279 THE SEARCH

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the table, highlighting the nervous tremor in Madison's hands. Across from her, Ethan sat stiffly, his usual warm gaze replaced by a guarded coolness. A perfectly roasted chicken, their favorite, sat untouched amidst a spread of other dishes—a testament to the dinner's strained atmosphere. Taking a deep breath, Madison pushed her chair back slightly. "Ethan, please. Let me talk." Ethan's jaw clenched, but he remained silent. "This," she gestured at the candlelit table, "isn't how I wanted this night to go. I... I owe you an apology." A flicker of surprise crossed Ethan's face, a momentary thaw in his icy demeanor. "For everything," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "For being... well, for being a jerk, honestly. I know I haven't been myself lately." Ethan finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "No, you haven't." "It's Maya, isn't it?" Madison blurted it out, surprising even herself. The name hung heavy in th