Chapter 49: Do Not Touch Me
Madelyn was in high spirits, and she couldn't help but quicken her pace. In less than three minutes, she had bounded to the intersection, where she immediately spotted a particularly conspicuous Maserati. A satisfied smile spread across her face, and Madelyn happily ran over.
At that moment, Sebastian was inside the car, watching from a distance as Madelyn’s smile bloomed brilliantly. His expression turned increasingly cold. She’s so happy being with Christopher. Her smile is brighter than it has ever been before, yet she has never bestowed such radiance upon me. Sebastian’s gaze undeniably dimmed when he thought about that.
Afterwards, Madelyn hopped over and, without hesitation, opened the car door and got in. As soon as she got in the car, she beamed with joy, saying, “Sebastian, the fact that you came to pick me up has made me incredibly happy!”
Really? Sebastian didn’t bother sparing her a glance. After that, he turned to Malcolm and said, “Malcolm, drive.” Malcolm gave a slight nod, immediately stepping on the gas without sparing a glance at Madelyn, treating her as if she were nothing more than air.
However, Madelyn, being a perceptive individual, immediately sensed that something was amiss. Since the moment she got in the car, these two individuals had been utterly indifferent, not even sparing a single glance in her direction. If Sebastian acted in such a manner, it was understandable. After all, he often resisted her. However, this time, even Malcolm, who was in the driver’s seat, didn’t greet her. The atmosphere seemed to have returned to how it was before Madelyn’s reincarnation. Back then, Malcolm and Sebastian’s attitude toward her was cold and distant, just as it was at that moment. However, that was, after all, a matter of her previous life. Moreover, she hadn’t done anything wrong, so she didn’t know why those two were acting so cold toward her.
Madelyn was truly at a loss, so she asked, “Sebastian, what happened?” “Nothing,” Sebastian responded curtly, without a second thought. “As if?!”
Madelyn looked at Sebastian and uttered in dissatisfaction, “Ever since I got in the car, Malcolm hasn’t even greeted me. Besides, look at your face. It’s as cold as if it were frozen. How could you possibly say nothing happened?”
After she finished speaking, Madelyn instinctively reached out, wanting to touch Sebastian’s face. However, in the next moment, a strong force came over. Madelyn’s wrist was tightly gripped by the person next to her. At that moment, Sebastian finally looked at her face, his tone as cold as ice. “Don’t touch me.”
A jolt of surprise coursed through Madelyn, for she could clearly see the disgust that had begun to creep into Sebastian’s eyes. He looked at her hand as if he had seen something filthy. “Madelyn, don’t you even know the basic principle of keeping yourself pure as a girl?”
She was seen holding hands with Christopher in public. Moments ago, her hands, tainted with the scent of another man, were about to touch Sebastian’s face. Naturally, Sebastian found it distasteful. Madelyn was taken aback for a moment, somewhat at a loss for what to do. She was utterly clueless about what she had done to earn Sebastian’s disdain this time. I’m his lawful wife. Isn’t it perfectly normal for a couple to show affection toward each other? Is there really a need to maintain such a level of personal purity? Could it be he still doesn’t believe in my transformation?
Upon reflecting, Madelyn couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh in her heart, filled with a sense of helplessness. What can I do, though? Sebastian’s distrust in me is entirely brought about by my own actions.
Hence, Madelyn, feeling a bit disappointed, had to shift slightly to the side, consciously maintaining a distance from Sebastian. “I’m sorry. I only wanted to touch your face earlier, hoping to warm your cold expression. It seems now that my actions were unnecessary.”
The tone of Madelyn’s voice then changed, becoming distant yet polite. “However, it’s not that I lack self-respect. I just believe that as husband and wife, we don’t need to be so formal with each other. Since you don’t like it, I won’t touch you anymore. I’m sorry.”
As she uttered the last word, a wave of melancholy washed over Madelyn, causing her to sniffle a bit, her voice choked with emotion. After she finished speaking, the atmosphere within the car seemed to freeze. Madelyn quieted down, but Sebastian’s expression remained sour.
Witnessing this scene through the rearview mirror, Malcolm couldn’t help but shudder. I never knew Mrs. Lockhart was such a good actress. Her performance is so convincing that it’s truly a waste that she isn’t pursuing an acting career. Just a few minutes ago, she was at the university gate, joking around with another man, seemingly reluctant to part ways. Now, she has put on an act of pure innocence. Despite cheating on someone, she’s acting as though she has suffered some great injustice. The transition between these two states is seamless. It seems she has mastered the art of acting. Tsk! This is rather breathtaking. Women really are fickle!
Following that, an eerily peaceful silence persisted within the car. Madelyn had gone silent, leaving Malcolm somewhat disoriented for a while. This unfamiliar sensation lasted for about ten minutes before it finally ended. The vehicle arrived at its destination, Lockhart Manor.
After all, being a wealthy family, the decoration styles of Lockhart Manor and Lockhart Villa were quite distinct. The decor of Lockhart Villa leaned subtly toward an Epean-Adrunian style. From the architecture of the building to the overall wall color inside, right down to a single chandelier, everything was steeped in an Epean charm, making it a perfect place for the younger generation to reside. Lockhart Manor, on the other hand, was styled with a dignified yet slightly retro grandeur. The vast expanse of the property, coupled with its dignified, slightly brownish exterior, was a sight to behold. Every element of its design was ingeniously crafted, exuding a sense of sophistication and grandeur that remained etched in one’s mind even after a whole day had passed. The overall effect was one of profound, calm, and impressive presence. Moreover, even the grand entrance was made from the precious Phoebe Nees wood, leaving one to envision the magnificence within.
After getting out of the car, Sebastian didn’t immediately go in. Madelyn subsequently stepped out of the car, followed up, and stood by his side. At that moment, Sebastian glanced over at her, seemingly filled with unease. Therefore, he instructed, “Madelyn, even if you dislike this arranged marriage, remember that our elders at home have done nothing to wrong you. We are here today merely to have a meal, not more than two hours. During these two hours, I hope you can control your temper and avoid upsetting them.”
It was clear that Sebastian was deeply concerned that Madelyn might throw a tantrum and ruin the dinner that evening. Upon hearing those words, Madelyn felt a sense of unease in her heart. Judging by his tone, he seemed particularly afraid she would cause trouble, so he felt the need to issue a warning in advance. A sense of helplessness washed over Madelyn. I just want to enjoy a good meal, not stir up trouble. Is there really a need for such remarks! However, I indeed had a habit of often contradicting my elders in my previous life.
Regardless of whether it was her father, stepmother, or professor, Madelyn had once brazenly talked back to them all. Indeed, her behavior was quite unbecoming. Realizing that, Madelyn obediently nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to behave well.”