CEO's Runaway Lover: My Cold Ex Begs For My Love Again

"If she stays on this project, I'm out." Louis Barrett placed his glass down with controlled force. It wasn't loud, but the message was clear.

The lively chatter and clinking of glasses in the room came to an abrupt halt.

The Dawson Group's production head stiffened mid-motion, drink still in hand, an uneasy smile frozen on his face.

Madelynn Douglas quietly set her utensils aside and lifted her gaze.

Louis-a popular movie star and Caiden Dawson's longtime friend-lounged back in his chair with careless ease. His sunglasses rested atop his head, his shirt casually unbuttoned at the collar. Despite his relaxed posture, his eyes were gleaming with sharp hostility.

His gaze locked onto Madelynn across the table, open disdain evident in his expression.

Danny Willis, Madelynn's direct superior, dabbed at his forehead nervously, forcing a polite smile. "Mr. Barrett, you're acquainted with Madelynn?"

Madelynn remained silent.

Louis let out a short, mocking laugh. "Acquainted? I know her better than I'd like."

His eyes flicked sideways toward the man in a dark gray suit seated nearby. Throughout the entire exchange, he had remained silent and focused on his phone, seemingly detached from everything happening around him.

The man was Caiden, the heir of the Dawson family and the current CEO of the Dawson Group.

It had been four years since Madelynn had last seen him.

Time hadn't changed him much. He still carried that same distant, unapproachable air, an invisible pressure that unsettled everyone in the room.

Danny's anxiety grew, and he shot Madelynn repeated looks, silently urging her to respond.

Madelynn understood exactly what he meant.

This project was the most important contract Infinity Entertainment had secured all year, so losing it wasn't an option.

Drawing a deep breath, she spoke evenly. "Mr. Barrett, we're here for business. If there are personal matters, perhaps we can address them another time."

"Personal matters?" Louis straightened, his tone sharpening. "So you admit it's personal? Then why don't you explain to everyone what exactly I have against you?"

Madelynn gave no response, and her silence only fueled Louis' anger further. "Fine. If you won't speak, I will-"

"Louis."

Caiden finally spoke, cutting him off.

He placed his phone aside, his tone quiet but authoritative.

Louis fell silent immediately, his earlier aggression restrained.

Without sparing Madelynn a glance, Caiden addressed Danny directly, saying, "If you have another producer available, we can proceed with them instead."

Relief flooded Danny's face. "Yes, of course! Please give me a moment, Mr. Dawson. I'll arrange for Miss Abby Thorpe to take over immediately."

As he hurried to make the call, he discreetly tugged at Madelynn's sleeve and whispered, "You should leave."

Madelynn, however, stayed where she was.

Her eyes remained fixed on Caiden, searching for any hint that he might reconsider or explain things to her.

But there was none.

Four years ago, he had ended things with the same indifference-so calm that it made her wonder if what they had shared had ever meant anything.

And now, just one sentence from him was enough to make her lose the project she had been working on for a year.

Madelynn rose to her feet and left.

She didn't say goodbye to anyone, didn't reach for her belongings, and never once looked back.

The corridor stretched ahead, the carpet softening the sound of her steps.

She quickened her pace, but behind her, the room had already returned to its earlier liveliness, laughter and conversation resuming as if nothing had happened.

That only made something inside her sink even deeper.

***

The moment Madelynn stepped out of the restaurant, a late-spring chill swept over her. The night air was sharper than expected, making her instinctively pull her coat closer around herself.

She lingered by the entrance, exhaling softly as she waited for a ride to be accepted on her phone. The screen flickered on and off in her hand-time passing, request after request ignored. Nearly twenty minutes went by. Even after raising the fare, no driver took the job.

The location was too remote. Hardly anyone was willing to come this far out.

She was just about to give up and walk toward the main road, two kilometers away, when a cab finally approached, slowing as it neared her.

The driver rolled down the car window and looked her over before naming his price.

"One hundred dollars."

Madelynn glanced at the meter out of habit. The base fare read fourteen. "It's only about ten kilometers to the hospital in the city," she said calmly.

