Chapter 6
When I woke up, it was already afternoon.
I changed into my work clothes and put on some light makeup, hoping no one would notice how worn-out I really was, then headed to the Gross Group.
Just as I was about to push open the CEO's office door, Delaney's sharp voice pierced through from inside. "Gideon! My bump's about to show. When are you finally going to make me your wife?"
"Delaney, stop it," Gideon said, trying to keep his cool.
He sounded completely drained.
"Me, making trouble?" Delaney let out a bitter laugh. "Are you still hung up on Maddison? If you are, I'll go and get rid of this baby right now!"
"Delaney!" Gideon snapped, his patience wearing thin.
"I'm going! Maybe I'll die on the operating table, and then you'll have a lifetime of regret!" Delaney screamed.
"Don't say stuff like that!" Gideon's voice shot up.
"Just give me one more month, okay? One month, and I'll talk to Maddison," Gideon pleaded.
"Talk to her about what?" Delaney demanded.
"We'll come up with the perfect plan together..." Gideon replied, voice low.
I scoffed, the sound sharp and mocking.
My hand gripped the doorknob, and I swung the door open hard.
Gideon and Delaney snapped their heads toward me, their faces morphing from conspiratorial to stunned, then to outright disbelief.
It was like watching a soap opera.
Too bad I wasn't just a spectator anymore.
"No need," I said, locking eyes with them, my voice steady. "I've got a solution right now."
Gideon stared at me, his eyes darting with panic. "Maddison, please, just hear me out..."
He stepped toward me, reaching for my hand.
I backed away, avoiding his touch.
"This isn't the place for this. Let's talk at home, okay?" he practically begged. "Just bear with me a little longer, I promise I'll give you an answer."
Hold on a little longer?
Seven years of this. I was done waiting.
"No need," I said, locking eyes with him. "Here's my solution: you marry Delaney."
The air froze.
Delaney's eyes went wide, as if she couldn't believe I just said that.
Gideon's face went ghostly pale, his lips trembling. "Maddison, what... what are you saying?"
"You'd better hurry up with the wedding," I said, my eyes drifting to Delaney's growing belly. "Wait too long and she won't even fit into a wedding dress."
"Maddison!" Gideon's voice shot up, panic and anxiety all over his face. "You're the only one I want to marry. I've never wanted anyone else!"
"Then what about Delaney?" I shot back. "And what about the baby she's carrying?"
Gideon opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
His eyes darted between me and Delaney, sweat beading on his forehead.
"We could let Delaney move in to our place while she's expecting," he said through gritted teeth, every word squeezed out. "After the baby's born, we'll have the wedding. Would... would that work?"
He looked at me, his eyes full of hope.
He looked just like a kid who'd messed up, waiting for the grown-ups to forgive him.
I gave a cool nod. "Alright."
Gideon's face lit up with delight. He hurried over, arms outstretched to hug me. "Maddison, I knew you were the best, so generous..."
"Do whatever you want," I said, sidestepping him, my voice flat as ice. "It doesn't concern me anymore."
Gideon froze, his hand suspended awkwardly in the air.
"Maddison, what do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice trembling.
I didn't answer. I just turned to leave.
"Even if Delaney has the baby and we get married, you're still the only one for me!" Gideon called out desperately behind me. "You can keep living in the villa, and things can stay just like before..."
I kept walking, not slowing down for a second.
He rushed after me, reaching for my arm.
I pulled away from him. "Go take care of Delaney. I'll handle things at the company."
With that, I walked out of the CEO's office without looking back.
Delaney's smug laughter rang out behind me, like she was announcing her victory. "Gideon, see? I told you Maddison would understand."
That very night, Delaney moved into the villa.
She strutted in, heels clicking, dragging three massive suitcases behind her. Her gaze swept around the place, practically screaming 'mine'.
"Nanny, take my stuff to the master bedroom," she ordered.
The nanny shot me a helpless look.
I sat on the couch, book in hand, without looking up. "Just do it," I said.
Delaney flashed a smug grin and followed the nanny upstairs.
Less than half an hour later, Delaney came strutting down the stairs, looking like she owned the place.
Her arms were loaded with my clothes, jewelry, and makeup, and she just flung everything onto the living room carpet without a care.