CHAPTER 385: WRONG ACT AT THE WRONG TIME

A dull ache throbbed in George's temple as the doorbell pierced the afternoon quiet. He shuffled to the door, expecting the repair guy for the leaky faucet. Instead, his gaze collided with Maddy standing on the porch, a hesitant smile plastered on her face. Years had etched lines around her eyes, lines that weren't there the last time he saw her. Anger, a white-hot poker, jabbed at his gut. He clenched his fists, the knuckles turning bone-white. But George wasn't a man of impulsive outbursts. He plastered on a mask of indifference, a slow, chilling smile curling his lips. "Maddy. What a surprise." His voice was a low rumble, devoid of warmth. Oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface, Maddy took a hesitant step forward. "Hey, George. Can I come in? “Her voice once filled with practiced confidence, now held a tremor of uncertainty. George stood planted in the doorway like a jailer blocking her escape. His gaze raked over her, taking in every detail - the fidgeting that betra