Chapter 5 Dinner date

David, the newlywed and recently single bachelor, became the headline of newspapers and magazines. Blogs and newspapers published various stories about David's wife's sudden disappearance – some speculating domestic abuse, others labeling her a gold digger, and some asserting it was a fake marriage from the start. While David anticipated this attention from the press, he didn't expect it to happen within two weeks of attending several events with a different plus one.

With Tracy back in town, all of David's attention was focused solely on her. Before the conversation that ended his contract with Sofia, he had been in bed with Sofia when he received a call from an unknown number. Assuming it was work-related, he stepped out to his library, informing Sofia it was business. As soon as he heard a familiar voice say

"Hi," he knew it was Tracy, and a mix of shock and relief washed over him – a feeling he had been yearning to get from her for over the past 15 years.

The call, lasting minutes but feeling like seconds, was filled with unspoken questions and a desire to express his true feelings. Tracy, tired from her flight in her hotel room, apologized for leaving without a trace and hinted at discussing the reasons in person as she wasn't comfortable talking about it over the phone. They talked about trivial matters too , catching up on each other's lives, and eventually, Tracy asked David out for dinner in two days, which he eagerly agreed to, without confirming his schedule. They exchanged goodbyes with a promise for a date –

"I pick you up by 8 pm Thursday night, and you can make the reservations."

With that call, David seemed to forget any memories or feelings he had built up with Sofia. To him, his true love had called, hinting that she wanted him back, and that was enough to close the chapter with Sofia. The conversation that took place between him and Sofia was devoid of remorse initially, with David convincing himself it was just a contract, no strings attached, and that Sofia knew exactly what she was doing when she signed it. Whatever happened between them was considered a fling and nothing more.

As he observed Sofia's reaction to all he said, a part of him questioned if he was doing the right thing in the most direct way, but a larger part of him wanted Tracy and nothing more. Sofia was now out in the cold, and it was time for David to figure out what to wear for his upcoming date.