feeling of Freedom
Madison woke up to the persistent buzzing of her phone. Still bleary–eyed, she reached for it, struggling against the bright screen. She realized Isabella had bombarded her with messages, worried about her whereabouts since Madison forgot to text her last night about not returning home.
In a daze, Madison reassured Isabella she was okay and claimed she was at her house. After placing the phone back on the nightstand, she tried to drift back to sleep, only to be disrupted again by its buzzing.
This time, it wasn’t Isabella but an email from Blu Ray Films, confirming she had passed the audition and was due to start working at noon. Ethan had come through, fulfilling his promise.
Madison felt relief and joy at landing the job; it meant she could finally earn her own money instead of relying on Ethan’s credit cards during her ongoing divorce. She needed to carve out her own path, both financially and personally.
She placed her phone down on the nightstand and tried to go back to sleep but she couldn’t anymore, she was fully awake now. She laid on the bed for a couple of minutes, trying to plan her day ahead.
Finally, she gave up on trying to sleep and got out of bed. She padded over to the window and opened the curtains, letting the morning light stream in.
The sun was just starting to rise, and she watched as the sky turned from dark to light. A new day was beginning, and it felt like a fresh start. She took a deep breath and smiled.
“It’s such a beautiful view from here” she muttered to herself.
She took a deep breath and headed to the bathroom to take her shower. She had a feeling that today was going to be a good day.
As she got dressed, her phone buzzed again. It was a text from Olivia asking her how she was feeling.
Madison smiled, feeling a bit guilty for lying to Olivia and making her worry.
She replied to her text, letting her know she was feeling better and she would come to see her soon. She decided to dress in a simple but yet stylish outfit. Mostly to avoid bringing too much attention to herself.
She had promised Ethan she would use the Magnifique name and keep a low profile. After that, she did her hair and makeup.
She took one last look at herself in the mirror feeling proud about who stared back at her before she headed downstairs.
“Good morning ma’am.” Evelyn greeted with a bright smile.
“Good morning Evelyn. What’s for breakfast?”
“Pancakes and eggs.
8 The feeling of Freedom
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“Okay”
“Are you going somewhere ma’am?” Evelyn asked as she whisked the eggs.
“Yes I have a couple of errands to run.” Madison replied as she filled her mug with coffee.
While eating her breakfast, Madison found her mind drifting back to the events of a few nights ago. Things had spiraled out of control, especially between her and Ethan.
“Evelyn” she called out
“Yes ma’am.”
“Did you tell Olivia about my divorce with Ethan.” She could see as her shoulders tensed from behind.
“No ma’am.” I would have believed her but her hesitation gave her away.
“Don’t lie to me.” She replied coldly. “I’m going to be staying here from now on and I hope you won’t be reporting my every move to Olivia unless you want to lose your job.”
She turned around to look at me, her eyes wide with fear. “Please ma’am, this job is all I have.”
“Then keep your mouth shut and work.”
After breakfast Madison took the least fancy car she could find and headed to work. She arrived at the studio and was directed to the voice over department. Like she had hoped the rest of her day at work
went on smoothly.
No one suspected a thing about her and everyone was polite and professional.
After work Madison met with Isabella at a restaurant in one of the most expensive hotels in LA. She had set up reservations so they both could celebrate her first day at work.
“You look absolutely stunning.” Isabella said when Madison had reached the table.
“Thank you bells. I was going for a minimalist simple look.”
“Mad! A pink pants suit is what you call simple.”
They both busted into laughter
After ordering their food, Madison was going through her phone when Isabella asked, “So are you going to tell me what happened yesterday.” Her tone was serious.
“Nothing much happened. We went to Olivia’s and then he dropped me home.”
“He dropped you home? I thought you moved out of the house.”
“I did but…”
“Wait, don’t tell me you’re dropping the divorce case.”
“I’m not. It’s just that…”
8 The feeling of Freedom
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“Speak of the devil and he’s here with his little witch.”
Madison followed Isabella’s gaze and saw Ethan entering the restaurant with Maya.
Ethan caught sight of Isabella first before he saw Madison. He looked away, pretending like he hadn’t seen them. She could feel her pulse quicken. She tried to keep her composure, but it was difficult. She
couldn’t believe that Ethan was here, with Maya no less.
“Do you want to leave?” Isabella asked, placing a hand on her arm.
“We can go somewhere else if you want.”
Madison shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’m not going to let them ruin my day.” She forced a smile.” Let’s just enjoy our delicious meal”
“Okay, but if you change your mind“.
The waiter came some minutes later and served them.
Madison’s heart sank as she saw the waiter leading Ethan and Maya towards their direction.
Ethan kept his gaze forward ignoring them while Maya had a little smirk on her face as she passed. She was pointedly mocking Madison.
“What the fuck is so funny you little witch.” Isabella said when she couldn’t take it anymore.
“Excuse me?” Maya said with an innocent look on her face. She had stopped in front of their table, her hand wrapped around Ethan’s.
“You heard me. Your want me to say it louder.” Isabella had stood up now, towering over Maya.
“Isabella please sit down.” Madison said quietly, avoiding Ethan’s gaze.
“Isabella this is a civilized restaurant not just some bar so I’d advise you to act proper.” Ethan said
coldly
“Act properly? That’s rich coming from a guy who came to the exact restaurant where his wife was with his Mistress.”
Ethan looked around hoping no one had heard her but luckily everyone was enveloped in their own
world.
“I’m not his Mistress. We’re just friends.” Maya said defensively.
Madison had enough of what was going on. She stood up and grabbed Isabella by the hand.
“You know what,” she said, facing Ethan. “I’ll take the high road and leave you here, stuck at the restaurant, while Isabella and I head to the bar to let loose and have a drink or two.”
“Yeah and we’re also going to meet that guy I promised to hook you up with.” Ethan’s jaw tensed at what Isabella said.
“Hook up with what guy?” He asked, the anger clear in his voice.
8 The feeling of Freedom
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“That stopped being your business a long time ago.”
“Yeah!” Isabella said, cheering her along.
Madison felt a hint of satisfaction at Ethan’s reaction even though her and Isabella just made all that
up on the spot, it was all worth it seeing how upset Ethan was.
9 What happens in the bar, stays in the bar: The date
