Chapter 48: She didn’t come
The backyard was quiet now.
The last of the lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their warm golden light casting soft patterns over the grass. Empty wine glasses and half-melted candles dotted the tables, a few crumpled napkins left behind as traces of laughter and stories shared hours earlier.
Most of the guests had gone home. The noise, the clinking of cutlery, the children’s giggles, it had all faded, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the distant hum of the countryside.
Zeke sat alone on one of the cushioned outdoor chairs, his blazer folded neatly over the backrest. A nearly untouched glass of wine rested on the side table beside him. He stared out at the garden archway draped in lights, lost in thought.
Elise walked out from the house, a light shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She moved slowly but gracefully, her eyes finding Zeke in the dim light.
"I thought I’d find you here," she said gently, settling into the chair beside him.
Zeke turned his head and offered a faint smile. "Just... enjoying the quiet."
Elise looked around the yard, the corners of her mouth lifting. "It really was a beautiful evening."
Zeke nodded. "You deserve it."
She gave him a soft look. "You always say that."
"Because it’s true," he said simply.