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

It was only after Madelyn greeted Andrew's friends that they realized he had indeed brought his wife along to this gathering.

They remembered seeing Madelyn at her and Andrew's wedding two years ago. They also remembered the meltdown she had that ruined the occasion. After that, she became a taboo in their circle. No one da

They believed Andrew and Madelyn were a doomed couple. However, from the looks of it now, they were getting along just fine. No, better than fine-they were practically glued to one another.

Madelyn could feel the men's piercing and assessing gazes on her. A nervous smile tugged her lips as she suggested, "Why don't I leave you men to blow off some steam? I don't want you guys to get awkward because of me."

If she had known that Andrew was meeting with a bunch of men, she would never have volunteered to tag along.

Damian immediately stood up and said, "Don't be silly, Madelyn. We just didn't think you'd tag along, that's all. But the more the merrier, and what a pleasure to see you again!" After that, he had the waiter bring her a bottle of juice. Madelyn

normally stayed away from Andrew's social circle. Now that she was here, Damian doubted he or the others would survive if they prompted

her to leave.

When the juice was served, Andrew opened the bottle and took a sip. When he realized it was cold, he told the waiter, "Bring her a room- temperature one, please.”

"Yes, sir," the waiter replied and hurried to fetch the order.

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Andrew's tender and loving gesture had his single friends shooting him wry looks. They practically groaned in mock exasperation when Madelyn whined in her bell-like voice, "I wanted a cold one." "No, you can't. You know cold drinks are bad for you when it's almost that time of the month," Andrew countered, his implication clear to everyone in the room.

The bachelors sitting across from him exchanged inquisitive looks. Andrew and Madelyn did not look like they were on the verge of divorce, unlike what the recent rumors had led them to believe. If they were, t the single people of this world?

It took a while for the men to accept Madelyn's presence among them, but they dived into their usual male-centric conversations after that. Madelyn could make neither head nor tail of their discussions. Andrew carried on the conversation effortlessly as he gave Madelyn helpings of the food before them. "Eat up," he murmured when he wasn't talking to his friends.

She relaxed at his reassuring tone.

While the men were talking, she realized that Andrew's friends were interesting characters.

Wilson, the one in gold-

rimmed glasses, was an elegant and reserved gentleman who clearly held some sway in the business world; Lorcan, on the other hand, was as mysterious as he was aloof; as for Frank and Damian, they were Toward the end of dinner, Damian suggested, "Shall we adjourn to the Nocturne?"

Wilson glanced at Madelyn, who was quiet next to Andrew.

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Andrew said, "We'll pass. There's some business I need to attend to."

Business? Everyone knew exactly what that business entailed. It took him two years to win Madelyn over. Surely, he would not risk making her unhappy for the time being.

Wilson nodded. "See you in Lotivale in three days."

"See you," Andrew replied casually.

Wilson and the others left in one car after that, and Andrew led Madelyn back to theirs.

All Madelyn could think about when she got into the car was the shock on Andrew's friends' faces when she showed up at their gathering. She couldn't help the sadness that welled up in her. Sensing her despondence, Andrew stroked her hair lovingly and said, You don't have to join me the next time if gatherings make you uncomfortable."

She shook her head and looked at him earnestly. "No, I like it."

"What?"

"I'll tag along to all your gatherings from now on!" she said like she was taking an oath.

He chuckled at her endearing behavior and held her hand. He had refused to let go of her hand since they made their way over to Moonlit Restaurant, and now, he was even more reluctant to do so.

Little did he and Madelyn know, Wilson and the others had been dissecting their relationship since getting into the car. They agreed that Madelyn could very well be toying with Andrew after seeing how differen