Arthur smiled and signaled the waiter to bring another menu.

“We were just about to order the prime rib,” Arthur said. “I hope you have an appetite.”

For the next hour, I forgot about my empty apartment and my quiet life.

I listened as Chloe told me about her imaginary rabbit, Barnaby, who lived in her backyard in Brookline.

Daniel watched his daughter speak, a soft, protective smile on his face.

He spoke about his work as an architect, rebuilding old brownstones in the city.

“It’s about preserving what is broken,” Daniel said quietly, catching my eye. “Giving it a second chance.”

I felt a strange flutter in my chest, a feeling I had not felt since before Mark left.

I took a sip of my water, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

“That sounds beautiful,” I murmured.

Helen reached over and gently patted my hand.

“We are very proud of him,” she said. “He works so hard for Chloe.”

Just as the waiter cleared our plates, a shadow fell over our table.

I looked up and froze.

James Hendricks stood there, wearing a tailored charcoal coat and a sneer.