Female Novel
Chapter 535
Madelyn paused to take a sip from her glass. The weight of Ethan's words dispelled her sleepy haze,
and her mind began to race.
The soft ticking of the living room clock filled the brief silence. After a moment's reflection, she met
Ethan's eyes, her lips pursed thoughtfully. "Alright then, should I move out?" she asked.
There was an eerie calm to her demeanor, no trace of irritation discernible in her voice.
She had observed, of late, that the warmth once evident in Ethan's eyes when he looked at her had
dwindled. It was as though he now regarded her as a stranger, his gaze searching, almost as if he
sought to peer into her very soul. This shift in his attitude hadn't come out of nowhere. His frequent
late-night returns and prolonged absences were clues she couldn't ignore.
Madelyn wasn't naive, nor was she oblivious on the matter. She had experienced what it was like to
love someone deeply and unconditionally. She figured that he would not easily forget Donna, whom he
had loved so profoundly. Moreover, Donna hadn't done anything wrong.
Ethan held Madelyn's gaze but remained silent, the weight of unspoken emotions thick in the room.
Madelyn nodded. With a hint of a smile on her lips, she said, "You don't need to tiptoe around my
feelings. I respect your choices. I'm going to head to bed. You should try to rest as well."
Back upstairs, Madelyn entered her darkened room. She took a moment to sit at the edge of the bed,
finishing her glass of water.
Then, as she cast her eyes toward the vanity, a silhouette emerged from the shadows, occupying the
chair. The figure's face remained indistinct, shrouded in the room's low light. "It's alright to let go,
Maddie," the figure whispered soothingly. "Don't hold back your emotions. In my eyes, you'll always be
my little girl."
Madelyn lowered her head, looking at the cup in her hand. Her fingers twirled the bottom of the cup as
she replied, "I'm not upset because I've done what I wanted to do. Mom... I've always wanted to be as
great an artist as you. I want to follow in your footsteps forever. Father never supported my choices. No
matter what decision I make, you'll support me, right?"
"Of course. Always stand your ground, Maddie, and follow your heart..."
"Thank you, Mom!"
"Meow." Ginger hopped off the vanity chair. The cat approached Madelyn, sniffing the familiar scent of
her owner, then clambered onto Madelyn's lap, rolling over and purring, seeking affection.
Sleep was elusive for Madelyn that night.
The next morning when Madelyn came downstairs, she unexpectedly saw Ethan and Evelyn, who was
dressed in worn, somewhat tattered attire. Her appearance suggesting she had just finished tending to
her garden.
The wall clock hanging above chimed the precise hour of seven.
A servant, eyeing Madelyn descending from upstairs, called out, "Good morning, Miss Jent."novelbin
"Madelyn, come and join me for breakfast."
Madelyn nodded and walked downstairs. "Good morning."
Ethan, dressed in casual light-colored attire, sat at the dining table, engrossed in the morning paper
with a cup of coffee by his side.
Evelyn asked Madelyn, "Did you sleep well, dear?"
"I did," Madelyn responded, albeit a tad unconvincingly.
Evelyn's demeanor shifted; her gaze intensified with a mix of warmth and concern. Holding Madelyn's
hand gently, she said, "I heard about the postponed engagement from Ethan. I made it a point to come
early today to ensure you're truly okay with the decision. If you wish to proceed with the engagement
as planned, give me a sign. No matter what Ethan decides, I will ensure he's present."