The man before her gave off an air of frost and avoidance, his chiseled features betraying nothing as he stared at her. The wind blew strongly in the deep of autumn at the cemetery, caressing the cheeks of those who visited. Madeline calmly gave a soft smile at the man who had appeared in front of her. “Why are you here, Jeremy?” she asked, her tone casual with a hint of surprise. However, she did not let out the nervousness she felt. Jeremy walked over slowly before turning to look at the tombstone. “Why are you here? And who’s this? Why are you paying respects to him? This is your first time in Glendale, isn’t it? I didn’t know that you had relatives resting here.” Madeline pretended to be shocked as she replied, “Don’t you know, Jeremy? Madeline was still technically your ex-wife. Don’t you recognize her grandfather?” “My ex-wife’s grandfather?” He stared dazedly at the name engraved on the tombstone, the words ‘Grandfather of Madeline Crawford’ were indeed engraved on the

Yet here they were, with Jeremy happily bringing her through Whitman Manor’s doors. Perhaps this was what people meant by the future was unpredictable. Mrs. Whitman, Karen Yaleman, immediately rushed forward to ask when she realized that Jeremy had arrived. “Is it true, Jeremy, the things I read on the internet? Did Meredith actually do all those things? Is she sitting for 12 years? Did she actually pretend to be the Montgomeries’ daughter too?” Jeremy frowned in displeasure. “I don’t want to hear her name anymore.” “But…” “I’m here today for my fianceé to meet my parents. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak of depressing names and things,” Jeremy interrupted coldly before lowering his gaze to look at Madeline. “My mom made these dishes herself. I hope you’ll find them to your liking.” “What?” Karen’s expression darkened instantly. “You told me we had an important guest over tonight, Jeremy. You even told me to make the dishes myself! You’re telling me it was for this wom

Madeline was stunned for a second before a calm smile graced her lips. “I think you might be a little confused about me, Grandpa Whitman. How could I be Madeline Crawford?” The light in Old Master Whitman’s eyes dulled slightly, but his gaze was clear. “I won’t force you to admit it if you don’t want to, Madeline.” “I’m really not Madeline, Grandfather.” Madeline denied with a smile. “Why would I get married to the man who hates me if I was Madeline? I would’ve learned the last time that throwing myself to a flame would only get me burned.” Old Master Whitman was shocked to hear the news. His white brows were furrowed tightly. “Are you really getting married to Jeremy?” Madeline nodded decisively. “Of course, I’m pregnant with Jeremy’s child too.” At that, Old Master Whitman’s gaze fell on her flat stomach. He pursed his lips but made no further comment. “Grandfather, Vera.” Jeremy walked over. “Why are you talking in front of the bathroom?” Madeline smiled and walked o

The corners of Madeline’s lips curled as a smudge of mischief bled from her eyes. Just as Karen was about to sit, Madeline frowned and placed a hand over her chest, dry heaving. Everyone’s gaze fell unanimously on Madeline while Jeremy reached out to hold her with concern. “Are you alright, Vera?” “Something smells bad. It makes me want to puke,” Madeline replied softly, “It might be from the soup, Jeremy. I feel bad. I think I need to vomit.” “...” Karen’s expression immediately darkened. This soup was one of her proudest dishes. It was rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It was also her favorite soup to drink. Yet what had this woman said? The smell of the soup was bad and made her want to puke? “Bring the soup away,” Jeremy demanded. The maid was stunned, then she nodded and complied. “Wait!” Karen stopped her. “What are you trying to say, Vera? You don’t have to eat my food if you think it’s so disgusting! What are you trying to imply by complaining about how it

“Mother-in-law?” Madeline scoffed as she spoke, mockery apparent on her enchanting features. “How dare you call yourself a mother-in-law?” “...” Karen’s eyes widened in shock. Madeline tugged her arm back as her proud eyes swept coldly over Karen’s frustrated and infuriated expression. Frost suddenly permeated the air. “You’re the one who has to watch herself around me. I’m not Madeline Crawford, and I won’t allow you to walk over me and scold or hit me as you wish.” “You…” Fury flared in Karen’s eyes as she raised an arm to give Madeline a lesson. “Stop!” Jeremy’s icy tone shot through the air, freezing Karen’s hand mid-strike. Madeline quirked a defined brow and parted her pink lips. “Do you not see how much Jeremy cares for me? Don’t offend me, do you understand?” “...” Karen was too infuriated to speak. A sliver of fear shone in Madeline’s eyes as she looked up and walked toward Jeremy. “Let’s go back, Jeremy. I don’t think Aunty wants to see me.” Jeremy sent Karen

