chapter 5
“Maddie, what’s wrong! Are you feeling unwell?” Benjamin gazed at Madeline with concern and extended his hand to feel her forehead.
Anticipating his intentions, she swiftly averted her face, avoiding his impending touch.
Unintentionally, a hint of disdain flickered across her eyes.
Nevertheless, her demeanor quickly reverted to its usual state
- ry. I had a sudden headache”
“I’m sorry.
Saming on the couch, she regarded him with an air of detachment.
Benjamin was a handsome young man who excelled as a top student at a prestigious university.
They met while participating in a competition, and he soon caught Madeline’s eyes as he stood out with his exceptional appearance, abilities, and commendable character.
Unlike peers of his age, Benjamin displayed remarkable composure and thoughtfulness.
His pursuit led the inexperienced Madeline to succumb swiftly, much like a sheltered ugly duckling encountering the world for the first time.
At one juncture, she regarded Benjamin as her sole source of salvation.
She held the belief that he was the sole individual who would love her unconditionally, even in the shadow of Winsler’s influence. Regrettably, four years later, Madeline learned on the night she was exposed that her seemingly perfect fiancé was no different either!
The person Benjamin held in his heart was none other than Winslet
The memories were terrifying
“Maddie,” Benjamin urged. “Go ahead and take a look at the necklace. I’m sure you’ll like it. I carefully selected it from numerous choices, specifically with you in mind. Im certain it’ll complement you perfectly
As she observed the packaging of both necklaces, Madeline wasn’t surprised to realize that the one meant for Winslet appeared more exquisite and thoughtfully chosen.
Back then, he could jest at her based on her lack of familiarity with luxurious items.
However, she was a different person now. After representing numerous premium brands, Madeline swiftly recognized that he had bought her something of lower value.
On the other hand, Winslet’s gift was undoubtedly from the most prestigious luxury brand.
“You’re incredibly considerate. You always prepare two gifts whenever you give me something, never overlooking Winslet.”
Benjamin promptly countered, “Don’t jump to conclusions. I intend simply for the two of you to have a harmonious relationship. This is just how I approach things
“Is that so?”
In her previous life, Madeline had been blinded by love.
As she reflected on the past, it was evident that she had exhibited excessive naivety all this time.
When thought about carefully, many details revealed that something was amiss….
A mocking smile rugged at the corner of her lips as she remarked, “You’ve gifted me such a costly necklace. Perhaps you should consider giving it to
Winslet instead?”
Lifting her gaze, Madeline locked eyes with Benjamin and remarked, “I heard she didn’t perform well on her exam this time, and her mood hasn’t been the best. Giving her such an expensive gift would surely make her happy and appreciative.”
Frowning. Benjamin responded, “Maddie, the expensive one suits you better. Plus, didn’t you mention that you lack presentable accessories! V should have something valuable.”
Unease flickered across his handsome face as he continued, “Furthermore, Winslet’s necklace was simply an impromptu c
u choice. You’re my fancée,
10:52 AM
and it’s only appropriate for me to offe
offer you
thur finest…
As Beginn spoke, his gaze softened with affection and tenderness,
Madeline replied unobtrusively, “Is that right? But I actually prefer the one intended for WinsletTM
Benjamin’s Face immediately turned gloomy.
Looking at her, he was at a loss for words.
In fact, he was secretly dissatisfied with Madeline’s ungratefulness.
to give it to me! Didn’t you come here intentionally to bring me joy?”
Madeline raised an eyebrow and retorted, “Are you reluctant to
Upon hearing what she said, Benjamin immediately shifted to a severe and stern tone. “Madeline, why do you keep competing with Winnie when she’s so kind to you? Aren’t you tired of it! Now you’re even competing with her for a necklace. This is going too far! No wonder your family doesn’t have a favorable opinion of you. Instead of dwelling in self–pity, you should look at yourself well!”
Upon finishing his words, he came to the realization that he had voiced his genuine emotions.
In that short moment, he didn’t have the inclination to continue appeasing Madeline.
It was high time she comprehended her standing. To Benjamin, his choice of her was merely because she could stand in as a substitute for Winslet.
time, and effort. All he needed was an obedient substitute that didn’t require him to spend any money.
Even more importantly, he could openly engage with Winslet while being in a relationship with her.
In response to Benjamin’s words, Madeline chuckled as she found the situation ironic. “You should’ve expressed your true feelings earlier, considering you’ve always held a low opinion of me. Enduring me for so long must have been quite a burden for you.” Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
She, too, no longer intended to beat around the bushes with him.
She retrieved her phone and snapped a p
Soon, she found out the price.
a picture of the “valuable” necklace he intended to give her.
With a glum look, she said, “60 dollars. Is this your idea of an expensive gift? Since when did you become so financially constrained that you consider 60 dollars expensive?
Benjamin’s face darkened. Being exposed was undoubtedly displeasing to him.
Madeline then retrieved the other necklace and searched for its price. “Oh, this is a new design from last week, Bvlgari’s luxurious jewelry. “Lifedme Moonlight, the name sounds good too. And it’s worth 36,000 dollars.
Madeline got to her feet, and the final hint of patience vanished completely from her expression.
She regarded her former fiancé with a cold and disdainful gaze.
His face appeared so unfamiliar to her now.
Staring into Benjamin’s eyes, Madeline said. “Don’t you feel disgusted by your hypocritical show of affection!”
Momentarily stunned, he turned his head in an attempt to justify himself.
Yet, he found himself speechless as he discerned the clarity in her eyes.
Benjamin reflected, “Madeline is from the countryside, and investing thousands of dollars to coax her isn’t justified. This time, it’s my mistake to assume that presenting her with cheap goods would still evoke the same gratitude and appreciation, given how easily she used to be fooled”
As it turned out, his remorse originated from his lies being exposed.
Benjamin might have chosen to gift a necklace worth 400 dollars if given a second chance.
Nevertheless, his instinctual belief was that Winslet was a prominent young lady who deserved finer things
He didn’t believe he had crossed a line, considering that more than 40 dollars was not an insignificant amount to Madeline
Having this in lus thoughts, Benjamin deliberately remarked. “You weren’t so focused on material things in the past Madeline, you should learn from your sister?
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He held the conviction that Winslet would have been content, even if the gift had been a hair scrunchy worth only 4 dollars.
She wouldn’t have made him the subject of such embarrassing accusations.
Disappointment flickered in Benjamin’s gaze as he observed Madeline. He couldn’t help but feel that she couldn’t measure up to Winslet.
Madeline sneered, “Take your things and leave.”
At that very moment, Winslet entered through the doorway.
She had heard Madeline’s harsh tone and sympathy stirred within her for Benjamin.
“Benjamin, please forgive Maddie. She has just been discharged from the hospital, and her mood isn’t the best.”
Leaning in with a sense of familiarity, she offered a sweet smile and said, “Allow me to personally cook for you as a way of apologizing on Maddie’s behalf. You must stay for dinner”
Winslet turned around, casting a cold glance at Madeline. While keeping her tone gentle, she chastised, “Maddie, you shouldn’t speak to Benjamin like that. He’s good–tempered. If you have any concerns, express them nicely
Layla shot a sharp look at Madeline and said in agreement, “Rural girls can be so impudent! How dare you speak to Mr. Moore in such a way! Regardless, he’s your fiance, and marrying him is your greatest blessing, Apologize to him!”