Skyler's nonchalance hit Zavier with the hard truth: he had lost his chance.
The damage was done, and no amount of good deeds could heal the wounds he had inflicted on her soul. He picked up the glass of wine she had poured for him and downed it in one go. "Skyler, I'm so sorry."
If only he could turn back time, he would never repeat the mistakes that hurt her, but life offers no do-overs.
Without as much as a glance at him, Skyler refilled his glass and pointed at the small plates on the table. "This roast beef is from my own ranch, and the fish is from my pond. Try them, see how they taste?"
Years ago, when they decided to be together, Skyler and Zavier would cook meals during the holidays. Neither of them knew much about cooking, and their culinary attempts were nothing short of disastrous. But since they had made the dishes together, they would also finish them together, no matter how unpalatable.
Those times were so sweet, yet so fleeting.d2
Now, forced by life's circumstances, Skyler had become a skilled cook. Just by looking at the spread on the table, Zavier knew the flavors would be great, yet he dreaded this meal, because he understood that this dinner signified the official end of their marriage - the final goodbye.
He stalled, hoping to delay the inevitable.
Seeing that he hadn't touched his food, Skyler finally met his gaze. "Mr. Zavier, are you too accustomed to gourmet delicacies to appreciate these simple dishes?"
"No," Zavier said, his hand trembling as he took a piece of the cold roast beef and chewed slowly. "It's very tender. It's really good."
"Try the fish," Skyler suggested.
Zavier took a bite of the fish. "The fish is good too."
Skyler raised her glass. "Shall we toast?"
He hesitated but lifted his glass to meet hers.
Skyler downed her drink in one gulp, and Zavier had no choice but to follow suit.
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