“Ava’s been in a car accident. It’s not pretty. She wants to see you one last time before she goes.” Madeline’s footsteps halted as her heart began to thrum erratically. Taking a deep breath, she had a feeling that this could be a test from Daniel and Ava. How could Ava suddenly get into a car accident? No way, she would definitely be alright! Madeline thought to herself quietly as she stared at Daniel in annoyance. “I don’t know this person you speak of. Please leave me alone.” She hurriedly made her way off, but her heartstrings were pulled taut in her chest. Daniel’s gaze was sorrowful as he stared at Madeline’s decisively retreating figure. “Do you have to be so heartless, Madeline? Ava was your best friend. Do you want her to leave the world without closure at all?” Madeline heard Daniel clearly for she had not made it too far when he spoke. However, her heart was adamant. Still, Madeline trembled as she took out her phone to inquire the moment she turned a corne

Madeline’s teary eyes widened. She was certain that she had not hallucinated that voice. As she lifted her head, she stared at Ava’s small grin while she smiled at her with her big eyes blinking. Ava was alive. Madeline’s heart was conflicted. Her feelings were mixed with a little frustration but also largely relief. Ava shot up energetically as she took in the daze Madeline was in. She quirked a proud brow at Madeline. “Are you finally admitting me to be your good friend, Miss Vera Quinn?” “...” Madeline was speechless. Amidst the silence, Madeline felt someone approach her from behind. Straightening herself and turning her head, she watched Daniel enter the room. His elegant and poised features were tinted with a subtle hint of excitement as his eyes glistened with tears. It dawned on Madeline that this was indeed a test. Despite having her doubts, she had decided to trust them in the end. It was because she was truly afraid that the people she cared about woul

‘You’re still alive, Maddie. ‘Not to mention that your life’s great now. ‘Thank goodness…’ Having admitted her identity, Madeline told the two of her experiences the past three years as well as what she planned to do.With reddened eyes, Ava sniffed and turned to look at a despondent Daniel. “No way, Maddie. Don’t tell me you’re actually going to marry Jeremy again! He almost killed you! It’s because of the news of your marriage to Jeremy that forced Dan and me to use such a way to get you to admit that you’re Maddie.” With that, Ava proudly bumped her shoulder with Madeline’s. “I knew you still cared about me, Maddie. You get full marks for this test!” Madeline smiled before gathering her emotions, becoming serious. “My marriage with Jeremy is a must. I have to marry him.” “Why?” Ava could not understand. “Did you forget how he and Meredith used to treat you?” “It’s because of how they used to treat me that I must marry him again.” Madeline’s gaze was determined. “I’l

Madeline was already out the door when she heard Meredith shout the words. A spark of hope flickered in her frosty eyes. Her heart raced as well, way past what her body could take. While still suspicious, she slowly turned around and lifted her cold gaze. “You do know that such a fact will not suddenly make you an innocent woman.” Meredith’s reddened eyes glared at her. “I’m not lying! Your child is still alive. I only told you it’s dead just to make you feel horrible. I hid your child away so that I could use him as a bargaining chip someday!” Madeline stilled her heart and emotions as she slowly made her way back to Meredith. “Where’s your evidence? Tell me why I should believe you.” “Would you rather believe that your child lives or is dead?” Meredith shot back with a smirk, for she knew that Madeline cared deeply about the child she had never gotten a chance to see!It would definitely never cross Madeline’s mind that her child had been by her side this entire time! Me

She shook her head and stared at Felipe in confusion, which led him to tell her a shocking excerpt of the past. She finally understood the heaviness of the secret Felipe held in his heart… Before she could even digest Felipe’s story, Madeline received a call from Jeremy. Gentleness returned to his eyes as he watched Madeline leave. “I am no gentleman, after all. For what gentleman would push the woman he loves to the arms of a nemesis?” He smiled faintly, a dangerous glint sparkling in his eyes. Following Jeremy’s request, Madeline arrived at the lobby of Whitman Corporations. Just as she was about to walk in, Jeremy exited from the glass doors. The man oozed with nobility with every casual step he took. Setting his eyes on Madeline, the frost in his gaze immediately thawed into gentle warmth. “You sounded impatient on the phone. Did you need something?” Madeline asked with a smile. “Yeah.” Jeremy took Madeline’s hand and walked to the car. After hopping in, Mad