"You're busy now, so I won't disturb you," Madelyn said.

Ethan turned his attention to her. "You're not curious about what I'm up to?" he asked.

Madelyn was taken aback for a moment. It did not seem necessary for him to tell her what he was dealing with. Besides, she was not one to pry into other people's private matters. Madelyn did not answer his question, she just casually said, "You better get busy. Don't miss your flight."

"Alright. When I get back, I'll bring you a gift." His voice was calm.

Madelyn quickly replied, "No need. You've already given me so much. I can't ask for more."

"Madelyn... Do we really have to be this formal with each other?" His voice held a hint of deeper emotion.

Despite everything, Madelyn always seemed to find a way to turn him down. He had hoped that the events of the previous night would bring them closer, but a single phone call had shifted Ethan's once-positive mood into one of frustration and disappointment.

Madelyn held onto her dress hem. "I