You adjusted your hair one last time, catching your reflection in the car mirror. The high heels felt both empowering and unnerving, your favorite dress hugging you in all the right ways. It had been a long time since you’d felt this kind of nervous anticipation. Your first date after the breakup — it felt like a small, cautious step forward, but the butterflies in your stomach weren’t letting you off easy.

The café came into view as you walked, its warm glow spilling out into the evening. You secretly hoped Charles would be late, giving you a moment to compose yourself. But as you stepped through the door, there he was, sitting in a corner. His relaxed posture and easy smile made him impossible to miss. He caught your eye immediately and waved, his enthusiasm disarming your nerves, if only slightly.

As you approached, he stood up, pulling your chair out for you before you could even reach for it. It was such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes. Charles had always had a way of making the smallest things feel significant, and even now, it made your heart skip a beat.

“You look very beautiful.” he said, his voice warm, his smile genuine as he sat back down, his eyes never leaving you.