CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: BITTERSWEET REMINDER

The awkward silence that followed Madeline's confession lingered like a heavy cloud over the dinner table. Sensing the need to break the tension, Madeline's parents turned their attention to Marie's new boyfriend, Ashton. "So, Ashton," her father began, attempting to shift the focus, "tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do?" Ashton, maintaining a calm demeanor, smiled. "Well, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, I'm currently in college, studying computer science. I'm also handling one of my father's companies, although my dream is to start my own programming company someday." Madeline's parents exchanged surprised glances. "That's quite impressive, young man. Hardworking and ambitious," her mother noted. Ashton nodded appreciatively. "Thank you. I believe in working hard for what you want." Curiosity piqued, her father continued, "And how did you meet Marie?" Marie couldn't resist jumping into the conversation, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Oh, it's a romantic tale, really. Remember th