Madeline hardened her heart and pulled her arm back as she turned to walk back toward her car.The sea breeze blew, pushing the tears that brimmed her eyes down her cheeks.‘You’ve returned to my world, Jeremy, only to leave again.‘Just where did we go wrong? I just want to love you, is that so difficult?’Madeline swallowed hard.She thought that the distance between them was growing, yet it had only been a few steps when the man suddenly strode after her to pull her into his embrace from behind.“Don’t go, Linnie.”He lifted his arm to wrap it around her neck as the other wrapped itself around her waist. His heavy desire and love for her were exploding within him.“You told me that you’ll love me no matter how I’ve changed. I feel the same, Linnie. As long as you’re still my Linnie, I will never let go until my dying breath.”Madeline’s tears trickled down the corner of her eyes, dripping onto the back of Jeremy’s hand.The searing droplets seeped through his skin and into
Madeline walked in. She was about to go upstairs when she suddenly heard Jeremy’s voice from the bathroom.“I’ve already died once. Do you think I care? Don’t tell me how to do things. Our relationship, if anything, is just business.”Madeline felt her heart clench at the reminder of his ‘death’.Yet what kind of ‘business’ was Jeremy talking about?Madeline turned around and walked toward the bathroom door.Jeremy’s raspy baritone voice sounded. “She’s my limit. Back off or there won’t be a negotiation at all.”Madeline had a subconscious feeling that the person Jeremy was talking about was her.Madeline did not want to eavesdrop on his phone call, but she could not seem to ignore the conversation.Just then, the bathroom door opened.Madeline looked up to meet Jeremy’s bottomless gaze. “Who were you calling, Jeremy? Did something happen?”“Don’t worry about it. It’s just work.” He brushed it off with a faint smile.Yet, the conversation had evidently nothing to do with wor
Taken off guard, Madeline found herself tugged into the shower by Jeremy. She ended up losing her balance and fell into the man’s arms who held her up in time.Water droplets fell from the man’s wet hair, drenching her clothes. Madeline raised her hand to wipe her eyes but found her wrist being held.“Did you want to shower with me?” Jeremy’s deep baritone drifted into her ears bewitchingly.Madeline felt her heartstrings shake, not knowing if Jeremy had found out her true motive.She looked up to stare at the expression he was wearing, but the falling droplets had her eyes constantly closed.“I just wanted to wash my hands.” Madeline gave an excuse, feeling guilty.“Is that so?” Jeremy lowered his voice. The raspiness of his deep voice ignited something within her. “If you’re going to wash your hands, you might as well wash the rest of you, hmm?”“...” Stunned, Madeline felt her cheeks grow warm.They may have been married for many years now, but Madeline still felt shy at t
Just then, Madeline suddenly received a call from Ryan’s mother who told her to take a trip to Jones Manor.Madeline went as it was something she would have to deal with sooner or later.After entering through the door, she was met with Mr. and Mrs. Jones sitting solemnly on the sofa.Seeing Madeline enter, Mrs. Jones took the magazine by her side and threw it at an unprepared Madeline.“Pick it up and look at what’s written on it, Eveline Montgomery!” Mrs. Jones huffed.Madeline did not take Mrs. Jones' attitude to heart. Reaching down to pick up the magazine, its cover title spoke of how she had gotten back together with her ex-husband, Jeremy Whitman, and how the two of them had bought a new house where they now settled down in.The cover page was of the two of them holding hands as they took a sweet stroll under the moonlight.“Have you ever considered Rye’s feelings, Eveline? You’re Ryan’s wife!” Mrs. Jones accused.Mr. Jones’ expression was stern as he began to chide unki
Jeremy’s sudden seriousness had Madeline feeling a little nervous.“What’s wrong, Jeremy?”“Ryan must’ve told you about me joining the IBCI, right, Linnie?” he asked.Madeline nodded, her eyes swirling in heartache for him. “He told me how you went undercover to put Lana behind bars.”“Then did he tell you what my conditions for working with the IBCI were?” Jeremy’s gentle gaze fell on Madeline’s small face.That was something Madeline did not know.She replied frankly, “He didn’t tell me.”“Of course not.” A smudge of self-deprecating scoff appeared on Jeremy’s chiseled features.“Jeremy?”“I had just found out the situation I was in when they first found me. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to protect you or take care of you again, so I demanded that the IBCI provide full protection over you and the kids. Especially considering how Lana Johnson has no baselines.“That was my condition for joining the IBCI.”Madeline’s eyes immediately reddened as she heard him explain.
Ryan was shocked at Madeline’s sudden visit. “Did something happen, Eveline? How can I help you?”Madeline placed her compiled and signed divorce papers in front of Ryan.“I’ve already compiled the documents, Rye. You just need to sign at the bottom.” Madeline handed him a pen. “I’m grateful to the IBCI for taking care of their worker’s family. However, my family should be Jeremy.”Ryan’s calm features froze for a second.“Jeremy already told me that his condition for joining this international criminal investigation organization was for you to protect me and the kids.”Madeline watched Ryan’s face for any shift in expressions.“Marrying me must’ve been an order from your superior, and now that the mission is over, I think we should end this relationship that was never meant to be at all. Thank you for protecting us over the past half a year, Rye.” Ryan listened calmly and took the divorce papers in his hand.“There’s no way the mission can be considered over the moment feelin
Ava’s expression turned heavy, and it was the first time Madeline had ever seen such an ironic, exasperated, and lonely expression on her friend.Madeline thought about her parents and how they had also hurt her so harshly before.Still, blood was thicker than water.Not to mention that Eloise and Sean truly regretted and felt bad about their actions after. However, they were now…‘Mom and Dad.’Madeline’s eyes burned as she thought of her late parents.Ava looked up to meet Madeline’s reddened eyes and thought of Eloise and Sean as well. She quickly changed the subject. “Let’s not think about sad things anymore, okay, Maddie?“Didn’t you say you want to buy Ryan a birthday present? Let’s go pick something out from a branded store. I want to buy something for Dan as well.”Madeline snapped back to reality and stared at Ava with a serious look. “There’s no reason why any mother wouldn’t love their child, Ava.”“I know what you’re trying to say, Maddie. I also want to believe th
Naya slowly sat down and allowed the clerk to put her shoes on for her.Not wanting to waste her time on Naya, Ava turned to leave only for Naya to taunt again.“Are you leaving, Miss Long? Are the things here too expensive for you to buy? That’s fine. Daniel and I are great childhood friends. I can lend you money if you can’t afford them now. Don’t keep wearing fakes, alright? Just imagine how shameful it would be if someone found out.”Naya’s expression was one of arrogant superiority as she showed off the bracelet on her wrist.Watching Ava stare at her silently, Naya raised her wrist. “Isn’t this bracelet beautiful? I mean, of course, it is. It’s a six-figure bracelet, after all. This is a limited edition Miss L.ady bracelet from two years ago. Not even money can buy you one now.”Ava smiled and praised as she watched Naya brag. “No wonder it’s so beautiful. It’s Miss L.ady’s limited edition.”With her ego fed, Naya stood up and walked toward Ava with her shoes put on.“You’