MADISON

I found myself seated next to Asher at the back of the classroom, a spot that has now become my new niche.

I struggled constantly to focus on the professor. This is my dream school, and I'm finally a psychology major. I used to think 'biological basis of behavior' was my favorite class until now, when it's hard to concentrate while my view is dominated by Caden in the front row, surrounded by the company he prefers. The girls, the girls, the girls.

They're all around him, staring, smiling, biting their lips.

Shouldn't college be a place for learning, to earn a degree and secure a good job? Well, it depends on one's intent. Perhaps wise men see college as an academic opportunity for young minds, while the girls vying for Caden's attention might have a different kind of education in mind.

I know how it will end; once they all passed from Caden's thing, there will likely be numerous job openings for freshly graduated whores out there.

Maybe I'm not in a position to judge them. Truth be told, I'm no different from them. I can't help but wonder if it's their fault or if Caden was right about my species, because even now, I can't seem to take my eyes off him.

The class was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and I found myself chewing on the cap of my pen.

I've lost count of how many times I've tried to talk to Asher, but fear holds me back. Will it ruin our friendship?

I'm broken in a way I can't share with anyone. I shouldn't be seen as that whore of a sister. Unfortunately, that's what I've become.

After class, I watched Caden leave without a word or even a glance in my direction.

Asher and I parted ways after quickly finishing our homework in his car.

I rode my bicycle to an off-campus restaurant and grabbed hot wings for lunch before heading to work.

I've finished my courses as I promised and have already participated in four in-person therapy supervisions, plus more than five online in a short amount of time. Honestly, it's pretty chill. For now, I just sit around doing nothing because even the groups with minor issues that are used for intern training don't want a senior intern, let alone someone like me with my qualifications still in process. Can't blame them, though. I probably look like I need therapy myself.

When I arrived at my workplace, Julie, the receptionist, was at her desk. For the past couple of days, she's been nothing but kind to me. Reagan mentioned that Julie is a working mother. Despite her husband working at a casino in Nevada and showing up only twice a month or even less, Julie manages to work and care for her twin boys.

I really admire her. I think anyone who gets to know her would say the same; she's already earned my respect.

"Hey, did you check the time? You're four hours late."

My eyes widened, but not as much as they did when I saw Enzo approaching.

My sole responsibility was to be on time, yet I failed to keep track of time.

"Relax, I was joking; you're on time." She blinked, and I laughed-I couldn't help it. She always finds playful ways to reach me. "Now go to your office and wait there. You finally have an appointment today," Julie informed me with a smile.

"You can't be serious right now." My mouth dropped. "How? I mean I should start with minor cases. Is it a minor case? Does Reagan know about this?"

"Well, I am. Someone called and asked for an available therapist. You don't have to worry, their need for counseling aligns with the level you're at. Reagan suggested I list you among the other interns, and the client chose you. So this will be your first trial, and it will be recorded and supervised." She demonstrated with facial expressions and gestures that got me giggling.

"Oh my God, it's my very first session. This is incredible, Julie. I'm so excited." I squealed and jumped on my heels, apologizing with a wave to some patients in the reception area.

"It's quite evident from your big grin." She joked, and I felt heat spreading across my cheeks.

My eyes widened when I noticed Enzo heading our way. I quickly faced Julie and asked, "Is it that obvious?"

"Your entire set of teeth is visible, kid." She had a point; I couldn't stop smiling.

"Oh, right," I mumbled just as Enzo stopped in front of me.

"Madison, I hope you're doing well?" He asked politely.

"Of course, thank you, sir... I mean, Enzo."

Darn it.

He smiled and took out his phone from the pocket of his fairly expensive pants. His fingers tapped on the screen, and with a slight chime, he probably sent something to someone before looking back at me.

"Good. Duty calls." He motioned toward his mobile phone. "When you see my nephew, remind him to consider a promising job."

I offered a polite smile to the generous man. From Monday through Wednesday, he consistently reminded me of his message to Asher. Somehow, I think he meant it, even if he seems to joke about it every time we meet.

I nodded as I watched him leave through the front door before making my way to my office.

Having my own desk is already satisfying, but having my own office feels like a step into adulthood.

