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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Tonight, Madeline, Maria, Noah, and Javier were heading out for drinks to celebrate Javier's divorce from his ex-wife, Cassie. Cassie had always had it out for both Madeline and Maria, especially Madeline, though she never understood why. Javier had tried asking her about it many times, but she always brushed it off.
Since Javier left Cassie two months ago, he'd been much happier, and they couldn't be more thrilled for him and his son, Ricky. It was a fresh start for Javier, and tonight was all about celebrating that.
The day at work had been surprisingly calm for Madeline. The ED had been slow, allowing her to breathe and actually enjoy her 30-minute break—something that felt like a rare luxury. By the end of her shift, she was looking forward to unwinding with her friends.
As Madeline walked out of the hospital with Will right behind her, she held the flowers Jay had given her earlier. Will caught up to her, a teasing grin on his face.
"You joining us at Molly's tonight?" he asked casually.
Madeline shook her head with a smile. "No, I'm going out for drinks with some friends. But have fun at Molly's—and take a shot or a beer for me."
Will chuckled and ruffled her hair in a brotherly way. "All right, just get home safe, please."
They both laughed as she swatted his hand away, saying their goodbyes before heading to their cars. Madeline placed the flowers carefully on the passenger seat, her mind already shifting to the night ahead and the laughter she knew awaited her.
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Madeline stood in front of her closet, scanning the rows of neatly hung clothing—dresses, jeans, skirts, and sweaters—all options that felt either too light for Chicago's winter or not quite striking enough for the night ahead. She tried on several outfits, but none felt right. It was a delicate balance—dressing for the weather while still looking stunning.
After much deliberation, she settled on a sleek black dress paired with sheer black lace leggings to combat the cold without sacrificing style. Her makeup featured warm brown eyeshadow blended softly with eyeliner that added a sharp edge, and a nude lip completed the look.
For shoes, she chose her chunky thigh-high boots, the perfect blend of bold and practical. She straightened her dark hair until it cascaded smoothly past her shoulders, exuding effortless elegance.
Finally, Madeline grabbed her black YSL purse with a gold chain, tossing in everything she might need for the night. As a finishing touch, she slipped on her long black trench coat, the tailored fabric falling gracefully to her mid-ankles. Feeling ready, she rushed out of her apartment, the chill of the evening no match for her striking ensemble. The bar where her friends were waiting wasn't far, and she couldn't wait to celebrate Javier's new chapter.
At the bar, the four friends sat at a round table tucked away in the back corner, their drinks and plates of food scattered across its surface. Madeline and Javier sat side by side, while Maria and Noah cozied up next to each other, laughing between bites and sips.
