Madelyn could not empathize with Kai’s seemingly guilt-free acceptance of the affection. Returning to her room, she intended to sleep alone. However, she woke up in her original hospital ward, awakened by a scorching heat.
After several failed attempts to push the source away, Madelyn became alarmed when she noticed something amiss with her right ring finger. Her face darkened upon realizing that Zach had slipped the ring back onto her finger without her realizing it. When she tried to remove it, she felt it was loose.
In the dark room, as Madelyn got close to him, she could hear the clear beat of his heart. Just as she was about to free herself from the ring completely, Zach caught her hand. He halted her and placed her hand around his waist.
Zach’s deep voice resonated in the darkness, “Go to sleep. We’ll go home after we get the medical report tomorrow.”
Zach seemed resolved to prevent her from taking off the ring again. Recently, Madelyn had noticed the simple band he consistently wore on his ring finger, modest in design yet ever-present.
Kevin’s words from Madelyn’s hospital admission day echoed in her mind, “I’ve served him for many years, and I truly despise those pampered rich daughters. If possible, I’d rather have Mr. Jardin marry Ms. White instead of watching him slowly fall for his enemy’s daughter.
“All the reparations and atonements he wanted to make have been paid off. I know you’ve been troubled by the affairs with the Arnold family. I can swear on my life that Mrs. Arnold Sr.’s death has nothing to do with Mr. Jardin. Even Mr. Arnold’s…
“At first, Mr. Jardin indeed planned to eradicate the Arnold family to prevent Mr. Arnold from using the Young family to make a comeback. But in the end, considering your feelings, Mr. Jardin didn’t lay a hand on Mr. Arnold.
“As to why the plane crashed, we don’t know. If it were before, Mr. Jardin could have acted on his own volition. With his status now, he wouldn’t need to consider your feelings at all. He could easily deal with anyone.
“For your sake, he has backed off time and time again. Even the engagement with Ms. Young, I think you’ve seen the newspaper articles about the press conference. All his words… They were all his sincere sentiments.
“He’s never bought any rings for Ms. Young because, before you, he never thought about marriage, let alone having children.”
Madelyn mulled over the paradox, ‘If Zach never wanted marriage or children, why did he marry me? If his love was genuine, why couldn’t I feel it? All I’ve ever known is pain. He asked me to terminate my pregnancy because he desired a son. Then he discarded me, left me languishing here, only to show off Cecilia and their son to the world.
‘Zach, no matter how many people you persuade, no crafted image can erase the harsh reality I’ve endured. I won’t be swayed by hearsay. My trust lies only in my own experiences!’ Madelyn’s resolve hardened.
