Chapter 113: The Reunion

The day Nelson returned felt like a breath of fresh air in Samantha's life. I could sense her anticipation building as she counted down the days, then hours, until his arrival. Despite the success of her boutique, I knew that the distance between them had taken its toll. Today, however, was about more than just a reunion; it was about confronting the reality of their relationship and deciding their future. I was at Samantha's apartment, helping her prepare a welcome-home dinner. She wanted everything to be perfect, from the ambiance to the food. "Do you think he'll like this?" Samantha asked nervously, gesturing to the table adorned with candles and a bouquet of his favorite flowers. "He'll love it," I assured her. "And more than anything, he'll love seeing you." Samantha smiled, though her eyes betrayed her anxiety. "I hope so. We've both been so busy, and I don't know... sometimes it feels like we're drifting apart." I reached out and squeezed her hand. "Tonight is about reconne