Chapter 1937: Reading Into Things

In the dark of night, Jonathan's car pulled up outside Madilyn's mansion. He quickly exited and opened her door.

Madilyn disliked this. "You don't need to be so polite, Jonathan. I have hands; I can open the door myself." Even his gentlemanly gesture felt like it widened the distance between them.

Jonathan smiled. "It's a habit. My parents always emphasized manners and etiquette. Since you don't like it, I won't do it again."

A faint grin touched Madilyn's lips. "Tonight's movie was incredible! Thanks for the recommendation. I wouldn't have known I loved science fiction films otherwise!" Honestly, she would have enjoyed it even if it were terrible; anything with him felt romantic.

Jonathan beamed. "I'll invite you to the cinema again if a good one comes out. Oh, and how's your mother been?"

Nodding, Madilyn considered inviting him in. Her mother should be asleep. But being alone with him in the living room…would that make her intentions too obvious?

Just as she mustered her courage, recalling her best friend's encouragement, Jonathan's phone rang. He glanced at it, then turned to Madilyn. "I'm sorry. I need to take this call."

After nearly two months, he'd almost forgotten about Coralie.

Her voice was still coy and cheerful. "It's been a while, Jonathan. Did you miss me?"

Stunned, he hesitated.

"Just kidding," she chuckled. "I arrive in Horington by plane tomorrow. You can pick me up, right? I'm alone, so I need to find a place to stay. I'll be counting on your help." Her tone suggested she was informing him, not asking for his approval.

Jonathan nodded. "Okay. I'll pick you up at the airport tomorrow. We'll talk about the rest later."

"All right! I really want to see you again soon!" Coralie's cheerful directness made her words seem natural. While casual, it could also be interpreted as a form of courtship. Since Jonathan rarely interacted with women, he simply saw her as forthright.

After hanging up, Jonathan faced Madilyn again. She'd recognized Coralie's voice and felt a sudden gloom, especially after hearing him promise to pick her up. The words she'd been about to speak vanished.

Suppressing her emotions, she said, "It's getting late. I should get some rest."

Jonathan was momentarily startled by the change in her tone, but dismissed it as his imagination. "Okay, rest well. We'll have a meal and a movie again soon." He felt relaxed with her; he genuinely liked that feeling.

Once Madilyn entered her mansion, Jonathan returned to his car, started the engine, and drove away. Watching him go, she murmured, "Maybe I'm reading too much into things? Is he being more attentive because Coralie's not in Horington?"