Chapter 2

As Eric spoke, he reached out and patted my head like it were the most natural thing in the world. "My Madeline is finally being sensible now—just like an elder sister." It sounded like he was praising a pet. Disgust churned in my chest. After he cheated, I made such a scene the whole city knew. I’d flipped tables in public. Just smashing bottles over his head had landed him in the hospital fifteen times. The tabloids ate it up. He lost face more times than I could count. But he never held back. Every time, he’d just say to me, "Go out and look around—every man in this circle has a few women! I’m just having fun. It’s not like I don’t want you!" He’d said it so many times, "No matter how many women I have, you’re still the one in charge. You’re their sister." It wasn’t until the day my dad died that I finally woke up. Three years playing the fool—blind, deaf, pretending not to see or hear a thing. All that, and what did I get? Just a line of praise. "My Madeline is finally being sensible now—just like an elder sister." For three years, I didn’t meddle in his affairs. Even after our son turned two, he still had no idea I’d given him a boy. I almost died in childbirth. That day, Eric was with Vivian, running a roadside stall selling sausages. He said he was crazy about Vivian—how she wasn’t after money, and how she relied on herself and worked hard. I gave a cold, bitter laugh and said nothing. In my heart, he was already dead. On my mother-in-law’s birthday, I only planned to make an appearance—to play the devoted daughter-in-law for form’s sake. But as I stepped in with my gift, I saw Eric and Vivian flanking her, one on each side. My mother-in-law was beaming, chatting away with her friends. "Mrs. Carter, your hair looks wonderful today! That dress really brings out your elegance." To be fair, her hair did look better than before, pinned up and finished with a vintage, elegant hairpin. She gave a gentle smile and patted Vivian’s hand with pride. "My daughter-in-law did my hair—she’s so talented." So even she had accepted Vivian. Vivian just smiled with perfect composure. "As long as you like it, Mom." Eric added, "My mom adores you, you know. She’s told me again and again. Having you as our daughter-in-law is a blessing to the Carter family." I could only sneer inside—I didn’t even want to stay a second longer. Just as I was about to leave, Vivian called out behind me, "Madeline!" She put on a show of friendliness, as if we were close for everyone to see. I paused, turned, and gave a faint smile. A flicker of surprise crossed Vivian’s eyes. She’d expected me to glare, maybe even have a breakdown and storm out, making a scene for my mother-in-law. She never expected that I would be unruffled and in control. "Madeline, you look gorgeous today," she said, her voice deliberately enthusiastic. "Thank you," I replied, my smile gentle as ever. Vivian means nothing to me now. All her little stunts and deliberate provocations are pointless to me. My mother-in-law instructed me without hesitation, "You two should stay by my side and help me greet the guests." Suddenly, memories of what she used to say to me came flooding back. "You’ll always be my daughter. I’ll love you like my own. If Eric ever cheats, I’ll be the first to break his legs for you!" Those words still echoed as clear as yesterday. Yet now, she was the one making me feel humiliated. She patted the back of my hand and whispered, "Madeline, Vivian is a good girl, nothing like the others." I gave her a small smile and agreed, "You’re right, Mom." After all, I was leaving soon. Nothing here mattered anymore. "I’m glad you’ve finally understood," she said with a relieved smile. She glanced up at Eric and said, "Told you so—Madeline’s always been the sensible one." Eric gave me a proud look, as if he’d accomplished something. "That’s all because of my training." Like I were some kind of pet. Back then, I would have trashed the entire birthday party without hesitation. But now, I wouldn’t waste another drop of emotion on people who aren’t worth it.