Late Blooms, Early Goodbyes

Tristan was at the restaurant with Annabelle and Regina, surrounded by a group of people. Aside from the three of them, Madeline didn't recognize anyone else.

It was Regina's birthday. She wore a party hat and sat beside Tristan, looking every bit the doting girlfriend.

Seeing that, everyone else at the table started cracking jokes.

"Mr. Fowler, you and Regina make a perfect couple. You guys are practically a match made in heaven. So, when's the wedding?"

Regina blushed and shot Tristan a bashful glance. When he didn't say anything to dissuade them, her smile deepened.

The table buzzed with laughter and chatter. No one noticed Madeline sitting a short distance away, quietly taking it all in.

But she felt nothing. There wasn't even a flicker of emotion in her gaze. If anything, the three of them looked more like a real family.

Right then, Regina turned and spotted her. Without missing a beat, she leaned her head against Tristan's shoulder and said sweetly, "Thank you for giving me such an unforgettable birthday."

"You don't have to thank me for anything," Tristan replied, his gaze brimming with affection.

As he spoke, Regina feigned a drunken daze and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes were hazy, and her expression was laced with intent.

The others egged them on, watching with barely contained excitement.

Tristan didn't hesitate. He leaned down and kissed her, pulling her into his arms. The kiss was intense and reckless.

A chorus of whoops and whistles broke out around them instantly.

Meanwhile, Madeline calmly watched the scene unfold. A beat later, she rose and walked away.

However, she accidentally knocked over a glass. It hit the floor with a sharp crash, drawing everyone's attention.

Tristan glanced over and froze. A flicker of panic crossed his face. The last thing he had expected was to see Madeline there.

His eyes followed her retreating figure.

Regina noticed, but she swallowed her jealousy and spoke with carefully feigned concern. "Tris, was that Madeline? Did she see us? I'm sorry. I must've had too much to drink. I'm sure she misunderstood. She might kick up a fuss later."

Tristan let out a cold laugh, trying to sound unfazed. "So what if she saw? If we were really doing something wrong, would we do it in front of all these people?"

After saying that, he downed another drink like he didn't have a care in the world.

But later, during a bathroom break, he texted Madeline. He wrote, "You came to the fondue place too?"

In the past, she would've responded within a minute. Yet, even after the dinner, Tristan still hadn't gotten a reply.

And so, he brought Annabelle home. As he took off his shoes, he was already bracing himself for the inevitable fight. He was certain Madeline would be crying or shouting.

However, when Tristan stepped into the living room, he saw her curled up on the couch. She didn't say a word or even glance his way.

There was something about Madeline that felt off.