Abigail's gaze burned with warmth and tenderness. Her eyes overflowed with affection she could no longer conceal.
I nodded softly and pulled her into a firm embrace.
In life, there were many things worth taking a chance on. Perhaps Abigail's change of heart was a good thing for me after all.
At the very least, I knew she still cared about me deep down. Otherwise, she wouldn't be saying those words to me with such gentleness or suggesting that we try to rekindle what we once had.
I had to admit a part of me wanted to take a gamble.
If Abigail were genuinely willing to return to the way things used to be, to let go of the pain and torment she had inflicted, and to genuinely try again with me, then perhaps it would mend one of the biggest regrets of my life.
That night felt like a dream.
But when I woke up the following day, the bed beside me was empty. I got up and searched the house, but there was no sign of Abigail.
It wasn't until I asked Jane that I learned Abigail had left early in the morning with a suitcase in hand.
She had specifically instructed Jane to prepare breakfast for me and to let me sleep in. Abigail had also asked Jane to pass along a message that she had gone on a business trip for a few days and would be back soon, so I shouldn't worry.
Hearing this, I felt a subtle shift in my perception of Abigail.
If it had been the past, she wouldn't have bothered to leave such a thoughtful message. She would have seen it as a waste of time. She would even dismiss my concerns as trivial and unnecessary.
I'd grown used to her comings and goings without a word of explanation. But now, hearing Jane relay Abigail's message left me unsure of how to respond.
"Mr. Gebb? Mr. Gebb?"
Jane had to call my name several times before I snapped out of my thoughts.
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