Chapter: 73

As they dined, Coen lifted his glass and asked, "So, Derek, how are things with Madeline? Planning to tie the knot?"

Derek's hold on his fork tightened before he looked up, stating sincerely, "Coen, Rhoda, my feelings for Madeline are real."

Madeline playfully interjected, "Dad, I've already told you. I want to marry Derek."

Rhoda responded with joyful laughter, "You're such a perfect match."

Madeline and Derek's relationship had the full support of both Coen and Rhoda from the start.

Yet, Madeline's sudden overseas trip to marry someone else and Derek's life-altering car incident threw their expectations off course, seemingly dousing any hopes for their reunion. However, against all odds, Derek's commitment to marry Madeline remained steadfast.

Derek set his fork down, reassuring Madeline's parents, "Coen, Rhoda, you have my word. I'll always take good care of Madeline. As for the wedding, we'll plan a meeting between our families to discuss it further."

Rhoda cleared her throat and said, "And what about that woman.."

Having recently arrived back in the country, Rhoda and Coen were unaware of the Carter family's situation.

“Mom, are you referring to Norah Wilson? She and Derek had signed the divorce papers recently."

Recalling the day's events, Madeline nervously nibbled her lip, her eyes flashing with envy. She was ready to lend a “helping” hand if Norah sought to draw attention from any man!

With a light chuckle, Rhoda said, “Ah, that's good to know. Just ensure everything is handled properly. Derek, my only wish is for you to treat Madeline right.”

Growing up, Madeline, the youngest daughter of the Powell family, had always been showered with affection by Coen and Rhoda.

Even after going abroad for marriage and returning under mysterious circumstances, Madeline continued to be cherished as their beloved youngest daughter.

At Rhoda's words, Derek found his thoughts involuntarily drifting to Norah.

Back when Derek and Norah got married, Derek was unconscious in a hospital bed after the car incident. The two families did not conform to the wedding customs. The Carter family didn't negotiate with the Wilson family regarding the wedding date or the specifics of the ceremony.

After settling on a date, Norah moved into the Carter villa, starting her journey of taking care of Derek.

The marriage certificate was secured by Juliana using her connections, given Derek's unconscious condition.

As for wedding photos, there were originally none, but Juliana insisted on Norah taking one.

That photo ended up on the wall of the master bedroom in the Carter villa, remaining there as Derek seldom visited there since he woke up, and it was never removed.

Upon returning, Madeline discarded that wedding photo immediately.

Derek found himself recalling these events with surprising clarity.

“Mom, dad, Derek's been wonderful to me," Madeline declared, nestling closer to Derek with a cheerful demeanor.

Norah roamed until well after midnight, her hunger growing. It was time to eat.