Chapter 181: Dinner of Reconciliation

Kimberly sat in the dimly lit restaurant, her mind swirling with a mix of anticipation and dread. The soft hum of conversation and the gentle clink of silverware around her seemed distant, as if muffled by the weight of her thoughts. The flickering candlelight on their table cast shadows that danced across William’s face, highlighting the earnestness in his eyes as he looked at her. William cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had stretched thin since they sat down. “Kimberly,” he began, his voice laced with regret and determination. “I know I’ve hurt you, and I’ve let you down in so many ways. But tonight, I want to talk about us, about the future.” Kimberly’s eyes met his, guarded and wary. “Our future?” she echoed, the words tasting uncertain on her tongue. William nodded, reaching across the table to gently take her hand in his. “Yes, our future. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he said, his grip tightening slightly as if to anchor them both. “And I realize just ho