The driver scoffed, cigarette hanging loosely from his lips, "Doesn't matter. I had to come all the way out here on my own. You think that's free? A hundred. Take it or leave it."

Madelynn slipped her phone back into her pocket.

That amount could cover two days of her mother's care.

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

"Hey! Miss!" the driver called after her.

She ignored him, her heels striking the pavement in crisp, echoing clicks.

After a short distance, discomfort began to set in at the back of her feet. The shoes, bought for last year's company gala after weeks of hesitation, had barely been worn. They weren't really comfortable.

She should have chosen something practical.

The thought had just crossed her mind when a pair of bright headlights stretched her shadow across the road from behind.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom soon came to a smooth stop beside her.

The window slid down, revealing Louis leaning out, wearing a smirk. "What a coincidence. Stuck without a ride?"

Madelynn didn't even spare him a glance and kept walking forward.

The car crept alongside her.

"You sure you don't want a lift? Plenty of room up front," Louis continued casually.

Madelynn stopped.

Front seat. That meant Caiden.

Still facing forward, she answered flatly, "I'll pass. I prefer walking."

"In those heels? And for ten kilometers?" Louis raised an eyebrow.

"I don't mind."

Louis looked like he was about to keep pushing when a quiet voice came from inside the car.

"Let's leave." Caiden's tone was calm, carrying no trace of emotion.

Louis shrugged, leaning back into his seat.

Moments later, the car rolled forward, passing Madelynn and disappearing down the road at an unhurried pace.

Madelynn stood still for a moment, watching the red taillights fade into the distance.

Then, she turned around. Retracing her steps, she returned to the waiting cab and pulled the door open.

"A hundred dollars, right?" she said. "Let's go."

The driver blinked, clearly caught off guard, before hurriedly putting out his cigarette and starting the engine.

After a while, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror, curiosity getting the better of him. "Those guys from earlier... you know them?" he asked.

That kind of car wasn't something one could see every day; only the wealthy rode in those.

Madelynn leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.

"No," she replied, her voice distant.

Madelynn's mother, Ellie Douglas, had been hospitalized for nearly three weeks this time.

By the time Madelynn pushed open the door that night, it was already close to ten. Ellie was still awake, leaning comfortably against the headboard, eyes glued to some dating show. A pile of pistachio shells littered the blanket around her.

"Why are you here this late?" Ellie glanced at the clock before turning to Madelynn. "Don't you have work in the morning?"

Madelynn didn't answer right away. She set a thermos down on the table and began cleaning up the mess on the bed. "You shouldn't be eating so many of these," she said. "They're not good for your throat."

Ellie shrugged, unconcerned. "Then bring me some lemon honey water tomorrow. That'll fix it."

Her eyes remained on Madelynn, her gaze sharpening as she took in her daughter's tired face. "You look worn out. Rough day at work?"

"No."

Ellie tilted her head. "Trouble with someone at the office?"

Madelynn replied, "Nothing like that."

A knowing look crept into Ellie's eyes. "Then you must have crossed paths with someone you didn't want to."

Madelynn's hands stilled at that.

Ellie lowered the TV volume with a quiet sigh. "Four years has passed," she murmured. "And every time you make that face, I know exactly why."

She knew the whole story of what had happened between Madelynn and Caiden four years ago.

"Mom, don't read into things," Madelynn said, though her tone lacked conviction.

Ellie arched an eyebrow. "Read into things? Just look at yourself. Your expression has given you away."

She paused for a second. Then, her voice softened. "Maybe I've been burdening you all these years."

Madelynn tossed the last of the shells into the bin, her tone turning flat. "If you keep saying things like that, I won't come tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll stop," Ellie said quickly, patting the space beside her. "Come sit for a while."

After a brief hesitation, Madelynn sat down. Ellie reached out and took her hands.

Ellie's fingers were thin and slightly misshapen from age, yet the warmth in her palms hadn't faded.

After a moment, she spoke again, more carefully this time. "How is he now?"

Madelynn's gaze dropped. "He's doing well," she said. Then, after a pause, added quietly, "Wealthier than before."

Ellie studied her in silence, her expression unreadable. She said after a long while, "Yet you are still wearing the same coat from years ago."

Madelynn had no answer.

