Married by Mistake: Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife by Sixteenth Child

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 191

Jackson’s eyes quickly flitted away upon seeing Meredith’s smile.

“I need Dad to sign something.”

Meredith smiled warmly as the workbook in Jackson’s hands caught her eyes. “How about I sign it instead?”

Jackson pinched the corner of his workbook and turned to look expectantly at Jeremy.

“Just let your mom sign it instead. Don’t go to bed too late.” Then, Jeremy closed his room door.

Staring at the closed door, all the light in Jackson’s eyes was replaced with unknown fear and darkness.

Turning around, he walked quickly to his own room.

Rejected by the door, Meredith immediately dropped the smile on her face.

Extremely displeased, she marched into Jackson’s room. She kicked the door open right as he was about to close it.

The word ‘Mom’ was on the tip of Jackson’s tongue, yet he dared not call Meredith that at all.

“What’s wrong, Jack? I’m your mother. Why do you always look so sad every time you see me?”

She approached with a smile, only for her expression to shift drastically the next second. Almost as if she was a demon who had torn off a kind mask, there was nothing but ugly underneath.

“Of all the times, why did you just have to appear at that moment? All you know is to ruin my plans! Do you think I’d have kept you alive had it not been for the fact that you were useful? Every time I see you I hate you even more!” Meredith roared without restraint.

Running around her, Jackson hid in the bathroom and locked the door behind him.

Meredith ran after him to the door, continuing her round of verbal attacks that sounded downright horrible.

She did not have an ounce of like for Jackson. If anything, all she felt was deep hatred! Just like how she hated Madeline before!

Even if Jackson was the cause of her many benefits.

Sure, everyone would think that Jackson’s eyes and brows were a replica of Jeremy’s, but Meredith could not help but feel that Jackson was slowly growing to resemble Madeline.

He was Madeline and Jeremy’s son, after all!

It made sense for a son to resemble his mother!

What nobody knew was how she had tortured Jackson behind everyone’s backs. Jackson was five, yet he did not have the energetic and bubbly personality fit for a child his age.

At that moment, Jackson was squatting in the corner with his eyes shut tight and his small hands covering his ears. He was shielding himself from Meredith’s scoldings.

‘Why is my mother so different from everyone else’s? Why…

‘Shouldn’t mothers love their child the most?’

His mind was filled with question marks as his long curly lashes sat heavily on his eyes from tears he had unknowingly begun to shed.

Returning to the apartment, Madeline took a cold shower.

She did not want to be swayed by Jeremy again just because he had called her ‘Madeline’.

Walking to her bed, her resolve for revenge strengthened as she stared at the calmly sleeping child.

Lillian would have a sister had it not been for Jeremy and Meredith.

Madeline’s fist tightened. She vowed to avenge herself and her late child no matter what.

The following evening, Madeline arrived at the kindergarten to pick Lillian up from school as usual. Traffic was horrible due to the rain and she was half an hour late.

Most kids had already been fetched when she arrived, leaving Lillian and another boy at the guardhouse.

After walking closer, Madeline realized that the boy was no other than Jackson Whitman.

Seeing Madeline, Lillian ran toward her excitedly. “Mommy! Hugs!”

Staring at the adorable and innocent girl, Madeline scooped Lily into her arms to plant a loving kiss on her cheeks.

Jackson felt a swell of emotions bubbling within him as he set his eyes on Madeline’s face from the side.

He lifted his handsome but childlike face, summoning his courage to walk up to Madeline.

Realizing something was amiss, Madeline lowered her confused gaze to meet Jackson’s. “What’s wrong?”

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 192

“Is it you, Maddie?”

Staring seriously at Madeline, Jackson finally mustered the courage to ask.

Stunned for a second, Madeline then replied with a smile, “Hey, buddy. I’m Lillian’s mother. I can tell you my name if you want? It’s nice to meet you, I’m Vera Quinn.”

She introduced herself with a smile, realizing that Jackson was currently analyzing her.

The small face before her eyes was a fair one of exquisite features, a result of Jeremy’s great genes.

For some reason, Madeline could not help but feel like there was something deeper and more pressing within Jackson’s onyx orbs.

Perhaps it was the light.

What issue could such a young child have, anyway?

