Chapter 34: "A Love Rekindled"

Taylor had so many thoughts running through her mind, starting with curiosity, as she watched the mystery woman get into the car and leave. It had left her devastated, and she could not help but dwell on whether it was a mark, a threat, or a provocation. . Whatever it was, it had filled her with a longing and a desire that made her view her love life with Alex from a different perspective. As Alex rejoined the table, the topic of the earlier dispute remained open and unaddressed; it was as if a certain equilibrium was disturbed but not rectified. He gazed at her, frowning slightly but with something akin to curiosity in his eyes; he had noticed the change in her behavior. “Is everything fine?” he queried, his tone soft but couched with concern. Taylor gave a slow nod, and then she smiled, although the gesture seemed to be more of a reflex than anything else. “Sure, I mean, I’ve just got a lot going on. Alex reached across the table one more time, his hand enclosing hers. The feelin