Reborn to my engagement night by Baxter Walters

Chapter 8 No Need For Pretense

Madelyn had no immediate plans to confront Janessa directly.

They had numerous unresolved issues between them, and this moment was merely the tip of the iceberg.

“Janessa, since Sebastian has made the effort to come pick me up, I won’t be staying any longer,” Madelyn stated as she offered a polite smile and casually looped her arm through Sebastian’s.

As they prepared to leave, Janessa hastily reached out and grabbed her, crying out, “Wait!”

Madelyn turned, a look of confusion crossing her face. “What’s the matter? Is there something else?”

Janessa, having finally gotten the opportunity to be close to Sebastian, couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving, especially not with Madelyn. The idea of them together, alone, was intolerable.

With a forced laugh, she quickly improvised, “I noticed you haven’t really been enjoying yourself today. Now that Sebastian is here, and with Christopher around as well, why don’t we all stay a bit longer? We could all have a blast together, what do you think?”

Internally, Madelyn scoffed at the suggestion. Have a blast? she thought derisively. Out loud, she diplomatically responded, “But Janessa, you know that Sebastian has always disliked noisy settings. Perhaps we should reconsider.”

Madelyn was wary of whatever else Janessa might concoct if they lingered. She definitely preferred to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Turning toward Sebastian with a warm smile, she said, “Darling, wait for me here. I’m going to grab my bag.”

Sebastian nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

The corners of Janessa’s mouth twitched involuntarily a few times. She hadn’t anticipated Madelyn declining her invitation. This unexpected defiance left her flustered. What’s going on with Madelyn today?

However, once Sebastian had given his approval, Janessa knew it wasn’t appropriate to press them to stay further.

Remembering the events of the evening, she addressed Sebastian awkwardly, “Sebastian, about what happened tonight, it was a misunderstanding. I must have mistaken someone else for her… But I was just concerned something might happen to Madelyn.”

Sebastian offered Janessa a cold glance but remained silent, dismissing her explanation.

Feeling more unsettled by his reaction, Janessa watched as Madelyn, now with her bag, approached. “We’re heading out now, Janessa. Enjoy the evening,” Madelyn said crisply.

couple intertwined their

there, her fists clenched tightly as her nails dug into her palms. A

beside someone as exceptional as

soft chuckle broke her reverie. “It seems I’ve been involuntarily involved in your scheme,

moment. He was clad in a grey

But I must admit, I didn’t expect you to have feelings for Sebastian! Who would have thought, you like to steal someone

breathing quickened. “Christopher, stop spouting nonsense!” she protested

realize how you look at Sebastian, as if you can’t wait to devour him? Setting me up with Madelyn, that’s for your own benefit, isn’t it?” Christopher laid

was a mix of embarrassment and anger. “What on earth do

replied, “No need for such

instantly cautious. “Collaborate

“It’s quite simple. I want to win over Madelyn, and you have feelings for Sebastian.

that the idea

With her recent

moment of thought, Janessa gave Christopher a nod, her resolve firming. “All right, I’m

night air, Sebastian promptly withdrew his

was undeterred and, with a

go!” Sebastian demanded, a touch of helplessness marking his features as he attempted to

Madelyn’s tone was resolute, her grip firm like an adhesive patch that

her persistence. He realized there was little he could

the air between them was charged with an

stern warning. “Keep your distance from Janessa in the future; she’s not as straightforward as

a surge of emotions

her past life, Sebastian had often issued similar cautions,

hindsight, she recognized that he had been right about Janessa all along. Her previous naivety had made her an easy target

to Sebastian, wrapping her arms tightly around

on Sebastian’s face deepened

a distinct change in Madelyn’s behavior over the past

she was not only affectionate but also surprisingly compliant—behavior that was