FreeNovel"Are you leaving?" Madelyn's voice rang out.
Ethan's eyes met hers, momentarily devoid of emotion. But as they trailed to her bandaged hand, a shadow of concern passed over his face. "...Our engagement will continue," he said slowly, choosing his words. "I was the one who proposed. To abruptly call it off now would tarnish my family's reputation. But," he hesitated, "I can't promise it will last indefinitely. From now on, your world is limited to school and home." Madelyn remained silent, her eyes fixed on him. Without a word, she moved to the table and gently placed the envelope she held onto its surface.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn a calm tone, she said, "Your car broke down. It's in need of repairs. Your servant retrieved this envelope from inside.” She paused. "Maybe consider drinking less. I'm heading to my room." She began to walk away when Ethan's voice stopped her. "Wait." Madelyn turned around. "Did you need something else?" "Don't you want to know what's in there?" Ethan asked.
"It's your personal property,” she responded, eyes unwavering. "I have no right to pry without your consent.” Closing the distance between them, Ethan met her gaze. "Then consider this your invitation. Open it." For a long moment, Madelyn remained motionless.
Ethan squinted. "What's the matter? Are you scared?" Then Madelyn unfolded the envelope.
"See what's inside," he challenged.
Slowly, she slid out a set of photographs.
Ethan scrutinized her, expecting shock or despair. Instead, he was met with an unsettling serenity.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe probed, "Well? Anything to say?" Madelyn's voice was unwavering. "Is this the reason for your recent absences?" She glanced at the photographs, then back to him. "I happened to see one of these when it fell earlier. My first thought? That you were trying to dig into my past, to uncover things perhaps best left buried.” She continued, "If something bothered you, why not confront me and seek explanations? But you chose silence, Ethan. Does it mean you deem my actions beyond justification? That you place your trust in Ms. Jolie over me?" Madelyn paused, then continued, "Without a foundation of trust, our relationship stands on shaky ground. If you wish to postpone our engagement, so be it. But this cold war achieves nothing. Father mentioned your recent meetings with Ms. Jolie. Secrets, Ethan, breed mistrust." Returning her gaze to him, her voice softened but retained its edge. "There are things I'd never lie to you about, and in return, I'd rather not be played.” Ethan felt an inexplicable sense of panic, as if something was slipping away, something he wanted to grasp but couldn't.
Madelyn continued, "Whether it's my fault or some other reason, if you want to cancel the engagement, go ahead. Prof. Monet has an opportunity to teach at the Paris Art Academy for three months as a guest lecturer. Three days ago, he... asked me if | wanted to go with him!" This was undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The slot was singular, and not just anyone could land such an opportunity.
Internally, Madelyn had been wrestling with the decision to accept or decline. Choosing to go would equate to a prolonged separation from Ethan.
"If you haven't made up your mind," she said, determination in her voice, "I'l seize this opportunity and depart the day after tomorrow. I'll be back in three months’ time. If, by then, you still desire a life with me, then so be it. Three months should suffice for both of us to discern our true feelings and evaluate our compatibility. | never demanded you forget her; it's only natural she holds a space in your heart, given that | entered your life at a later juncture...” Madelyn smiled gently, her expression toward Ethan as tender as ever. "It's getting late, and | have classes tomorrow. I'll go rest now. We can talk when you're sober.” Back in her room, Madelyn took a shower, turned off the lights, and quickly went to sleep.
Today, Ginger was nowhere to be found, and Madelyn felt the room was empty. Without Ginger around, something seemed to be missing.
In the middle of the night, Madelyn was in that half-awake, half-asleep state.
After a while, she suddenly heard a faint sound. She felt the bed next to her sink down. A hand rested on her waist, and an unpleasant smell of alcohol filled her nostrils.
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