Chapter 409: Her First Kiss

Upon hearing those words, Madelyn felt a pang in her heart and embraced Josiah. "Josiah, why are you so kind to me?" she asked.

After that, with emotion, Madelyn said, "Don't worry. I'll be waiting for your return. You mean more to me than a friend; you're family. Promise me that after you enlist, you'll strive with all your might. Don't drift aimlessly. Be the pride of your family. Stand up for your parents and brothers. Prove yourself stronger than Hayden. Show those who look down on you that you are capable. Please, chase away all past indifference, ridicule, and contempt."

Madelyn spoke these words because she genuinely hoped Josiah would live a brilliant and honorable life. True gold shouldn't be buried; she sincerely hoped Josiah would shine.

"Thank you for your kind words," Josiah replied.

At that moment, Josiah held Madelyn tightly, overwhelmed with emotion but harboring a regret he couldn't voice. Words longed to be uttered, yet he dared not, nor could he. He let them become a gentle breeze, circling in his lungs, blocking his throat and chest, before swallowing them back. At the same time, an unprecedented determination shone in his eyes.

He dared not speak because he felt he wasn't accomplishing much. Even confessing his feelings wouldn't matter if he couldn't make her happy. He decided to wait until he'd achieved his goals before sharing his feelings. Then, it wouldn't be too late.

With that in mind, Josiah released Madelyn. With a smile, he said, "All right, let's head back. We shouldn't keep them waiting."

"All right," Madelyn replied, nodding slightly. They began to walk back.

Halfway there, Madelyn glanced over and saw Tristan and Jillian under a nearby tree, their atmosphere suggestive. Seeing this, Madelyn urged, "Hush!" She took Josiah's hand, and they hid behind a thick tree, eavesdropping.

Tristan said, "Jillian, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time."

"What is it?" Jillian asked, her voice a soft whisper. Fortunately, the night was calm enough for Madelyn to hear.

Unexpectedly, Tristan summoned his courage and shouted, "Jillian, I like you!"

Madelyn, listening from afar, wanted to cover her ears. Tristan, she thought, was making a simple statement sound like a solemn oath.

He continued, "Jillian, I'm telling you now because I'm worried it might be too late. If I didn't tell you I like you, what if I joined the military and you ended up with someone else? What if I returned to find you married? I can't bear the thought. I've never been so fond of someone. Would you be my girlfriend? If you are, I promise I will marry you when I return!"

Though clumsy, his words were endearing. Tristan felt unbearable tension, unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He wondered what he'd do if Jillian rejected him.

Meanwhile, Josiah, nearby, witnessed the scene and cursed inwardly. "That cheeky brat," he thought, "Just wait until I deal with him!"

Madelyn watched, her face adorned with a caring smile. She'd long noticed Tristan's feelings, but it had remained unspoken. Unexpectedly, she witnessed his confession firsthand, satisfying her gossip-loving heart.

Jillian, in contrast, was slow on the uptake. Although Madelyn hinted at Tristan's feelings, Jillian hesitated to believe it. She believed no normal guy would like her. To her surprise, Tristan confessed.

Instantly, Jillian's face flushed crimson. For a moment, she didn't dare to speak.

Seeing her silence, Tristan felt unease. "Is she going to reject me?" he wondered. "After mustering the courage to confess, it would be terribly awkward to be rejected."

For a moment, Tristan felt lost. However, a faint voice said, "Okay."

"W-What?" Tristan questioned, unsure if he'd misheard.

Seeing his uncertainty, Jillian blushed and raised her voice slightly. "I agree to be your girlfriend."

It was as if pink meteors rained down. Tristan was taken aback, then laughed in disbelief. "Jillian, are you serious?"

"Yes," Jillian nodded obediently, her neck and ears deeply flushed.

Tristan was filled with uncontrollable joy. He lifted Jillian into his arms and spun her around. "That's wonderful, Jillian! Absolutely wonderful!"

Jillian laughed, a sound as delightful as silver bells. They were unbearably sweet together.

Madelyn and Josiah smiled, delighted by the scene. Tristan placed Jillian in front of him, wrapping his arm around her waist. He closed his eyes, ready to kiss her.

Jillian was on edge, biting her lip. "This is my first kiss... but it's Tristan, so it's all good," she thought.

Jillian let herself go, closing her eyes and awaiting the kiss.

While they were lost in their own world, Josiah, the mood killer, coughed and rushed out. "Hey! Could you two be a bit more careful on the main road?"