Song for this chapter: Gracie Abrams - I Miss You I'm Sorry on the multimedia.

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Sign

Manhattan was alive with holiday magic as Ivy and I walked hand-in-hand through the city streets. The night was crisp, and the sidewalks sparkled with festive lights. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stood majestically in the distance, its brilliant colors reflecting off the nearby buildings. Ivy's eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the holiday spectacle.

"Look at that, Mom! It's like a fairy tale!" Ivy exclaimed, tugging me closer to the tree.

"It really is, sweetheart," I said, squeezing her hand. "And tonight's going to be even more special."

As we approached Juls' restaurant, the warmth from inside seemed to beckon us in from the cold. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with holiday cheer—glittering ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive garlands adorned every corner. Juls greeted us at the entrance, his smile genuine and welcoming.

"Sign, Ivy," Juls called out, his voice filled with excitement. "I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Hi, Juls," I said, giving him a warm hug. "The place looks fantastic. Thank you for having us."

"You're very welcome," Juls replied, his eyes twinkling. "I've got a special evening planned for you both."

As he led us to our table, I noticed the restaurant was buzzing with energy. The staff seemed to be moving with extra purpose, and I couldn't help but notice the way Juls ensured we were settled comfortably. His attention to detail was apparent, and it didn't go unnoticed by the staff.

The restaurant manager, Sasha, approached our table with a bright smile. She was accompanied by a few of the waiters and kitchen staff, including Borj, the lead line cook, Bea, the pastry chef, Athena, one of the newer cooks, and Tony, the burly head chef. Well, I knew their names because of their name tags, and the fact that Juls told me about them the last time we talked was the reason why I knew their positions in the restaurant.

"Excuse me," Sasha said, addressing Juls, "We've noticed how you're treating your guests tonight. It's not often we see such special attention. Are they important to you?"

Juls glanced at me and Ivy, clearly proud. "Yes, they are. This is Sign, an old friend of mine, and her daughter Ivy. They've recently moved to Manhattan, and I wanted to make their New Year's Eve unforgettable."

Sasha's eyes softened, and she turned to us with genuine warmth. "It's lovely to meet you both. Juls is usually so focused on his work, so seeing him go the extra mile for his guests is quite heartwarming."

"We're thrilled to be here," I said, feeling touched by their kindness. "The atmosphere is wonderful, and the food is already amazing."

The staff members gathered around, their faces full of curiosity and admiration. Borj, the lead line cook, stepped forward with a friendly grin.

"It's great to meet you both," Borj said, shaking my hand. "Juls has been raving about you. He's a hard worker, but it's nice to see him taking a personal interest in his guests."

"Nice to meet you, Borj," I said, returning his smile. "The food has been fantastic. I can see why Juls speaks so highly of you all."

Bea, the pastry chef, joined the conversation with a warm smile. "I'm Bea, and I've been baking up a storm for tonight. If you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat!"

Ivy's eyes lit up. "I love sweets! What kind of desserts do you have?"

Bea laughed. "We've got a selection of holiday desserts—chocolate yule log, gingerbread cookies, and a special peppermint cheesecake. I'll make sure you get to try them all."

Athena, one of the newer cooks, stepped forward shyly. "Hi, I'm Athena. I've just started working here, but I've heard so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Hi, Athena," I said, smiling. "It's lovely to meet you too. I'm sure the food is amazing with you on the team."

Tony, the head chef, ambled over, his imposing figure softened by a warm smile. "And I'm Tony, the head chef. I oversee everything that comes out of this kitchen, and I can assure you, you're in good hands tonight."

"Nice to meet you, Tony," I said, shaking his hand. "Juls has told us so much about the incredible work you all do. I'm really looking forward to the meal."

Tony's eyes twinkled with pride. "Thank you. We put a lot of heart into what we do here, and it's always nice to hear it's appreciated."

As we chatted with the staff, I noticed how much they seemed to appreciate Juls' efforts. Their genuine smiles and the way they spoke about him made it clear how much respect they had for him. It was heartwarming to see.

