Chapter 368

Alexander

Madison tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, laughing at something the man said. She looked radiant. Happy. Free.

Then her eyes met mine.

The laughter died on her lips. She froze, one hand still hovering near her hair, the other clutching her purse. Even from this distance, I could see the color drain from her face.

Five years melted away in that single moment.

Madison said something to the man, her eyes never leaving mine. He glanced in my direction, frowned slightly, then nodded and headed into the café.

We stood there, twenty feet apart, staring at each other like gunslingers at high noon. Cars passed. People walked by. The world continued turning while we remained locked in our private standoff.

She blinked first, breaking the spell. Without a word, she turned toward the café door.

“Madison,” I called, closing the distance between us in a few quick strides.

She paused, hand on the door, jaw tight. Her shou