Chapter 1878
Madeline Crawford and Jeremy Whitman
When Old Master Whitman learned about this, he traveled back from his retirement home that very night.
As he regarded the pigeon pair in front of him, who was barely 2 years old, his timeworn eyes began to glisten.
âSo many people in this world dream of coming into the upper-class society, but not many of them realize that people within that society actually yearn for a quiet and peaceful life instead.â
Old Master Whitman expressed in a heartfelt lament; his worn face was filled with melancholy and anxiety.
âMoney and power can be really harmful at times. If I had not come from this large family, Felipeâs thoughts wouldnât have gone awry when his parents died in the car accident, and perhaps his youth and future wouldâve been spared.â
âGrandpa, donât imagine such things, â Madeline comforted Old Master Whitman as she held his hand gently. âMoney and power are not harmful things in themselves. Itâs the hearts of people that are terrible. The kind of people whose hearts bear malice and ambition, yet they choose to take shortcuts instead.â
âLinnieâs right, Grandpa. Please donât blame yourself, â Jeremy reassured Old Master Whitman too as he understood the turmoil in Old Master Whitmanâs heart. âLook at how cute and clever Felipeâs children are.â
Madeline smiled as she gently tugged at the two childrenâs hands.
âJuan and Jan, this is your grand-uncle. Hurry up and greet him.â
Both of Cathyâs children were young, but they were very intelligent. The siblings called out in unison, â
Grand-uncle.â
âOh, youâre both so sweet.â Old Master Whitmanâs relaxed into a smile. He pulled out two red envelopes containing money from his pocket and gave them to the children.
âBe obedient, and behave yourself. Wait for your father to come home, okay?â
Juan blinked his large eyes and twitched his cute little mouth. âWhat about waiting for Mommy to come home? I havenât seen Mommy in a long time.
I miss Mommy.â
All who were present felt warm around their eyes when they heard the childâs simple desire for his mother.
Madeline lowered her body and gently stroked the childâs head.
âOf course, Mommy will be home too. As long as you and Jan are good, Mommy and Daddy will come home.â
âReally?â the child asked, blinking his large innocent eyes.
Madeline smiled gently. â Iâve never lied to people. â
Yes, she had not lied to people. She had only lied to these innocent little angels.
When the two children had settled in, the household became livelier. There was more laughter than before, but something seemed to be missing.
Madeline was standing on the balcony that night, gazing up at the crescent moon in the dark blue sky as her heart gently beat.
When she was about to head back into the house, she felt a sudden warmth behind her.
Jeremy brought a coat and draped it over her shoulders. âItâs cold outside, Linnie.â
Madeline smiled and naturally leaned against Jeremyâs chest.
âJeremy, shouldnât the good be rewarded for their virtuous deeds, while the evil reaps what they sow?
Why did Cathy and Adam have to leave this way?
âJeremy, do you really think that we can stay together peacefully forever? Will there still be mishaps?
âJeremyâ¦â
Madeline seemed to be mumbling to herself. Even she had no idea why she was feeling rueful suddenly.
Jeremy hugged her tightly. He bowed his head and kissed her on the forehead.
âLinnie, do you see the stars in the sky?â Madeline nodded, âYes, I see them.â
âThe stars are just like our lives. There are times when the stars shine brightly, and times when they are dim. Like the stars, we cannot remain shining every moment. The only thing we can do is look forward and walk onward.â
Madeline had never known that Jeremy could comfort people like this, but now she was feeling much better.
She lifted her clear, beautiful eyes to meet the manâs gentle gaze.
âJeremy, come with me somewhere tomorrow.â