"It hurts to see you like this," Ellie continued gently. "When you were with him, at least you didn't have to worry about money. But after the two of you separated... you've been living like this ever since."

"I'm really fine," Madelynn replied.

"Fine?" Ellie's tone sharpened slightly. "I saw your medical report. Stomach ulcer, low blood pressure, anemia... Joyce told me everything. She even said you're the one who should be in a hospital bed."

Madelynn fell silent.

Ellie squeezed her hands lightly, as if steadying herself before speaking again. "Actually... back then, someone from the Dawson family came to see me."

Madelynn's head lifted abruptly, her eyes widening in surprise.

"It happened during your third year at university," Ellie began slowly. "Your grandmother was in critical condition. You stayed at the hospital for a full week; your phone was turned off the entire time. During that period, a woman came to see me. She introduced herself as Caiden's mother. She said she would cover all the medical expenses on one condition. That you leave him."

Madelynn felt her chest tighten, her voice barely steady. "Why didn't you tell me back then?"

Ellie gave a bitter smile. "And what would that have changed? So you could confront the Dawson family? At the time, your grandmother needed surgery immediately, and we had no way to afford it. Your father was gone, and I... I couldn't carry everything on my own."

Her eyes turned red with tears. "If there's anyone I've wronged the most in this life, it's you."

Madelynn tightened her hold on Ellie's hands.

Memories surfaced unbidden-Caiden's expression from that year. The coldness, resentment, and disappointment on his face.

She hadn't tried to explain.

She couldn't.

What was she supposed to say? That his family had paid her off to walk away from him?

The sum had gone straight into the hospital, buying her grandmother two more years to live.

Even now, she couldn't decide whether that decision had been right.

All she knew was that she never wanted to see that look in Caiden's eyes again.

The next morning, Madelynn went to work. She stepped into the elevator and found Abby already inside.

Abby stood there in towering heels, dressed to impress, her presence announced by the overpowering scent of perfume. A brand-new designer tote hung from her arm, one Madelynn had noticed in a boutique before. It cost more than half a year's rent for someone like Madelynn.

Without even looking at Madelynn, Abby spoke while checking her reflection in the mirrored doors. "I heard you got rejected by the Dawson Group on the spot yesterday. That must've been embarrassing."

Madelynn remained silent.

Abby smirked faintly. "Honestly, I'm not surprised. People like you rely on appearances to get ahead. Once that doesn't work, there's nothing left but humiliation."

The elevator doors slid open.

Madelynn stepped out, her tone calm but cutting. "Instead of worrying about me, maybe focus on your own work. Your team has ranked last for three months straight, hasn't it?"

Abby's expression stiffened instantly, her face turning dark.

Later that morning, Madelynn was called into Danny's office.

The moment the door closed behind her, Danny sighed heavily. "Madelynn, how long have you been working under me now?"

"Four years," Madelynn replied.

"Four years," Danny repeated, shaking his head. "You've always been reliable-capable, steady, and good with clients. I've considered promoting you more than once. But what happened yesterday-"

"Mr. Willis, I'll take full responsibility for that," Madelynn interjected before he could continue.

Danny waved a hand, dismissing the idea. "No need for that. I know exactly what kind of person Louis is."

He paused, then added more seriously, "The real issue is that the Dawson Group still expects an explanation."

Madelynn didn't respond.

Danny opened a drawer, took out an envelope, and slid it across the desk toward her.

"Why are you giving me this envelope?" Madelynn asked, her brows tightening slightly.

Danny tapped the envelope in front of him. "The Dawson Group is holding the quarterly meeting tomorrow. I need you to deliver a written apology to them. You won't have to meet anyone; just leave it at reception."

He paused for a moment. "It's nothing more than procedure. Once that's done, the matter should settle itself."

Madelynn looked at the envelope but made no move to pick it up.

"I understand this feels unfair," Danny said, his tone gentler now. "But that's the nature of this industry. When the client asks for something, we comply. Just consider it helping the company."

After a brief pause, Madelynn reached out and took the envelope.

However, instead of heading back to her desk, she went straight downstairs.

It was a little past eleven when her taxi pulled up outside the Dawson Group building.

