Chapter 3

Madelyn's POV

“Oh, Madelyn. What happened? … Well, look who finally remembered to come back and visit her parents.”

The maid opened the door for me, and I heard my stepmother Fiona say this. She was arranging flowers in a vase, one of her favorite hobbies during her leisure time.

It didn't escape my eyes how her lips quirked a smirk as she eyed me from head to toe. I look like shit, I know, and the view must be an entertainment for her.

I only gave her a tight smile.

“What’s wrong? Did you and Carter fight, darling?” she continued to pry.

My Dad, Nathan, came out of his office and found me standing in the middle of his living room.

“Madelyn? Why are you here?” He asked and walked towards Fiona. Can't my own father be happy with my presence? Or at least pretend?

“I think she fought with Carter, honey,” Fiona said, resting her palm on Nathan's chest.

My father raised his brows at me. “For real?” he snorted. “Married couples fight over small things every time, don’t make a big deal about it.”

I groaned. He doesn’t sound worried at all, but I need to vent these feelings out. I need advice, opinion, and just someone to talk to.

“If only it’s a small thing, Dad!” Anger started seeping into my veins upon remembering how fucked up what happened to me. “Carter brought Yolanda into our home as his mistress! They claimed Henry as theirs! They forced me to sign a divorce paper and threw me out of–”

My words cut off when Nathan and Fiona’s actions registered in my head. My father’s eyes darted away like he was guilty of something. Fiona was biting her lower lip, and I’m not sure if it’s because she was stifling a smile or hiding her guilt.

They know.

They fucking know about Carter and Yolanda!

“You knew?” I asked my Dad, but the question sounded more like an accusation. My gaze shifted from my father and stepmother, but they avoided my eyes. My shoulder slumped, exhaling loudly.

“You both knew about their affair.” I can’t believe this. “You were both aware, but you kept it from me. Why am I even surprised? Anything for Yolanda, right? Even if I get hurt, used, and disposed of, you’ll approve of anything related to Yolanda. They cheated on me, Dad! How could you let this happen?!”

To think that he was the first person that popped into my mind to go to? I couldn’t stand the betrayal, I can’t.

Tears wanted to run down my face, but I held them. I don’t want to cry, I can’t. The pain of my own father stabbing me in the back was like a sharp knife piercing deep into my heart and twisting every second.

They didn’t say a word. Well, they don’t need to. Their guilty expressions confirmed it, transparent like a glass.

Fiona was the first one to move. She put the flowers down with force and looked me in the eye.

“Mind your words, Madelyn. You’re being too harsh!” Her jaw clenched. “You know my poor Yolanda’s health won’t make it possible to get pregnant. As her sister, it was only right that you offer help!”

“But I didn’t offer, Fiona! I was used against my will.”

Fiona snorted, waving a hand as if dismissing her. “Oh, please. You’re just saying that because she’s back now to take what is really hers.”

“That is not the case at all! Dad, can’t you make your wife shut up?! I’m the one who was betrayed, and she’s trying to portray me like I’m just bitter.”

Fiona laughed. “Because you are, darling. You just have to accept it and give your blessing now that Yolanda’s little family of three has reunited.”

My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe how she tries to make sense of what’s happening, but no matter how hard she tries, she doesn’t make sense.

“That is my family, Fiona. It was never Yolanda’s! I created that family, I am the one–”

“Enough!” Nathan’s voice echoed like thunder. His nostrils flared when he turned his gaze to me. “Whatever your situation right now, there’s no turning it back. Yolanda is Henry’s mother and Carter no longer wants to be your husband.” He looked me dead in the eye, intimidating me. “Just fucking accept your reality, Madelyn.”

My lips trembled in disbelief. Nathan has never become a father to me; he doesn’t act or speak like one. But this? To openly tell me to turn a blind eye despite what Carter and Yolanda did to me?

“How could you say that, Dad? How can you favor Yolanda over me? She’s not even your blood!”

“Enough with this, Madelyn!”

“No! There’s something she must have done for you to make you choose her side.” I couldn’t stop crying now. Tears ran down my cheeks, but my vision of them wasn’t blurry. It was clear, as if my eyes wanted to imprint this moment in my mind.

Nathan rolled his eyes. He wasn’t even affected by anything; he never was.

“Of course, I’d pick your sister over you.” He pointed his finger at me. “You have no use for me, but Yolanda? That girl managed to secure investments and clients while working abroad. She managed to help my company rise, and what have you done for my business?” He chuckled. “Nothing. You just enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother and loving wife to a husband who doesn’t even want you,” he said the words like he spat on it. “I would never favor blood if it has no value to me and my company. So, stop your drama and wake up, Madelyn.”

Nathan turned his back on me, a sign that he was done talking and done giving me his golden time. Fiona rubbed his arms like he was the one who needed the comfort.

My hand tightened in a fist as I watched them. There’s no point arguing with their narrow minds and cold as ice hearts. There’s nothing important in this family but to gain more money and fame.

I turned and headed out of Nathan’s house. This place isn’t one I belong to be.

And my family? They don’t deserve to be called the word.