Chapter - 1

[ Madeline ]

“Madeline, I don’t think I can do this more. Let’s face it.” My husband’s cold, flat words sliced my heart.

For a moment, I thought, it was just another nightmare and it’ll be over soon but when he placed divorce papers on my hand, I felt like someone had pushed me off a cliff. Tears blurred my vision and my body begun to shake.

“No! Damien, what are you saying? You know I hate jokes like this.” I shook my head in denial but he stood there with an emotionless face.

“Madeline, this is the best way for both of us. Our marriage is long dead. I am feeling suffocated and I think we deserve a closure so make it easier for us and let’s get divorced. I want to start a fresh life.” He said again breaking my heart with his cruel words.

“I won’t sign them, Damien. I know you are disappointed because I can’t get pregnant but we are trying and I am sure soon, we’ll be blessed with our child. Please, just don’t give up yet.” I begged him. The only thought of leaving Damien made me die from inside.

“Madeline, please, don’t make it hard for us. I have made my mind and I want this marriage to be over. I will give you everything you need even after our divorce. I’ll take your responsibilities but I don’t want to live under the burden of this dead relationship.” He said without faltering, his eyes reflected his determination to end our marriage.

I saw it coming but my silly heart wasn’t ready to accept it.

He served me with divorce ultimatum on the eve of our third marriage anniversary.

“My son is right, Madeline.”

?” I saw Mrs. Rosewood with Rachel, the woman who is my living nightmare.

“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.” Damien’s wo

rds were laced in finality.

I knew his heart won’t melt.