Chapter 114: Married By Mistake: Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife Chapter 1131-1140

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1131 Jeremy paused when he heard Madeline’s queries.

He raised his long, almond-shaped eyes slowly. A cold, hard glint was reflected in his amber eyes.

The look in his eyes did not seem right.

Madeline felt extremely curious. She walked over to him to take a glance at what he was looking at.

However, Jeremy quickly kept the photos and put them inside an envelope. He then raised his eyes and smiled faintly at her.

“They’re just some photos from our collaborator. There’s nothing much to see,” he said. He threw the file into his drawer and locked it. “Why did you come over all of a sudden? Did you miss me?” he asked.

Madeline’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “I was passing by after sending the kids to kindergarten,” she replied.

“So you’re here just because you were nearby?” he asked.

“Yeah, just because I was nearby.” She chuckled coquettishly. The truth was, she did not come over just because she was nearby. She missed him.

Raising her eyes, she noticed that the button at Jeremy’s collar was unbuttoned. Madeline raised her hand to button it up.

However, just as she touched his collar, he moved back and turned to take some documents from the table.

Madeline’s hand remained suspended in mid-air.

“Jeremy?” she asked.

“I need to get ready for the meeting,” he replied. However, it seemed like he was intentionally explaining himself to her. “You haven’t been visiting Ryan these few days?” he asked.

Madeline was still in the midst of wondering why he was avoiding her. Upon hearing him bringing up Ryan, her gaze shone.

“I’ll just be causing more distress to him if I go there. That’s why I’d rather not go,” she explained.

“You’re so considerate toward him.”

Madeline detected a sense of jealousy from the way he worded this sentence.

However, it seemed like he was afraid that she would get the wrong idea. Jeremy smiled faintly at her. “If you’re worried about his condition, you can go visit him. I trust you,” he said.

Madeline looked at him in disbelief. “Jeremy, you really don’t mind me visiting Ryan?” she asked.

“I mind it,” he replied curtly, “But if that’s something you want to do, I won’t stop you from doing so.”

His words touched Madeline’s heart. Nevertheless, the image of the incident that occurred that day in the hotel floated into her mind.

Although it was part of someone’s scheme, she could not help but feel that she had done something to betray Jeremy.

Since Jeremy would be attending a meeting, she did not stay for long either.

The moment she stepped out of the office, Jeremy took out the envelope he had thrown into the drawer just now.

He picked one of the photos and took a glance at it. A cloud of darkness seeped into his eyes.

He did not attend any meetings. Instead, he drove over to Ryan’s house.

The servants, who were cleaning up the courtyard, could not stop him in time. Jeremy rushed into the house like a whirlwind.

Ryan had just come back from the hospital after changing the dressings on his wound. Before he could take a seat, Jeremy appeared before him.

Mrs. Jones recognized Jeremy at first sight. She had not forgotten how he almost snapped her wrist in half just to protect Eveline Montgomery that day.

“It’s you? Why are you here? How dare you enter our house?”

Braving herself against him, Mrs. Jones questioned him cynically.

“I know you’re from the Whitman family. You’ve been given the title of the prince of the wealthiest family in Glendale. Hmph! A person like you going around snatching someone else’s wife, don’t you have any shame?” she asked.

Once she stopped talking, she sensed a gust of chilly air blowing against her.

Jeremy stared at Mrs. Jones coldly. His gaze then fell on Ryan. “If you don’t want your family to get involved, stay as far from her as possible.”

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1132 Once Mrs. Jones heard what he said, she knew that he was referring to her.

She wanted to say something, but Ryan stopped her at once. “Mom, go back to your room,” he said.

“Rye, don’t forget that you’re Eveline’s husband!” Mrs. Jones reminded him. “Don’t give a damn about the son of Glendale’s wealthiest family. Do you think the Jones family is afraid of him?” she asked.

Jeremy gazed at her coldly. “It’d be best if you aren’t afraid,” he said.

“...” His harsh gaze frightened her, and she did not dare to say anything else.

“Go to your room at once,” Ryan told her.

Mrs. Jones did not say anything more. She turned around and made her way upstairs immediately.

However, she detected a sense of aggressiveness in Jeremy. It seemed like he was here to find trouble with Ryan. She walked to the stairwell of the second floor and watched the events unfolding in the living room.