Memories of how Meredith had cut Jackson’s cheek to frame her appeared in Madeline’s mind. She could still remember how freely the blood flowed and how the boy wailed. It must have hurt a lot.

Seeing the flawless cheek of his now, Madeline sighed an inexplicable breath of relief.

Thank goodness it had not scarred.

“Mommy, Mommy. This is the Jackie I told you about. We’re great friends!”

Lily’s voice was sweet and soft, melting her heart like cotton candy.

Madeline nodded. “Oh, so you’re Jackie?” she said cooperatively despite not wishing for Lily to get too close to Jackson.

It was not because she disliked Jackson, but because their relationship was an unconventional one.

“Time to go home, Lillian. Say goodbye to Jackie now, okay?”

“Okay.” Lily reached out to wave a chubby hand. “Bye-bye Jackie. See you tomorrow.”

Madeline smiled warmly at Jackson. “Bye, buddy.”

With that, she turned around with Lily in her arms and left, holding an umbrella over them with one hand.

Yet no more than two steps later, Madeline found herself stopping unexpectedly in her tracks.

The rain fell heavier and the last winds of summer were chilly as they blew past.

Turning back, Madeline stared at Jackson who stood by the gates. The boy did not seem to be wearing much and the schoolbag weighed heavily on his little body. Jackson’s bright eyes bore into her.

He was so close, yet Madeline could not help but feel there were miles between her and Jackson.

Her heart suddenly clenched as she remembered the child Meredith and Jeremy had killed.

She walked back to stand in front of Jackson. “Are your parents coming to fetch you, buddy?

“My dad’s busy,” Jackson replied.

Madeline smiled. “What about your mom?”

Madeline watched rejection flare in Jackson’s eyes at the mention of Meredith.

That moment, Jackson’s class teacher walked over to tell her that it had been almost half an hour since the day had ended but they had yet to get in contact with Jackson’s family.

Madeline hesitated before dialing Jeremy’s number. It went to voicemail.

Mulling over the thought for a few seconds, she then decided to invite Jackson. “Hey, buddy. Do you want to come home with me first? We can wait until your dad contacts me and comes to bring you home.”

“That’s awesome! Jackie’s gonna be a guest at our house! I’m so happy, Mommy!”

The little girl wrapped her arms around Madeline with a coquettish exclamation, making Madeline find it hard not to ruffle her head fondly.

Seeing as Madeline seemed to be acquainted with Jackson’s father, the class teacher handed him over to him.

Half an hour later, Madeline arrived at the apartment with the two children in tow.

Lily jumped around and pulled Jackson into the house excitedly, already sharing her favorite snacks and fruits with him.

Madeline went to the kitchen to bake small cakes for the two kids.

In the open kitchen, Madeline was given a clear view of Lillian and Jackson sitting on the small stools by the coffee table.

For a child who detested homework, Lily had surprisingly taken her workbook out on her own today.

Married by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter 193

“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?

“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?

“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”

As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life.

Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature.

He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion.

Madeline had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends.

Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart.

However, Madeline’s smile did not last too long.

Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive.

Perhaps she would be privy to such a heartwarming scene.

“Do you want to play hide and seek, Jackie?” Lily stretched a hand toward Jackson.

After hesitating for a moment, Jackson took Lily’s hand. “Okay. I’ll play with you.”

Madeline found his voice childish but unusual when he opened his mouth to speak.

Yet that was not the only problem. Jackson did not seem to know how to smile, and that was very wrong.

He had not smiled once ever since they returned.

Such was not the behavior of a normal child.

baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table.

ID, she

who told me not to look

Mr. Whitman? I understand that work is important, but a child also needs the

silent

long after, Jeremy’s voice sounded from the speaker again. “My son’s with you? Send me your

After all, searching it up would be an easy feat

address, she hung up

wrong?

suddenly shouted just as Madeline was about to

ran to the storeroom where

on lights, she was shocked to find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head between his knees. The boy’s arms were wrapped around himself as he

her. “Jackie and I were just playing hide and seek, Mommy. Then, he suddenly hid

Lily before walking over

wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching

shook at the touch and hugged himself

the strange reaction, her worry doubling. “Don’t be afraid, Jackson. Aunty Vera

out again to place a

his head. His complexion was pale and his expression looked lost. His round

unbeknownst to her, Madeline felt her heart break at the sight. The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully inducted

as she said, “What’s wrong, Jackson? Did something upset you? You can tell Aunty Vera.

