Her n to humiliate Madisyn had backfired, leaving her the one enveloped in difort and regret.


    After dinner, as they prepared to leave, Andrew turned to Madisyn and asked, “Where are you headed?”


    “Back home, I suppose,” Madisyn responded.


    “Alright.


    ” Andrew nodded in acknowledgment.


    Kristine trailed behind them silently, her thoughts swirling with frustration and confusion.


    When they arrived at the Johns family’s house and Andrew had departed, Kristine and Madisyn entered the living room together.


    It was then that Kristine decided to address the undercurrents she felt were at y.


    “Madisyn, do you think Andre is being extra nice to you?”


    Madisyn gave her a measured look, prompting Kristine to continue, “Andre is only acting this way because we had a fight.


    Madisyn, I can let go of everything else, but not Andre.


    We grew up together, and we even have an engagement.novelbin


    Please, don’te between us, okay?”


    Madisyn found herself momentarily speechless.


    She was taken aback by Kristine’s priorities.


    The idea that Kristine could so easily let go of everything else, including her parents, yet cling fiercely to a man, struck Madisyn as profoundly misguided.


    If their parents knew about this, they would be devastated, she thought.


    “Kristine, if you truly believe that, think about how Mom and Dad have raised you.


    How can you prioritize a man over your fa


    mily?”


    Madisyn asked gently, hoping to stir some reflection in Kristine.


    Kristine’s expression tightened, her defensive reflex kicking in.


    “That’s not what I’m saying.


    Mom and Dad are your biological parents, and I wouldn’t dream ofpeting with you for their affection.


    But Andre is different; he’s my boyfriend.


    He’s just being nice to you to get under my skin.


    I needed to rify that.


    ”


    “Is that so? Then why don’t we just call Andrew now and see if he actually considers himself your boyfriend?” Madisyn challenged, pulling out her phone, ready to dial.


    Kristine was visibly shaken by Madisyn’s forthright approach.


    She couldn’t do that!


    Kristine lunged in a desperate attempt to snatch the phone away, but Madisyn deftly evaded her grasp, her expression cooling into a disapproving re that made Kristine feel utterly vulnerable and mortified.


    With her pride wounded, Kristine clenched her teeth.


    “We may not be officially together yet, but it’s just a matter of time.


    Madisyn, can’t you just let me have this? I’ve loved Andre for so many years!”


    “If he reciprocates your feelings, I would never stand in your way,”


    Madisyn responded evenly, her voice steady and sincere.


    “But if he doesn’t feel the same, you can’t me me for that.


    ”


    Leaving the conversation there, Madisyn turned and walked further into the Living room, leaving Kristine to contemte her words.


    Inside, ine wasfortably settled in front of the TV and brightened up immediately upon seeing Madisyn.


    She beckoned her over with a warm smile, taking her hand affectionately.


    “How was your day, dear?”


    As Madisyn recounted the events of her day, including the dinner, ine’s interest was piqued.