Chapter 8: No Need for Pretense
Madelyn had no immediate plans to confront Janessa directly. Their unresolved issues were numerous, this moment merely the tip of the iceberg. “Janessa, since Sebastian has made the effort to pick me up, I won’t be staying any longer,” Madelyn stated, offering a polite smile and casually looping her arm through Sebastian’s.
As they prepared to leave, Janessa hastily grabbed Madelyn, crying, “Wait!” Madelyn turned, confusion evident. “What’s the matter? Is there something else?”
Janessa, seizing the opportunity to be near Sebastian, couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving, especially with Madelyn. The idea of them alone together was intolerable. With a forced laugh, she improvised, “I noticed you haven’t been enjoying yourself today. Now that Sebastian and Christopher are here, why don’t we all stay a bit longer? We could have a blast!”
Madelyn internally scoffed. A blast? she thought derisively. Aloud, she responded diplomatically, “But Janessa, you know Sebastian dislikes noisy settings. Perhaps we should reconsider.” Madelyn was wary of further complications should they linger.
Turning to Sebastian with a warm smile, she said, “Darling, wait for me here. I’m going to get my bag.” Sebastian nodded, his expression unreadable. Janessa’s mouth twitched; Madelyn’s refusal flustered her. What’s going on with Madelyn today? she wondered.
However, with Sebastian’s tacit approval, Janessa knew pressing them further was inappropriate. Addressing Sebastian awkwardly, she said, “Sebastian, about tonight, it was a misunderstanding. I must have mistaken someone else… I was just concerned about Madelyn.”
Sebastian offered a cold glance, remaining silent, dismissing her explanation. Janessa, unsettled, watched Madelyn approach with her bag. “We’re leaving, Janessa. Enjoy the evening,” Madelyn said crisply.
Before Janessa could respond, the couple intertwined hands and left. Janessa stood, fists clenched, a fierce jealousy blazing. How could Madelyn deserve to be with someone as exceptional as Sebastian? It should have been me!
A soft chuckle broke her reverie. “It seems I’ve been involuntarily involved in your scheme, haven’t I?”
Janessa turned to see Christopher, his presence unwelcome. Clad in a grey bathrobe, he deepened her frown. “What are you implying?” she snapped. “Who’s scheming whom?”
Christopher chuckled. “Stop pretending. I see through you. But I didn’t expect you to have feelings for Sebastian! You want to steal someone else’s lover.”
Janessa blushed, her breathing quickening. “Christopher, stop spouting nonsense!” she protested vehemently.
“Nonsense? You look at Sebastian as if you can’t wait to devour him! Setting me up with Madelyn benefits you, doesn’t it?” Christopher laid bare her motives.
Janessa, a mix of embarrassment and anger, demanded, “What do you want!”
Christopher, lighthearted, replied, “No need for such a strong reaction. I want to collaborate.”
“Collaborate?” Janessa became cautious. “On what?”
Christopher explained, “It’s simple. I want Madelyn, and you want Sebastian. Help me win Madelyn’s heart, and you’re free to pursue Sebastian.”
The idea appealed to Janessa. Handling Madelyn alone had been challenging; an ally might be advantageous. After a moment, she nodded. “All right, I’m looking forward to our cooperation!”
Outside, Sebastian promptly withdrew his hand, creating distance. Madelyn, undeterred, clung to him.
“Let go!” Sebastian demanded, a touch of helplessness in his features as he tried to shake her off.
“I won’t let go,” Madelyn said resolutely.
Sebastian, conceding defeat, settled into the car. The air was thick with unspoken tension. Reflecting on Janessa’s behavior, Sebastian warned Madelyn, “Keep your distance from Janessa; she’s not as straightforward as you think.”
A surge of emotion overwhelmed Madelyn. In her past life, she’d misinterpreted similar cautions. Now, she recognized his accuracy. Her naivety had made her vulnerable.
With newfound resolve, Madelyn snuggled closer. “Mm, I’ll listen to you from now on,” she murmured obediently.
Sebastian’s frown deepened. Madelyn’s behavior had changed drastically; previously, such a directive would have sparked anger. Now she was affectionate and compliant—completely out of character.
As he prepared to drive, he noticed her grip. With a slight furrow of his brow, he reminded her, “I’m driving, let go of my hand.”
Reluctantly, Madelyn released her grip, biting her lip.
Upon arriving at Lockhart Villa ten minutes later, Sebastian left Madelyn at the entrance. “Go on in, and get some rest,” he instructed before turning to leave.
Before he could get far, a warm embrace enveloped him. “Don’t leave.”
Madelyn, impulsive, wrapped her arms around him, her voice urgent. “Sebastian, you can’t leave. I won’t let you go.”
Her actions pushed Sebastian’s patience to its limit. “So, what exactly do you want to do?” he demanded sharply.
He turned, his eyes alight with fiery intensity. He took measured steps toward her, the tension palpable.
Madelyn, witnessing this intense side of Sebastian, retreated in mild fear. “I…”
“You don’t need to pretend to be friendly and affectionate,” Sebastian interrupted, his voice stern. “What are you really scheming? Speak up.”
Madelyn’s uncharacteristic forwardness since their engagement bewildered him. What explained her sudden shift?
Madelyn understood his reaction; her past behavior had been extreme. She needed to rebuild trust but struggled with how to begin.
Silence stretched between them. Finally, Madelyn spoke, her voice low and earnest. “If I were to tell you that I’m not planning anything, would you believe me?”