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PHASE 3

Author: Evelyn Joness
last update Last Updated: 2026-02-06 19:56:06

SCENE: LE BERNARDIN — PRIVATE BOOTH

Katherina didn’t take Nicholas’s hand when he reached for hers.

They sat in a shadowed corner of Le Bernardin, the restaurant glowing with soft lights and quiet elegance. It should have felt romantic. Instead, it felt like a courtroom.

She was wearing the emerald dress the one he loved. Not for him. For herself. Armor disguised as silk.

Nicholas hesitated, then drew his hand back. “Kat… I’m glad you came.”

She looked at him steadily. No tremble. No practiced
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