After a messy and painful divorce from her ex-husband, Madeline decided to shift her focus entirely to her career. Her passion for medicine and her patients became her primary motivation-until she crossed paths with a blue-eyed detective who disrupt...
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Madeline woke up to the soft light streaming through her bedroom window, stretching lazily before getting ready for the day. She had plans with Will to look at apartments together. A realtor was set to show them a few options, and Madeline had promised to help Will find a place that checked all the right boxes—spacious enough, in a good neighborhood, within his price range, and of course, a great deal overall.
She carefully chose her outfit for the day, opting for a cozy yet polished look. She slipped into a chunky white cable-knit sweater that draped comfortably over her frame, pairing it with high-waisted flared jeans and classic black-and-white converse sneakers. To keep warm in the cool morning air, she layered a sleek, long black trench coat over the ensemble, adding an effortless sophistication. She completed the look with a luxurious black YSL shoulder bag, its minimalist design and gold detailing adding a touch of elegance to her casual outfit.
As she brushed her hair and double-checked her reflection, Madeline smiled to herself, knowing how important this was to Will. He could sometimes be impulsive, and she wanted to make sure he didn't rush into anything. Madeline was determined to help him find a home he'd truly be happy in—a place that felt right.
She parked her car outside the apartment building, its beige facade showing signs of age but still well-maintained, with a few cracks on the sidewalk leading to the entrance. After turning off the engine, she reached over to the passenger seat and grabbed her sleek black YSL shoulder bag, its soft leather contrasting with the modest surroundings. She adjusted her long black trench coat as a cool breeze brushed past, giving her a reason to hurry toward the building.
The lobby was simple, with scuffed tile floors and walls painted in a neutral shade that had likely seen better days. The faint smell of cleaning supplies lingered in the air, accompanied by the distant hum of a television coming from one of the apartments. A few outdated mailboxes lined the wall to her left, their brass finish dulled over time.
Madeline stepped into the small, slightly creaky elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor. The fluorescent lights above flickered momentarily before steadying, casting a dim glow over the narrow space. As the elevator climbed, she shifted her bag on her shoulder, mentally running through the list of questions she planned to ask the realtor later.
With a quiet ding, the doors opened, revealing a narrow hallway with mismatched carpeting that had clearly been replaced in patches over the years. She walked briskly, her converse making soft thuds against the floor as she headed to Will's apartment door. It wasn't fancy, but it was enough for now.
She knocked on the door, her knuckles making soft but firm taps against the wood. As she waited, her eyes wandered around the hallway. The walls were painted in a muted beige, dotted here and there with scuffs and faint scratches—signs of years of tenants coming and going. Just as her gaze landed on a flickering overhead light, the door creaked open, pulling her attention back.