Inside, the receptionist, a young woman, straightened the moment Madelynn mentioned Caiden's name. Her expression immediately turned cautious. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Madelynn replied. "Just please give this to him."

She had just placed the envelope on the counter when someone called out behind her.

"Miss Douglas?"

She turned around.

Standing near the elevator was Jed Rogers, his expression stiff with recognition and something close to reluctance.

As Caiden's assistant, he had interacted with her often in the past.

"I'm only here to drop something off," Madelynn said, indicating the envelope. "Since that's done, I'll be leaving now."

"Hold on." Jed stepped closer, his gaze dropping briefly to the envelope. Noticing it hadn't been sealed, he raised a brow. "An apology letter?"

Madelynn didn't deny it, saying nothing.

Jed fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Mr. Dawson is currently in a meeting. You can wait upstairs."

"That won't be necessary."

"It is," Jed said, his tone gaining a firmer edge. "You know how Louis behaves. If this isn't resolved today, he'll keep making an issue of it. That would complicate things for Mr. Dawson."

Madelynn looked at him quietly.

Jed avoided her eyes, saying, "Come with me."

The twenty-eighth floor hadn't changed. Everything looked exactly as it had years ago.

Madelynn found herself standing in the hallway outside the break room, with nowhere to sit and not even a glass of water offered.

Jed had told her, "Please wait here for a moment," but never returned.

She remained by the wall as time dragged on-ten minutes, then twenty, thirty...

A familiar, gnawing pain began to coil in her stomach.

She hadn't eaten breakfast that morning. And the night before, she had barely managed a few spoonfuls of soup.

It was a habit her body had never forgotten-something left over from those years when she juggled multiple jobs and ate only when she could.

Things had improved once, briefly. Back when she was with Caiden, he had been almost obsessive about her meals, making sure she ate on time, even arranging for food to be delivered to her at school.

During that time, the pain had nearly disappeared.

But after they parted ways, it came back as if it had been waiting.

Madelynn pressed her back against the wall and closed her eyes, steadying herself. Just ten more minutes, she decided. If Caiden didn't come out by then, she would leave.

The minutes slipped by.

She opened her eyes.

At the far end of the corridor, the conference room doors swung open. A group of executives stepped out, their polished appearances and composed expressions marking the end of the meeting.

Caiden emerged last, walking alongside someone as he listened, his posture relaxed yet distant.

Then, almost as if something had drawn his attention, he looked up.

From across the wide hallway, his eyes found Madelynn. For a fleeting second, he paused.

And then, just as quickly, he looked away. His conversation resumed, his steps continuing toward his office as though nothing had happened.

Madelynn didn't move.

She watched him getting closer and closer until he passed by her completely, without a glance, without a pause, as if she were no more significant than the décor lining the walls.

Her fingers tightened around the envelope.

"Mr. Dawson," she called out.

Though Caiden stopped, he didn't turn.

"What is it?" His voice was calm and detached.

"I came here to apologize."

"For?"

"For yesterday. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

Silence lingered between them for a few seconds.

Then, Caiden finally turned.

His gaze settled on Madelynn, scanning her face before drifting downward, pausing at the box of stomach medication peeking out from her coat pocket.

He then looked back up.

Her pale complexion said enough.

"So this is your way of apologizing?" he asked.

Unaware of what Caiden had noticed, Madelynn met his tone with equal indifference. "If there's a specific way you prefer, I can follow it."

That answer caught Caiden off guard.

For a moment, it seemed as if he might respond, something flickering in his expression, but it disappeared soon.

In the end, he simply extended his hand. "The letter."

Madelynn placed the envelope into his palm.

He didn't open it. Just held it there.

"Anything else?" he asked.

"No."

With that, Madelynn turned immediately, heading toward the elevator.

She had only taken a few steps when his voice came again. "Madelynn."

She stopped but didn't look back.

"I've accepted your apology letter." There was a short pause before he added coldly, "Don't appear in front of me again."

For a second, Madelynn was stunned.

Then, without turning around, she replied quietly, "Understood."

Right then, the elevator doors slid open, and she stepped inside.

Even as the doors closed, she kept her eyes forward, not looking back.