Love's Rebirth Another Chance at Forever (Madeline and Andrew)

Madelyn drove straight to Skyview Heights. Andrew had bought an apartment unit there for her when she was in high school. It was conveniently just one stop away from Northfield University.

She sank vacantly into the couch, her mind consumed by office rumors about Natalie. The image of Natalie and Andrew in the Miller residence's garden kept flashing through her mind like lightning. Madelyn buried her face in her hands, tears seeping through her fingers. She grabbed her phone and called Carrie. "Carrie, I feel awful."

"It's good you're not the one making others feel awful. Who's upsetting you?" Carrie asked.

Madelyn realized her mistake and ended the call abruptly. Carrie was known for her biting comments.

When Carrie heard the beeping sound after Madelyn hung up, she realized something was wrong with Madelyn's mood. Glancing at Stella beside her, she asked, "Is she only clear- minded for three days at a time?"

Madelyn's voice had sounded tearful just moments ago. Was she regretting her falling out with Easton? If so, Carrie swore she'd never be friends with her again.

"They're practically at each other's throats, like sworn enemies. She's probably back to her senses by now," Stella remarked nonchalantly.

Carrie nodded. "You're right!"

After a mom s thought, she called Andrew. Upon learning that

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Andrew wasn't with Madelyn, Carrie quickly briefed him on the possibility of Madelyn being in trouble.

While driving, Andrew felt a jolt of concern when he heard Madelyn

was in tears.

"Thanks," he murmured before hanging up.

A message from Benson about Madelyn's location flashed on Andrew's phone. Andrew's expression turned determined when he saw the address. He swiftly turned at the next intersection. Madelyn sat in the darkness, having cried for what felt like an eternity before finally dozing off on the couch.

Andrew entered the house quietly, making his way over to the couch. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow

on her tear-NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

streaked cheeks. His heart swelled with relief and sadness as he

leaned in to kiss her gently, inadvertently startling her awake.

As soon as Madelyn realized it was Andrew; she sat up in surprise. She sniffled and headed outside, visibly upset. But Andrew pulled her into his arms before she could even take a few steps. Madelyn struggled, saying, "Let me go."

"Darling, please, let me explain," Andrew insisted, holding her firmly.

Yet, Madelyn wasn't interested in hearing explanations right then. Even though Natalie was Andrew's cousin, their closeness tonight felt inappropriate. Besides that, the workplace rumors had stirred up unsettli Madelyn turned around, glaring fiercely at him. She demanded, "Fine, then explain."

It seemed like she wouldn't let him off the hook unless he gave a good explanation tonight.

Andrew felt

éved when she asked for an explanation. He pulled her close and, in one swift motion, gently guided her down onto the couch,

Madelyn's mind was buzzing, her hands clutching his arms tightly." Don't think you're getting away with this."

"I'm not trying to get away, sweetheart." Andrew's sincere reply made Madelyn feel like a terribly petty person. She sniffled in frustration, tears pooling in her eyes.

Andrew's heart ached as he softly brushed away the tears from her eyes, "Natalie spent most of her childhood away from the family. She lost her mother early on, so she was raised by her paternal grandmother.

"She only moved in with the Millers when she was 14. You've seen how Grandma treats her, haven't you?"

"And

what does that have to do with anything? Is she so fragile that she comes to you for comfort every time she's upset?" Madelyn's mind was clearing up with each passing moment. She wasn't as naive as she us Andrew affectionately pinched her cheek and said helplessly, "We rarely saw each other before, and I didn't expect tonight to turn out like this. I'll be more mindful in the future, alright?"

He was being totally honest. Even though Natalie worked at the entertainment agency under Miller Group, their encounters were rare. Tonight's incident was truly unexpected. Madelyn turned her face away, clearly unconvinced by his explanation.

Chiant