When Silas returned to the hall, he was taken aback by the sight before him. The lights were dimmed, and the warm glow of scented candles flickered in every corner. The dining table was elegantly set, and an enticing array of food awaited him. With a radiant smile on her face, Esme approached him.
"Wow! You did all this?" Silas was overwhelmed, his face a blend of surprise and deep emotion.
After days of tension, this romantic setting felt like a soothing balm, erasing all his sufferings. The remnants of dissatisfaction and resentment in his heart melted away in that moment.
"I wanted to apologize to you," Esme began sincerely, "for doubting you, running away from you, and hiding about my pregnancy."
"Stop talking." Silas, unable to bear her self-flagellation, silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Forget the past," he urged. "What matters is you're here. Let's savor this moment, and plan for what lies ahead."
