Chapter 4

After a long taxi ride, Madelyn finally arrived at the entrance of the Jent residence. As she stepped inside the house, Rosario Watson, the housemaid, greeted her. "Madelyn, why are you alone? Didn't Mr. Jardin come back with you?" Madelyn hugged Rosario, recalling how kind she had been to her in the past after her father's passing. In her previous life, Rosario was the only one who treated her like family, showing her care and compassion. However, certain circumstances led Rosario to work for the Jardin family, taking care of Zach and Cecilia. "Rosario, I've missed you so much," said Madelyn. "Oh... um, Madelyn, what's going on? Are you still not feeling well?" Rosario gently pushed Madelyn away and placed her hand on Madelyn's forehead. Rosario found no signs of fever on Madelyn. She had a strange feeling about Madelyn today, but she couldn't quite pinpoint it. "It's nothing, I just felt like giving you a hug," Madelyn reassured her. "Are you hungry? I've just finished preparing some porridge. Let me serve it to you." "Nah, not really hungry. Just wanna rest a bit after the long trip," Madelyn replied, feeling a bit dizzy from staying up all night and the car ride. "Oh, before I forget, your dad called. He wants you to give him a call once you're home. Said it's something important. Also, he left this for you before heading on a business trip," Rosario said, passing a platinum shopping card to Madelyn. Taking the platinum shopping card, Madelyn nodded. "Okay." She knew it was probably Hayson's way of making up for Zach's actions. With that thought in mind, she dialed her father's number and made the call. Talking to Hayson was always tough for Madelyn. He acted caring, but she knew it was all an act... Hayson Jent was far from a good father. Madelyn knew that Hayson always wanted a son to carry on the family business, leading him to have numerous affairs with other women, but none resulted in a child. Eventually, he adopted Zach as his godson. Hayson saw Madelyn as a pawn for advantageous marriages, willing to sacrifice her to further his interests. Since Madelyn was a child, Rosario had been the only one by her side. If she had the means to escape this family right now, she would without hesitation. When Hayson picked up the call, Madelyn said, "Hello, Father." "Feeling better now? What did the doctor say?" His voice sounded distant. "I'm fine now, much better." "Madelyn, you're my daughter, and Zach is my godson. In this lifetime, you can only be his sister, got it?" Madelyn silently chuckled, knowing this was Hayson's warning to her. Even though he wasn't present, she could imagine the coldness in his eyes. To him, her love for Zach was a family disgrace. Madelyn replied obediently, "Yes, I understand! Father, I'm sorry. I'll see him as my brother." "Did you get the card? Whenever you have time, go shopping. If you find something you like, just buy it. Don't stay home painting all day. Go out and make friends." "Alright, Father." After the conversation with Hayson, Madelyn headed straight to her room. Her room, from her early teens, was all shades of pink. The air carried a sweet, candy-like scent, and a grand princess bed adorned the space. It was every girl's dream room. Just then, Madelyn's phone started ringing. When she saw that it was Zach calling, her hand trembled, causing the phone to slip and fall to the floor. She didn't bother picking it up, even entertaining the thought that it would be better if the phone broke. After the call ended on its own, Madelyn retrieved her phone and sent him a message. [Brother, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you earlier that I've already arrived home. I was actually planning to message you.] The message showed as read, but he didn't reply. Instead, he called her. Madelyn answered with an expressionless face, "...Hello, Brother..." "Madelyn, this is the last time. Next time, before you do anything, call me!" His voice carried a tinge of anger, leaving no room for negotiation. "Alright, I understand," Madelyn responded obediently. Having been Zach's wife for eight years in her previous life, Madelyn knew him well. He wanted everything to be done his way and demanded unwavering compliance. Over time, she had grown accustomed to this dynamic and obediently adhered to his every word.