Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 5:

Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs.

“Madeline, you’re back! I’ve missed you so much!” Kathy exclaimed, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was.

Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, “Why are you still behaving like a kid?” Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, “Staying young at heart is nice. I think you’re the only one who truly keeps me close.”

Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline’s words. She stood up beside Derek, saying, “Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!”

Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy’s hard feelings faded. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and it made Derek happy, she should support it.

She was fully on board with cheering for Derek and Madeline to get back together.

After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation. Madeline couldn’t resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease, as if his dreams didn’t match reality.

He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy’s voice cut through.

“Derek, look, isn’t that Norah?”

All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction.

Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd.

Derek knew

by a hefty guy, while a few others wore

it difficult for Derek to read Norah’s expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was

Carter, your wife is

the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, it won’t turn out well for

look at her outfit. She’s

party in the past, I failed to notice how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she’d be this

was always out there, dressing in a way that turned heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek’s not with her anymore, she’ll have to hustle to support herself. She’s sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith’s

friends nodded in agreement and chuckled among themselves. Derek couldn’t hide his annoyance and

talk like that? You’re

words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with

young. No need to be too hard on her,

at Norah, Madeline added, “If Norah hadn’t seen us together today, she wouldn’t have ended up

her choices.” Could Norah, who was naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly

up about Derek’s harsh words and Madeline’s return. The person who had reached out via Joanna hadn’t

Norah snapped, “Get lost, Jordy Smith!” He couldn’t handle the rejection and tried to lay a hand on Norah. “Who do you think you are? Dressed up like a slut, aren’t you here looking for company? I’m more than capable of keeping

as she saw his

a swift elbow to

a few steps

clutched his chin, grimacing

of teeth, he cursed, “Punk! How dare you hit

Jordy let out a howl, then

stood firm, warning, “Try it again, and you’ll lose