small lips pursed as he dove into Madeline’s arms. His voice trembled as he

Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child] Chapter

was Jackson running

have been feeling terrified and

was as if the only way to lessen his fear was

It had been a long while since she had felt such an intrusive stab of pain eating its way out

lightly pat the back

now, Jack.

words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his

Jackie okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over and

worry.” Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some snacks. How about you share some

out a hand to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go eat some snacks

finally pull

blinked open his round eyes, his long eyelashes fluttering as he looked up to stare at Madeline

“Sorry.” He suddenly apologized.

words echoed with familiarity in

Jackson’s small cheeks. “What are you apologizing for, silly? You didn’t

envy left as fast as it came in Jackson’s eyes as he took in Madeline’s gentle, kind smile.

found herself sighing an inexplicable breath of relief when she saw that the state of Jackson’s emotions was back

her chest as she watched the two children sitting next to each other

caringly wipe off the butter smudged on

this time reminding

of earshot did Madeline dare to

drank his orange juice,

the question was clear as

Meredith heartlessly slash Jackson’s cheek with a fruit

than any demon for being able to remain aloof

who preyed on her own son for status and wealth exist

she done that warranted so much fear

Jackson any attention? Had Jeremy left Jackson to

on her questions. Ruffling his adorable

like someone you know who’s named Maddie,

her before he nodded. “I thought you were Maddie in

Maddie? I’m sure your mother told you that Maddie was a horrible woman, didn’t she? That this Maddie had hurt you before,

when he heard her words. Then, he started to shake

isn’t a horrible woman. She

certain, and

an indescribable feeling started to bubble

by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

despite his young age was something Madeline had

Vera from now on?” Jackson looked at

smiled, her mind wavering at the memory of Jackson calling her ‘Mom’ moments

“Of course.”

a smile

had seen Jackson smile, be it three years

dimples appeared by the corners of Jackson’s mouth as he smiled. He looked warm and adorable,

into her chest at the child’s angelic

long after, Jeremy

house, but Madeline held him off

take better care of your son, Mr. Whitman. He is, after all, the precious child of you and your beloved.” There was more to Madeline’s words that met the eye. Turning around, she fired Jackson a gentle and light smile. “Come on, Jack, your

nodded and slowly shuffled to stand

father, Jackson

gave her

Miss Vera.” Jeremy expressed his gratitude. He wanted to say more but was interrupted by

the caller ID, he realized

hesitating

in from the other end. “Jeremy! I just went to pick Jack up from the kindergarten but the teacher told me a woman called Vera Quinn had already taken our son away! What does she want? Why did she kidnap Jack? What are we supposed to do now, Jeremy? I’m scared. What

could not catch a word with how

as she watched Jeremy frown with his lips apart, ready to respond. However,

from the

correct, I’ve kidnapped your son. In fact, not only did I kidnap your son, but I also have your fiancé with me. You want to save them, don’t you?

“…”

she heard Madeline’s voice, slowly taking in

expression, Madeline smiled

must be the legendary love of Mr. Whitman’s life. Quite the high maintenance, I’d

goodbye with a warm smile. “Bye-bye,

waved back. “Bye-bye, Big Sis

quickly closed the

an ironic smile when she saw the grim expression Jeremy

day, Jeremy caught Madeline by surprise as he

tailored suit, Jeremy’s divine aura

speak to Madeline,

that you could attend the 50th anniversary of the founding of Whitman Corporation. The anniversary is in

but I don’t want to attract any more unnecessary issues, let alone be

that, she lifted her gaze to stare into Jeremy’s bottomless eyes. Madeline

Mr. Whitman? You, too, suspect that I’m

aware of how much you hated and

Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

rush of unease wash over him when he recognized the sarcasm and disdain in

lips, his gaze drilled into Madeline’s

if you would stop looking for me, Mr. Whitman. I really don’t want to be treated as the dead again.” Madeline rejected him

“It won’t happen again.”

lips to say after

gaze fixated on her, he bent his head

you, it

to testing me

remained silent under her inquisitive

was privy to how shamelessly in love Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy

had lost his mind the other day. He was not testing her, no. He had fantasized

was all it was.

