Chapter - [ 2 ]

Six years later…

[ Madeline Parker ]

“It’s now or never, Maddie.” I chanted this mantra to myself as I stood before the tall skyscraper, the headquarters of the Wesley Groups.

My palms were sweaty as I anticipated everyone’s reaction, especially Logan’s. I haven’t seen my husband in long eight years and only I know how excruciating these eight years had been for me. I kept my promise and gave him time to study, root in his career and thrive but finally my patience ran thin. I can’t wait any longer to see my husband and be with him.

Today’s day is more special because today, it’s our sixth wedding anniversary and I’ll surprise him with my visit.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way inside the magnificent building. Everything screams wealth and power. The high class employees in expensive suits rushed in every direction. I rarely visits my father’s office since I opted a doctor’s career. I want to focus on my dream career first before I step into business.

I walked to the reception and cleared my throat to gain the attention of the receptionists, there were five.

“Good morning, I am Madeline Wes-” I paused as I realised what I was about to blurt out, our marriage is a secret. I should respect our mutual promise. They gave me a weird look.

“I am Madeline Parker and I am here to meet Mr. Logan Parker.” I told her.

“Mr. Parker isn’t someone who lives next door to you, Miss Parker. First confirm your appointment through our website then we’ll provide you a particular time slot. You may leave now.” One of them said to me very rudely.

I rolled my eyes before pulling out my id card. It’s very common at every work place where receptionist are bitches. I hate to brag about my family but I thought I had no other option left except to reveal my true identity.

“I am Madeline Parker, daughter of Mason Parker, the CEO of Skylark Group, the second biggest businessman of the city.” I introduced myself and slapped my id on the desk. She checked my id and her eyes widened in horror.

“We’re so sorry, Ma’am. We thought you were one of his obsessed, crazy fans who came here to create a scene. Please, hold for a moment. I’ll ask Mr. Wesley’s secretory to confirm whether he’s free or in a meeting.” She quickly grabbed the intercom while shaking.

“Ma’am, Mr. Wesley is free for now. You can take the private elevator, it’s in the left.” She showed me the direction. I took my id from her and walked towards the elevator with a high head.

Many emotions and thoughts were swirling inside me. my heartbeats had been rocketed up. I saw him on the cover pages of business magazines only because he doesn’t use social media or give interviews except it’s about business. The ding of elevator pulled me out of my own world and with shaky legs, I walked out, it was an isolated floor where his office is located. The interior astonished me. I somehow made a neutral face and clutched my bag. I walked to the desk where a middle aged woman was sitting. I approached her.

“Excuse me, I am Madeline Parker, I am here to meet Mr. Logan Wesley, its really important. Can I see him now? Actually, I and Mr. Logan haven’t met in years so I want to surprise him.” I asked her politely and she raised her face from the computer screen. Her face contoured a shocked expression which confused me.

“Sorry, Miss Parker, Mr. Logan can’t meet anyone right now. He is with someone and he strictly asked me not to send anyone inside.” She said in an apologetic tone.

“But the receptionist said that he’s free and I can meet him?” I frowned, my stomach sank.

“He was free two minutes ago but now, he’s with his wife. Sorry, Miss Parker but he hates when I interrupt him whenever he is with his wife. You can wait here until she comes out.” She replied.

I felt like my ears misheard or I was hallucinating.

Did I hear her saying ‘his wife’?

“Excuse me, Mam but did you just mention his wife?” I asked her to confirm that it was just a misunderstanding. My heartbeats rose, my legs became weak.

“Yes, but why are you asking? Everyone knows in the city that he’s married for three years. Don’t you live in this city?” She asked me back with a small smile but she had no idea how I felt.

I was frozen on my spot. My senses went numb. Either it was a nightmare I was living or a harsh reality which I am about to face.

“No! It’s not possible! He can’t marry someone else. I am his wife and we love each other. You’re lying or he’s only teasing me like always.” I shook my head in denial and rushed towards his office.

“Miss Parker, stop!” She yelled from behind but I didn’t listen.

I pushed the door open and what I had witnessed, it was worse than dying a very painful death.

There was a half naked woman riding on the man whom I loved in every single second of my life and dreamt our reunion.

The sudden commotion forced them to pull away. Same green eyes which made me fall in love with their owner found mine and they dilated. He pushed the woman away and zipped his pants hurriedly while the woman wore her clothes.

“Who the hell are you and how dare you to walk inside like this?” She yelled at me but I couldn’t move or react, my vision became blurry with warm tears.

“Madeline?” He uttered my name in surprise.

“Logan, do you know her?” The woman, probably his wife asked him.

“Who is she, Logan?” I pointed my finger at the woman while trying my best to not cry and act strong.

“What kind of a stupid question is this? I am his wife, Kate Wesley.” She woman who was touching up her makeup answered me with a smug look.

“Then who I am to you, Logan? Tell me that it’s a joke. I will forgive you but believe me, it’s really heartbreaking. Please, stop teasing me and ask her to leave.” I broke into tears and took slow steps towards my husband.

“Logan, I have enough. I am calling the security now. How could they let this lunatic enter in your office?” The woman yelled and grabbed her phone but Logan showed her his palm.

“Wait a moment, Kate. I know her. I can handle this matter. Please, go home. I’ll see you in evening.” He said softly to her and it broke me how my own husband treats another woman and acted strangely with me like we met for the first time.

“No, I am not leaving but this crazy bitch.” She pointed her painted nail at me with fury in her eyes.

“Stay here, Mrs. Wesley and listen to what your husband has to say.” I chuckled sarcastically, no matter how badly my heart was bleeding, he was only concerned about her.

“Logan, what’s going on in here? How can she call you her husband and aren’t you throwing her out of here?” Kate groaned, her anger was visible. She wasn’t wrong either.

“Madeline, can we sit and talk in a civil manner?” He asked me in a distant tone.

Those green eyes which used to harbour warmth for me, now seemed empty. I felt like I was talking to a complete stranger.

“I have seen and heard enough, Logan. You asked me to keep our marriage a secret because you wanted us to focus on our studies and career. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to wait for you in a hope that one day, my sacrifice will be rewarded and you’ll come back to me? And you paid me like this?” I accused him while tears flew uncontrollably from my eyes.

“What nonsense! My husband would never marry someone like you.” Kate taunted me.

“Madeline, we were never married officially. I had to agree to my grandfather’s last wish because I couldn’t refuse him. I always loved you as my best friend but there were never romantic feelings attached. I thought you were smart enough to understand when I broke all contacts with you. Kate is my wife. The sooner you accept, the lesser you’ll feel bad.” He said without any remorse.

He crushed my heart under the brutal ridicule of his heartlessness.