Chapter 7 Does A Woman Like That Even Deserve An Apology

"This certificate is proof that I'm Noah's wife. Even when I'm gone, my name will still be tied to his. But what about you?" Madelyn arched a brow, her eyes gleaming with biting sarcasm.

She kept going, her voice sharp. "You're just the other woman, throwing yourself at my husband without an ounce of shame. So what if Noah's kind to you? It won't change the fact that he can't make you his wife. I'm the one who holds that title legally. And once he takes away his attention, what's left for you?"

"You!"

Madelyn's words hit Sadie right where it hurt most. Rage twisted Sadie's face as her chest heaved with fury.

Her hand flew up, aiming for Madelyn's face.

Madelyn moved faster, catching Sadie's wrist and slapping her hard across the cheek.

"You have no right to lay a hand on me," said Madelyn.

Her breaths came quick and shallow, her face flushed from the effort.

Sadie's jaw dropped as she clutched her burning cheek, stunned. Then, a sly glint appeared in her eyes. Suddenly, she let her body tip over, crashing to the floor.

Her whole demeanor changed in a moment. Gone was the haughty arrogance. Tears filled her eyes, and she crumpled, her voice turning small and shaky as she started to cry.

"Madelyn..."

A harsh cough rattled through Madelyn as she gently massaged her palm. The slap had landed with full force, giving her a brief flicker of satisfaction. But the strength it took left her reeling, and another dizzy spell washed over her.

As her coughing fit subsided, she watched Sadie put on her act.

"After all this time, you haven't changed one bit. The only difference is that your performance's improved..." Madelyn's voice broke as a rough cough cut her off. "But I'm not Noah. Your games won't fool me. Leave. I don't want you anywhere near me..."

Madelyn tried to steady herself and head back to bed, but before she could finish, Noah rushed into the room and cut her off. "What's going on in here?" he demanded.

Sadie's tears fell even faster when she saw him. She sobbed so hard it sounded like she might choke. "Noah..."

Noah quickly knelt and helped Sadie up, taking in the red slap mark on her cheek, his expression growing darker.

Sadie spoke up, her voice trembling. "Noah, please don't hold it against Madelyn. This is all on me. I didn't know how to deal with her the right way. I only asked her to stop causing pain between us. I'm just so afraid..."

Holding Sadie close as she cried against him, Noah fixed his eyes on Madelyn's back. The look he gave her was sharp and unforgiving, full of quiet contempt. "Say you're sorry."

Even if he wasn't fully convinced about the kidnapping, he couldn't deny what he was seeing now-the red mark was proof that Madelyn had slapped Sadie.

Madelyn shifted her body and raised her chin just enough to meet Noah's eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You expect me to say sorry? To someone who destroyed a marriage? Tell me, does a woman like that even deserve an apology?"

Noah's gaze hardened, the pain and anger plain to see. Madelyn looked away.

She went on, "Don't be in such a hurry to feel sorry for her. You'd do better to be careful. I don't care what she does, but your father won't put up with her in the Mitchell family."

At those words, Sadie cowered in Noah's arms, looking at Madelyn with tears streaking her face. After a few sobs, she moved closer to Madelyn, her hand reaching for her sleeve, acting pitiful.

Madelyn could hardly stand to watch her pretend anymore.