Chapter 5

It was so infuriatingly ridiculous that I had to scoff and look at the traffic to calm myself down.

"I'm not a recycling station, Edward. No matter how much I've loved you or sacrificed for you, you lost your place in my heart the moment you decided to betray me."

I took a few steps away from him and turned back just to add, "Even if every man in the world went extinct, I wouldn't even give you a second glance, let alone be with you. You disgust me, Edward Kennedy."

Maybe my steely resolution hurt him, because he suddenly stepped forward and grabbed me. "I love you, Taylor! These six years of love haven't been for nothing—it's carved in my bones!

"It's just that... Maddie is dying, Tay-Tay. She's been through so much, and I couldn't ignore that small wish she wants to fulfill before she—"

"Let go, damn it!"

"Wait for me, Tay-Tay. I swear, once Maddie—"

I swung my hand and slapped him on the other cheek as hard as I could.

Now the handprints on his face were symmetrical!

"If you're doing anything for my sake, then let it be you trying to act with some decency and dignity. Stop being a housefly already!" I declared before walking away.

-

I hadn't notified any relatives or friends about the wedding's cancellation.

My grandmother, Edna, and Aunt Sarah were the only two people who knew.

My grandmother was almost 80. After suffering through the deaths of my grandfather and mother, she had become quite sickly over the years. Her health deteriorated with each passing day. I feared she might faint from the shock of the news.

To my surprise, after some initial fury and sadness, she let it go.

"Now, now. It's better for a woman to learn all about a man's problems before she marries him, sweetie. Way better than having it thrown at her face after she's already pregnant.

"A conflict like this could hurt your body in ways you won't even know, and then your child has to suffer with you!

"You're a beautiful, independent young lady with a successful career. You're in no rush, are you?

"Even if we can't find the right husband for you in the future, I support any decision you make—including your choice to stay single!" my grandmother said.

My aunt said my grandmother saw things with more clarity than her poor vision suggested. My mother's failed marriage had taught her much.

My grandmother and aunt's support was a much-needed boost of confidence and security. My spirits lifted, and I felt reinvigorated enough to return to work.

Now that I was the boss of the company, I should work even harder… for myself!

-

I returned to my office after the morning briefing.

Cherry knocked on my door. "Mr. Kennedy is here, Tay-Tay."

I was stunned. What was he doing here?

Before I could ask, Edward appeared at my door.

I waved at Cherry dismissively.

He didn't step into my office, remaining by the door. "Maddie's been discharged. I was on my way home after taking her from the hospital and thought I'd come by to collect my things."

He didn't always show up at the office, but yes, he had some of his belongings here.

I ignored him and returned to my work.

My lack of attention made him uncomfortable, and he left.

A few seconds later, someone knocked again.

I looked up.

This time, it was Maddison!

I scowled and said flatly, "He's not here. He's in his office."

She stepped in and closed the door.

"No, I'm here for you," she said softly.

I frowned, skeptical. A thought occurred to me. "What more do you want from me?!

"You've got my husband, my gown, my jewelry, and now my wedding. What else is there for you to take?!"

Maddison approached me, her small face pale, as though she might faint at any moment.

I honestly didn't know who authorized her to leave the hospital.

What good was letting her out of her sickbed? Or had she simply given up on her treatment?

"I want you to be our wedding witness and bless our marriage, Tay-Tay. You're special—the guests won't badmouth us if it's you."

My brain exploded with rage. I jumped to my feet.

"Maddison, you bi—" I trailed off, my fury overwhelming me.

"Does your shamelessness have any limits?! Do you relish the thought of everyone pointing at your behavior? It's like you want them to unleash their anger on you!" I snarled, summoning as much malice as I could.

If she hadn't looked so fragile, I would've slapped her so hard she'd stick to the wall!

Maddison started to cry. "You're better than me at everything, Tay-Tay! It's not fair… You're superior to me in everything we do… I'm the useless one! And now, I have an incurable disease!

"I just want to marry Eddy before I die. A happy, fulfilling wedding… That's all I ask for! But he's still yours in the end. Once I'm dead, you'll have my darling back again!"

I couldn't endure this nonsense any longer and pointed toward the door. "Get out! Before I slap you hard enough to break your neck!"

She crossed the room, grabbed my arm, and cried harder. "Help me just this once, Tay-Tay! I know I've taken a lot from you… I know you hate me… I'm sorry for everything I've done! This is the last time I'll ever pester you! Please, just help me once!"

I couldn't stand her touch. I couldn't stand the things coming out of her mouth. "Shut up and let go!"

"I'm begging you, Tay-Tay!" she cried, swinging my arm.

"Let go!" I snapped, swinging my arm forward to break free of her grip.

She shrieked and fell like a collapsing Jenga tower. I tried to catch her, but it was too late. Her fall was bad.

Coincidentally, Edward entered my office and saw it happen.

"Maddie!" he cried out and rushed to her.

He gently lifted her and babbled in panic, "How are you feeling, Maddie? Are you hurt? Where?"

I was stunned. I wanted to explain what had happened, but I knew there was no point.

Edward proved me right almost immediately. He scolded me without hesitation, "How could you, Taylor? You know how frail she is, right? How could you hurt her, even if she did anything wrong?"

Maddie buried her head in his arms. "Don't shout at her, Eddy… She didn't want this to happen either. It was an accident…" she defended me weakly.

I snickered to myself and said deadpan, "Just get her out of here already. I don't want her to die on my company grounds. It would be disgusting and a hassle."

Edward couldn't believe I'd say something so cruel.

"It's like I don't even know you anymore, Taylor! I'm the one at fault! Why are you taking it out on an innocent woman who's about to die?! Are you not afraid of divine punisment?!"

I smiled and retorted, "You betrayed me despite everything I've done for you. You've been in the wrong this whole time! Why should I be afraid of divine punishment if you're not?"

Edward was about to respond when Maddison suddenly moaned weakly, "E-Eddy…"

He looked down and saw blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. He panicked even more. "Hold on, Maddie! I'm taking you to the hospital right now! Hold on!"