The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 1012
After Madelyn left the banquet hall with Zach, she withdrew her hand from his arm. They unexpectedly came across someone in the elevator.
“Agustin?” Madelyn expressed surprise.
“Madelyn?” Agustin recognized her and then noticed Zach. “And who is this?”
Zach remained silent, his expression unreadable, waiting for Madelyn’s response. Madelyn did not introduce Zach but instead redirected the conversation. ” Agustin, what are you doing here? Weren’t you in Marisburg?”
“I’ve been dealing with some heart issues, so I came for a checkup. I’m just heading back to my hotel to rest. How about you? Are you feeling better?”
Agustin inquired.
Madelyn nodded, offering a smile. ” Much better, thank you.”
“That’s good to hear,” Agustin replied, then presented a gift card to her.” Happy holidays. Here’s a small gesture from me.”
Madelyn politely declined, “Agustin, I’m not a child anymore. You don’t have to do this.”
“In my eyes, you’ll always be a child. Please accept it, or I’ll be offended,” Agustin insisted with a gentle tone.
“Thank you, Agustin,” Madelyn said, accepting the gift. Zach took it from her as the elevator doors opened. Zach and Agustin shared a brief, silent glance before Zach led Madelyn into the elevator.
Madelyn examined the gift card in the elevator, unaware of Zach’s growing displeasure until he spoke with a cold edge, “Why didn’t you introduce me? Am I someone to be ashamed of?”
Zach adjusted the suit jacket on Madelyn despite his icy tone, showing concern for her comfort. Madelyn looked at the gift card, a simple five-dollar card, and ignored Zach’s annoyance.
Zach took her cold hand in his, trying to warm it, his voice laced with frustration. “Why aren’t you this happy with the gifts I give you?”
“He’s different, Zach. He’s like an elder to me,” Madelyn explained. Agustin was a close friend of Madelyn’s mother and had been a comforting presence during Madelyn’s hospital stays, sharing many stories with her.
When Zach and Madelyn reached the parking lot, he suddenly cornered her against a wall, his gaze intense. He asked, “What should you call me, Madelyn? Hmm?”
Madelyn felt cornered under Zach’s scrutiny, Madelyn tried to deflect, ” You’re being unreasonable!” She pushed against his chest, feeling anxious. “Stop, Zach! We’re in a public place.”
Zach persisted, leaning in closer. “Say it!”
Madelyn’s face flushed, “Let’s just go home, okay?”
“Say it,” Zach insisted.
Madelyn felt pressured as many people were leaving with their cars, including Blake. Cecilia, who had also just left, paused at the sight of the couple entwined in the parking lot. Madelyn reluctantly whispered, “H- Honey?”
Zach then softly kissed her, relenting slightly. “Just this time. I’ll let it go.”
Madelyn attempted to lighten the mood, “You’re always so petty, Zach.”
“Zach? We’ll discuss this at home,” he warned playfully.
Suddenly, Cecilia’s sharp voice interrupted, “Zach!” Her heels clicked rapidly on the pavement as she approached them. Zach and Madelyn turned to see Cecilia walking toward them.
