By the time Madeline got back to her gig in Oralia, Lydia had been shipped off to a mental health hospital out in the sticks.Lydia had slipped into the scratchy hospital gown, her hair a tangled mess, and her face was marked with scratches she could not even remember getting. However, there was a defiant glint in her eyes that refused to be dimmed.She had pulled it off—she was free! No grim prison walls to hold her, no endless days of torment to endure!Skylar, bless him, had sworn he would hatch a plan to spring her from that place soon enough.She would not have to skulk around in the shadows, she could strut right up to Madeline and watch her jaw drop. Oh, she was itching to see the look on Madeline's face—it was going to be epic!The guard behind her nudged her forward, clearly out of patience. "Let's go, move it!"Lydia stumbled from the shove but quickly regained her balance and made her way toward the hospital.Behind her, the heavy iron gate clanged shut with a resound
Lydia groggily woke up on the hospital bed, relieved to find the two crazies gone from her side.A single tear rolled down her cheek.That was too much. It was only day one, and she felt half-dead from the ordeal. She could not bear the thought of staying any longer."I have to get out of here!"She bolted upright. "I need to call my mom."She was determined to have Skylar pick her up today! She could not stand the thought of staying another minute.The nurse, hearing the noise, peeked in and then called out, "She's up, come get her."Lydia felt a wave of dread: "Where are you taking me? No, I can't go! I'm hurt! I won't go.I'll be killed if I go back to them."The nurse gave her a steely look and said flatly, "You won't be. We've talked to them, they won't lay a hand on you again."However, Lydia could not believe her. They were maniacs!"No, no! I'm not going! I need to see my mom! I want to see her now!"The nurse chuckled. "Every patient here is a bit off their rocker.
"It's you!"Skylar's eyes went wide as she spotted Madeline, hand on her stomach, stepping out from the director's office.Madeline simply arched an eyebrow and flashed a small smile, not bothering with a greeting.The security guard posted at the door saw Madeline emerge and quickly moved to shield her, just in case Skylar tried anything. It was better to be safe, Skylar was known for being quick to throw a punch.Skylar's heart inexplicably leaped, and she demanded, "What are you doing here?"Principal, witnessing Skylar's hostile demeanor toward Madeline, was not pleased. "Ms. Sanders is my guest. Do you have an issue with that?"Skylar snapped to her senses. "You two know each other?!"Impossible. The sense of foreboding in her heart only intensified as Madeline's smile grew.Madeline was not supposed to be smiling! When Madeline saw Lydia, not behind bars but in the hospital, the last thing she did was smile. She should have been livid, completely losing it!However, Made
Madeline cast her eyes down and spoke in a cool tone. "Did you come to see Lydia too?"Trevon paused, clearly caught off guard, then replied, "I came to pick you up."Madeline glanced toward the hospital and said, "If you want to visit her, I won't stop you. Grandma would understand."Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Look, I'm here to get you. Are you done with everything?"Madeline bit her lip slightly. "Yes, I'm done.""Alright, let's head out. It's getting late, and it's the perfect time for dinner."With that, he opened the car door, signaling Madeline to hop in.Today marked her first day in the new house.Edith had insisted that the first day in a new home should be celebrated with friends and family, sharing a meal to bring warmth and joy. She even brought over the first housewarming gift from the Gibson family estate herself.Madeline appreciated the gesture and felt she could not turn it down. So, despite her initial reluctance, she ended up revealing the location of her
Outside, the world was a frozen wonderland, but stepping inside was like walking into springtime.Madeline swung the door open and was enveloped by a cozy, warm scent that made her feel like she was wrapped in sunshine. She laughed, unable to resist the charm.Felicia hurried over, relieving Madeline and Trevon of their bags. "Madam Gibson was fretting over you two, scared the snow would trap you out there. I told her not to worry, Mr. Gibson went out for you himself. However, you know her—still fretting."Madeline's smile did not waver.Edith was already beckoning her over. "Come and sit, dear. You never used to wander off, but now you're gone every other day."Madeline settled next to her, replying with a playful roll of her eyes, "Grandma, you're forgetting—I've got a job now."Trevon had a knack for timing. Just when Madeline thought she could catch a break, he dropped a new project in her lap: a painting of Skylandia. As if she was not swamped already.Edith, ever the mothe
All three of them froze in their tracks.Madeline's brow furrowed in annoyance. "What are you doing here?"Trevon's lips tightened as he offered, "Need a lift? I can drive you."She rolled her eyes. He was dodging her question, as usual. He had just stepped out of that house, and it was a safe bet he had snapped up the property next door. She had thought she would be free of Trevon once she was healed up and out of the Gibson Group's big old family mansion.However, no, he had to go and move into the house right next door. Seriously, the pads over at Angelic Garden Residence were way nicer.Trevon glanced at Yeneth. "Skylandia's got a big mission today. Shouldn't you be on your way?"Right on cue, Yeneth's phone blared."Where are you? Stop wasting time and get over here!"Yeneth let out a frustrated grunt, gave Madeline a reluctant tug. "Guess I gotta jet, Madeline. Catch you later."Madeline gave her a reassuring smile and a wave. "Take care on your way."Once Yeneth was ou
The 3D ultrasound was not supposed to be hard, except the little one was not playing ball, just lying there, not moving an inch.Madeline gave it a go, but with no reaction from the baby, she heeded the doctor's advice to get moving and climb some stairs.A little workout and a touch of sweat later, she was back, ready for round two.The doctor worked the ultrasound probe for what seemed like ages, then let out a resigned chuckle. "Looks like we've got a shy one here.""It's still not working?" Madeline could not hide her frustration."Nope," the doctor replied, shaking her head. "The little rascals got its backside up. Can't see the face at all."Her light-hearted comment made Madeline want to see for herself, but all she got was a view of a dark, indecipherable screen.After a few more fruitless attempts, the doctor suggested, "Why don't you grab a bite to eat and then we'll try again?"It seemed like the only thing to do.Madeline left the exam room feeling a bit downcast.
Part of Madeline wanted him to have seen the photo, and part of her did not. She was a bundle of nerves. Finally, she exhaled deeply. Forget it. He can look or not, she thought."Ready to go?" she said.Trevon got up, gathered the papers, and they headed out of the hospital. The entrance was crowded, and their ride was nowhere in sight."Take a seat," Trevon said, guiding Madeline to a bench. "I'll grab us some snacks."He tossed the checklist aside without a second thought.Madeline's irritation bubbled up from nowhere. She hugged her belongings close and said with an icy edge, "Forget it, I'm not hungry.""The check-up's over. You've got things to do, right?"She had that look on her face, like it was totally fine to just ditch him after getting what she needed.Trevon was clueless about what set her off this time, murmuring, "The doctor said you're anemic. I can't just leave you here alone."Madeline shot him a glare. "What's there to worry about? I've always handled doctor