Madeline’s teary eyes widened. She was certain that she had not hallucinated that voice. As she lifted her head, she stared at Ava’s small grin while she smiled at her with her big eyes blinking. Ava was alive. Madeline’s heart was conflicted. Her feelings were mixed with a little frustration but also largely relief. Ava shot up energetically as she took in the daze Madeline was in. She quirked a proud brow at Madeline. “Are you finally admitting me to be your good friend, Miss Vera Quinn?” “...” Madeline was speechless. Amidst the silence, Madeline felt someone approach her from behind. Straightening herself and turning her head, she watched Daniel enter the room. His elegant and poised features were tinted with a subtle hint of excitement as his eyes glistened with tears. It dawned on Madeline that this was indeed a test. Despite having her doubts, she had decided to trust them in the end. It was because she was truly afraid that the people she cared about woul
‘You’re still alive, Maddie. ‘Not to mention that your life’s great now. ‘Thank goodness…’ Having admitted her identity, Madeline told the two of her experiences the past three years as well as what she planned to do.With reddened eyes, Ava sniffed and turned to look at a despondent Daniel. “No way, Maddie. Don’t tell me you’re actually going to marry Jeremy again! He almost killed you! It’s because of the news of your marriage to Jeremy that forced Dan and me to use such a way to get you to admit that you’re Maddie.” With that, Ava proudly bumped her shoulder with Madeline’s. “I knew you still cared about me, Maddie. You get full marks for this test!” Madeline smiled before gathering her emotions, becoming serious. “My marriage with Jeremy is a must. I have to marry him.” “Why?” Ava could not understand. “Did you forget how he and Meredith used to treat you?” “It’s because of how they used to treat me that I must marry him again.” Madeline’s gaze was determined. “I’l
Madeline was already out the door when she heard Meredith shout the words. A spark of hope flickered in her frosty eyes. Her heart raced as well, way past what her body could take. While still suspicious, she slowly turned around and lifted her cold gaze. “You do know that such a fact will not suddenly make you an innocent woman.” Meredith’s reddened eyes glared at her. “I’m not lying! Your child is still alive. I only told you it’s dead just to make you feel horrible. I hid your child away so that I could use him as a bargaining chip someday!” Madeline stilled her heart and emotions as she slowly made her way back to Meredith. “Where’s your evidence? Tell me why I should believe you.” “Would you rather believe that your child lives or is dead?” Meredith shot back with a smirk, for she knew that Madeline cared deeply about the child she had never gotten a chance to see!It would definitely never cross Madeline’s mind that her child had been by her side this entire time! Me
She shook her head and stared at Felipe in confusion, which led him to tell her a shocking excerpt of the past. She finally understood the heaviness of the secret Felipe held in his heart… Before she could even digest Felipe’s story, Madeline received a call from Jeremy. Gentleness returned to his eyes as he watched Madeline leave. “I am no gentleman, after all. For what gentleman would push the woman he loves to the arms of a nemesis?” He smiled faintly, a dangerous glint sparkling in his eyes. Following Jeremy’s request, Madeline arrived at the lobby of Whitman Corporations. Just as she was about to walk in, Jeremy exited from the glass doors. The man oozed with nobility with every casual step he took. Setting his eyes on Madeline, the frost in his gaze immediately thawed into gentle warmth. “You sounded impatient on the phone. Did you need something?” Madeline asked with a smile. “Yeah.” Jeremy took Madeline’s hand and walked to the car. After hopping in, Mad
Jeremy’s sudden kiss stunned Madeline. He said he loved her. He loved a woman who looked just like the ex-wife he hated. It was ridiculous. ‘You never spared me a glance when I treasured you and regarded you as my one and only. ‘So how dare you tell me you love me when my heart has given up and there’s nothing but hatred left? ‘It’s too late, Jeremy Whitman.‘Even if you’ve fallen for me now, it can’t heal and mend the ruthless wounds you’ve inflicted on my heart.’Giving the excuse that she was unwell, Madeline turned away from Jeremy’s kiss. Still, she had ‘happily’ accepted Jeremy’s marriage proposal. Staring at the cerulean sea, Madeline found herself relating the hatred in her heart like the tides and waves before her. ‘This is what you owe me, Jeremy. It’s time you paid it back.’Jeremy’s heart tightened as he stared quietly at the enchanting smile on Madeline’s face, the spark in his eyes turning dull.Had he been even the slightest bit aware, perhaps he wo
Even though the ceremony was against her heart’s wishes, she was glad to at least have Jackson as her flower boy. Amidst the attendees, she found that Eloise and Sean had come to give their blessings as well. In a way, it could be said that she had gotten her parent’s approval. Meanwhile, Mrs. Whitman only seemed irked about the situation. One of Mrs. Whitman’s friends, who was also a rich man’s wife, came over to congratulate her. “What a great daughter-in-law this is, Mrs. Whitman. She’s rich, good at her job, and beautiful. You’ve got to be satisfied this time, right?” “So what if she’s rich? It’s not like the Whitman family is broke! You can find beautiful girls all over the world. Her appearance is only average!” Mrs. Whitman rolled her eyes disdainfully at Madeline who was drinking with the other guests. After turning around, she found Eloise and Sean and immediately went over to talk to them. “Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, I couldn’t believe Meredith was a fake when I hear
Madeline’s expression changed at her words. Birthmark. Her plan would be forced to end should Eloise speak of the birthmark on her body. “What birthmark?” Jeremy asked curiously. “It’s a but—” “I’m feeling a little dizzy, Jeremy…” Madeline’s brows furrowed just as Eloise began to describe the butterfly-shaped birthmark. She then leaned weakly against Jeremy. His attention immediately went back to Madeline. He carried her right away. “I’ll send you to the hospital.” “It’s alright, I think I’m just tired,” Madeline replied softly as she leaned against his shoulder. Eloise and Sean’s eyes shone inexplicably with concern as they watched Jeremy carry Madeline away. The night darkened while the evening wind rustled the leaves of the tree in front of the window frame. Madeline lay on the bed with her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep even though she was hardly even drowsy. Tonight was their first night as a married couple, and while she had no idea what Jeremy w
Madeline’s pink lips pursed as she indifferently took in the happy features of the man sleeping before her.‘I thought you said you were suffering from insomnia the past three years? ‘But you look well-rested this morning.‘Hmph. Have you ever felt guilty or uneasy about my death, Jeremy? ‘No, you’ve never.’ Madeline immediately washed up and changed after sparing a last glance at the man’s face. Walking out of the room, she was met with Jackson walking out of his as well. “Morning, Jack.’ She smiled and walked over. “Is it time for school already? Would you like Big Sis Vera to make you breakfast?” Jackson blinked and nodded innocently as he looked up at Madeline. “Yes, please.” Madeline’s emotions lightened immensely at the little boy’s adorable features. While a maid had already prepared breakfast, Madeline made another. It was a more simple and nutritional one for Jackson.Seated at the dining table, Jackson merely stared at the heart-shaped sunny-side up witho