CHAPTER 124 DESIRE'S CLAW

Madeline tried to push aside her frustration and initiate a conversation, hoping to reconnect with Ethan and end the night spicily. "I had a great day today. I met my new neighbor, Susan Fraser, and we hit it off. We talked for a couple of minutes, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know her better." Ethan nodded absently, his eyes fixed on his phone as he scrolled through emails or social media. "That's great, Madeline. Good for you." Madeline felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped to share her excitement with him, to tell him more about Susan and their conversation, and then shift the conversation to something more romantic, but Ethan's disinterest was palpable. She tried again, attempting to draw him into the conversation. "Susan and I were talking about the local art scene, and I realized I've been missing out on so much since we moved here. I'm thinking of taking a painting class or joining a book club to meet more people. What do you think?" Ethan grunted a r