Chapter 13 •A Surprise Gift•

Maddie’s day was dragging, the hum of the office air conditioning a constant companion as she typed out emails. Every now and then, she glanced at the clock, counting down to the break she so desperately needed.

The steady pace of work had provided a welcome distraction from the unease she’d been feeling lately. But by mid-morning, her mind was beginning to wander again, drawn to the familiar weight of her phone buzzing in her pocket.

She pulled it out, her lips curving upward when she saw Ethan’s name.

Ethan: You survive another Monday yet, or do you need me to come rescue you?

Maddie couldn’t help but laugh. His messages always had that sarcastic edge to them, but she’d never admit how much she looked forward to them.

Maddie: Surviving, barely. Wouldn’t mind a rescue mission, though.

Ethan: Well, lucky for you, I’m a professional at this. How about I meet you for a break? I’ve got something for you.

Her curiosity piqued, and Maddie quickly checked the time. There was a little gap in her schedule, so she texted back.

Maddie: Sounds good. I’ll meet you outside in 15.

When Maddie stepped outside to meet Ethan, the cool breeze hit her face, offering a much-needed respite from the stuffy office. Ethan was already waiting by his car, leaning casually against the door with that signature grin of his.

“There she is,” he said, straightening up. “I was starting to wonder if you’d make it out alive.”

“Just about,” Maddie replied, her smile easy. “What’s this surprise you’ve got for me?”

Ethan reached into his bag and pulled out a small box, handing it to her with a flourish. Maddie raised an eyebrow but took the box from him.

She opened it, and her heart melted when she saw the keychain—a little cartoon version of Socks, black with white paws, a tiny red collar around its neck.

“I know it’s late,” Ethan said, scratching the back of his neck. “But I figured it was better late than never. Congratulations on the job, Maddie.”

Her eyes softened, and she hugged the keychain to her chest. “Ethan, this is adorable. Thank you.”

He grinned. “It’s nothing. Socks deserves a tribute. I’m just glad you’re doing so well at the office.”

Maddie laughed softly, feeling a warm rush of affection for Ethan. “You really know how to make my day.”

They chatted for a few more minutes, sharing a laugh over how much Socks had already taken over Maddie’s life. It felt so easy, so comfortable—like everything in the world was just right for this moment.

By the time Maddie got home that evening, the weight of the day was still there, but the gift from Ethan had lifted her spirits. She pulled the keychain out of her bag as she walked through the door, smiling at the thought of it.

Mark was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when she entered, his gaze flickering to the keychain.

“What’s this?” he asked, his voice flat but tinged with curiosity.

Maddie paused, debating whether to mention Ethan at all. “It’s just a little gift. From a friend.”

“A friend?” Mark’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t look like something a friend would give.”

Maddie bristled, but she kept her voice calm. “It’s a joke, Mark. A late gift for getting the job.”

He didn’t respond immediately, just continued to stare at the keychain like it was a puzzle he couldn’t quite solve. Maddie could feel the tension building, but she refused to let it escalate.

“Don’t worry about it,” she said, moving toward the bedroom. “I’m tired. I’m just going to take a nap.”

Mark watched her go but didn’t follow. She heard him mutter under his breath, but she ignored it, closing the door behind her.

Socks was already on the bed, curled up in his usual spot. Maddie sat down beside him, running her fingers through his fur as the unease from Mark’s behavior lingered.

The last thing she needed was more conflict, but it was clear that things were slowly shifting in a way that made her feel uneasy. She could almost feel the tension in the house—the way Mark was looking at her, the way he questioned everything.

“Don’t worry, Socks,” she whispered, settling beside him. “We’ve got each other.”

The small sound of the cat purring was the only comfort she needed as she closed her eyes and let herself drift into a quiet, unsettled sleep.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***