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.

the freshly baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table. Before she could search for

caller ID, she accepted

you were the one who told me not to look for you anymore, Miss Vera.” Jeremy’s alluring baritone voice sounded over the

teacher before you called me back, Mr. Whitman? I understand that work is

silent at her

speaker again. “My son’s with you? Send

her address. After all, searching it up would be an easy feat for

the address, she hung

What’s wrong?

as Madeline was about to call

have happened, Madeline quickly ran to the storeroom

in the corner with his head between his knees.

were just playing hide

baby. Mommy’s here.” Madeline comforted Lily before walking over to squat in front of

wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching out

the touch and hugged himself

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

out again to place a hand on Jackson’s

and his expression looked lost. His round eyes

The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully inducted into labor. Her heart stabbed with a pain that was

hand slowly rose to softly pat Jackson’s head, her tone warm and soft as she said, “What’s wrong, Jackson? Did something upset you? You can tell Aunty

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

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

have expected was Jackson running into her arms, calling her his

must have been feeling

to lessen his fear was to hold her tight with both his hands while his

distress on his small cheeks. It had been a long while since she had

lightly pat the back of Jackson’s

now,

words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from

okay, Mommy?” Lily

Don’t worry.” Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some snacks. How about you share some with

on, Jackie, let’s

words, Jackson seemed to finally pull himself

Madeline Crawford. Slowly but surely, a red blush of what looked like embarrassment

“Sorry.” He suddenly apologized.

words echoed with familiarity in Madeline’s

and gently caressed Jackson’s small cheeks. “What are

eyes as he took in Madeline’s gentle, kind

when she saw that the state of Jackson’s emotions

she watched the two children

Jackson caringly wipe off the

heart clenched again, this time reminding her of

of earshot did Madeline dare to

juice, the light in

question was

heartlessly slash Jackson’s cheek with a fruit

scared her more than any demon for being able to remain aloof in

could such a woman who preyed on her own son for status

that Jackson would act in such a weird manner. What had she done that warranted so much fear in him that he ran into her arms

Jeremy never paid Jackson any attention? Had Jeremy left

silence had Madeline putting a hold on her questions. Ruffling his adorable

lot like someone

before he nodded.

“What if I am this Maddie? I’m sure your mother told you that Maddie was a horrible

heard her words. Then, he

a horrible woman. She would

certain, and his eyes

an indescribable feeling started to

Mr. Whitman’s Sinner

her so much despite his young age was something Madeline had

Sis Vera from

wavering at the memory

“Of course.”

smile finally graced

was the first time Madeline had seen Jackson smile, be it three years ago or three

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

warmth flood into her

long

to enter the house, but

met the eye. Turning around, she fired Jackson a gentle and light smile. “Come on, Jack, your father’s here to fetch you home. You can always

slowly shuffled to stand

father, Jackson remained silent by

father-son duo gave her

He wanted to say more but was interrupted by an untimely phone

caller ID, he realized that it

few seconds hesitating before accepting the

the line connected, Meredith’s complaints and wailing drifted 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

Madeline could not catch a word with how loud Meredith was

frown with his lips apart, ready to respond. However, Madeline reached out to take his phone and placed it by her

the speaker. “Jeremy,

fact, not only did I kidnap your son, but I also have your fiancé with me. You want to save them, don’t you? So how about you bring the ransom to

“…”

froze when she heard Madeline’s voice, slowly taking

expression, Madeline smiled and returned the phone

of Mr.

warm smile. “Bye-bye, Jackson. See

back. “Bye-bye,

quickly closed

ironic smile when she saw the grim expression Jeremy wore

caught Madeline by surprise as he found her working

Jeremy’s divine

to Madeline,

you could

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to attract any more unnecessary issues, let alone be suspected from time

gaze to

You, too, suspect that I’m that

much you hated and were disgusted by Madeline Crawford. There was absolutely no way that you would cry for her in such a tone even if she

Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife

unease wash over him when he recognized the sarcasm and disdain in Madeline’s

lips, his gaze

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.”

to say after a moment of

bent his head to lean closer

you, it won’t happen

“Are you admitting to testing me the other

silent under her inquisitive

the entire world was privy to how shamelessly in love Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy

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

all it was. A

Now, he was awake.

woman before him

took Jeremy’s quietness as silent

shall accept your invite, Mr. Whitman.

Corporations’ anniversary was an event she needed

to reveal the other side of Meredith in

quickly mailed it off anonymously to someone

to the counter of a store to pick up the gown she

with the sight of Meredith who was being served enthusiastically

week, Miss Montgomery. Especially these few here, I’d say they

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

way, please!” Elated by Meredith’s desire for more expensive

this style, Miss

evening gown, Miss Montgomery. Its price is also very fitting of your status! I’m

Whitman with this

up on a pedestal with the shop assistants’ singing her praises

rather unsatisfied. Her gaze wandered until it fell on a mannequin as if she had been enraptured by

dress before? I like its unique style. I want to try it on,”

has already been pre-ordered by another client,

one from another warehouse.” Meredith was displeased. Desire was apparent in her

between a rock and a hard place. This dress was handmade, so it was not cheap. It had to be ordered

slightly while the possessiveness

hasn’t arrived yet. You should wrap this

“I…”

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

shared a glance before

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

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

behind her as she waited

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

face in the public setting. “It’s you? I never thought you’d be able to afford something from such an expensive shop. Maybe

earning money. I’m not you, after all, Miss Crawford. I don’t get

Meredith’s lips twitched as distaste settled on her face. The fake smile she put on disappeared instantly as she turned to glare

One moment, Miss Montgomery,” the shop assistants replied,

reached out to receive the shopping bag only for Madeline to take it neatly before Meredith’s fingers

Vera Quinn?” Meredith

Madeline’s behavior. “What are you doing, Miss? This belongs to Miss Montgomery!

“Do you like this gown, Miss

too? Just because you like

belittling 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 it doesn’t mean it belongs to you! Please put the gown down, Miss, or we’ll

Mistake Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

the arrogant Meredith, Madeline casually pulled out a card and threw it at the face of the shop assistant who

shop assistant quickly picked up the card. Reading the words atop, her expression immediately shifted into

didn’t know you’re Miss Quinn! I’m sorry, really! Please forgive

came over to

at a glance as they began apologizing

attendants suddenly apologize

to her?” Meredith rolled her eyes in

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

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 she stared at Madeline.

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

became the oldest daughter of the Montgomery family. She wanted to become one for this store to further elevate her taste, yet she

expected the woman she hated so

to face Meredith’s fuming face. “So can this jewelry

plucked the card from

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

tugged into a victorious smile. “I think you’re mistaken. The one who can’t have it is you, Meredith Crawford. The gown has been mine since half

“What?” Meredith’s smile hardened.

the gown half a month ago as we’ve mentioned earlier and that person is… Miss Vera

“…” Meredith was speechless.

the sight of Meredith Crawford being

two lines as they bowed respectfully to bid Madeline farewell. “Have a nice