Chapter 100: A step closer

Ashley’s POV

As we finished our meal, a comfortable silence settled around us, and I found myself grateful for this moment—one where we weren’t arguing or avoiding each other. But deep down, the reality loomed like a shadow. I had feelings for him that wouldn’t just vanish with a friendly dinner and a few kind words.

The waiter cleared our plates, and I glanced at Andreas again, trying to memorize the contours of his face—the way his smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the warmth radiating from him. I wanted to savor this moment for as long as I could, knowing that the night would eventually come to an end and that if all things worked out, I would probably never have the opportunity to sit in front of him like this again.

The drive back to the house felt like a blur. City lights streamed by outside the window, but my thoughts consumed me. I replayed our conversations, searching for meaning in every word he had said.

When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, my heart racing slig