Chapter - 1

[ Madeline ]

“Ma’am, Mrs. Rosewood is here. She is expecting to meet you.” A maid informed me.

My nervousness grew more. This day should be filled with joy and celebration but for me, it’s like any other day filled with only loneliness and empty hopes. To add more to my agony and burden of being worthless, my mother-in-law visited our house.

Facing Lydia Rosewood is another challenge. The woman had turned colder towards me with passing time. I thought I could win her heart with all the efforts I put to become a suitable daughter-in-law for the prestigious Rosewood family but the stone can never melt.

“Please, offer her some refreshment. I’ll be there in a moment.” I masked my sadness from the sympathetic eyes of my maid. They all know how my life has been for last three years.

“I am sorry, Ma’am but she seemed impatient and demands your immediate presence. Miss Parker is also with her.” She said and it was enough to catch my attention. My heart started beating faster.

“You mean Rachel Parker?” I asked.

She silently nodded her head and I was already on my way to the living room. My mother-in-law was here with her favourite person means a bad news waiting for me. Their combination is fatal.

I saw Mrs. Rosewood with Rachel, the woman who is my living nightmare. They were talking in whisper. Their attention turned to me when they heard my footsteps.

“Good evening, Mother.” I greeted Mrs. Rosewood with respect but ignored Rachel.

“My son isn’t here yet. It’s almost ten in the night, Madeline. It’s your third marriage anniversary but I don’t see my son here celebrating it with you. You know what does it mean? He wants to get rid off you. Why are you sticking in this dead marriage?” Her words were laced in venom. She always hurt me with her words, always expressing her hatred for me because her son chose me over her lists of ‘rich and suitable’ wife candidate.

“He must be busy in work, Mother. He’ll come soon.” I said but it was as hollow as my confidence because I hardly see or interact with my husband.

“Live in the reality, Madeline. Damian doesn’t love you anymore. He is humble enough to allow you to stay in his house but I advise you to leave him so he can start a new life with Rachel. Our family needs an heir which you failed to give us. Spare us, Madeline. Rachel will give him a family.” Lydia Rosewood said harshly while the witch smirked behind her.

Infertile

This word stabs hard and leaves a deep scar every time I am reminded of being an infertile woman who can’t give my husband a child. Initially, he used to give me comfort and said it didn’t affect him and I should also not pay attention to what others say and focus on our marriage but slowly, he drifted away from me, our interactions became lesser and lesser since Rachel’s father became his business partner and Rachel too active parts in meetings both in city and overseas. Their close photos flooded the internet. A few times, I confronted him but we ended up arguing and him leaving me to deal with my pain.

The rumours of them being together reached me yet I chose to believe my husband but now my hope is fading away so is my patience.

“Mother, I am not leaving Damien. We love each other and there are advanced medical technologies to have a child. Please, give us some more time. I’ll give you an heir by the end of the year.” I requested her, trying my best to keep my composure but my words seemed to have opposite effect on her.

“Accept the truth, Madeline. You can not bear a child. You tried through treatments, didn’t you but your reports state that you are an infertile woman. I can’t let my bloodline end because my son is fooled by a cunning fox like you.” She pointed her finger at me, her eyes blazing hatred.

“Madeline, we’re only advising you to leave Damien with respect.” Rachel joined the conversation and it triggered my anger. She had been after my husband for years but he only sees her as a friend,

“Get the hell out of my house, Rachel. A witch like you can only break a home.” I yelled at her and raised my hand to slap her but my wrist was caught by a firm hand and I turned to meet the blank eyes of my husband whose face was red with anger.

“How dare you to raise your hand on Rachel, Madeline?”

I was left stunned. Damien never called me by my full name. I never heard him raising his voice on me let alone grabbing my hand for another woman.

“Da..mie...Damien.” I fumbled with words.

My vision blurred with fresh tears. My worst fear was mirroring in his actions and expressions.

“I have tolerated you for a long time, Madeline. I thought it was your depression but I was wrong. You’re the worst person I have ever met. How can you keep double face all this time? I was a fool who believed you were different.” Damien spitted harsh words, slicing my heart into million pieces.

“Damien, what are you saying? I know this woman is manipulating your brain against me.” I pointed my finger accusingly at Rachel who acted like an innocent puppy in front of Damien.

“I haven’t done anything, Madeline, you are misunderstanding my pure friendship with Damien. Yes, I do like him but I always respected his decision.” Rachel cried crocodile tears.

“Shut up! Stop this drama because I know you want my husband but I am not letting you succeed in your plans, Rachel Parker.” I yelled at her. My angry tears were flowing uncontrollably.

“Madeline, drop this act now because your real face is revealed to me. You never loved me but you did everything to suck on my wealth. You married me for money and my title. I hopelessly loved you but you weren’t worth of it. So, I have decided to end this toxic marriage today.” He said and threw some papers on the table.

“Wh..what do you mean?” I was unable to speak because I was confused. What made him think of me as a cheater and gold digger.

“Sign these divorce papers and

leave, Madeline. I don’t want to see your face ever again.”