Chapter 51

• As the evening unfolded, Ashley and Lucas headed out for dinner, leaving Nicole and her mother, Karen, to a quiet dinner at home. The soft glow of the dinner table lights cast a warm ambiance, and the aroma of the meal wafted through the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Nicole, lost in thought, focused on her food, her eyes cast downward. Karen, noticing her daughter's introspective mood, decided to initiate a conversation. "Hey, baby, how's everything going? You seem a bit distant tonight," she asked, her voice gentle and inquiring.
• Nicole's gaze lifted, and a soft smile spread across her face. "I was just thinking about Jack," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and fondness.