The days following their hiking trip were a whirlwind of routine and quiet moments. Richie and Sarah tried to return to their usual rhythm, but the shadow of Mark's presence lingered, casting a pall over their once harmonious relationship. They moved through the days with a sense of forced normalcy, their interactions tinged with an undercurrent of tension.
One evening, Richie decided to surprise Sarah with a quiet, intimate dinner at home. He meticulously planned every detail, from her favorite pasta dish to a carefully selected bottle of wine. The kitchen was filled with the aromatic scent of simmering tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil. Richie set the table with their best dinnerware, arranging candles and fresh flowers to create a romantic atmosphere. The soft glow of the candles cast a warm, flickering light that danced across the walls.
