Chapter 4
Madeline kept hitting trees and rocks as she slowly lost consciousness.
After a long time, she finally stopped and lay in the grass, unable to move.
The rain kept pouring, cold water running down her face, and the wound on her forehead ached.
She struggled to lift her head, forcing a bitter smile.
The children she had missed so much had left her in the forest in a storm for another woman, leaving her to survive on her own.
She muttered, "Why did they do this to me? How ironic."
*****
The smell of disinfectant filled the ward. Madeline leaned against the bed, pale-faced, with a bandage on her forehead stained slightly red.
She avoided Edward's gaze, remaining silent.
The silence was almost suffocating. Edward sat in the chair by the bed, his eyes clouded with conflicting emotions.
After a long silence, he said, "Madeline, I know you had nothing to do with the kids disappearing."
Madeline kept her eyes closed, showing no reaction at all.
He continued, "I was wrong about you, Madeline. I'm sorry. The kids are young. They were clueless and acted without thinking. They didn't mean it. Don't take it to heart."
"So what?" Madeline finally opened her eyes, her voice rough.
Those eyes that once held so many emotions were now indifferent. She didn't bother to show sarcasm.
She managed a faint smile, and it made Edward's heart drop.
He said, "I know you're upset. This is on me, but try to understand them. They thought you hurt Olivia. That was why they did that."
Madeline turned her gaze away, refusing to look at him.
All those sleepless nights, the pain, and the despair of being pushed to the brink by her own children had already shattered her heart completely.
Now, Edward's sickening words couldn't stir up any anger in her.
Seeing how quiet she was, Edward felt annoyed. He softened his voice. "I know you've been wronged. Once you feel better, I'll take you out to get some air."
"No need," Madeline said, turning away to stare at the gloomy sky outside the window.
Edward was about to say something else when his phone buzzed in his pocket. Olivia's name flashed across the screen.
He frowned and headed to the window to answer the call.
Olivia's voice came through, trembling with sobs. She said the kids were terrified and kept looking for him.
Edward glanced back at Madeline, holding back his emotions. "I need to check on the kids. I'll sort things out soon and come back to you."
Madeline gave no response at all, not a glance in his direction.
Edward hurried out of the ward, closing the door softly behind him.
*****
It was almost dark, and Edward still hadn't come back.
Madeline decided to walk around and pay the medical bills at the same time.
She went to the lobby counter on the first floor, but as she was about to talk to the clerk, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the waiting area. Then she froze.
It was Edward.
He wasn't comforting the frightened kids at all. Instead, he was sitting on the couch, with Olivia leaning against him, talking softly.
Edward turned slightly to listen. His usual furrowed brow was relaxed now, and his eyes held a softness Madeline had never seen before.
Between them, their son and daughter sat quietly.
"Mom loves us. She buys us all kinds of yummy treats and plays games with us." Henry looked up at Edward, his voice clear as it reached Madeline.
Nancy kept nodding, holding tightly onto Olivia's arm. "Yes, we love Mom so much. We'd never leave her for someone else."
Those words pierced Madeline's heart.
She couldn't believe that these were the children she had done everything to protect.
She managed a bitter smile.
It didn't matter anymore. Soon, she would leave and be done with everyone who hurt her.
*****
That evening, Edward stopped by, but there was no real concern in his eyes; he was going through the motions, making a perfunctory visit.
He said, "Madeline, tomorrow is Henry's birthday. Olivia wants you to come. No matter what, you're still his mother."
Madeline looked at him quietly. She knew that even if she said no, he would still make her go.
She would treat it as her last goodbye.
"Okay," she replied.
*****
The next day, Madeline got ready and went straight to their house.
Pink balloons swayed in the hall. The sweet smell of cake mixed with the light fizz of champagne filled the space.
Henry stood in front of the cake, dressed in a tiny suit.
"Why is she here?" His voice sliced through the chatter, breaking the party's buzz.
Everyone looked toward the entrance.
Madeline stood there, holding a small gift box, her face pale.
"Henry, come make a wish." Olivia smiled warmly and waved, though a cold glint flashed quickly in her eyes.
She wrapped Henry in a hug as he rushed over, then turned to Madeline, her tone overly enthusiastic. "Madeline, I'm so glad you're here."
Edward stood next to Olivia. When he saw Madeline, he frowned. "Hi."
Madeline clutched the gift box tightly. "Happy birthday, Henry."
As she stepped forward with the gift, a sharp metal snapping sound came from above.
The chandelier in the middle of the hall suddenly came loose for some reason.
A sharp crack followed as the support broke, and the entire chandelier dropped straight into the crowded area below.
"Watch out." Screams burst out everywhere.