The private dining room was quiet.
Sometime during their conversation, a member of the staff had entered and lit a few scented candles.
Their soft golden glow danced across the walls.
The warm fragrance of vanilla and jasmine filled the air.
Outside, The Atelier continued its evening service.
Inside, however, it felt like time had stopped.
Miles sat across from Chloe.
Neither of them seemed interested in the food yet.
Their eyes remained fixed on each other.
For years they had imagined this moment.
Now that it had finally arrived, neither wanted to waste a second of it.
Chloe smiled softly.
There was happiness in her eyes.
A happiness Miles had not seen in a very long time.
"I am so happy today."
Her voice became quieter.
"I wish Dad was here too."
Miles immediately noticed the sadness hidden beneath her smile.
The longing.
The loss.
The pain that never truly disappeared.
But Chloe simply smiled again.
A little brighter this time.
"But he is definitely happy."
