Semua Bab Where My Love Could Not Reach: Bab 1 - Bab 10

“Grandma, I’ve made up my mind. I want to call off my engagement with Jake. After your birthday, I’ll leave North City.”As soon as Madison Spencer spoke those words, Mrs. Cooper let out a long sigh.“I know Jake’s been out of control lately, and I know you’ve suffered because of it. I’ve seen everything you’ve done for him over the years. I truly believe he cares about you, deep down. He’s just confused. Maybe if you give it a little more time, he’ll come around. Are you sure you want to end the engagement? My birthday is in ten days. Why don’t you think about it a little longer?”Madison shook her head. Her voice was calm and firm. “The five-year promise I made to you is about to end.”She had been only seven when her mother married into the wealthy Henderson family, bringing her along like unwanted baggage.The Hendersons treated her terribly, and her mother only ever told her to behave and be understanding.On her seventh birthday, they forced her to eat a large amount of sea

After cleaning up the kitchen, Madison went upstairs, ready to rest.But when she opened the door to her bedroom, she stopped in her tracks.Xena was lying on her bed, wearing her pajamas.Jake sat beside her, gently applying ointment to her arm.When he saw Madison walk in, he didn’t even flinch. “You’ll sleep in the guest room tonight,” he said flatly.Madison’s voice was tight. “This is my room.”Jake replied coldly, “Xena should have the best room. You poured hot broth on her. Giving up the room is the least you can do to make up for it.”He had already decided she was guilty.Madison gave a bitter smile. “So her wearing my clothes is part of the apology too?”Jake’s tone turned impatient. “I bought those pajamas. Why are you making a big deal out of one piece of clothing? You just don’t want her here, do you? You want to drive her out.”He let out a sharp laugh. “Well, too bad. She’s staying. She’s going to live here, every day.”Xena tugged at his sleeve. “Don’t be lik

Madison lowered her eyes.Strangely enough, she didn’t feel sad.What came to mind instead was a memory from childhood. When Megan had falsely accused her, and her mother had slapped her across the face. Jake had rushed out, shielding her with open arms and shouting, “Madison would never hit anyone! She’s a good girl!”Back then, he had believed in her without hesitation.But now, he didn’t even trust her that much anymore.Jake felt a strange flicker of panic in his chest. He quickly pushed the feeling aside and stared her down. “Apologize.”Madison didn’t bother struggling. There was no point.She turned to Megan and said quietly, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit you.”Megan turned her back to Jake and smiled at Madison with open contempt, though she kept her tone composed as she said, “Let me hit you a few times, and we’ll be even.”Both she and Jake clearly assumed Madison would never agree.But to their surprise, Madison lowered her head and replied calmly, “Alright.”

Madison returned to the hospital.Not long after, Mrs. Cooper called. “Madison, Jake went way too far this time! I just gave him a good scolding. Please don’t take it to heart.”Madison’s voice was calm, without a hint of emotion. She even managed to comfort her. “It’s alright, Grandma. He’s in love with Xena. We’ve all seen that for a while now.”Mrs. Cooper let out a weary sigh. “That foolish boy. He won’t listen to me. One day, he’s going to regret this.”Madison didn’t respond.After a moment, Mrs. Cooper changed the subject. “My birthday’s coming up in a few days. You’ll be there, right?”“Of course,” Madison said. “We agreed. I’ll celebrate your birthday with you before I leave.”Mrs. Cooper hesitated, then added, “The day after my birthday is Jake’s birthday. You’ve been by his side every year.”Madison spoke softly, but without any hesitation. “He has someone new he’d rather spend it with now. Even if I wanted to be there, he wouldn’t welcome me. Grandma, we’ve both mad

The next day was Jake’s birthday.Unlike Mrs. Cooper, he didn’t throw a lavish celebration. He just invited a few friends to the villa for a casual party that was supposed to run from noon until late at night.By midday, the guests started arriving one after another.Madison was still nowhere to be seen.She hadn’t messaged him. She hadn’t even asked anyone to pass along a note.The guests were cheerful and full of energy, treating Jake like the man of the hour. But he wasn’t enjoying himself. He sat there with a dark expression, unlocking his phone to check the time, locking it again, then repeating the cycle. Unlock. Lock. Unlock. Lock.It was well past noon when people started to notice he seemed to be waiting for someone.Xena tugged his sleeve and joked, “Jake, are you waiting for Madison?”Her words snapped him out of his daze. He looked embarrassed for a moment, then suddenly jumped to his feet and shouted, “Chef, bring out the food! Band, start playing! The party star