Chapitre 16: A lost contact

The bell above the door chimed softly as she pushed it open, the warm, fragrant air of the downtown bistro enveloping her immediately. Her eyes scanned the dimly lit interior, searching for the owner's familiar silhouette that had caught her attention outside. The car—so similar to her husband Andrei 's SUV —had drawn her here, a nagging curiosity burning beneath her skin.

Sge couldn't wait to see him — to talk to him. 

She sure had a lot of questions to ask him. 

The restaurant was a trendy spot she'd heard about but never visited. Exposed brick walls were adorned with vintage black and white photographs, and pendant lights hung like delicate bubbles, casting a golden glow across the intimate space. Soft jazz played in the background, a low murmur of conversation providing a gentle soundtrack to her mounting anticipation.