Juls, sensing an opportunity to share more of his world with us, clapped his hands together. "How about a little tour of the kitchen? You can meet the team behind all these delicious dishes."

Ivy's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes, please!"

I looked at Juls and nodded, smiling. "That sounds like a great idea."

Juls led us through a discreet door at the back of the restaurant, and we entered the bustling kitchen. The space was alive with activity—chefs and line cooks working in perfect harmony, the sounds of cooking creating a rhythmic backdrop.

"Everyone, this is Sign and Ivy," Juls announced, gesturing to us. "They're our special guests tonight. I wanted them to meet the team who makes all this possible."

The kitchen staff looked up, wiping their hands on their aprons and offering friendly smiles. Borj, Bea, Athena, and Tony all stepped forward.

Athena, looking a bit nervous but excited, spoke up. "If you'd like, I can show you how we prepare some of the dishes. It's been a learning experience for me, but I'm really enjoying it."

Ivy's eyes were glued to the action in the kitchen. "Can we see how you make the pasta? It looks so cool!"

Bea nodded enthusiastically. "Sure thing! I'll show you how it's done. Follow me."

Bea guided Ivy through the pasta-making process, explaining each step with enthusiasm. Ivy watched with rapt attention, asking questions about the ingredients and techniques. Bea's patience and passion were evident, and Ivy seemed captivated.

Tony, observing the interaction, nodded approvingly. "We take pride in what we do here. It's always great to see the next generation getting interested in the culinary arts."

As the tour wrapped up, Juls led us back to our table. The staff gave us a warm farewell, and we settled in for the rest of the evening. The restaurant continued to buzz with activity, and Juls ensured we were well taken care of, checking in frequently to make sure everything was perfect.

As the evening progressed, the countdown to midnight began. The restaurant staff and guests joined in the festive spirit, exchanging laughter and cheer. Juls gathered with us for a toast.

"To new beginnings and cherished moments," Juls said, raising his glass.

I looked at Ivy, who was practically glowing with happiness. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this evening—a perfect way to celebrate the new year with those who mattered most.

When the clock struck midnight, the room erupted into cheers. The sounds of celebration and clinking glasses filled the air. Juls and I shared a quiet moment amidst the excitement, our eyes meeting with a silent understanding. Despite the complexities of our past, this night felt right—like a new chapter beginning.

The New Year's Eve celebrations at Juls' restaurant had been a resounding success. As the final guests left and the staff began the process of closing up, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Ivy and I had enjoyed a wonderful evening, but as the night progressed, I knew I wanted to give Juls a small token of our appreciation for his kindness.

I had kept the gift hidden in my purse all evening, waiting for the right moment to present it. With the restaurant gradually emptying and the staff focused on their end-of-night duties, I saw my chance. Ivy was happily munching on a dessert at the table, completely absorbed in her treat and the remnants of the evening's excitement.

I approached Juls, who was busy organizing receipts and ensuring everything was in order for the next day. With a gentle tap on his shoulder, I caught his attention.

"Juls, could we have a moment?" I asked, holding up the neatly wrapped gift.

Juls looked up, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw the present. "Oh, Sign, you really didn't have to. This is unnecessary."

"I insist," I said with a warm smile. "It's just a small gesture to show how much we appreciate everything you've done for us tonight."

Juls hesitated, glancing at the gift and then back at me. "I really didn't get anything for you."

"That's okay," I replied, nudging the gift towards him. "It's the thought that counts. Please, open it when you're alone."

He seemed torn but finally accepted the gift with a nod. "Alright, if you insist. I'll open it later. But I feel a bit bad not having anything for you in return."

I smiled, touched by his humility. "Don't worry about it. It's just a little something to show our gratitude."

As the staff continued their work, I knew it was important not to keep Juls from his responsibilities. I said my goodbyes, and Juls and I stepped outside for a quieter moment. Ivy remained at the table, still enjoying her treat and chatting with the remaining staff who had gathered around for a final round of goodbyes.

Once outside, Juls and I found a quiet spot near the entrance where the city lights cast a gentle glow. Juls seemed thoughtful, his expression serious as we spoke.

