Chapter 424

Maddy’s POV

I blinked, realizing I hadn’t even glanced at the menu. “Uh, I’ll just have vanilla,” I said quickly.

Layla groaned dramatically. “Vanilla? Come on, live a little! Get something fun!”

“Vanilla’s fine,” I said with a small smile. “It’s… comforting.”

Jason smirked. “That’s Maddy for you. Always playing it safe.”

I shrugged, not bothering to argue. Vanilla was predictable, easy, and right now, I needed something familiar.

As they continued their lighthearted argument, I turned slightly, letting my gaze wander around the shop. It was a cozy little place, with pastel-colored walls and booths filled with families and friends. 

The cheerful atmosphere should have been enough to lift my mood, but instead, it only made me feel more out of place.

That’s when I saw him.

At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. A man stood near the far corner of the shop, his back to me as he spoke