CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX: GETTING CLARITY

The soft morning light filtered through Madeline's curtains, gently nudging her into consciousness. As she slowly opened her eyes, the hazy memories of the previous night flooded back. There she was, nestled in Jake's arms. Panic and embarrassment surged through her.

"Oh no," she muttered under her breath, covering her face with her hands as if trying to shield herself from the reality of the morning. Jake, sensing her discomfort, began to stir. His eyes flickered open, meeting Madeline's wide-eyed gaze. A playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Good morning," he greeted, his voice warm with amusement. Madeline mumbled a strained greeting, still hiding behind her hands. "Morning. Um, about last night..." Before she could finish her sentence, Jake burst into laughter. "You're adorable when you're flustered," he teased, pulling her hands away gently."that's not what I'm talking about. I saw jake, at the party last night, what was that. I just need to be sure" There's a brief p