Aww Seven Exes Begged Cute Blocked novel Chapter 53

**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time by Dael Rowan Sire**
**Chapter 53**

The atmosphere of the celebration had shifted from merely uncomfortable to downright unbearable. The clinking of silverware and the muffled chatter around the table felt like a distant echo as I sat there, acutely aware of the weight of expectations hanging in the air.

Aiden’s mother, Mrs. Carter, was practically vibrating with excitement at my presence. She flitted around me during dinner like a hummingbird, her joy palpable, as if nothing had ever changed between us.

“Brooklyn, sweetheart, you must be freezing in that outfit! You know how brutal New York winters can be,” she exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting. “Let’s plan for Aiden to take you to Saks tomorrow. They have the most amazing winter collection!”

I smiled politely, trying to deflect her enthusiasm. “That’s okay, Mrs. Carter. I can easily shop online, or perhaps hit the stores once I’m actually there.”

Her eyes sparkled as she leaned closer to my mom, who sat across the table, her expression a mix of bemusement and resignation. “Oh, Karen, I’ve already got everything ready for Brooklyn! Matching comforter sets, those adorable string lights everyone is raving about, and the warmest North Face jackets. You know how brutal those East Coast winters can be! Don’t worry about a thing!”

Mom shifted uncomfortably in her seat, likely contemplating how all that winter gear would sit unused in sunny California. Despite her internal struggle, she managed to muster a gracious smile and murmured her thanks, but I could sense her discomfort.

Madison, with her flawless demeanor, allowed her perfect smile to falter ever so slightly, but Mrs. Carter remained blissfully unaware of the tension brewing around her.

“Once you both are at Columbia, you’ll be all each other has,” Mrs. Carter continued, her voice turning serious. “Aiden, promise me you’ll look after Brooklyn. No more of this fighting nonsense.”

Aiden rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated. “Mom, come on. She’s not exactly helpless.”

The tension at the table was thick enough to slice through with a knife, and just when I thought it might ease, Madison interjected, her tone dripping with insincerity.

“Don’t worry about him, Mrs. Carter. I’ll take good care of Aiden in New York. Besides, Brooklyn will be far too busy in California to worry about him.”

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