She tried to pull her hand back, but Jeremy did not seem to show any signs of letting go. “Please let go of me, Mr. Whitman.” “I’ll never let you go again.” What? Madeline was shocked at Jeremy’s unexpected confession. She turned to stare at him in confusion, not expecting Jeremy to suddenly pull her into his arms. As she was in her heels, Madeline lost her footing at the sudden tug and fell onto Jeremy. For a split second, she felt the familiar warmth despite their distance. He may have never loved her, but that did not mean nothing had happened between them. Quickly recollecting her emotions, she tried to push herself up only for Jeremy to wrap an arm around her waist. “What are you doing, Mr. Whitman?” As she was feeling uncomfortable, Madeline tried to struggle out of his grasp. Her efforts were futile due to the difference between their strengths. Right then, the hand around her waist suddenly moved upward, pressing Madeline against Jeremy before she realiz
Meredith ran toward them like a madwoman, completely forgetting about her gentle and kind persona in front of Jeremy. She raised the bottle and aimed it at Madeline’s face. In the nick of time, Jeremy raised a hand to stop Meredith. He pulled Madeline behind him. Intoxicated as he may have seemed a moment ago, Jeremy now glared at Meredith with displeasure, completely sober.“What are you doing?” Seeing Jeremy protect Madeline had Meredith struggling to keep her anger in check. However, she also knew that tears and acting weak were the only things she could do in this situation. “I didn’t actually want to hit her, Jeremy. I just don’t want to see this woman always with you.” She complained hurtfully, placing the bottle back down. “Can’t you tell, Jeremy? She even did plastic surgery to look like Madeline so that she can attract your attention. Jeremy, don’t be fooled by this woman.” Jeremy turned to look at Madeline’s flawless skin at the words ‘plastic surgery’. Madel
Jackson’s eyes quickly flitted away upon seeing Meredith’s smile. “I need Dad to sign something.” Meredith smiled warmly as the workbook in Jackson’s hands caught her eyes. “How about I sign it instead?” Jackson pinched the corner of his workbook and turned to look expectantly at Jeremy. “Just let your mom sign it instead. Don’t go to bed too late.” Then, Jeremy closed his room door. Staring at the closed door, all the light in Jackson’s eyes was replaced with unknown fear and darkness. Turning around, he walked quickly to his own room. Rejected by the door, Meredith immediately dropped the smile on her face. Extremely displeased, she marched into Jackson’s room. She kicked the door open right as he was about to close it. The word ‘Mom’ was on the tip of Jackson’s tongue, yet he dared not call Meredith that at all. “What’s wrong, Jack? I’m your mother. Why do you always look so sad every time you see me?” She approached with a smile, only for her expression to shi
“Is it you, Maddie?” Staring seriously at Madeline, Jackson finally mustered the courage to ask. Stunned for a second, Madeline then replied with a smile, “Hey, buddy. I’m Lillian’s mother. I can tell you my name if you want? It’s nice to meet you, I’m Vera Quinn.” She introduced herself with a smile, realizing that Jackson was currently analyzing her. The small face before her eyes was a fair one of exquisite features, a result of Jeremy’s great genes. For some reason, Madeline could not help but feel like there was something deeper and more pressing within Jackson’s onyx orbs. Perhaps it was the light. What issue could such a young child have, anyway? Memories of how Meredith had cut Jackson’s cheek to frame her appeared in Madeline’s mind. She could still remember how freely the blood flowed and how the boy wailed. It must have hurt a lot. Seeing the flawless cheek of his now, Madeline sighed an inexplicable breath of relief. Thank goodness it had not scarred.
“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life. Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature. He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion. Madeline had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends. Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart. However, Madeline’s smile did not last too long. Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive. Perhaps she would be privy to such
The last thing Madeline could ever have expected was Jackson running into her arms, calling her his mom. Jackson must have been feeling terrified and insecure. He buried his tiny physique deep into her arms. It was as if the only way to lessen his fear was to hold her tight with both his hands while his eyes remained shut. Madeline felt her heart clench at the signs of distress on his small cheeks. It had been a long while since she had felt such an intrusive stab of pain eating its way out of her chest. She lifted a hand to lightly pat the back of Jackson’s head, her voice soft. “It’s alright now, Jack. It’s alright.” With her comforting words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his previous upset state. “Is Jackie okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over and asked innocently. “He’ll be alright. Don’t worry.” Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some snacks. How about you share some with him?” “Okay!” Lillian reached out a hand to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go eat some
To have Jackson Whitman trust her so much despite his young age was something Madeline had never expected. “Can I call you Big Sis Vera from now on?” Jackson looked at Madeline expectantly. Madeline nodded and smiled, her mind wavering at the memory of Jackson calling her ‘Mom’ moments ago. “Of course.” Hearing her reply, a smile finally graced Jackson’s features. This was the first time Madeline had seen Jackson smile, be it three years ago or three years later today. Two dimples appeared by the corners of Jackson’s mouth as he smiled. He looked warm and adorable, just like Lillian. Madeline felt warmth flood into her chest at the child’s angelic smile. Not too long after, Jeremy arrived. He wanted to enter the house, but Madeline held him off outside. “Please do take better care of your son, Mr. Whitman. He is, after all, the precious child of you and your beloved.” There was more to Madeline’s words that met the eye. Turning around, she fired Jackson a gentle and
Jeremy felt a rush of unease wash over him when he recognized the sarcasm and disdain in Madeline’s eyes. Pursing his lips, his gaze drilled into Madeline’s eyes. “As such, it’d be great if you would stop looking for me, Mr. Whitman. I really don’t want to be treated as the dead again.” Madeline rejected him indifferently. “It won’t happen again.” Jeremy parted his lips to say after a moment of silence. With his gaze fixated on her, he bent his head to lean closer to her.“I promise you, it won’t happen again.” Madeline chuckled lightly. “Are you admitting to testing me the other day, Mr. Whitman?” Jeremy remained silent under her inquisitive tone. Perhaps so. While the entire world was privy to how shamelessly in love Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy was the only one who knew he loved her back. The truth was, Jeremy had lost his mind the other day. He was not testing her, no. He had fantasized that she was still alive… Yet, that was all it was. A fantasy. Now,