Chapter 2: What Is Wrong?

Madelyn narrowed her eyes, past scenes playing out in her mind like a movie. Every word Janessa had spoken in her previous life was etched in her heart. That woman was unscrupulous, manipulating Madelyn at every turn. Madelyn had been led astray, believing her marriage to Sebastian was akin to hell. Janessa had insisted Christopher was the man who truly loved her, that only with him would she find happiness. This is how Janessa had gradually ensnared her, dooming her for eternity.

Looking back, Madelyn felt ridiculous. She had been foolish enough to believe Janessa, convincing herself she loved Christopher. She actively opposed Sebastian, striving to distance herself from him. The result? She became the subject of town gossip, widely criticized for promiscuity.

Madelyn closed her eyes, tears of regret streaming down her face. Having recognized Janessa’s true nature, she was determined to prevent history from repeating itself. “There’s no way I’m letting Janessa have her way again!”

Madelyn rose from the bed, slipping into her bathrobe. She paused, hand on the doorknob, before opening the door.

Janessa sighed in relief. She quickly grabbed Madelyn’s arm. “You finally opened the door! I thought something had happened to you. You scared me to death!”

Standing on tiptoe, Janessa peered into the room, her tone reproaching, almost interrogative. “Madelyn, we had an agreement. Did you sneak out last night? Why did you stay in the room? Did… did Mr. Lockhart do anything to you?”

Janessa scrutinized Madelyn intently, her gaze piercing, as if searching her soul. Madelyn looked down, fingers clenched, striving for control. How could I possibly forget what Janessa persuaded me to do?

Last night was her engagement to Sebastian. With elders present, Madelyn had followed Sebastian to his room. Janessa had immediately texted, urging her to get Sebastian drunk and escape during the night. But Janessa was disappointed.

Madelyn scoffed inwardly. She had followed Janessa’s suggestions. Unfortunately, Sebastian’s tolerance for alcohol was remarkably high; he’d seen through her tricks. Madelyn decided against explanation. Having experienced death, she now understood Janessa’s feelings for Sebastian. It’s obvious. How was I so blind in the past? She couldn’t help mocking herself.

Quickly collecting herself, she replied nonchalantly, “Oh, I accidentally fell asleep last night.”

Janessa panicked. “You fell asleep? Just like that? What about Mr. Lockhart? Were you two together?”

Clenching her jaw, Janessa was frustrated. She’d waited all night, Madelyn never emerging. This unease had driven her to knock on their door first thing in the morning.

“Yes, we were together. Last night was our engagement night. There’s nothing wrong with us being alone, right?” Madelyn stared.

Caught off guard, Janessa sensed Madelyn was hinting at something. Even her gaze seemed sharper. “Madelyn, what are you talking about? That’s not what I meant…” Janessa’s voice trailed off. Her attention snapped to the love bite on Madelyn’s neck.

Eyes narrowing, she exclaimed in shock, “Madelyn, what’s that on your neck? Is that…”

Madelyn touched her neck, trying to cover the hickey with her hair, feigning anxiety. Lowering her gaze, she fell silent.

Just as Janessa was about to press further, a tall, slender figure emerged from the room—Sebastian. Clad in a black suit, he exuded an imposing aura.

“Mr. Lockhart…” Janessa murmured, her gaze revealing a hidden admiration and love.

Sebastian gave her a cold glance, nodded slightly, and without a word, walked past them. Madelyn wanted to call to him, but she hadn’t changed yet. All she could do was watch him leave. Oh, well. I’ll deal with Janessa first.

Reluctantly, she looked at Janessa, who gazed longingly at Sebastian’s retreating figure. The passion in her eyes intensified, jealousy flaring. What she’d feared had happened.

Narrowing her eyes and clenching her fists, she regained her composure. Her tone, however, was tinged with indignation, as if upset on Madelyn’s behalf. “Madelyn, I can’t believe he forced himself on you. That’s too much… I feel so bad for you. We must do something, or things will get worse!”

Madelyn looked at Janessa’s pretense and scoffed internally. “Oh? So… how exactly do you plan to help me?”

Janessa blurted out, “Of course, you need to break off the engagement. Madelyn, end the marriage! Only then will you be free to pursue your happiness! Don’t you like Christopher?”

Madelyn sneered inwardly, concealing her thoughts. “I do, but as you know, the Lockhart and Thornton families won’t allow it.”

“No worries. I can help you find another solution!”

Observing Janessa’s eagerness, Madelyn wished she could tear off her hypocritical mask. But it wasn’t the right time.

“Let’s talk later. I’m going to change. Wait for me.” Madelyn closed the door.

Janessa remained rooted, aware that something about Madelyn was different, though she couldn’t pinpoint it. After that night, Madelyn seemed… off.

Changing before the mirror, Madelyn smirked. Janessa toyed with me in my past life. This time, let’s see how the tables turn.

Fifteen minutes later, Madelyn reached the hotel lobby. Janessa waved and linked arms, pretending to be best friends. “Let’s go shopping, Madelyn. I saw a beautiful dress… Madelyn, you’ve always had good taste, haven’t you?”

Madelyn offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She knew Janessa expected her to pay—exactly as in her previous life, where she’d been Janessa’s personal ATM.

But after everything, she wouldn’t be manipulated again.

With a weary expression, Madelyn looked at Janessa. “I’m sorry, but I’ll pass. I’m tired from last night and will head home.”

Janessa’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected this. “Oh, how could I forget? Of course you’re tired. Be careful,” Janessa said with an awkward smile.

Madelyn ignored her. As she hailed a cab, she felt a malevolent gaze from behind.

In the car, Madelyn massaged her temples. Relaxing, she thought of Sebastian. In her past life, he’d distanced himself after that night, never even setting foot in their marital home. She had broken his heart. This time, she was determined to win him back. I must succeed.