Once she turned around, Jeremy threw an envelope at Ryan.

About ten photographs fell out of the envelope. They fluttered in the air before scattering on the ground.

“Ryan, have a good look at your masterpiece,” he announced.

The tone of Jeremy’s voice was beyond frigid. He raised his slender brows, a hateful gaze in his eyes.

“Are you going to tell me that this is just a misunderstanding?” he asked.

Ryan looked at the photographs scattered by his feet. He picked up one of the photographs and lowered his eyes to take a look at it.

Madeline’s shoulders were bare in the photograph. She appeared to be passed out and lying on the same bed as Ryan.

After looking at the photographs, Ryan frowned. “I should’ve guessed that someone would’ve taken photos like this and given them to you. Jeremy, don’t blame Eveline. She doesn’t know anything,” he said.

After listening to Ryan’s nonchalant words, Jeremy rushed in front of him and grabbed his collar in a fit of rage.

“Ryan, don’t put up an act in front of me. Linnie may not know, but I do.” He growled. His stare was harsh and icy, piercing through the calm expression on Ryan’s face. “What did you do to her?” he asked.

Ryan sighed lightly in exasperation. “You’ve seen the photos. Anything that shouldn’t have happened has already happened,” he said.

Upon listening to his response, Jeremy’s eyes were set ablaze in rage. Unable to control himself, he threw a punch at Ryan’s face.

Ryan did not avoid the blow, and a stream of blood flowed down the corner of his mouth.

Upon catching sight of the scene unfolding before her, Mrs. Jones came down the stairs at once. “Jeremy Whitman, what are you doing?! Why did you hit him?!” she yelled.

She rushed to Ryan’s side in a hurry. Catching sight of photographs scattered on the ground, she picked up a few of them and took a glance. She instantly understood the reason why Jeremy was in a fit of rage.

Mrs. Jones continued reprimanding him in a steady tone, “Jeremy Whitman, what are your intentions for bringing these photographs over here? Rye and Eveline are a married couple. They can do whatever they want together. It’s none of your business. How dare you come over here to scold Rye?”

Mrs. Jones threw the photographs onto the coffee table. “Mr. Whitman, get it clear. Eveline Montgomery is your ex-wife. She’s now Rye’s wife. She’s the daughter-in-law of the Jones family! Apologize to Rye at once. If you don’t apologize, I’ll tell the reporters that the prince of Glendale is out here snatching someone else’s wife!” she yelled.

Jeremy finished listening to her threats calmly. He then laughed.

“Why do I have to apologize to a fake *sshole who snatched my wife away and is now pretending to be all high and mighty?” he questioned.

“...” Mrs. Jones was in a state of stupor. “What nonsense is this?” she asked.

“Is it really nonsense?” Jeremy snickered. “Ryan, tell your mother. Am I spewing nonsense?”

Ryan wiped away the blood on the corner of his lips. “Jeremy Whitman, let’s not involve our family in this matter.”

Jeremy’s gaze hardened. “Now you’re saying that family shouldn’t be involved, but it’s already too late,” he said.

He suddenly pulled out a pistol from his waistcoat and pressed it against Ryan’s heart in an act of bravado.

“W-What are you doing?!” Mrs. Jones shrieked immediately, her face turning pale from fear.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1133 Jeremy ignored Mrs. Jones and loaded the bullets with practiced ease before hooking his slender finger on the trigger. “Did you think that with Yorick dead, you’d have nothing to fear anymore, Ryan?”

A ripple finally flashed through Ryan’s elegant expression at the mention of Yorick Johnson.

Jeremy’s sharp gaze caught the slight shift in the man’s expression, and he pressed the muzzle against Ryan’s heart. “You sure are good at hiding it.”

Ryan looked confused as if he did not understand what Jeremy was talking about.

He shot back, “Don’t you think that something’s wrong with you, Jeremy? It seems like not only did the poison change your appearance, but it’s messing with your thoughts as well.”

Jeremy’s gaze darkened. “You’re right. My thoughts are messed up, and these messed up thoughts of mine are telling me that I want you gone.”

His slender fingers curled around the trigger.

Ryan was about to raise his hand to stop Jeremy when Madeline’s figure flashed in his peripheral vision.

