Chapter 9

• The days went by, Gage and Nicole's meetings became less frequent. With Nicole back at work, her daily routine had changed, and Gage found himself spending more time alone at home. However, one thing remained constant - their evening coffee ritual. Every day, Gage would prepare two cups of coffee, and Nicole would join him after work. It had become a comforting part of their daily routine.
• But on this particular evening, Nicole didn't show up. Gage waited patiently, sipping his own coffee, but as the minutes ticked by, he began to feel a pang of concern. He checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if Nicole was running late or if something had come up.
• As the silence stretched on, Gage decided to take matters into his own hands. He got up from his couch and walked over to Nicole's apartment, ringing the doorbell. The door opened, and Ashley's bright smile greeted him.