Chapter 19: Giving him a try

Sweet talk no longer had the power to sway Madison. Yet, faced with Mark's earnestness, she found herself saying, "We could give it a try, maybe." Mark broke into a wide grin upon hearing her agreement, his words jumbling together in his excitement. "I promise not to let you down. Just trust me on this." A smile crept onto Madison's face as well. "Alright." "I guess I should head out now." But as Mark turned to leave, Madison called out to him, "I've been meaning to give this to you. I got it before I came to see you. After the fancy necklace you gave me, I thought I should give you something too." She looked into the bag she was carrying over her shoulder, pulled out a tie neatly packed in a clear bag, and handed it to him. You didn't need to worry yourself," Mark told her upon seeing the bag. I know it's a long stretch from the necklace; I just wanted to give you something back." Mark cherished the tie she gave him, holding it dearly. "Your gift has really touched