“Don’t do it! Jeremy!”

Madeline dashed over to stop him, grabbing Jeremy’s hand and pushing the muzzle away from Ryan’s body.

Jeremy did not expect Madeline to appear. His heart felt as if it was being filled with cotton, suffocating him as he watched her stand in front of Ryan like she was afraid that Ryan would be hurt.

He gripped the gun, his finger pulling around the corner of the trigger.

Madeline had rushed over after receiving a call from Mrs. Jones and was met with such a sight upon entering the door. She had no idea why Jeremy was furious, and from the corner of her eyes, she saw the photographs on the ground.

She had merely taken a quick sweeping look at them when her heart began to race.

She quickly picked a few of them up to take a closer look, her mind buzzing. She could completely understand why Jeremy looked like he wanted to kill somebody.

Madeline balled the photographs in her clenched fists.

She finally understood why someone wanted her to sleep with Ryan.

Her chest tightened, and she did not dare to meet Jeremy’s gaze at all.

Looking at the brown envelope, it dawned on Madeline that Jeremy must have been in his office when he saw those photographs. That was why his expression had been so cold and dark.

“What are you doing just standing there, Eveline? Your ex-husband just hit Rye. Are you not going to do anything at all?” Mrs.

Jones’ voice broke the silence around them.

Madeline glanced at Ryan. “Take care of yourself.”

Then, she went up to grab Jeremy’s hand. “Let’s go, Jeremy.”

“What are you doing, Eveline? You’re just going to leave Rye here and walk away with your ex-husband?” Mrs. Jones was displeased but did not dare walk up to stop them.

She was afraid of Jeremy, and more importantly, she was terrified of the gun in his hand.

“Just stop, Mom.” Ryan looked at Madeline. “Go, Eveline.”

Despite being pulled along by Madeline, Jeremy turned back to look at Ryan and raised his gun again. He then pulled the trigger without hesitation.

Bang!

The vase behind Ryan instantly shattered.

“Ah!” Mrs. Jones screamed.

Madeline turned to look at the man oozing with fury. He was warning Ryan, “This is only the beginning.”

Jeremy spat out those words and pulled his hand away from Madeline’s grasp before he strode out the door.

“Jeremy.” Madeline chased after him.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1134 Jeremy’s footsteps halted at Madeline’s voice for a quick moment before he continued forward.

Watching him drive away, Madeline decided to drive and follow after him.

Jeremy finally stopped his car after arriving at the seaside where they first met years ago.

Bringing the car to a stop, Madeline stared from afar as Jeremy stood by the sea. She was surprised to find Jeremy smoking.

She would never forget that cigarette!

Lana was the one who gave Jeremy those cigarettes in the first place, and it was the slow-acting poison that was in them that almost killed Jeremy in the end. Why was he still smoking it?

Madeline felt her heart leap in fear as she rushed toward Jeremy to grab his hand. “What are you doing, Jeremy? Why are you still smoking this?”

Jeremy’s geep gaze locked onto Madeline’s worried-filled ones. He did not reply, only raising his hand to take another drag.

Madeline’s heart grew frantic at the action.

“Jeremy Whitman!”

She snatched the cigarette from his hand and crushed it in her palms, extinguishing its burning end.

Jeremy felt a dull pain in his heart as he reached out to grab Madeline’s hand. Unfurling her palm, he was met with a stark red burn from the cigarette bud in the center of her fair palm.

He wanted to clean her hand, but Madeline withdrew.

Jeremy only reached out for it again, dusting the ashes from her palm. Leaning down, he traced the tip of his tongue on the burn and lightly licked the wound.

Madeline was taken aback by his actions.

His touch seemed to have sparked something in her heart as warmth flashed through her chest.

Jeremy caressed the wound seriously, in a way that spoke the genuineness of his sentiments. Then, he placed a soft peck on the reddened skin as his heart hurt at the thought of her in pain.

A bitter feeling sparked in Madeline’s chest. “I thought you didn’t want to touch me anymore. Why are you doing this?”

She watched Jeremy’s actions pause at the question.

Staring at the silent man, she continued to speak, “You already saw the pictures when you were in your office this morning, huh?

