Ryan suddenly reached out to hold onto her. Madeline flung him away instinctively and freed her hand from his grip.

Noticing Ryan’s bewildered gaze at her, Madeline realized that her response was slightly overblown. “Sorry, Ryan,” she said.

“It’s alright. I acted rashly,” Ryan said as he supported the weight of his body with his arm. He stood up effortfully.

“I know that it’s difficult for you to accept that this has happened between you and me. I know that the only man you love is Jeremy Wh