Jeremy’s footsteps came to a heavy stop and he could not take another step.

He watched as Madeline smiled at Ryan, her lips spreading as dimples bloomed on her face. Oh, how he wished that the smile was for him.

Yet Jeremy knew that he was no longer worthy of such a smile.

Taking Ryan’s hand, Madeline turned and stopped by Jeremy’s side as they brushed shoulders. “Why are you still here? Go and bail your girlfriend from the police station already. With a boyfriend as skilled as you, I’m sure she’ll be out in no time.”

Jeremy knew that Madeline was mocking him.

Smiling nonchalantly, he looked at Madeline’s dignified and distant eyes. “Thank you for the reminder, Miss Montgomery. I shall fetch my girlfriend home, then.”

Fetch her home.

Home.

Madeline’s hand in Ryan’s tightened slightly as the chill blew through the riddled holes in her heart.

Ignoring Jeremy, she turned to smile at Ryan.

“You know, Rye, my last marriage was an absolute failure. Well, essentially, I got married