FreeNovelEthan set aside his newspaper and got up from the couch. "We're only pushing the date of the engagement party. We can easily adjust the invitations," he remarked, directing a scrutinizing look toward Madelyn, as if trying to gauge her feelings.
Evelyn sharply retorted, "Hold on, Ethan. | didn't ask for your input. Remember, you were the one adamant about this marriage.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe entire Ventropolis is aware of it now. If you pull the plug on the engagement party at this stage, have you considered the talk that will follow? Or how Madelyn might be feeling?" It was rare for Evelyn to use such a stern tone with Ethan.
Madelyn, feeling a lump in her throat, kept her eyes lowered. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke up, "...maybe Ethan's just not sure yet. His decision might be due to reasons we aren't privy to." She continued, "I get it; this is a big decision. For now, I'm cool with pushing it back. I'll talk to my father about it; he'll be fine.
With a sigh, she said, "And with exams around the corner, I've got enough on my plate. Can we chat about this after my exams, Evelyn?" Evelyn said nothing further. Behind Madelyn's seemingly indifferent facade, she sensed an underlying pain. Her gaze toward Madelyn was filled with nothing but compassion.
Once breakfast was over, Evelyn suggested that Ethan drive Madelyn to school. He nodded in agreement, without much resistance.
Madelyn slid into the passenger seat and clicked her seatbelt into place. Only then did Ethan ease his foot onto the gas pedal.
As they halted at a red light, Ethan lowered the car window, lit up a cigarette, and leaned his arm on the door frame. "Look, about the engagement delay," he began, "I just need a bit more time to think. But what | promised you still stands.” Madelyn, gazing straight ahead and absentmindedly playing with the ring on her right hand, replied, "When you like someone, you just do. And when you don't, you don't. Relationships don't have to be as convoluted as we make them out to be.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEngagement or not, | appreciate all you've done for me." She glanced down at the ring, one they had chosen together during the early days of invitation planning, and slowly slid it off her finger.
"Ethan," she began, her voice steady, "I'm not that little girl anymore. Even if you're a bit older than me, | get certain things. You haven't truly moved on from her, have you? If she's still who your heart wants, then chase after her. Be with her. Because, you know, I'm not just some default option." Her words were firm, but internally, a pang of sadness stirred. She did her best to keep her face neutral.
She placed the ring in the middle between them and added, "Evelyn was there just now, so | couldn't say much. But now I'm giving this back to you." Ethan looked at the ring, his expression darkening. The frustration and panic he had been holding back for a long time finally erupted in this moment.
The car smoothly took off again as the light turned green, but soon after, Ethan pulled to the side and extinguished his cigarette.
He looked over at her sharply, "...Are you trying to threaten me? Suggesting you'll leave if we don't follow through with the engagement?” Madelyn said, "You don't need me now. Your leg's healed. Your emotions are in check. Beyond us dating, what's keeping us together?” Inside, Ethan's thoughts raced with suspicion. "That innocent face... | was always so quick to believe her. But it's been a game, hasn't it? All to marry into the Amold Corporation and give Zach Jardin a foot in the door."
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