Chapter 6
When Kelly heard the news, she quickly hurried over from the hospital.
Observing Marques’s distracted and downcast demeanor, she concealed her slight joy and instead appeared concerned.
“How could Mrs. Cruz just disappear like that? Don’t worry, maybe she’s just upset right now and will return in a few days.
But Marques was certain I wouldn’t return.
If only I truly understood everything.
We had been acquainted for eight years and married for three. Our understanding of each other was deep and mutual.
He knew that if I ever discovered the complete truth–his infidelity and the fact that he fathered a child with another woman–I would never be able to forgive him.
So, he avoided facing the consequences.
With a small spark of hope inside him, he convinced himself that I had only picked up on a few hints.
He took pride in his caution and seamlessness, confident that I would remain unaware.
Thus, he clung to the belief that if he could find me, he would have the opportunity to make things right.
Driven by this thought, Marques embarked on a relentless search for me. For seven consecutive days and nights, he barely rested.
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Chapter 6
Whenever he closed his eyes, my face would appear in his mind.
He could recall every tiny detail of our history together.
He remembered the late–night hangover soup I made for him.
He remembered his tear–filled eyes when I accepted his marriage proposal.
He also remembered the immense joy that filled him when our baby was born.
Then, he found himself dreaming about how it all began between us.
Back then, he was just a poor young man, doing everything he could to make ends meet.
His adoptive mother was bedridden with a severe illness, so he juggled multiple jobs to pay off debts and afford her medical treatment.
Our paths had only crossed a few times–until one day, I saw him being harassed. A wave of empathy compelled me to intervene and assist him.
I even lent him money to cover his mother’s surgery.
On that day, he accepted the money with shaky hands and a furrowed brow.
“I promise I’ll pay you back,” he insisted.
I gave him a reassuring smile and replied, “I trust you.”
Eventually, his adoptive mother passed away.
It’s said that losing a loved one isn’t like a sudden storm, but rather a prolonged, persistent drizzle.
Marques crouched in the dim corner, untouched by any sunlight.
I stood before him.
He lifted his gaze, his eyes bloodshot as he looked at me.
“Madeline, will you always stay with me?”
I nodded.
In those days, I was the one who stayed by his side.
Eventually, he became the one who shadowed me everywhere, never straying from my side.
A year later, the formerly impoverished young man gained recognition from the wealthy Cruz family, turning into someone everyone sought to impress.
Yet, he still trailed behind me.
He would dash across town to get my favorite cake and spend a month’s worth of part–time earnings on a birthday present for me.
In his eyes and heart, there was only me.
But in an instant, the image of me in the photo was engulfed in a pool of blood.
Marques awoke abruptly from his dream. Instinctively, he reached over to the side, only to find the space beside him. It was empty.
He sat up, raising a hand to shield his eyes as his tears burned, making them red.
“Maddie, I’m sorry…”
The following day, Marques ordered someone to bring Kelly over.
Observing Marques’s worn–out look, she felt a pang of distress.
Before she could say anything, Marques’s voice cut through the silence, clear and piercing.
“Terminate the pregnancy. I’ll arrange for you to go overseas afterward.
“A large sum of money has been transferred to this card, enough to support you for the rest of your life.”
Kelly’s face turned pale, and her breath caught in her throat.
“Why… No… I can’t do this…
“This is our baby. You were excited about him before. How can you consider aborting him?”
She held her stomach, shaking her head as she backed away, tears streaming down her face.
“I understand you’re worried because Mrs. Cruz is missing, but… the baby hasn’t done anything wrong.
“Even if Mrs. Cruz knew, she wouldn’t have the heart…”
Marques kept his eyes down, his fingers lightly touching his wedding ring.
“I’ve already messed up once. I can’t afford to lose Maddie.
“Not even the slightest chance.”
As the decision was made, the bodyguards moved in to escort Kelly away.
She resisted and pleaded in despair, tears cascading down her cheeks.
“No… Please, no… This is our baby. I don’t want to terminate the
Chapter 6
pregnancy…”
However, no amount of pleading could alter Marques’s decision.
was
The pregnancy was terminated, and Kelly was sent abroad that same night.
Marques listened to his assistant’s report emotionless, his eyes lingering affectionately on the wedding ring he wore.
A week later, the assistant rushed in.
“Mr. Cruz, we have found Mrs. Cruz.”