Last Sunday, when Caden skipped the family video call, I talked more with Mom and Dad about the community health center. Their pride was evident in their faces. It helped alleviate some of the pain I've been feeling and gave me hope that there's something out there meant for me-a future that Caden can't prevent.

As I settled into my office chair and let out a deep breath, the phone rang.

"Hello, Mademoiselle Thaddeus, your client is here," announced Julie.

"Please, let them in," I replied before hanging up.

Finally, an appointment. My first session is happening right now.

What were the key points again? Reagan said to be empathetic, supportive, and gentle. I dramatically dropped my face onto the desk, taking a deep breath to calm myself. It's just a conversation-listening, processing, and offering helpful advice. It's better than staying at home, drowning in memories of my mistake.

This job has two benefits: not only do I get a monthly salary, with potential for extra earnings once appointments pick up, but it also allows me to escape my painful memories for a few hours.

A knock on the door made me jerk upright.

"Come in," I called to the person on the other side.

Quickly regaining my composure, I sat up straight. When the door opened, the person who walked in was the last person I expected.

My demeanor changed instinctively, and a frown creased my face.

"Get out." Those were the first words I uttered, my frustration evident as I stared at the man nervously standing at the door.

"Madison, please listen to me." Caleb pleaded.

Listen to him? Is he serious? He messed everything up. If he hadn't interfered with Avery, if he hadn't been so reckless, none of this would have happened.

"Get out," I repeated, my heart pounding sickeningly in my chest.

However, as expected, he remains stubborn and refuses to take my dismissal as a sign that I want nothing to do with him.

He takes a few steps forward, hands in his pockets, and swallows nervously.

"I paid for this appointment. You owe it to this organization to be polite to the customers."

What the fuck?

"You've got to be kidding me." I let out an exasperated laugh, sinking into the chair, hoping to wake up from the nightmare my mind seems trapped in.

"All I'm asking is for you to hear me out," he pleads. I can feel his gaze on me, but I choose not to meet the bastard's eyes.

Perhaps facing him is the right thing to do. Eventually, I'll have to confront him, so why not do it now and move past this? It's not like I'm as fragile as I've made myself out to be in the past few days. I used to be strong, and I am strong now. If I'm honest with myself, my behavior hasn't been entirely innocent.

Swallowing the lump I'm throat and suppressing the voice that reminds me of how close we were before his betrayal, I push aside those thoughts that if he hadn't cheated on me we could have been moving forward.

I rise from the chair and circle the table until I'm standing in front of him.

"What do you want?" I ask boldly.

He takes an uncomfortable step back, exhaling before locking his soft eyes onto mine again.

"I can't change what happened, and I have no words to describe how sorry I am..."

"There aren't any," I interject.

"Maddie..."

"Madison." I correct him with raised eyebrows. He pauses, then swallows.

"Madison, I never meant to hurt you. Your brother, Caden, he... He threatened me. I had no choice. I tried to..."

What is he saying?

"Wait, hold on. Caden did what?" My heart skips a beat; I must have heard him wrong.

Caleb rubs his cheeks with his hand, swallowing again before he repeats, "He threatened me. He wanted me to end what we had. I couldn't... I-I wanted to tell you."

"He sent her... He orchestrated it. I should have known it was all part of his scheme. Oh my God." His words reverberate in my mind as I stand there, slowly processing his revelation. "Madison?" He tilts his head, studying my stunned expression.

"I need to leave," I mutter, my wide eyes staring blankly into space.

"We should talk." Caleb's suggestion falls on deaf ears; he's not the person I want to talk to right now.

"I have to go,"

With trembling fingers, I grab my bag and make a swift exit from my office.

I'm oblivious to everything around me; my sole focus is on reaching the exit and then my bicycle.

With my foot on the pedal, I speed toward home.

Cycling, cycling, cycling.

The fury inside me burns intensely, and all I can think about is confronting Caden.

He's the source of all my troubles. He orchestrated my suffering, and now we're caught up in this chaotic mess.

When I reach the building where I live, I storm up the stairwell. The anger fuels me, pushing me to bypass the elevator.

It seems anger can overpower exhaustion. By the time I reach my apartment floor, I'm still driven by this intense rage.

I barge through the front door and stride directly to the door of the idiot's bedroom.

Empty.