Madeline was there, but to my astonishment, she wasn’t her Judgey, cold face. She turned to me the moment she noticed me enter, her face lighting up, and before I could process what was happening, she crossed the room and wrapped me in a hug.
This was… strange.
Even back when things were good between us, before Emerson and I were engaged, it was always me running to her, seeking comfort in her warm embrace. She had been the adult in our dynamic, the one who stood still while I reached out. But this—her initiating affection so openly—was new and strange.
Her hug was firm, almost desperate, but I didn’t reciprocate. I stood there stiffly, unsure of her intentions. Something about it felt off, especially considering her recent behaviour. I decided to let her lead, hoping she would soon exp
