Chapter: 24

That young man was Derek.

Norah stirred the fresh rose petals in the warm water, plucking one and rolling it softly between her fingers, staining them with its red essence.

She cast her gaze downward. What she had once thought was love in her youth now seemed uncertain. She realized it might just be an obsession with something out of her reach.

Before Madeline's return, she comforted herself with the thought that if she stayed a little longer, Derek would eventually grow to care for her.

But Madeline's return shattered that hope. She realized Derek might care for many people but not for her.

She pretended to be happy, but deep down, her heart felt sad.

Leaning against the bathtub, she held her chest and let her mind wander.

She comforted herself by saying there were plenty more men out there.

She believed that neither she nor Derek owed each other anything anymore.

In the grand halls of Carter Manor.

The butler threw a quick look at Madeline who had been closely trailing behind Derek, barely hiding his disdain. He thought Madeline a calculating figure, a stark contrast to the graceful Norah.

The entire family gathered around the dinner table.

Juliana, eyeing the fragile-looking Madeline seated next to Derek with displeasure, burst out, "Derek, we're having a family gathering today. What's the reason for inviting strangers?"

Derek's face tensed. Next to him, Madeline lifted her gaze, her eyes welling up with tears, as she silently stared at Juliana, words failing her.

Kathy stepped in, "Grandmother, Madeline is an old friend of Derek's. How can you consider her a stranger?”

While serving soup to Juliana, Kathy added, “Grandmother, anger harms the body. Please don't have any hard feelings."

Regaining calm, Derek explained, "Grandmother, as you're aware, my heart has always belonged to Madeline. My marriage to Norah was arranged when I was on my deathbed, without any emotional bond between Norah and me. Continuing that marriage would only cause us both misery. In case of a divorce, I'll ensure Norah is compensated adequately..."

Juliana cut him off sharply, “Compensated? With your properties and vehicles? Can they match the years of youth Norah dedicated to you? She devoted herself to your care for two years. Your recovery is due to her efforts. Remember how you once chased after Madeline like she was your everything? And when you were at your lowest after the accident, she turned her back on you! Norah was the one by your bedside, not her! Having stumbled once, do you wish to make the same mistake?"

Sharon chimed in, "Madeline becoming part of the Carter family? That's a laughable thought! Not in this lifetime! Over my dead body!"

Madeline rose and knelt before Juliana, her tears streaming. “Juliana, Sharon, I apologize. I know I failed Derek. Since our separation, I've been in agony. Having missed him dearly every day, the past two years without him have been unbearable. This torment made me realize I couldn't live without him! Now that I'm back, I'm determined to dedicate my life to making things with Derek. My actions will show my true feelings for him Madeline's seemingly sincere plea touched Derek deeply. He moved to Juliana's side, imploring, “Grandma, please, Madeline and I share a genuine love. We seek your blessing."

Juliana sighed deeply, bracing for more conflict. Kathy quickly offered Juliana some food, urging, “Grandma, please try some food."

Sharon, watching Kathy's actions, couldn't hide her irritation.

“Kathy, have you forgotten the days Derek was confined to his sickbed? Defending Madeline, do you still consider yourself a part of the Carter family?"

Kathy, standing her ground, responded, "I am, without a doubt, a Carter family."