That’s why you moved away when I just wanted to help you fix your button. You think I’m dirty now, don’t you?” Madeline asked calmly, then it struck her.

“I get it now. I finally get it now.”

She smiled with a sigh as the corners of her eyes grew wet against her wishes.

“It’s because I’ve spent the past year as Ryan’s wife, isn’t it? That’s why you’ve started to avoid me when you came back and found out that I’ve been with Ryan. You think I’m dirty now.”

Madeline felt her heart burn with indescribable pain as she came to such a conclusion.

Jeremy did not reply as if he was silently agreeing.

Madeline’s heart chilled as if it was being blown cold by the sea breeze. The chill extinguished the glee and hope that had ignited within her with his return.

She scoffed self-deprecatingly while her gaze remained caring and nostalgic as she stared at him.

“Stop smoking, Jeremy. They might not be the cigarettes Lana gave you, but smoking itself is bad for the body. I don’t want anything to happen to you anymore. I just want you to be safe and happy.”

She persuaded, her eyes still fixed on the silent man.

“I don’t blame you, I get it. Perhaps we were never meant to be lovers, to be husband and wife.” She smiled and sighed in regret.

“If you can’t bring yourself to accept me, then let’s end it here. For good.”

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1135 Madeline hardened her heart and pulled her arm back as she turned to walk back toward her car.

The sea breeze blew, pushing the tears that brimmed her eyes down her cheeks.

‘You’ve returned to my world, Jeremy, only to leave again.

‘Just where did we go wrong? I just want to love you, is that so difficult?’

Madeline swallowed hard.

She thought that the distance between them was growing, yet it had only been a few steps when the man suddenly strode after her to pull her into his embrace from behind.

“Don’t go, Linnie.”

He lifted his arm to wrap it around her neck as the other wrapped itself around her waist. His heavy desire and love for her were exploding within him.

“You told me that you’ll love me no matter how I’ve changed. I feel the same, Linnie. As long as you’re still my Linnie, I will never let go until my dying breath.”

Madeline’s tears trickled down the corner of her eyes, dripping onto the back of Jeremy’s hand.

The searing droplets seeped through his skin and into his heart as it set him aflame.

Jeremy tucked his head into the crook of Madeline’s neck. At that moment, he resembled more like a child burying himself in Madeline’s scent. It was as if she held the medicine to his wounds.

It was almost like she was that medicine.

She was the light and hope that kept him going.

Madeline took a deep breath and bit her lip to hide the pain. “You don’t need to force yourself, Jeremy. I know that you can’t accept what happened between Ryan and me.”

“You may be right, but I can’t lose you either. Losing you would hurt more.” Jeremy hugged her tighter.

Madeline felt the ache in her heart grow.

She could feel how much Jeremy still loved her, but she also knew that what happened between her and Ryan still burned in Jeremy’s mind.

“I know you were set up, Linnie. I know you didn’t intend for this to happen. I trust you, Linnie. That’s why I went to look for Ryan first instead of telling you.”

I trust you.

Madeline’s cold chest warmed at Jeremy’s words.

Her heart clenched as she turned to throw herself into the man’s arms. Looping her arms around his neck, she held on tight.

“Jeremy.”

“Linnie.”

Jeremy tightened his embrace as his heart twinged. He lovingly called out to her by her ear.

“I’m sorry, Jeremy. I was too careless.”

“It’s not your fault.” Jeremy consoled. Away from her gaze, a cold glint sparked across his frosty eyes. “I know someone set you up. I don’t blame you for it.

“In my heart, my Linnie is always perfect and beautiful.” Jeremy’s gaze reverted to its gentle look once more.

“Jeremy...”

“Shh, it’s alright. Don’t cry anymore, okay? It hurts to see you cry.”

He leaned down as he spoke and kissed the tears from her face away.

With every peck, his lips made their way to hers as his heart raced uncontrollably...

When she returned, Madeline decided that she would investigate the situation as well.

She was going to find out just who was setting her up and why they wanted to come between her and Jeremy.

However, there were no leads when she went to check the hotel cameras. Someone seemed to have come and erased everything just before she arrived.

It felt off.

While Jeremy may not blame her, Madeline knew that this would always be a sore subject to him. Why would it not when she herself could not seem to move on from it either?

