“Made...line…” Madeline smiled. “If you wish, you can call me ‘Madeline’ as you used to, Grandfather.” The old master’s brows relaxed as a relieved and pleased expression washed over his hollow features. Jeremy watched the scene from afar, the corners of his lips tugging into a smile. However, as he stared at Madeline, all that could be seen in his eyes was heartache. ‘No, Linnie. ‘I never wish for you to be Madeline Crawford again. ‘You’re Eveline Montgomery, the pearl and heart of the Montgomery family. You’re no longer the Madeline who was used by the Crawford family.’Mirth bled into his peach-blossom eyes as he thought to himself. …Two hours later, Karen returned with a dressed wound and a considerate Yvonne in tow. Realizing that Madeline was not in the house, she walked up the stairs to change into a new set of clothes. Entering the room, Karen realized that her wallet and the jewelry she had placed on the vanity table were gone—including the jewelry box!
At that, everyone’s gazes fell on the female care worker. Yvonne’s heart thumped, remembering the scene where she had stolen the jewelry box and wallet before running down the stairs. She had coincidentally stumbled upon Old Master Whitman who was being pushed out from the guest room on the first floor. They had locked eyes when they saw each other.She had been too frantic that very moment to realize that there was a care worker behind Old Master Whitman. Thinking that she had been seen, Yvonne staggered two steps backward. “You know who hit me?” Karen asked, pointing at Madeline, “Was it her?”Displeased by Karen’s interrogation method, Jeremy was about to open his mouth when he saw the care worker look at Madeline while nodding.“Yes, it was this lady.” Both Madeline and Jeremy showed the same shocked expression at her response. Winston was stunned and pointed at Madeline. “Are you sure it was this lady?” The care worker took a closer look at Madeline’s face and rep
“I’m sure this has nothing to do with you. I believe you,” Winston told Madeline sincerely before turning to tell the care worker, “Don’t worry about it. If the police come and ask, just tell them the truth about what you saw.” The care worker gave Madeline and Jeremy a fearful glance before she nodded and left. Jeremy and Madeline were now alone in the room. His gaze was warm and confident as he took away the arm he placed around Madeline’s shoulder. “I believe you, Linnie.” Madeline smiled faintly. “I’ve had my fair share of these ‘conclusive evidence’ situations, haven’t I? I’m probably used to it already.” Used to it. Jeremy found the phrase extremely ironic. She had gotten used to being wronged, which meant she had suffered too many unwarranted slander and charges. Seeing the pain and regret in Jeremy’s eyes, Madeline turned around without a care. Jeremy did not want to disturb her, nor did he want Madeline to hate him anymore, so he stood quietly as he watch
Felipe’s peck was sudden, and as shocked as Madeline was, she could not help but remember that Jeremy was right behind them. Something told her that Felipe kissed her just for Jeremy to see, but she got in the car quietly without commenting on it. Felipe gave Jeremy, whose expression screamed of frost, a glance from the corner of his eyes as his lips curled into a mocking smile. He alighted the car and stepped on the accelerator. In the passenger seat, Madeline’s eyes could not help but stare at the diminishing figure from the rear-view mirror. Under the moonlight, the heavy loneliness and torment could not be more clear on the man’s face. He was evidently displeased, but he was also suppressing it. Madeline thought Felipe would send her back to Montgomery Manor, but the car had instead stopped at a single villa in the outskirts of town. As far as she could remember, she had never spent the night here before. Felipe brought Madeline to her designated room and had the
Putting her phone down, she turned to open the door. Meeting her eyes was Felipe’s lithe figure in front of her. Donned in a loose-fitting white sleeping robe, the man’s alluring clavicles could vaguely be seen through the thin material. Madeline felt inexplicably uncomfortable to see Felipe in such a sight even though she had not felt the slightest discomfort when she took off Jeremy’s shirt previously. The upper half of his body was even revealed when she dressed his wounds. “Did you come to say goodnight, Felipe?” She smiled, reining back her wandering thoughts. Felipe smiled lightly and walked in. Madeline was left with no choice but to let go of the door handle, which Felipe took and used to close the door behind him as he entered.The sound of the door closing fueled Madeline’s unease. “Is there something you want to talk to me about, Felipe?” Madeline gave a small smile, standing by the door. Felipe turned around. Reading the guarded look in Madeline’s glossy ey
With the outer layer of her sleepwear opened, cold settled in. As bewitching was the aura Felipe oozed, Madeline’s mind was very clear. She grabbed Felipe’s hovering palm and curtly rejected. “I’m sorry, Felipe, but I don’t think I’m ready yet.” Madeline fled decisively from Felipe’s arms.Madeline found it much easier to breathe now that distance had been restored between them. Reining his displeasure in, Felipe got up and apologized. “I’m sorry, Eveline. I’ve overstepped.” Madeline shook her head. “It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I’m sorry I can’t remember what happened and the feelings I once had for you back then. That’s why I…” “It’s alright.” Felipe comforted her with a smile. “Don’t force yourself, you’ll remember it one day.” “Thank you, Felipe.” “You don’t need to thank me, silly. While we haven’t gotten registered, we’ve already had our wedding ceremony and as far as my heart is concerned, you’re my wife.” Felipe walked over to hug Madeline and run his fing
“This is my house! Why do I have to hide from you?” Karen argued. “I didn’t do anything wrong, so why do I have to hide?” Madeline fired back. “You…” “This is Linnie’s house. She can come and go as she wishes. Stop causing trouble.” Jeremy advised Karen in displeasure. Karen refused to back down. “You’ve already gotten divorced, so she’s not your wife anymore. How could this be her house?” Jeremy glanced at an unfazed Madeline before parting his thin lips. “She is. She’s legally still my wife.” “What?” Karen and Yvonne were stunned, even Madeline looked shocked. “Is this the scene of the crime?” Two policemen suddenly appeared, interrupting a confused Madeline. Karen immediately rushed forward. “Indeed, officers. I’m the victim, and I suspect this woman!” She pointed at Madeline. “She was the one who hit me. She even stole my wallet and jewelry. Arrest her!” Rage tinted Jeremy’s frown. The two officers gave Madeline a look. “Madeline Crawford?” Madeline replied ca
With her statement recorded, Madeline left the station to find Jeremy waiting for her by the door. He was standing under the sun with his eyes closed. The man seemed like he was deep in thought. The fair complexion of his cheeks held a youthful tint. A similar scene suddenly flashed through Madeline’s mind, as if she too had stared at Jeremy from afar years ago. She tried to think deeper about it, but that only resulted in a headache. She knew that it was most likely the sequelae of the car crash. Perhaps only when she had recalled all her memories would the pain subside. Madeline walked toward him, realizing that Jeremy was looking down at the wedding ring on his left ring finger. The corners of the man’s eyes were filled with adoration as his lips curled mirthfully. Not too long ago, Jermey had claimed with certainty that she was legally his wife. Curious, Madeline asked, “We’ve already signed the divorce papers long ago, so why did you say that I’m your legal wife?