"You'll have the test results in about an hour."The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders.Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was pregnant, and that hospital visit was just to make sure.Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up.Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies.Somehow, Trevon's grandmother—Edith Gibson—figured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage.Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To ev
"Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look."Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce.The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation.His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him.He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable.Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her.It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered."Do we really have to end this?""Yes."Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out."Is it because Lydia's back?"Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?"He had, and she had accepted it. However…"If... Just if..."Madeline hesitated, biting h
"I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water."The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother."Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more.Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?""That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied.Madeline saw right through their plot.She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards.After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's shares—the ones she's entitled to."Cilix instantly became furious.Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of uni
"Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes."Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?"Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?"Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagle—a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness.Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought."Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness.Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?"Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said?Simon rushed her along.Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily."Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assis
Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second."She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?"Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up."Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum.His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles.It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty?A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me."Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out.Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him.However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence.Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table.Madeline's heart was p
Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side."Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!"It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster.He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off.Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!"Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed.Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table."It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos."Skylar quickly dished some out for her.The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away
Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline.Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her.Pregnancy had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation.The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch.Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen."Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down.She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever.As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him."One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!"Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped.He wiped his mouth and s
Neither Trevon nor Madeline spoke in the car. They both fought against the nausea and dizziness.Trevon, agitated, loosened his tie. "Stay home for the next few days. We'll talk when you've cooled off."Madeline was still sore from the blows she had taken, every movement an effort. She closed her eyes gently, and after a long moment, her voice came out in a whisper."Do you think this is all my fault?"Trevon had never felt so wretched, not even when recovering from the worst injuries of his life. He yanked off his tie."Once we're divorced, you can do whatever you want, and it won't be my problem."He did not care about her pale face, her reasons, or if she was hurt. All he cared about was protecting himself from any fallout.To Trevon, Madeline was nothing more than a caretaker.How laughable was it that she had poured her heart out for three years only to realize it was all one-sided.Madeline turned to gaze at the city lights, her voice barely a breath. "When are we gettin