Returning to the small villa that he had built for her, Madeline found Jeremy’s shoes by the entrance.

He was back already.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1136 Madeline walked in. She was about to go upstairs when she suddenly heard Jeremy’s voice from the bathroom.

“I’ve already died once. Do you think I care? Don’t tell me how to do things. Our relationship, if anything, is just business.”

Madeline felt her heart clench at the reminder of his ‘death’.

Yet what kind of ‘business’ was Jeremy talking about?

Madeline turned around and walked toward the bathroom door.

Jeremy’s raspy baritone voice sounded. “She’s my limit. Back off or there won’t be a negotiation at all.”

Madeline had a subconscious feeling that the person Jeremy was talking about was her.

Madeline did not want to eavesdrop on his phone call, but she could not seem to ignore the conversation.

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

Madeline looked up to meet Jeremy’s bottomless gaze. “Who were you calling, Jeremy? Did something happen?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just work.” He brushed it off with a faint smile.

Yet, the conversation had evidently nothing to do with work at all.

Madeline did not press it. Thinking about what had happened over the past few days, she took Jeremy’s hands. “We haven’t even gotten the chance to have a nice meal even though you’ve been back for a while already, Jeremy. I want to make you dinner tonight. Let’s just forget about the kids tonight. It’ll just be the two of us. Is that okay?”

“Of course. Just the two of us.” Jeremy curled his lips into a small smile and pressed them against Madeline’s forehead.

Madeline then went shopping for ingredients and began preparing in the kitchen.

The sky began to darken as Madeline started on the dishes in the open kitchen.

This had been her dream all those years ago when they first got married—a simple and quiet life.

Yet the day had never come despite the years that passed.

Madeline ended up making a simple homemade meal—three dishes and a soup. It was all Jeremy’s favorites.

She set the table and helped him to the dishes.

At that moment, Madeline finally felt what it meant to live a simple and married life.

However, Jeremy had only taken a few bites when he started coughing.

“Are you alright, Jeremy?” Madeline was worried as Jeremy’s coughing did not seem to end.

Jeremy shook his head. “Don’t worry. Can I have a glass of water, cough cough...”

Madeline quickly stood to get a cup of water. Turning around, she watched Jeremy wipe the corner of his mouth with a piece of tissue before quickly stuffing it into his pockets.

Madeline felt her heart grow cold.

She remembered the ball of tissue Jeremy had coughed blood into half a year ago.

Tightening her grip around the cup of water, she pushed her feelings aside and passed Jeremy the cup as if nothing was wrong.

A few sips later, he stopped coughing and gave her a smile. “I want to eat your cooking for the rest of my life, Linnie.”

Madeline stared at Jeremy and nodded her head seriously. “Okay. I’ll cook for you until we’re both grey and old.”

Not realizing the change in Madeline’s expressions, he continued to eat.

After dinner, the two decided to take a stroll outside.

While walking by his side, Madeline would turn to look at him from time to time. It was as if he would run away if she did not keep her eyes on him.

“Will you leave me again, Jeremy?” Madeline suddenly asked.

Jeremy looked down to meet her gaze. “I won’t.”

Madeline’s heart relaxed greatly at the reply, but what he did during dinner was still fresh in her mind.

Upon returning to the villa, Jeremy went to take a bath.

Carefully opening the bathroom door, Madeline glanced at the man who was taking a shower behind the glass doors.

Her eyes fell on his clothes by the rack, and she carefully tiptoed forward. She was reaching out to take the clothes when the glass door next to her suddenly opened and the man inside stretched his hand out, stopping Madeline while dragging her into the shower with him!

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1137 Taken off guard, Madeline found herself tugged into the shower by Jeremy. She ended up losing her balance and fell into the man’s arms who held her up in time.

Water droplets fell from the man’s wet hair, drenching her clothes. Madeline raised her hand to wipe her eyes but found her wrist being held.

“Did you want to shower with me?” Jeremy’s deep baritone drifted into her ears bewitchingly.

Madeline felt her heartstrings shake, not knowing if Jeremy had found out her true motive.

She looked up to stare at the expression he was wearing, but the falling droplets had her eyes constantly closed.

“I just wanted to wash my hands.” Madeline gave an excuse, feeling guilty.

