Madelyn took a taxi to the Arnold residence.
The weather was gloomier than usual today, making her feel a bit down.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhen she reached her destination, a light rain started to fall.
Ethan came out with an umbrella to walk her in. "Are you cold? I'll get you a shawl." Madelyn glanced around the entryway and noticed some kids’ building blocks under the couch. She quickly looked away, her heart racing a little.
Ethan had a servant bring a shawl and draped it over her.
"Thank you," said Madelyn.
Ethan was always so attentive and thoughtful. Even if they got married, Madelyn believed he'd be an excellent husband. 'But...
he was never truly mine,’ she thought.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Madelyn..." Evelyn's voice called from the doorway. George was with her.
She walked over and sat next to Madelyn, holding her hands. "You're back and didn't even call me. | was just about to ask Ethan to invite you over for dinner. He told me about your sudden return. Don't worry; we'll find the best doctor to help Hayson." Fidgeting with her dress, Madelyn said, "I came... to call off the engagement. I'm sorry. I've thought about it, and I've made up my mind." Her words, soft like falling leaves, had an undeniable force. Even the servants in the room couldn't help but eavesdrop.
George had already suspected the reason of her visit. With a glance, he sent the servants out of the room.
Ethan's eyes darkened, his voice cold and firm, "I won't allow.” Evelyn signaled for Ethan to settle down and spoke gently, "Madelyn, ending an engagement is a big deal. Everyone expects you to be the next Mrs. Arnold. You can't just make such a decision suddenly." The more they danced around the truth, the more heartbroken Madelyn became.
"I know everything," Madelyn said calmly, looking at Ethan. "I heard everything on the phone that day... And two days ago, you went to the mall holding hands with that child and Donna. He's your child, isn't he, Ethan?" Ethan felt a pang in his heart, ‘She knows after all.’ He took a deep breath and met her gaze, nodding without hesitation. "Yes." He quickly added, "I never intended to hide anything from you, nor did | think about ending our engagement. | just wanted to find the right moment to explain everything to you in person. Please believe me, okay?" Madelyn gave a small smile. "I've never doubted you, Ethan. But the person you truly care about has never been me. You've never really forgotten everything with Donna. Whenever it came down to choosing between me and Donna, you always chose her. The first time was when Donna went back home. The second was when she was in danger, and you rushed to her side without a second thought. And that phone call, | heard it too..." Deep down, she wanted to say, "You left me behind, Ethan. You've done it three times. Do you know that | can't always forgive and forget? I'm not as understanding as you think. | can be selfish too. | want the person I love to only have eyes for me and to treat me with all their heart."