Chapter 2 There Is Nothing Between Us

"Fine. If that's what you want."

With that, Jason shot Madelyn a fierce stare, then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Madelyn dried her eyes, making a promise to herself that she would never shed another tear for him.

She stood up, took a quick shower, and began stuffing her things into a suitcase. Just then, a sound from downstairs caught her attention.

She thought it might be Jason returning, but a woman's voice called out from the hallway. "Madelyn, are you there?"

It was Rebecca.

Madelyn ignored her, zipping up the suitcase with a quick motion. She stood up, her face a mask of coldness, and opened the door.

Rebecca, standing on the doorway, was taken aback by the chill in Madelyn's expression and hesitated, eyeing her carefully.

"Are you angry?" Rebecca asked.

"So you do know? Then leave me alone," Madelyn snapped, throwing her a frosty look before turning to head downstairs.

"Madelyn, please wait. I understand you're hurt, and I need to explain," Rebecca said, her voice soft and trembling, sounding almost like the one in pain. "There's nothing between Jason and me. Please, don't make any decisions about divorcing him over a misunderstanding."

Madelyn's hands clenched around the suitcase, her heart heavy with pain.

It was obvious-Jason had already spilled the beans to Rebecca about the impending divorce.

Rebecca went on, "I can clear up the post. That day, I wasn't feeling well, my stomach hurt, and I really needed something sweet. So Jason took me to grab something. We went to a bakery from our high school days. We didn't mean to leave you out; we just figured it might bother you since you went to a different high school in the village..."

Rebecca's voice sounded delicate, almost innocent.

"And the date? That was just a mix-up. Some friends from college came back from abroad, so we went out to eat. We didn't mean to leave you out; we just thought it'd be awkward for you since you don't know them."

Her excuses made sense, but every word seemed to carry a hidden pride about her past with Jason, something Madelyn didn't share.

"Do you take me for a fool? You honestly think I can't see through your facade?" Madelyn sneered, lifting her hand and striking Rebecca across the face.

She was through pretending to get along with her.

Rebecca stumbled back, clutching her cheek in shock, unable to believe Madelyn had actually slapped her.

"Have you completely lost it, Madelyn?" At that moment, their eldest brother, Connor Clark, appeared at the top of the stairs.

He had arrived just in time to witness Madelyn slap Rebecca. His anger flared as he balled his fists, glaring at Madelyn. "How could you hit Rebecca? She's done nothing wrong! She knew Jason first! Of course, they're close!"

Madelyn shot back with cold sarcasm, "She's done nothing wrong? And why do I deserve all this cold treatment from you?"

"How can you even say that?" Connor was so furious, almost ready to explode.

Rebecca quickly stepped in to hold him back. "Connor, I've told Madelyn everything. Once she cools off, she'll forgive me. Don't hold it against her!"

Though she played the peacekeeper, it was clear she was only stirring the pot. Madelyn was so angry that she almost found it funny how ridiculous it all was.