7%
A figure suddenly slammed into me, knocking me to the ground then dashed forward to catch Elise
She clutched her scraped wrist, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed in Dawson’s arms
“It seems Maxine hates Elijah just said a few words to warn her, and she wished death on me and the baby. Then she shoved me down these stairs oh, Dawson, it hurts so much“%
Dawson glared at me through gritted teeth, venom dripping from his voice%
“Mazine, you cold hearted watch if anything happens to Elise, I swear I’ll make you pay“%
He barked orders at the private doctor like a madman, then stormed off carrying Elise X
I clenched my palm, cut and bleeding from the jagged stones %
Slowly, I pushed myself up and dialed a number I hadn’t called in years%
A lazy voice answered %
“Well, well, look whds rising with the sun from the west Miss Fernandez actually called me first–how rare“%
Lignored the sarcasm and asked, “Lawrence, is our engagement still valid?%
“Tek tek Miss Fernandez, you do realize you’re married, night? And I’m not into playing the third party“%
Inhaling sharply, I spat, “Forget it Pretend i never called “%
Thung up, swallowing the lump of courage I’d barely summoned, and started walking back
The servants noticed my bloodied hands and immediately jeered %
“No wonder Young Master spoils Miss Elise so much. She’s not only beautiful but kind. Imagine, breastfeeding someone else’s child. Not like that useless one over there.“%
“She can’t bear children and still can’t won the young master’s heart. What right does she have to marry into the Patterson family
“I think Miss Elise and Young Master were made for each other“%
Ignoring them, I went straight to the bathroom to wash the cuts %
Suddenly, my phone rang again %
Glancing at the screen, I answered the call%
“Ah, your temper’s still as bad, and you’re just as dense. If you’d used your brain, you’d have figured out the marriage certificate was fake ages ago” Lawrence clicked his tongue.%
So he really uncovered the truth.%
Annoyed, I snapped, “Is that all you wanted to say?“%
His smooth voice took on a teasing edge. “No, I’m calling to tell you–l accept your proposal, Mazine“%
Stunned, I trembled before whispering, “But I’m already married to Dawson…“%
“Anyway, your manage to him is just a sharn with a fake certificate, right? I’ve said it before–I’ll wait for the day you become Mrs. Clark, Ours will be open, legal, and honest.“%
“In three days, I’ll come with Enrique to pick you up.“%
That night, I returned home alone to find Dawson directing servants to carry Elise’s luggage inside.%
“From today on, Elise will live with us. It’s easier for her to care for Elijah“%
1 had expected this, so I nodded calmly. “Mm“%
Seeing I wasn’t angry or crying, Dawson felt something wasn’t right. “Aren’t you mad, Mazine?“%
I smiled at him “Why would I be? You have your wife and child now. I wish you all you want.“%
1 tumed and went into the bedroom.
“Mazine–“%
He panicked, about to follow me, but Elise grabbed his arm.%
“Dawson, my chest feels so tight. Come check on me.“%
After hesitating, Dawson let her pull him into the room across the hall %
Her soft hands moved over his warmth %
“Maybe not tonight I make up for it on our honeymoon. Mazine seems unwell–1’ll go check on her…“%
He glanced toward Marine’s closed bedroom door She was already lying in bed, eyes shut.
“But I want to give Elijah a little sister Tonight, you can do whatever you want, okay?“%
His breath quackened, but then memones of how worn out Maxine looked these past days made his chest tighten painfully The desire drained away He pulled his hand free
“Marine is still here i dont want her to see*%
Elise’s eyes immediately reddened. “But I’m the vile on your marriage certificated ferit it only right that we make love?”
1:14 PM e drained
ine desire drained away. He pullеa nis nana tree.”
“Maxine is still here. I don’t want her to see.“}
Elise’s eyes immediately reddened. “But I’m the wife on your marriage certificate! Isn’t it only right that we make love?“>
His gaze darkened as he snapped, “I only married you to give Elijah a complete family. But the title of Mrs. Patterson is–and always will be–reserved for Maxine.”
…2
Unbeknownst to them, I listened silently to his ridiculous vow.
What was the point of pretending to care now??
I didn’t want Dawson anymore–not that I could ask for him, or dare.
The next morning, I came downstairs to find Dawson and Elise sitting at the dining table.
“Maxine, I made this porridge myself. Have a bowl.”
Without giving me a chance to refuse, Elise handed me a bowl with peanuts floating on top.
Even peanut butter could kill me.
“Sorry, I’m allergic to peanuts. I can’t eat this.”}
Elise pouted as she was about to leave. “I know you don’t like me, Maxine. I’ll move out so I don’t bother you anymore.”} Dawson grabbed the crying Elise impatiently.
“When did you suddenly become allergic to peanuts? Elise stayed up all night making this porridge–you have to eat it!”
I stared at him, disbelief burning inside. “You’re willing to gamble with my life just because she puts on an act and cries?“}