“Is that so?” Jeremy lowered his voice. The raspiness of his deep voice ignited something within her. “If you’re going to wash your hands, you might as well wash the rest of you, hmm?”

“...”

Stunned, Madeline felt her cheeks grow warm.

They may have been married for many years now, but Madeline still felt shy at the idea of taking a shower together.

Madeline’s cheeks were still burning even after they showered. Sitting frozen on the bed, she basked in the warmth of Jeremy blowing her hair for her.

She could not stop thinking about the ball of tissue Jeremy had hidden away.

Why would he hide it if nothing was wrong?

As she fell on the bed, Madeline had the urge to search Jeremy’s pockets. However, the man’s hold on her was constant.

Afraid that she would disturb his sleep, Madeline resigned herself to falling asleep as well.

Yet with his actions fresh in her mind, sleep refused to come.

Raising her worried gaze, she stared quietly at the man’s sleeping appearance under the faint moonlight.

With his eyes closed, she could no longer see the man’s differently colored irises. Still, his hair, scent, and voice had all changed.

The thought stabbed into Madeline’s heart like a thorn as it began to swell.

She quietly moved toward him to press her lips against his in a genuine kiss.

“I love you, Jeremy. I really don’t want to lose you again.”

She then leaned into the man’s broad chest as sleep took her.

Just as Madeline closed her eyes, Jeremy’s deep ones slowly blinked open.

Under the quiet moonlight, the man stared calmly ahead as darkness swirled behind his deep gaze.

Tightening his arms in mock subconsciousness, he pulled the person in his arms in a tight embrace.

...

Madeline had thought to wake earlier the next day to rifle through Jeremy’s clothes.

However, she woke up late to Jeremy making her breakfast instead.

His cooking was good and Madeline finished the food happily. Despite her smile, her heart was still mulling over the hidden tissue.

Still, she knew that Jeremy had already gotten rid of it by now.

A few days had passed and Madeline did not see Jeremy coughing again. She wondered if she was overthinking.

She had not forgotten that call the other day.

Just what had Jeremy gone through over the past half a year?

He had not told her how he survived the life-threatening crisis, and she did not want to prod him either.

She knew that the only reason why he did not tell her was that he did not want her to worry.

Her heart ached for him. She wondered how much of a toll it had taken on him to suffer everything in silence.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1138 Just then, Madeline suddenly received a call from Ryan’s mother who told her to take a trip to Jones Manor.

Madeline went as it was something she would have to deal with sooner or later.

After entering through the door, she was met with Mr. and Mrs. Jones sitting solemnly on the sofa.

Seeing Madeline enter, Mrs. Jones took the magazine by her side and threw it at an unprepared Madeline.

“Pick it up and look at what’s written on it, Eveline Montgomery!” Mrs. Jones huffed.

Madeline did not take Mrs. Jones’ attitude to heart. Reaching down to pick up the magazine, its cover title spoke of how she had gotten back together with her ex-husband, Jeremy Whitman, and how the two of them had bought a new house where they now settled down in.

The cover page was of the two of them holding hands as they took a sweet stroll under the moonlight.

“Have you ever considered Rye’s feelings, Eveline? You’re Ryan’s wife!” Mrs. Jones accused.

Mr. Jones’ expression was stern as he began to chide unkindly at Madeline. “I knew something was wrong when Rye said he wanted to marry you! I had heard of how you’ve been on and off with that Jeremy Whitman. Who knows if Rye was bewitched or possessed when he said he wanted to get married to you, this divorced woman with three kids.”

Madeline took Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ angry words in a stride as she explained frankly, “We’ve given it serious thought when Rye and I got married. It’s just that—”

“It’s just that what? You’re a divorced woman with three kids with you and even your parents are dead. Rye didn’t even care about any of that, so who are you to give excuses now?” Mrs. Jones marched furiously toward Madeline and warned.

“I’m telling you, Eveline. You’d better make things clear with Jeremy and stop being with him. That man is crazy! He even has a gun on him! Deal with this issue or we can’t be faulted for taking matters into our own hands. I’ll have you know that there’s nothing to celebrate about being a cheating wife!”

“That’s enough.” Ryan’s voice sounded from the stairs, interrupting his mother.

