Chapter 193

“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?

“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?

“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”

As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life.

Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature.

He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion.

Madeline had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends.

Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart.

However, Madeline’s smile did not last too long.

Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive.

Perhaps she would be privy to such a heartwarming scene.

“Do you want to play hide and seek, Jackie?” Lily stretched a hand toward Jackson.

After hesitating for a moment, Jackson took Lily’s hand. “Okay. I’ll play with you.”

Madeline found his voice childish but unusual when he opened his mouth to speak.

Yet that was not the only problem. Jackson did not seem to know how to smile, and that was very wrong.

He had not smiled once ever since they returned.

Such was not the behavior of a normal child.

Befuddled, Madeline placed the freshly baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table. Before she could search for the kids, her phone rang.

Reading the caller ID, she accepted the call.

“Why did you call? I thought you were the one who told me not to look for you anymore, Miss Vera.”

Jeremy’s alluring baritone voice sounded over the line, his tone flirtatious.

Madeline chuckled. “Didn’t you realize the calls from your son’s class teacher before you called me back, Mr. Whitman? I understand that work is important, but a child also needs the loving nurture of his parents.”

The line grew silent at her words.

Not too long after, Jeremy’s voice sounded from the speaker again. “My son’s with you? Send me your address. I’ll be there shortly.”

Madeline did not mind giving Jeremy her address. After all, searching it up would be an easy feat for him if he truly wanted to know.

After sending the address, she hung up the call.

“Jackie? What’s wrong? Jackie, Jackie!”

Lily suddenly shouted just as Madeline was about to call the two children over for snacks.

Realizing that something may have happened, Madeline quickly ran to the storeroom where the sound came from.

Turning on lights, she was shocked to find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head between his knees. The boy’s arms were wrapped around himself as he trembled.

Lily blinked innocently at her. “Jackie and I were just playing hide and seek, Mommy. Then, he suddenly hid in here and stopped talking.”

“It’s alright, baby. Mommy’s here.” Madeline comforted Lily before walking over to squat in front of Jackson.

“What’s wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

Jackson shook at the touch and hugged himself tighter in fear.

Madeline felt her heart tighten at the strange reaction, her worry doubling. “Don’t be afraid, Jackson.

Aunty Vera won’t hurt you.”

Madeline reached out again to place a hand on Jackson’s shoulder.

Jackson finally raised his head. His complexion was pale and his expression looked lost. His round eyes were brimming with tears.

For a reason unbeknownst to her, Madeline felt her heart break at the sight. The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully inducted into labor. Her heart stabbed with a pain that was akin to losing a child.

Her hand slowly rose to softly pat Jackson’s head, her tone warm and soft as she said, “What’s wrong, Jackson? Did something upset you? You can tell Aunty Vera. It’s alright, shh. It’s going to be okay.

Aunty Vera’s here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Jackson’s eyes reddened as he watched Madeline comfort him. His small lips pursed as he dove into Madeline’s arms. His voice trembled as he shook. He called out to Madeline. “Mom…”