Chapter 171

Chapter 171:

A sharp pang clutched at Madisyn’s chest. Biting her lip, she mustered the courage to whisper to Andrew, “It’s okay. If you believe we’re not meant to be, then perhaps it’s best if we break up.” Their relationship, though brief, had held moments of promise. A torrent of confusion swirled within Madisyn, leaving a dull ache in her heart.

“Break up?”

Andrew’s grip on Madisyn’s hand tightened suddenly. She winced at the pain and looked up into his dark eyes, swirling with a mix of obsession and extremism. “You want to break up with me?”

“You think I’m different from what you expected.”

“You want to break up because of that?” Andrew’s stare penetrated Madisyn, laden with unexpected emotional turbulence. It was the first time she had witnessed such a fervent display from him, and it left her adrift in uncertainty. Had she been the one to say something wrong? Hadn’t Andrew expressed his dissatisfaction first?

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Andrew’s beautiful eyes, now tinged with red, searched hers desperately. “Is it because I failed to protect you that you want to break up with me?” Madisyn’s heart faltered with confusion. That wasn’t the case. Everything seemed so misaligned from her initial thoughts.

Madisyn noticed Andrew radiating a palpable aura of hostility, as if teetering on the edge of an outburst. She swiftly withdrew her hand and questioned, “Andrew, didn’t you find me too violent?”

“When did I ever say you were violent?”

“Then what were you implying just now?” Madisyn’s gaze was clouded with confusion.

Andrew took a deep breath, his lips pressed firmly together before he spoke. “You’re incredibly independent, much different from what I had envisioned. But as your boyfriend, it’s my responsibility to ensure your safety, not to have you settle matters with your own hands.”

He uttered the last words with a deep sense of self-reproach. Andrew continued, “From now on, I’ll arrange for some bodyguards for you.”

“Don’t,” Madisyn interjected sharply. “I don’t need bodyguards tailing me. Besides, I’m perfectly fine. I can protect myself.” When Madisyn realized what was really on Andrew’s mind, a small ache inside her morphed into a tinge of bitterness. With softened eyes, she reassured him, “I really am okay. Don’t burden yourself with guilt. The most fundamental aspect of living is being able to protect oneself.”

Andrew’s dark eyes lingered on her, his expression still etched with unyielding concern. “I’m just afraid you’ll get hurt.”

“But I’m not hurt, am I? Don’t worry. I’m strong.” Madisyn smiled reassuringly.

Hearing her assertiveness, Andrew felt a deeper pang of heartache, realizing the resilience she must have developed over time. Many people her age were still nestled under the protective wings of their parents.

“Alright, I respect your decision,” Andrew agreed softly. Madisyn continued, “And since you’ve returned to Ansport, please stop traveling back and forth to see me all the time.”

Andrew was momentarily stunned, not expecting Madisyn to be aware of his frequent trips.

“It’s exhausting for you,” Madisyn said with a hint of helplessness. “I have family here. If there are problems I can’t handle, Dane will take care of them. You don’t need to worry about me constantly, okay?”

“Okay,” Andrew replied, his voice tinged with reluctance. Madisyn had never expected that, behind Andrew’s initially cold and formidable demeanor, he would be so devotedly attentive.

“When will you be heading back?”

“Tomorrow,” Andrew replied, his gaze intense as he looked at Madisyn.

“Then let’s have dinner together tonight,” she suggested.

Andrew’s face brightened immediately. “Alright.” After their dinner that evening, Andrew escorted Madisyn back to her home. To stay as close as possible, he chose a hotel near the Johns’ residence. Standing in front of the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, Andrew could see the Johns’ house and even Madisyn’s window from his vantage point. He lingered for a moment, gazing at the tranquil night scene, before settling on the sofa to continue his work.

The next day dawned clear and bright. Andrew woke early, preparing to leave. He gazed out toward the distant silhouette of the Johns’ house, wondering if Madisyn had risen for the day. He respected her request not to make frequent visits—a rule that meant they might now only see each other once a week. This new routine felt strange and unsettling to him. Just as he pondered this change, a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Opening it, he was surprised to find Madisyn standing there. His initial shock quickly transformed into sheer delight. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to have breakfast with you,” Madisyn replied, her smile radiating charm. Her eyes sparkled, blooming like vibrant flowers, and her beauty seemed to brighten the threshold of his doorway. Any previous dissatisfaction melted away in an instant. Overwhelmed by affection, Andrew instinctively reached out to cup her face.

After a long, tender kiss, Madisyn’s cheeks flushed a soft pink. She looked away briefly, her gaze uncertain. “Get ready, and let’s go eat,” she murmured shyly.

“Okay,” Andrew replied, his eyes brimming with joy. Together, they headed to the hotel buffet restaurant. In the calm of the morning, the place was nearly empty, giving them the privacy of a secluded dining experience. They sat facing each other, savoring both the meal and the quiet companionship. The striking couple drew some admiring looks from the sparse crowd.

“Is that him? He’s so handsome,” someone whispered.

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