside, the shop was warm and filled with the smell of waffles and different flavors of ice cream. We approached the counter, and Mike gave me an encouraging smile.

“Pick a flavor you like, Love. This is your treat tonight.”

I scanned the menu and chose chocolate chip mint, my favorite. Mike, who is an adventurer, chose something a little more adventurous—a combination of caramel swirl and sea salt. We paid and found a quiet corner where we could sit and chat.

As we ate our ice cream, I could feel the tension in my shoulders ease. Mike's presence was comforting, and although the pain of seeing Ben was still there, it wa