Chapter 4

"Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes."

Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?"

Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?"

Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagle—a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness.

Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought.

"Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness.

Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?"

Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said?

Simon rushed her along.

Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily.

"Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?"

Trevon did have a star assistant—Daniel Harris—who was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals.

That was when Simon got the call to step in.

Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face.

He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter.

With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella.

It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic.

Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot.

Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual self—unresponsive and staring off into space.

Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?"

She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence.

Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickered—a brief, almost missed flutter.

"Madeline?"

A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her.

Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way.

The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette.

It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend.

With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?"

He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead.

Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore."

He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger.

Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital.

Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?"

Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago."

A breakdown?

It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world.

What could have caused it?

Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you."

Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern.

Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back."

She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly.

Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out."

Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine."

Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?"

He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it.

They got Bella settled and swapped numbers.

Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite."

Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?"

"Just a habit," he said with a chuckle.

That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them.

"How about lunch? It's already noon."

Madeline bit her lip, uncertain.

However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it."

Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up.

The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off.

He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner.

Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car.

From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?"

Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering.

"No, let's not," he murmured.

Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off.

Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed.

It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness.

What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful?

However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptional—tangy and invigorating.

It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go.

Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?"

Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good."

She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her.

It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most.

Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend.

"Madeline, I've got some good and bad news."

Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Shoot."

"The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already."

A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?"

Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known."

Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art.

Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations.

When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward.

Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her."

She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?"

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in.