Chapter 407: Reluctance to Part
A few days later, their trip to Ballas Island ended. After having such a wonderful time, Madelyn felt physically and emotionally fulfilled, her mood significantly uplifted. Sebastian felt the same way; despite working on his laptop during their stay, escaping the city and spending quiet days with Madelyn had greatly improved his spirits.
Following this, the two returned home. Madelyn, lugging her suitcase, arrived brimming with uncontainable joy. While settling her luggage, a phone call came through.
Madelyn answered, chuckling. โHey, Jillian! Whatโs up? Are you missing me?โ
Jillian, sensing her good mood, smiled. โYes! Iโve been missing you. But I called to tell you Josiahโs enlisting in the military in a couple of days. I was thinking we should throw him a farewell party tonight.โ
Madelyn immediately agreed. โSure! Let me tidy up, and weโll meet tonight.โ
โAll right, Iโll wait for you.โ Jillianโs voice was full of joy. The call ended.
Madelyn turned to Sebastian on the couch. โSebastian, I have something to attend to tonight, so I wonโt be home for dinner. Remember not to starve yourself.โ
Sebastian raised an eyebrow and glanced at her, nodding nonchalantly.
That night, after tidying up, Madelyn headed out. The event was held in a premier private room at Elite Club. By the time she arrived, the place was buzzing with activity. Jillian, Tristan, and all of Josiahโs friends were there.
Josiah, the center of attention, was continuously encouraged to drink.
One friend toasted him: โCome on! Josiah, weโve known each other for years. Bros before hoes! Weโve been through a lot togetherโbrawls, drinks, nonsense. Youโre joining the military, and as your buddy, Iโll support you no matter what. Hereโs to you! May your future be bright and prosperous!โ
The atmosphere was electric. Madelyn smiled in satisfaction. Although Josiah had been a troublemaker, his friends seemed genuinely honorable.
Jillian, seeing Madelyn, greeted her joyfully, โMadelyn, youโre here!โ
โAm I late?โ Madelyn asked apologetically.
โNo! Weโve only just started,โ Jillian said sweetly. โBut Josiahโs been waiting for you. Heโs been rather absent-minded.โ
โReally? He seems to be enjoying his drinks, though,โ Madelyn chuckled, and they walked over. Josiah had already been coaxed into drinking several glasses of wine.
The alcohol was pleasantly rich, neither too strong nor too weak. Even with Josiahโs tolerance, the continuous onslaught of drinks was overwhelming. Just as someone was about to propose another toast, he waved his hand. โNo more. I really canโt drink anymore.โ
A man shook his head. โThat wonโt do, Josiah. Youโre leaving in a few days. Once youโre in the military, you wonโt have a chance to enjoy a drink. Letโs make the most of today and drink until we drop!โ
โExactly! Drink up! Whatโs there to fear?โ His friends joined the teasing.
Josiah felt helpless. He wasnโt scared; he just disliked drinking himself senseless. Seeing his buddiesโ continued enthusiasm, he didnโt know what to do. If I drink, Iโll pass out. If I donโt, Iโll upset them.
Then, Josiah had an idea. He made Tristan the scapegoat. โStop trying to get me drunk. Let me tell you something. Tristanโs also joining the military. If you guys are going to insist on drinking, include him too, okay?โ
โWhat? Tristan, are you going as well?โ
Everyone looked at Tristan in surprise. They hadnโt expected him to be enlisting as well.
Madelyn was taken aback. Stepping forward, she said, โTristan, why the sudden decision to join the military? Youโve never mentioned this before.โ
The friends were utterly confused. This news was a complete surprise.
Tristan, slightly embarrassed, chuckled. โYou all know I prefer doing everything with Josiah. Now that heโs joining the military, I canโt just do nothing, can I? For years, Iโve done nothing significantโidly enjoying myself or wandering around. Honestly, Iโve grown weary of this lifestyle. After careful consideration, yesterday I sought Old Mr. Blumeโs help. Iโll join the military with Josiah.โ
Tristan looked at them with a self-satisfied expression. โWhatโs with your faces? Canโt I enlist in the military?โ
The crowd shook their heads in disbelief, struggling to accept that the two leaders of their group were enlisting. For a moment, everyoneโs emotions were too complex to articulate.
Everyone was elated; joining the military was a respectable path, a vast improvement over their aimless past. However, a deep sense of reluctance to part filled them. Once in the military, opportunities to meet would be rare; strict management meant seeing each other once or twice a year at most.
Madelyn felt unsettled. Although usually nonchalant, the thought of infrequent future meetings filled her with reluctance. However, there was no point in resisting. Josiah couldnโt continue his aimless lifestyle. His family was military, so joining the army was a natural, destined path. Madelyn couldn't stand by and watch him retrace his previous life.