264 A SECOND CHANCE

The dining room shimmers with the soft glow of flickering candles. Usually adorned with mismatched toys and homework papers, the table is now an island of elegance. A sparkling wine flute,e each on the side of two plates, rests on a clean white tablecloth. The air hums with nervous energy, punctuated by the rhythmic clinking of silverware against China. Ethan has anxiety etched on his face and is dressed in a way that screams "trying too hard." While Madison was stunning yet guarded, a flicker of doubt lingered in her eyes. Ethan fusses with the napkin holder, a telltale sign of his unease. He clears his throat. "So, uh, the salmon came out perfect. You always loved my salmon," he says. Madison raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly. "Yeah," she hurriedly said. As she returned to her meal, Ethan gently took her hands in his, making her gaze into his eyes. At that moment, she felt at peace, reassured that Kate was far away and that Ethan now believed her after