Passion's Pitfalls

Chapter 8

"I already came over here for dinner with you as if we were like a couple, and now I have to fucking listen to u talk like this?"

The restaurant was a small, an intimate space, with soft lighting and plush upholstery. The walls were covered in bricks, and the tables were set with crisp white linens and sparkling silverware. In the corner, a small jazz band played softly, the music adding to the atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Waiters glided around the room, carrying trays of food and drink, their movements graceful and fluid.

As Mrs. Preston approached the table where Mr. Preston sat, she took in his appearance. He was dressed in a crisp, dark suit, his hair perfectly coiffed. But beneath the polished exterior, she could see the tension in his shoulders, the tightness around his eyes. It was clear that he was nervous, that he was putting on a brave face. As she took her seat across from him, she could feel the awkwardness in the air, the unspoken tension between them but she was determined to make the most of this chance.

His face lit up as he took in the sight of the woman who had once been the center of his world. He remembered the first time he had seen her, how he had been struck by her beauty, her grace, her intelligence. Even after all these years, she still had the power to take his breath away. He tried to hide his reaction, not wanting to give away too much, but he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"I'm not here because I want to," Mrs. Preston says, her voice firm. "I'm here because you respectfully asked me to come. And I agreed, because I want to get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible." Mr. Preston nods, understanding. "I know it's been difficult for you," he says. "And I'm sorry for everything that's happened. But I'd like to talk about the future, if you're willing." Mrs. Preston looks at him, surprised. "The future?" she asks.

"Yes," Mr. Preston says, taking a deep breath. "I know things haven't been easy between us, but I believe we can move forward and create a better future for ourselves. I'd like to start fresh, if you're willing to give it a chance." Mrs. Preston reasons his words, he got to be kidding.

"What exactly do you mean by starting fresh?" she asks. Mr. Preston looks her in the eye. "I mean, starting from scratch,"

"Can you hear yourself talk? Can you listen to yourself Gorge?" She scoffs, clearly not believing the nerves of the man in front of her.

She then lets out a short, surprised laugh. "You want to start from scratch?" she repeated, incredulously. "After everything that's happened, after all the lies and betrayals, the abuse, the trauma, the assaults, the pain? you want to just start over like nothing ever happened?" Mr. Preston looks down at his hands, shamefaced. "I know it's a lot to ask," he says. "But I want to try. I want to rebuild our relationship, if you'll let me." Mrs. Preston is already torn out.

Her thoughts are interrupted by the memory of Mr. Preston's mistress, the woman he'd been seeing behind her back for years. She feels the anger welling up inside her, and she struggles to keep her composure. " I can never ever trust you Gorge" she speaks, her voice shaking. "After everything that's happened, how can I ever believe a word you say?" Mr. Preston looks at her, his expression a mix of regret and determination. "I know it will be hard," he says. "But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust back. Just one last chance," he repeated, the words hanging in the air between them. "I promise I won't let you down," he continues, this time around, his voice full of conviction.

The waitress' voice cuts through the tense glares, and Mrs. Preston feels a wave of relief wash over her. She looks at the menu, grateful for the distraction. "I'Il have the grilled salmon," she says, her voice more steady than before. Mr. Preston nods. "I'll have the same,"