Late Blooms, Early Goodbyes

Back inside the house, Tristan set the daisies on the table and said, "I was in a bad mood last night, but that's no excuse for you to be so petty. You embarrassed Regina for no reason.

"I picked these up for you on the way back. Go apologize to her in a bit, and let's put this behind us. She's not one to hold a grudge, so I'm sure she'll forgive you."

It had been ages since Tristan had given Madeline anything. Hence, he was certain she'd be moved by the gesture.

Madeline, however, merely stared at the bouquet. She noticed how the petals had already started to droop, and a bitter laugh caught in her throat.

Was she so pathetic that he thought he could humiliate her like this?

Tristan hadn't even bought the bouquet for her. It was meant for Regina.

She had already seen it in Regina's video earlier. And now, he was handing the flowers to her like he was doing her a favor. Did he really think she was worth nothing more than trash?

Madeline said nothing. She just sat there, silent and still.

In an instant, Tristan's temper flared. "Don't make me regret giving you an inch! I've already given you a way out, so take it. Pushing this any further won't do you any good."

Madeline raised her hand to cover her nose and mouth. Her voice was strained as she stated, "I'm allergic to pollen."

As soon as her words settled, Tristan froze. He had completely forgotten about that.

Yet, he wasn't the kind to apologize. He was still trying to come up with an excuse when he turned and saw the icy look on Madeline's face.

Fury boiled up in his chest. He had already shown her that courtesy, so how dare she throw it back in his face?

In a burst of rage, Tristan grabbed the bouquet and slammed it into her face. He struck her again and again, showing no restraint at all.

Madeline kept her head down and raised her arms to shield herself. Unfortunately, she had already inhaled too much pollen. Her skin erupted in hives, her cheeks flushed red, and her breathing grew increasingly labored.

Even then, Tristan remained unmoved. A cruel sneer twisted his lips, then he spat, "Who exactly are you trying to fool with this little act? Do you think I'm that gullible?

"Just look at how hideous you are. You'll never hold a candle to Regina! You should be grateful I haven't divorced you yet, but don't take that for granted. The day I throw you out, you can cry and beg. It won't matter anymore."

At that moment, Annabelle skipped over, scooped up some petals, and threw them at Madeline's face. Then, she clapped and giggled.

"That was awesome! Daddy stood up for Regina!"

Seeing how excited she was, Tristan took her hand. Without sparing Madeline a second glance, he tossed one last comment over his shoulder. "Consider this a warning. Next time, you won't get off so easily."

And just like that, the two of them walked out, leaving her there like she didn't matter.

Madeline, gasping for air, slowly dragged herself toward the couch. With the last of her strength, she grabbed her phone and called her best friend, Sophie Zeller.

…

When Madeline regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital bed.

Even though she had already decided to walk away from it all, a wave of pain washed over her as she thought back to Tristan's cruelty.

She kept telling herself to hold on a little longer. It was almost over, and freedom was just around the corner.

Just then, Sophie walked into the room. She stood by the window with her arms crossed as she looked at Madeline.

"You nearly died from that allergic attack. I called Tristan, but he didn't show the slightest concern. Instead, he started hurling insults. What kind of husband does that?"

A bitter smile tugged at Madeline's lips. "Once the divorce is final, he and I will be nothing to each other."

Sophie blinked, a little surprised. Then, she nodded. "I'm really glad to hear you say that. I've been telling you to leave him for years, but you wouldn't listen. Just look at yourself now. You're wrecked."

Madeline didn't respond. Instead, she told herself to hang in there. Just a little longer, and she'd be out of this misery.