Now, he was awake.

not fantasize the woman before him to

quietness as silent

accept your invite, Mr. Whitman. After all,

Whitman Corporations’ anniversary was an event

other side of Meredith in front of the

accepting Jeremy’s invitation, Madeline quickly mailed it off anonymously

went to the counter of a store to pick up the

sight of Meredith who was being

here, I’d say

check the price tags. “This won’t do. This is too cheap for a person of my status. Don’t

Meredith’s desire for more expensive outfits, the shop assistants immediately brought her to

about this style, Miss

fitting of your status! I’m sure you’d be the center of everyone’s attention should you wear this to the Whitman

Mr. Whitman with this

being put up on a pedestal with the shop assistants’ singing

gaze wandered until it fell on a mannequin as if

its unique style. I want to try it on,”

smiled awkwardly. “The gown has already been pre-ordered by another client,

one from another warehouse.” Meredith was displeased. Desire was apparent in her gaze as it bore

placed between a rock and a hard place. This dress was handmade, so it was not cheap. It had to be ordered from overseas half a month before purchase, so this was the

fell slightly while the possessiveness in

tell the client their pre-ordered gown hasn’t arrived yet. You should wrap this dress up for me if you want me to

“I…”

a casual customer is more important than long-term ones like me?” Madeline urged them,

a glance before breaking out into

for you now,” a shop assistant said as she took

sense how Madeline lost to you, Miss Crawford. How could she possibly match your bossiness? She was never your opponent

to come from behind her as she waited happily for

darkened as she whipped her head around. A few shop assistant’s gazes fell on her

Meredith’s gaze turned sinister, but the smile remained on her face in the public setting. “It’s you? I never thought you’d

you, after all, Miss Crawford. I don’t get to spend my family

distaste settled on her face. The fake smile she put on disappeared instantly as she turned to glare impatiently at the

yes, of course! One moment, Miss Montgomery,” the shop assistants replied, wrapping up the

an arrogant glance at Madeline, Meredith reached out to receive the shopping bag only for Madeline to

you doing, Vera Quinn?” Meredith roared

shop assistants were shocked as well, immediately standing on Meredith’s side to point fingers at Madeline’s

quirked meaningfully. “Do you like this gown, Miss Crawford? What a shame,

too? Just because you like it

gaze in their eyes. “This is a six-figure dress, Miss. You’re not the only one who likes it. We like it too. But liking

by Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child]

and threw it at the face of the shop assistant who had threatened to call security. “Pick it up and take a look, then tell

by Madeline’s temperament, the shop assistant quickly picked up the card. Reading the words atop, her expression immediately shifted into an embarrassed one. She flushed red as she bowed

didn’t know you’re Miss

other salespeople came over to read the card Madeline

glance as

attendants suddenly apologize to Madeline, treating

Why are you so polite to her?” Meredith rolled her eyes in disagreement. “What’s so shocking about this woman’s name card

smirked as she disdainfully reached out to take and read the card that

she’s just a person who sells jewelry. What’s so great…” Meredith’s face fell amidst her mocking words, doubt and unwillingness to believe the truth bleeding out of her eyes as

her hands, Meredith’s eyes were filled with suspicion and doubt despite the words ‘Vera Quinn’ boldly

become an honorary member of many luxurious stores ever since she became the oldest daughter of the Montgomery family. She wanted to become one for this store to further elevate her taste, yet she found herself unable to

expected the woman she hated so much to

fuming face. “So can this jewelry seller take

plucked the card from Meredith’s hands

to stop Madeline. “So what if you have that card, Vera? Let me tell you, someone has already pre-ordered that dress long ago.” She crossed her arms and smirked. “If I can’t have it,

“I think you’re mistaken. The one

“What?” Meredith’s smile hardened.

explained. “That’s true, Miss Montgomery. Someone has already pre-ordered the gown half

“…” Meredith was speechless.

go yet?” Madeline smiled at the sight of Meredith Crawford being close

two lines as they bowed respectfully to bid Madeline farewell. “Have a nice day, Miss Quinn. Please