Chapter 8
On Andy’s birthday, Maddie got up early. When she opened the window to let in some fresh air, she noticed Andy talking with a few friends in the garden.
“Andy, I heard Crystal is personally planning your birthday this year. She’s been sticking close to you lately. If she asks to rekindle things at the party, will you agree?”
“Is that even a question? Absolutely!”
Despite his friends‘ teasing, Andy stayed calm and collected. “We’ll see what happens when the time comes.”
“You seem so sure of yourself. Do you have a hint that Crystal will confess today?”
“But if you reunite with Crystal, what about Maddie? Why not pass her to me? I think she’s really attractive. Let me have her for a few days, and I’ll take care of her for you.”
“Since you’re offering, I’d like a turn too. I’ve been interested in her for a while. Just imagining her calling me ‘daddy‘ in bed makes my knees weak.”
As Maddie heard their spiteful laughter, a chill ran down her spine.
She bit her lip hard to stop any sound from escaping and instinctively turned to Andy.
A slight smirk appeared on his lips, though his eyes remained cold. “After trailing me for so long, you still don’t know the rules? Whatever
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I’ve claimed, even if I’m done with it, is off–limits to others. I’ll put her in an unimportant role in the assistant’s office–let’s see who still dares
to want her then.”
Noticing his sour mood, his friends recoiled and quickly tried to appease him.
“Just joking! Maddie’s been with you for four years and still adores you. She’d probably be happy just being eye candy in the office.”
“But if you reunite with Crystal and she can’t tolerate Maddie, forcing you to get rid of her, after four years together–won’t you feel any attachment when that moment arrives?”
Andy took a sip of his coffee, his voice maintaining a detached tone.
“She’s just here to pass the time. Why would I get attached?”
Maddie no longer felt the pang in her chest at his indifferent remark.
After freshening up, she was heading downstairs for a glass of water when she bumped directly into Crystal.
As their eyes met, Crystal’s expression briefly showed annoyance.
“How much longer are you going to stick around after taking my money? My patience isn’t endless!”
Maddie glanced at her phone, checking the meeting notification from her supervisor, and replied calmly, “Don’t worry. After today, I’ll be gone for good. You won’t see me again.”
“What do you mean, I won’t see you again?”
Both women turned abruptly at the familiar voice to see Andy standing in the doorway.
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Crystal’s heart raced, and she quickly changed the topic.
“Oh, nothing, just making small talk. It’s a long drive to the villa- should we leave now?”
Andy didn’t linger on the matter. After checking the time, he agreed.
“Let’s go.”
He grabbed the car keys while Crystal slipped into her high heels. Only Maddie remained still.
Seeing her lack of movement, Andy prompted her again.
“Why are you just standing there? Aren’t you going to change into a gown?”
They were on their way to a birthday party, but Maddie had no plans to join.
“You go on ahead. Don’t worry about me.”
Her indifferent attitude darkened Andy’s expression.
“If you skip the party and regret it later, don’t call me crying.”
“I won’t.”
Her overly confident tone left Andy feeling unexpectedly uneasy as if he was losing control of the situation.
He was about to ask more questions, but Crystal pulled on his hand, encouraging him to go.
“Since she’s occupied, we shouldn’t wait–we’ll be impolite to the guests if we’re late. I’ve got a surprise ready and can’t wait for you to
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see it!”
Her words quickly captured Andy’s attention. He cast one last glance at Maddie before departing with Crystal.
Maddie slowly packed her suitcase, taking one last look around the villa where she’d spent the past five years.
Everything there had once convinced her she was cherished.
The piano Andy had purchased for her, her favorite scented candles, even the cat he had allowed her to keep in the bedroom.
But now she realized none of this affection had been meant for her, it had all been for Crystal.
He had someone he truly loved, and it was time for her to start her new life.
Without looking back, she dragged her suitcase and headed straight for the airport.
Before the plane took off, the flight attendant consistently reminded everyone to turn off their phones.
Just before powering hers down, Maddie remembered something important. She took a deep breath, opened her chat with Andy, and typed a goodbye message.
“Mr. Loreine, I won’t be attending your birthday celebration today. Enjoy yourself. Thank you for looking after me all these years. I plan to cheat. Farewell forever.”
Unbeknownst to her, she had accidentally typed “cheat” instead of.“go abroad” before turning off her phone.
