Chapter 3
Maddie’s thoughts were chaotic, yet she remained silent, simply sitting there.
Andy, as always, showered her with attention.
He placed his coat over her shoulders, fed her fruit, and wiped a milk stain from the corner of her mouth. As he did, his eyes darkened, and he leaned in with a smile to kiss her.
Maddie closed her eyes, but the initial rush of emotion was absent.
When she looked up, she noticed Crystal staring intently at them, her eyes filled with tension.
Maddie realized that Andy’s intention to provoke Crystal had succeeded.
However, all his affection stopped abruptly when Crystal frowned and collapsed onto the couch with a pained gasp.
The room erupted with concern. “Crystal, what’s happening…?”
“I don’t know… it hurts so much… maybe my stomach is upset… just get me some medicine…”
Andy’s expression shifted, and he could no longer contain himself—he stood up suddenly.
When he noticed the wine on her table, his eyes grew even darker, his voice trembling with a mix of worry and tenderness.
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“Aren’t you aware of your stomach issues? How could you drink alcohol? I’m taking you to the hospital!”
With that, he lifted her into his arms and headed for the door, not once acknowledging Maddie.
Maddie closed her eyes, realizing her part in this charade was over.
She forced her feverish body upright, muttered an excuse, and
followed them outside.
In the days that followed, Maddie remained at home to recuperate while quietly packing her belongings.
She discarded all the jewelry and designer bags Andy had gifted her, the photos they had taken together, and even the shirts and cups she had bought for him.
She kept only the essential items for daily use, leaving nothing behind.
As she looked at the increasingly empty room, Maddie felt a wave of nostalgia, overwhelmed by the memories of past days.
She and Andy would cuddle on the sofa, watch movies, stay up late assembling Lego sets, and plant flowers together on the balcony.
She often dreamed of this life lasting eternally.
But now, it was time to face reality.
Lost in thought, she heard the sound of a car in the courtyard.
Maddie glanced up to see Andy returning with Crystal.
Andy’s face was neutral, while Crystal smiled, eagerly chatting away.
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Laughing and talking, they entered the living room. Andy noticed the emptiness and his brows knitted slightly.
“Why is so much missing from the house?” he asked.
“I got rid of some unused stuff,” Maddie replied, looking down and offering a casual excuse.
Andy didn’t give it much thought. He glanced at her, then shifted his focus back to Crystal.
“Crystal’s not been feeling well, and she’s having some problems with her house, so she’s going to stay here for a few days.”
Maddie nodded in understanding. “Okay.”
He was her benefactor and she was his plaything.
He didn’t really owe her any explanations.
Noticing her unusual indifference, Andy frowned, sensing something was off. Before he could inquire further, Crystal chimed in.
“Andy, can I stay in the south–facing bedroom? Also, since I’m allergic to pollen, could the flowers on the balcony be moved temporarily? And these carpets keep snagging my high heels; I’d prefer if they were removed, if possible.”
Andy nodded in agreement and directed the butler to see to her requests.
Crystal smiled, casting a sideways, smug glance at Maddie.
As the butler and staff went about removing the carpets and flower pots and preparing the master bedroom for Crystal, Maddie felt a pang of bitterness as her familiar home slowly morphed into something
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unrecognizable.
Following the monotony, a feeling of relief washed over her. She
reassured herself internally that since she was departing soon, none of this would concern her anymore.
With this in mind, she quietly bowed her head and headed up to her room by herself.