Ryan’s leg was still recovering, so he gripped the railing as he slowly descended the stairs with difficulty until he made his way to Madeline. “Come with me, Eveline.”

Madeline followed, wanting to settle the issue as well.

“My apologies. My parents’ went overboard.” The first thing Ryan did was apologize.

Madeline shook her head. “I agreed when you proposed to marry me back then. I played a part in this as well.”

While she took responsibility, she was also confused.

“Rye, did you not tell your parents that we only got married because it was a mission from the IBCI? They don’t seem to know that we only got married for public image, let alone the fact that we’ve been living separately over the past half a year.

“Your mission ended long ago, and we should’ve gotten divorced half a year ago. I only continued to be your wife because you didn’t want your parents to worry.”

Madeline had only known that the marriage was because of Ryan’s mission when she found out about his true identity.

“I’m sorry. I’ll tell them.” Ryan promised, his gaze slightly reluctant as he stared at Madeline. “Just give me some time. I’ll get the divorce procedures settled. I’ll have to trouble you not to meet Jeremy so much until then.”

Madeline did not think that she could do such a thing.

Now that Jeremy had returned, how could she keep herself from meeting him?

Yet to prevent more trouble, Madeline had no other choice but to control herself.

However, how would Jeremy not realize she was avoiding him?

Madeline was in her office at Montgomery Enterprise when she received a call from Jeremy asking if she was busy. Giving an excuse that was the least of a lie, Madeline told him that she was in a meeting and could not meet up.

They had just hung up when the man appeared by her office’s door.

Madeline’s phone was still by her ear when she watched Jeremy stroll into the room. Panicking, she shot up from her chair.

“Jeremy! What are you doing here? I... I was about to go for a meeting.”

“Do you not want to see me?” Jeremy asked straightforwardly, his deep eyes staring into her frantic ones.

Madeline quickly shook her head. “How could I possibly not want to see you?”

“Then why?” The man seemed upset, his brows tightly knitted.

Knowing that she could not hide it anymore, Madeline told Jeremy everything.

Hearing her, a mocking scoff graced the man’s attractive features before his expression turned serious once more. He looked at Madeline and spoke gently, “There’s something I have to be clear with you about, Linnie.”

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1139 Jeremy’s sudden seriousness had Madeline feeling a little nervous.

“What’s wrong, Jeremy?”

“Ryan must’ve told you about me joining the IBCI, right, Linnie?” he asked.

Madeline nodded, her eyes swirling in heartache for him. “He told me how you went undercover to put Lana behind bars.”

“Then did he tell you what my conditions for working with the IBCI were?” Jeremy’s gentle gaze fell on Madeline’s small face.

That was something Madeline did not know.

She replied frankly, “He didn’t tell me.”

“Of course not.” A smudge of self-deprecating scoff appeared on Jeremy’s chiseled features.

“Jeremy?”

“I had just found out the situation I was in when they first found me. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to protect you or take care of you again, so I demanded that the IBCI provide full protection over you and the kids. Especially considering how Lana Johnson has no baselines.

“That was my condition for joining the IBCI.”

Madeline’s eyes immediately reddened as she heard him explain.

He had indeed done all of that for her.

All while she hated him for being with Lana.

She knew he had his reasons, but this was not the truth she expected.

Seeing Madeline’s self-blame and distress, Jeremy reached out to caress her cheek lovingly.

“I don’t regret the choice I made, but I never expected their protection to come in the form of you marrying Ryan.”

He chuckled ironically.

“I had to watch the woman I love the most put on a wedding dress for another man while pretending that none of it mattered to me.”

He stared at her with tears in his eyes. “Do you know what it feels like to have your heart split open and riddled with holes, Linnie? Because I think what I felt at that moment might just have been it.”

Madeline could no longer hold her emotions back.

Holding onto him, she hid her head in the crook of his neck and wept. “I’m so sorry, Jeremy.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. As long as you’re safe, it’s all worth it.”

He patted the back of her head in gentle comfort.

“I thought that death was imminent and Ryan just so happened to appear then. I did a background check on him and found out he was clean. I hoped that he would be able to give you the happiness that I couldn’t anymore.”

Madeline felt her heart breaking. “No one else can give me happiness on your behalf, Jeremy. You’re unique, one of a kind.”

