"Why didn't you wake me?"Handing Caleb back his jacket, Madeline took in the view. A few scattered lights twinkled in the darkness, and a towering structure nearby had to be the aerial restaurant."We just got here," Caleb said with a grin.They exited the car and made their way to the restaurant.In the shadows behind them, Trevon's face was a mask of darkness, the chill in the air the only thing moving in the car.Caleb's car had been stationary for over thirty minutes. What had they been up to?If it had not been so quiet, Trevon might have been compelled to investigate.At last, they stepped out.Watching them head for the sky-high dining spot, Trevon's expression darkened once more."Go after them, see what they're doing," he ordered.The guard in front paused, then hurried out of the car.He had not understood Trevon's interest in that particular vehicle until he saw Madeline emerge.'Man, if Mr. Gibson is so bothered by Mrs. Gibson having dinner with another guy, wh
Madeline pondered the same mystery.They had shared the same campus for a year, yet their lives barely intersected. However, it was not entirely true.it was just that Trevon had been so wrapped up with Lydia back then, he barely noticed anyone else. His visits were fleeting, just ticking off the necessary boxes, never lingering.Once Madeline learned he was Lydia's man, she made it a point to steer clear.Their lack of interaction was not surprising after all. Their connection was just too superficial."Hey, Caleb, let's hit up the food street," she suggested with a casual smile.When Madeline heard Lydia announce her pregnancy, she felt the chapter of her life with Trevon closing for good.Compelled by a wave of nostalgia, she found herself wandering the school grounds, drawn to the spot where she and Trevon first crossed paths.She walked until she reached the shelter where it all began, taking a seat at the quaint shop across the way.The university was back in session, an
Madeline was puzzled for a moment, trying to decipher Trevon's cryptic words. With Lydia's test results laid out before them, how could he dismiss it as nothing? Was he planning to just walk away without owning up to it? Watching the stream of people on the busy street, it finally clicked for Madeline. He knew the issue was shady and did not want to admit to anything in public, did he? Such a typical man. Rolling her eyes, Madeline retorted, "Mr. Gibson, didn't you notice I'm in the middle of a midnight snack? I'm not going anywhere. If you want to leave, be my guest."With that, Madeline started eating again. To her surprise, the tomato soup was delicious. Narrowing her eyes with pleasure, she could not help but take another taste and called out to Caleb."Hey, try this. The tomato soup is amazing." Caleb let out a laugh, shot Trevon a look, and joined in the feast. Trevon was seething, his jaw clenched tight. "Street food is filthy. Put that down this instant!" His outb
Madeline could not hide her disbelief. "You're asking me to come back just to put ointment on you?""Have you not done it yet?" Trevon shot back.Madeline mused internally, 'He's too stubborn to accept help from a nurse, but what about Lydia?'Madeline sneered, lIs your precious Lydia so delicate that she can't even handle applying a bit of ointment without getting tired?"Trevon's stare deepened. "Why do you always get so worked up at the mention of Lydia?"Madeline shot him a frosty look and kept silent.Caleb chuckled. "Madeline is usually so calm. It takes a special kind of person to get under her skin like that. Maybe you should be asking Lydia what she's done to tick Madeline off so much."Trevon's voice was icy. "Stay out of this, Caleb. This is between Madeline and I."Caleb met his gaze. "Madeline and I go way back. Her problems are my problems."Their eyes locked, each man unyielding in the quiet standoff.Madeline had enough. She dropped her spoon with a clatter.
"I'll have Lydia get an abortion—"Trevon's words were cut short by the guard's sudden, sharp braking.Madeline lurched forward, crashing into the seat ahead with a jarring thud.Trevon's quick reflexes saved the day, his hand shooting out to protect her. However, even with his swift action, Madeline was left reeling, her head spinning from the close call."Are you okay?" Trevon blurted out, concerned about lacing his voice."Who taught them to drive?"The guard was quick to apologize. "Mr. Gibson, my apologies."It was not on purpose. A kid had bolted into the road out of nowhere, and the guard had no choice but to hit the brakes hard.Thankfully, the car was up to the task and came to a halt just in time.The child was unharmed, but the scare had set off a torrent of tears.A young mom was there, doing her best to calm her little one.Since her pregnancy, Madeline had a soft spot for kids, and the sight of that one crying tugged at her heartstrings, drawing her gaze again
Lydia's eyes sparkled with determination. "Now that we're having a baby, you can leave Madeline and marry me. That would solve everything! Yes! Exactly!"A shadow passed over Trevon's eyes.In theory, yes, but he could not divorce Madeline.He did not even want to.The one thing he was sure of was that he did not want a divorce.He regained his composure and replied, "Child or no child, it doesn't change the fact that we've split up. Thinking of the company and the Gibson family, I'd prefer it if you terminated the pregnancy. You can name your terms."Madeline's face crossed his mind, along with the way she looked at children with such tenderness, not annoyance, but genuine concern when they cried.He added, "However, if you're set on having this baby, I'll provide child support. That's all I can offer. I'll spell it out in my will."His tone was calm, but his resolve was clear. That was his last offer.Lydia realized Trevon had made his decision, and it was final.She had no
Lydia's eyes sparkled with realization. How could she have forgotten Riley?Riley's longing for a grandson was well-known.In the world of the elite, that was hardly a scandal. Spoiling grandkids was what they lived for.With a baby on the way, even a disapproving Riley would not just stand by and let her end the pregnancy.With a strategy in mind, Lydia felt a wave of relief wash over her, and at last, she drifted off to sleep.The only one left tossing and turning was Madeline.The following morning, Madeline rose from the cot, dark circles betraying her restless night.The doctor had checked Trevon's wounds and announced, "He's healing nicely. He's ready to go home."After a lengthy list of do's and don'ts, Madeline made sure to get a written copy before sorting out Trevon's discharge.All the while, she did not exchange a single word with Trevon.Trevon, feeling the tension, could not help but ask, "What's wrong? Why are you giving me the silent treatment?"Madeline scof
Riley's eyes widened in shock.What did she just hear? A baby?Was Lydia pregnant with Trevon's baby?Wait, ending? Ending the pregnancy?Over her dead body!Riley strode over quickly, seizing Lydia's arm. "Are you pregnant?"Lydia, looking like a deer caught in headlights, tried to back away from Riley."Out with it!"Lydia shot Trevon a timid look before murmuring, "Yes. I'm pregnant with Trevon's baby."Riley paused, a flicker of shock crossing her face, quickly replaced by sheer elation. "For real? That's amazing!"She had been fretting over the possibility that Trevon might never give her a grandchild. However, life had a funny way of surprising her—Lydia was expecting!Dropping her usual coolness, Riley warmly grasped Lydia's hands. "How far along are you? Have you seen a doctor?" Don't bother with those other places; they're not up to par. Go straight to the Sunshine Medical Center. I've got a VIP card there. It's yours to use."Lydia squirmed. "Mrs. Table; please...