Chapter 59 – Small Talk in the Cafe
Madeline sat at her desk, working on a report for work, her fingers moving smoothly across the keyboard. In sharp contrast to the turmoil that had dominated her life in the previous weeks, the morning had begun with some degree of quiet. She had intended to work from home, enjoying the peace and quiet, while Jacob had already departed for the office.
But her phone buzzed, interrupting her preparations. She needed to attend an unplanned
duty meeting in person by her boss. She let out a sigh, realizing how urgent her voice was, Lang. She changed to her office clothes quickly, picked up her keys and luggage, and left.
She chose to get an iced coffee at her favorite café on the way. The bell on the entrance jingled as she entered the parking lot. The café was a hive of activity, with the smell of freshly brewed coffee blending with patron conversation.
After placing her order, Madeline sat down near the window and relished the little time she had to herself while she waited. She was looking through her phone when she noticed the outline of a person coming, her interest sparked her to look up. In front of her was a man who looked courteous but a little nervous,
“Excuse me” he began, his voice soft yet clear. “I hope I’m not disturbing you”
Madeline raised an eyebrow, intrigued,
“No, you’re not. Can I help you?”
The man smiled, a hint of relief flashing across his face,
“You must be Madeline,” he said.
She chuckled softly, nodding,
“That’s me. And you are?”
“My name’s Darren” he replied, pulling out a chair but pausing to ask,
“May I?”
She gestured for him to sit,
“Sure”
As he settled in, he began,
“I saw you in the news recently. You’ve had quite the eventful few weeks”
At the mention of the news, Madeline’s smile faltered slightly. She lowered her face into her
hand, shaking her head,
“Don’t remind me”
Chap 51 Swill talk in the Cafe –
Darren chuckled, lils tone lighthearted,
“No, no, I meant it was good news. You helped clear Sebastian’s name, that took courage”
She shrugged,
“It was the right thing to do. Someone had to speak the truth”
He leaned forward slightly, his interest evident,
“If you don’t mind me asking… how? How do you forgive someone like Sebastian after everything that happened? Most people wouldn’t even look his way after being hurt like that”
“Calling off a marriage doesn’t make someone your enemy” she said,
“Sebastian made mistakes, sure, but those charges against him were completely false. I knew that from the start, he didn’t deserve to lose his life over it”
Darren nodded slowly, seemingly impressed,
“That’s… an incredible perspective. Most people would’ve held a grudge, especially after being dragged into such a mess”
She smiled faintly,
“Grudges don’t help anyone, life’s too short for that”
Darren’s phone buzzed on the table before he could reply,
“Please excuse me for a moment” He held up an apologetic hand while glancing at the screen.
“Of course” Madeline replied, sipping her iced coffee as he answered the call.
“Yes” Darren said, his tone shifting to something more serious,
“I left them already, the meeting didn’t go as expected. That woman might be a problem”
Madeline’s ears perked up slightly, though she kept her expression neutral.
Darren continued, lowering his voice,
“Okay, I’ll be on my way soon” He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket, turning back to Madeline.
“Sorry about that” he said with a sheepish smile,
No problem” she replied, standing up and grabbing her bag,
“I actually have to get going myself”
Darren stood as well, extending a hand,
“It was nice meeting you, Madeline”
– the Cafe
“Likewise” she said, shaking his hand,
“Take care”
Darren watched her depart the café with a thoughtful look on his face. After she was out of sight, he went to the counter and ordered, still thinking about what they had discussed.
With her thoughts already turning to the upcoming appointment, Madeline got into her car. Although she dismissed it, she couldn’t get rid of the persistent feeling that there was more to Darren than first appeared.
She had enough on her plate without diving into yet another mystery.
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Chapter 60 The Web Tightend
