Ava’s expression turned heavy, and it was the first time Madeline had ever seen such an ironic, exasperated, and lonely expression on her friend.

Madeline thought about her parents and how they had also hurt her so harshly before.

Still, blood was thicker than water.

Not to mention that Eloise and Sean truly regretted and felt bad about their actions after. However, they were now…

‘Mom and Dad.’

Madeline’s eyes burned as she thought of her late parents.

Ava looked up to meet Madeline’s reddened eyes and thought of Eloise and Sean as well. She quickly changed the subject. “Let’s not think about sad things anymore, okay, Maddie?

“Didn’t you say you want to buy Ryan a birthday present? Let’s go pick something out from a branded store. I want to buy something for Dan as well.”

Madeline snapped back to reality and stared at Ava with a serious look. “There’s no reason why any mother wouldn’t love their child, Ava.”

“I know what you’re trying to say, Maddie. I also want to believe th