Chapter 4 Marrying Someone You Don't Like For No Reason

"Even if you refuse to take my hand in marriage, I have no intention of joining the Powell family. I don't love their son," Madelyn declared, her voice laden with resolve. "I agreed to marry you because I fell for you, but now I realize how foolish that was."

Her lips curved into a wry smile, tinged with self-mockery. "I never intended to interfere with Rebecca's marriage. So, that you sacrificed yourself to marry me is meaningless; it's just marrying someone you don't like for no reason!"

Her words, sharp as a blade forged from her broken dreams, pierced Jason's heart.

Madelyn turned away, her gaze steady and devoid of tears. She had vowed to shed no more tears for Jason, a promise she upheld with fierce determination.

Jason stood in silence, the weight of her words hanging between them. As Madelyn reached for the door, his voice broke the stillness, low and probing. "Does the divorce agreement state that you leave with nothing?"

"Indeed," Madelyn replied, her tone unwavering. "I want not a single cent from you. I'll see you in court the day after tomorrow."

With a resolute slam of the door, Madelyn stepped into the crisp air, drawing a deep breath that felt like freedom itself.

In letting go of Jason and embracing her future, a wave of relief washed over her, lightening her spirit.

At that moment, her phone buzzed with a call from an old friend.

Daniel Flynn, a college friend from the design department, had been a trusted confidant during their university days. After graduating, he soared to success as a design director at a prestigious global firm before launching his own celebrated brand.

Over the years, Daniel had reached out, urging Madelyn to join his ventures, but she had always declined.

Now, determined to reclaim her career, she was ready to step back into the world of design.

The next day, Madelyn met Daniel in a café.

"Madelyn, you're as radiant as ever, untouched by time." Seated in a cozy café, Daniel, clad in a soft gray shirt and sleek silver-rimmed glasses, greeted Madelyn with a genuine smile.

Madelyn blushed faintly, deflecting with a light laugh. "You wouldn't dare say I don't look like I've been buried in domestic life all these years, would you?"

"I'm only speaking the truth!" Daniel chuckled, smoothly shifting gears. He slid an iPad across the table toward Madelyn. "Professor Howard is launching a bold new brand with a cutting-edge vision. We're building a studio, and I want you on board as our design director. Our old crew is eager to have you back. Your return has us all buzzing with excitement!"

At the mention of Geoffrey Howard, Madelyn's smile wavered, a shadow of grief flickering in her eyes.

Years ago, she and Ashley, Geoffrey's granddaughter, were abducted. In a desperate escape, a car accident claimed Ashley's life as she tried to save Madelyn.

The guilt had haunted Madelyn ever since, prompting her to send funds to the Howard family as a gesture of atonement.

But recently, a chilling revelation had come to light.

The kidnapping and the car accident were no mere tragedies-they were meticulously planned.

How else could a band of ruthless kidnappers so readily choose to end their own lives?

There had to be someone behind the scenes, orchestrating it all from the shadows!

From that moment, Madelyn swore to unearth the truth, determined to bring peace to Ashley's memory.

Lost in her reflections, Madelyn was jolted by a sharp, indignant voice. "Madelyn, are you cheating on your husband? Who is this man?"

Striding toward them was her second brother, Nate Clark, his tall, lean frame cutting an imposing figure as he approached their table, his brow furrowed in disapproval.

Madelyn's expression tightened subtly.

With a calming gesture toward Daniel, she rose gracefully and positioned herself firmly in Nate's path, her voice steady yet resolute. "What's the matter?"

"What gives you the audacity to act so self-righteous?" Nate's glare burned with accusation. "Are you shamelessly carrying on an affair? How could you betray your husband like this?"

"She is not having an affair. We're discussing professional matters," Daniel interjected, unable to stay silent any longer. He stood, his tone firm in Madelyn's defense.

"Professional matters?" Nate scoffed, his skepticism dripping with disdain, clearly unconvinced.

"I'm reclaiming my career, Nate," Madelyn replied, her smile cool and devoid of warmth. "I'm divorcing Jason, thanks in no small part to your precious sister, Rebecca."

"Still harping on yesterday's nonsense?" Nate shot back.

He had heard Rebecca's version of the previous day's events, and it was evident he had taken her side without questioning, blind to any other perspective.

Madelyn, unsurprised by his allegiance, merely shrugged with studied indifference.

"My professional conversations are no concern of your family. I am cutting your family off. You're overstepping, Nate."

"You're cutting us off?" Nate was caught off guard, his anger flaring.