happy never after

chapter five

Now

Jaden

The cool evening air brushed against my skin as I walked briskly through the bustling streets of the city. Thoughts of Madelyn consumed my mind, her image etched into every corner of my consciousness. Despite her warning to stay away, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something happening, or at least, more than she was letting on.

I found myself standing in front of the hotel where we usually stayed at, the memories of our brief but intense interaction flooding back with startling clarity. With a determined resolve, I pushed open the doors and stepped into the lobby, my heart pounding with anticipation.

The receptionist greeted me with a friendly smile, but I barely registered her presence as I made my way to the front desk. "Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest. "I was wondering if you could help me."

The receptionist nodded, her expression curious. "Of course, sir. What do you need?"

"I'm looking for someone," I explained, my gaze searching the lobby for any sign of Madelyn. "A guest who stayed here recently. Her name is Madelyn."

The receptionist furrowed her brow, tapping away at her computer as she searched for the information I requested. After a moment, she looked up, a look of confusion crossing her features. "I'm sorry, sir. We don't have any record of a guest by that name staying here."

I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach, disappointment washing over me like a tidal wave. she left without a trace, disappearing from my life once and for all. 

But then, a spark of determination flared within me. If I couldn't find her through conventional means, I would have to find another way. With a newfound sense of purpose, I thanked the receptionist and left the hotel, my mind already racing with possibilities.

As I walked through the darkened streets, my thoughts turned to Madelyn. Despite her warning, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her story than she was letting on. I needed to know the truth, no matter the cost.

With a sense of determination, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number from a burner phone that she never used, my heart pounded in my chest with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Each ring felt like an eternity until finally, her voice came through the line.

"Hello?" Her voice was guarded, cautious.

"Madelyn, it's me," I said, trying to keep my tone steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

There was a brief pause, and then she responded, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and wariness. "Jaden, what do you want?"

"I want to meet," I blurted out, unable to contain the urgency in my voice. "I need to talk to you."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, during which my heart felt like it was lodged in my throat. Finally, Madelyn spoke, her tone firm and resolute. "I told you, Jaden. We can't see each other again."

"But I need to explain," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. "There's so much you don't know."

"I don't want to hear it," she interrupted, her voice cold and distant. "I've made my decision, and I'm sticking to it."

"Madelyn, please," I begged, feeling the weight of my words hanging in the air between us. "Just give me a chance to explain."

But before I could say another word, she cut me off, her voice sharp and final. "I'm sorry, Jaden. But this is goodbye."