"I've been meaning to ask," he began, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern, "I couldn't help but notice that you've been quite private about Ivy's father. Is there something I should know?"

I felt a pang of discomfort. This was a topic I wasn't eager to discuss, especially given its sensitivity.

"Ivy's father... it's a complicated situation," I said carefully. "He's not really part of our lives. I keep it private for Ivy's sake."

Juls looked concerned but tried to maintain a gentle demeanor. "I didn't mean to pry. I just wanted to make sure everything's alright."

"I appreciate your concern," I said, feeling a bit defensive. "But I'd rather not go into details. It's important for me to keep this aspect of our lives private."

Juls nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Alright, I understand. I just wanted to make sure you're okay. If you ever want to talk more, I'm here for you."

"Thank you," I replied, though I felt a bit uneasy with the conversation. "I really do appreciate your concern, but I'd like to keep this part of my life to myself."

With our conversation ending, I gave Juls a quick hug before heading back to the table where Ivy was waiting. The night had been filled with celebration, and while the discussion had been somewhat uncomfortable, I was grateful for Juls' understanding.

As we left the restaurant, I glanced back at the building, feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia. The evening had been a memorable one, and despite the personal discomfort, it was clear that Juls' generosity and kindness had made it special for both Ivy and me.

We headed home, carrying the warmth of the night with us. Even though there were complex feelings involved, the gesture of the gift and the moments shared reminded me of the importance of gratitude and connection.

Ivy quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the excitement of the evening. I, on the other hand, found myself wide awake, staring at the ceiling. The warm glow of the streetlights filtered through the curtains, casting faint shadows on the walls.

Juls' question about Ivy's father echoed in my mind. He had asked about him, and I had been taken aback. The reality was, Juls knew who he was. What he didn't know was that this person was Ivy's father. The situation was complicated, and I wasn't ready to delve into that with Juls.

I had always kept Ivy's father a part of my past, something that didn't need to intrude into my present life. Yet, now, the lines were blurring. Juls' curiosity was understandable, but it made me uncomfortable. The timing wasn't right for such discussions, and I wasn't ready to share those details.

As I lay there, I replayed the evening in my mind, the joy on Ivy's face, the warmth of Juls' hospitality, and the awkwardness of that moment when Juls inquired about Ivy's father. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.

With a sigh, I turned onto my side, trying to push the thoughts away. But they lingered, mixing with the memories of the night. I knew I had to be careful. If Juls discovered who Ivy's father was, there would be questions and perhaps even confrontations I wasn't prepared for.

For now, I needed to focus on what was best for Ivy and myself, rather than getting caught up in old complexities that might resurface with Juls' curiosity.

I reached for my phone, hoping to distract myself, and scrolled through some of the photos from the evening—Juls, Ivy, the staff. The images were filled with smiles and laughter, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts in my mind.

Just as I was about to close my eyes and drift off to sleep, my phone rang. I reached over to my bedside table and glanced at the screen. An unregistered number was calling. My heart skipped a beat. Even though it was just a phone number on my screen, I knew exactly who it was.

The unexpected call caught me off guard. It had been so many years since I last heard from him. I stared at the screen, the rhythmic vibration of the phone against the nightstand pulling me back to reality. A mix of emotions surged through me—fear, longing, and a deep-seated love that I thought I had buried long ago.

I hesitated, my finger hovering over the decline button. Deep down inside my heart, I still loved him, and I always would. The thought of answering the call, of hearing his voice again after all these years, was both thrilling and terrifying. I didn't want to open that door, afraid of what might happen if I did.

The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. I knew that picking up the phone could unravel so much—memories, feelings, and perhaps even my carefully maintained stability. But the temptation was strong, pulling me towards the unknown.

Finally, with a deep breath, I tapped decline and watched as the screen went dark. My heart was pounding, my mind racing with what-ifs. I lay back down, trying to push the call out of my thoughts. Sleep eventually came, but it was restless, filled with dreams that danced on the edge of my unresolved emotions.

The phone call lingered in my mind, a reminder of the past that still had the power to affect my present. And as I drifted off, I wondered what might come next, both for me and for the person who had reached out after all these years.