Chapter 52
It was only after Madelyn greeted Andrew’s friends that they realized he had indeed brought his wife along to this gathering.
They remembered seeing Madelyn at her and Andrew’s wedding two years ago. They also remembered the meltdown she had that ruined the occasion. After that, she became a taboo in their circle. No one dared mention her.
They believed Andrew and Madelyn were a doomed couple. However, from the looks of it now, they were getting along just fine. No, better than fine–they were practically glued to one another.
Madelyn could feel the men’s piercing and assessing gazes on her. A nervous smile tugged her lips as she suggested, “Why don’t I leave you men to blow off some steam? I don’t want you guys to get awkward because of me.”
If she had known that Andrew was meeting with a bunch of men, she would never have volunteered to tag along.
Damian immediately stood up and said, “Don’t be silly, Madelyn. We just didn’t think you’d tag along, that’s all. But the more the merrier, and what a pleasure to see you again!”
After that, he had the waiter bring her a bottle of juice. Madelyn
normally stayed away from Andrew’s social circle. Now that she was here, Damian doubted he or the others would survive if they prompted
her to leave.
When the juice was served, Andrew opened the bottle and took a sip. When he realized it was cold, he told the waiter, “Bring her a room- temperature one, please.”
“Yes, sir,” the waiter replied and hurried to fetch the order.
Chap
Andrew’s tender and loving gesture had his single friends shooting him wry looks. They practically groaned in mock exasperation when Madelyn whined in her bell–like voice, “I wanted a cold one.”
“No, you can’t. You know cold drinks are bad for you when it’s almost that time of the month,” Andrew countered, his implication clear to everyone in the room.
The bachelors sitting across from him exchanged inquisitive looks. Andrew and Madelyn did not look like they were on the verge of divorce, unlike what the recent rumors had led them to believe. If they were, then what hope was there left for the single people of this world?
It took a while for the men to accept Madelyn’s presence among them, but they dived into their usual male–centric conversations after that. Madelyn could make neither head nor tail of their discussions.
Andrew carried on the conversation effortlessly as he gave Madelyn helpings of the food before them. “Eat up,” he murmured when he wasn’t talking to his friends.
She relaxed at his reassuring tone.
Andrew said, “We’ll pass. There’s some business I need to attend to.”
Wilson nodded. “See you in Lotivale in three days.”
Wilson and the others left in one car after that, and Andrew led Madelyn back to theirs.
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