Jeremy’s smile warmed at her words.

“It was when I decided to leave Glendale that I found out how Ryan was also from the IBCI and of high position as well. He sure hid it well...” Jeremy’s gaze shifted as he spoke.

He could not delve deep into details with Madeline, and at that moment, his only goal was to get rid of the marriage status between Madeline and Ryan.

She was his wife.

Only his wife.

With her emotions calmed, Madeline’s heart still throbbed faintly in her chest at the knowledge of how much Jeremy had done for her without her knowing.

She did not want to worry the man anymore, nor did she want to drag on the matter of the divorce. As such, she went to look for Ryan.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Jones were out, and Madeline made her way to Ryan’s study.

The man was sitting on the balcony, reading his book. His leg had yet to fully recover.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 1140 Ryan was shocked at Madeline’s sudden visit. “Did something happen, Eveline? How can I help you?”

Madeline placed her compiled and signed divorce papers in front of Ryan.

“I’ve already compiled the documents, Rye. You just need to sign at the bottom.” Madeline handed him a pen. “I’m grateful to the IBCI for taking care of their worker’s family. However, my family should be Jeremy.”

Ryan’s calm features froze for a second.

“Jeremy already told me that his condition for joining this international criminal investigation organization was for you to protect me and the kids.”

Madeline watched Ryan’s face for any shift in expressions.

“Marrying me must’ve been an order from your superior, and now that the mission is over, I think we should end this relationship that was never meant to be at all. Thank you for protecting us over the past half a year, Rye.”

Ryan listened calmly and took the divorce papers in his hand.

“There’s no way the mission can be considered over the moment feelings got involved.” Ryan glanced at the papers and looked up. “Could you grant me a request, Eveline?”

Madeline gave it some thought and replied, “As long as it’s within my capabilities, I’ll try my best.”

“I’m sure it is.” Ryan smiled as hope tinted his eyes. “It’ll be my 30th birthday in two days. I’d like to spend time with you during such an important moment. Take it as a beautiful way to end this marriage that was in nothing but name.”

It was hardly an outlandish request and Madeline could not think of a reason to decline. “Sure. I’ll bring the divorce papers over again on that day, then.”

“Alright.” Ryan agreed without trying to hold her back.

Madeline did not dwell and left Jones Manor soon after.

Sitting before the French windows in the study, the corner of Ryan’s lips quirked subtly as he stared at Madeline’s retreating figure.

...

Upon returning home, Madeline told Jeremy of her compromise with Ryan as well as Ryan’s birthday.

Jeremy did not seem displeased. In fact, he even suggested sending her there himself.

Madeline’s heart calmed. Under the midnight blue sky, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders as they watched the stars.

“Hey, Jeremy? Do you know what three words I want to hear most from you out of all the loving things couples tell each other?”

Jeremy wrapped an arm around Madeline’s shoulder and leaned to whisper by her ear without thought, “I’m with you.”

Madeline gave a small smile. Indeed, those were the three words that she longed to hear the most.

‘I’m with you.’

Regardless of what they were to face, all she wanted was to be with him till the end of the world.

When Jeremy went to take a bath, Madeline decided to call Ava who happened to call her at the same time to ask if she was free the following day.

Madeline wanted to meet Ava the following day anyway, so the call came just in time.

The two met at the mall the next day and began to chat as they shopped.

Ava was lamented when she came to know of what Jeremy had suffered. “I used to think that Jeremy didn’t care about you at all, Maddie, but I think I’m starting to envy you now.”

“What’s there to envy about? How he used to torture me until I wanted to die?” Madeline joked.

Despite knowing that Madeline was joking, Ava emphasized with a serious expression, “I believe it now, Maddie. That the person who would bring you the most pain is definitely the person you love the most. I mean why else would it affect you so much, right?”

Madeline thought the logic was sound. “Anyway, you said you needed to do something here today? What is it?”

Ava sighed hopelessly. “That woman bought a set of accessories from a luxury store counter the other day. I said I didn’t want it, but the clerk said that since it has already been paid for, I’ll need to come and deal with it in person.”

“By ‘that woman’, you mean your mom?”

“I don’t have such a mom.” Ava’s expression darkened. “Do you have any idea what they did to me back then, Maddie?”