When Love Comes Late

On the day of the banquet, she received a call from Ariana. The voice on the other end was cold and threatening. "Madison, McKenzie has already booked a plane ticket for you. The money will be transferred to your account. Once you leave, don't come back."

Madison remained silent. Her mother seemed to realize something and let out a soft sigh. "Madison, your sister has carried too much for this family. I don't want to see you two fighting. I also hope you won't have any thoughts that you shouldn't."

She couldn't help but think of the past, when she had been forced to marry into the Loughlins in her sister's place, only to be met with William's cold indifference and hostility. McKenzie had faked her death and fled abroad, leaving behind a suicide note to frame her. When she cried to Ariana for help, her mother scolded her instead. "Would your sister have treated you this way if you hadn't stolen her man? You brought this upon yourself!"

However, it was McKenzie who had fled abroad due to gambling debts back then and it was her mother who had broken down in tears, begging her to take her sister's place and marry William.

Madison couldn't help but feel resentful. She and McKenzie were both their mother's daughters, born with the same face. Why had her mother always favored her sister?

Her mother continued, still instructing her. "Once you get abroad, you'd better get plastic surgery. Don't go around parading your face as William's wife."

Hearing those words felt like a dagger to her heart, the pain so sharp and numbing it was unbearable. She forced a stiff smile and spoke in a soft voice. "Mom, just because I was born weak, does that mean I don't deserve your love?"

Sadly, the other end remained silent. Madison waited for a long while before realizing that the call had been disconnected. She lowered her eyes and slowly closed them. "I'm sorry, Mom. I've always listened to you all since I was little, but this time, I want to be rebellious for once and live for myself!"

At the Loughlins' manor, Madison handed some items to Lily. Bella had an old knee injury and her knees ached in the winter when exposed to the cold. The package contained medicinal patches for the pain. As for Edward, his chronic coughing from excessive smoking was another concern. Madison had carefully noted down the locations of nearby pharmacies, the name of an effective cough suppressant and some other precautions. She had always taken care of this, ensuring there was a steady supply of medicine in the house, but this would be the last time.

Lily was unaware of this. She was somewhat surprised when she saw it. "Madam, you're so thoughtful, but why did you write down the address this time?"

Madison had fallen ill again that morning and still looked pale. She smiled faintly at the question. "Just in case."

Lily turned to Bella with admiration. "Mrs. Loughlin, you're so lucky to have such a considerate daughter-in-law. She keeps everything in mind."

Bella beamed with joy. "I don't have a daughter, so McKenzie is like my own. She's even more thoughtful than my son."

William raised an eyebrow and glanced at Madison. His thin lips curled into a cold smile. "Is that any way to talk about your own son? Besides, people aren't always what they seem."

Bella scolded him with a light slap on the arm. "Nonsense! I have a good eye for people. McKenzie is frail, so you'd better take good care of her."

William's expression darkened with impatience. He nodded dismissively. "Fine, fine, I got it."

From the beginning to the end, Madison maintained a smile and said nothing. After leaving Bella's side, William's smile instantly vanished and he looked at her with a sullen face. "Oh, McKenzie, you're not trying to curry favor with my mom, are you?"

Madison was slightly surprised to hear this name again, but she quickly composed herself. It seemed that McKenzie hadn't told him everything. After six years of marriage, William still didn't know her real name. What an irony!

"You don't have to worry. Soon, you'll get what you want!" she said.