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.

cake and orange juice on the coffee table.

the caller ID,

who told me not to look for you anymore, Miss Vera.” Jeremy’s alluring baritone

your son’s class teacher before you called me back, Mr. Whitman? I

silent at

speaker again. “My

not mind giving Jeremy her address. After all, searching it up

the address, she hung

wrong? Jackie,

shouted just as Madeline was about to call the two children

quickly ran to the storeroom where the sound

to find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head

hide and seek, Mommy. Then, he suddenly hid in here and

Lily before walking

wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly,

the touch and hugged himself tighter

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

again to place a hand

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

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

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

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

Sinner Wife

was Jackson running into her arms, calling her his

have been feeling terrified and

arms. It was as if the only way to lessen his fear was to hold her tight with both

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

lightly pat the back of Jackson’s

alright now,

comforting words, Madeline saw Jackson relax

okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over and

you some

to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go

her words, Jackson seemed to finally pull himself

he looked up to stare at Madeline Crawford. Slowly but surely,

“Sorry.” He suddenly apologized.

echoed with familiarity in Madeline’s

“What are

came in Jackson’s eyes as he took in Madeline’s

she saw

washed over her chest as she watched the two children sitting next to

the butter smudged

heart clenched again, this time reminding her of

got up to use the bathroom. Only when she was conveniently out of earshot did Madeline dare to ask, “Hey, Jack. How does your mother normally

his orange juice, the light in

to the question was

heartlessly slash Jackson’s

for being able to remain aloof in the face of her

on her own son for status and

such a weird manner. What had she done that warranted

any attention? Had Jeremy left Jackson to deal

her questions. Ruffling his adorable head, she changed

lot like

heavily into her before

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

expression grew solemn when he heard her words. Then, he started

woman. She would never hurt

certain, and his eyes

feeling started to bubble in

Sinner

despite his young age

I call you Big Sis Vera from

smiled, her mind wavering at the memory of

“Of course.”

smile finally graced

had seen Jackson smile, be it three years ago or

Jackson’s mouth as he smiled. He looked warm and adorable, just

flood into her chest at the child’s

long after, Jeremy

enter the house, but Madeline held him

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 father’s here to fetch you home. You can always come again next

nodded and slowly shuffled to stand beside

his father, Jackson remained silent by his

duo gave her a strange and distant

wanted to say more but was interrupted by an untimely phone

at the caller ID, he realized that

seconds hesitating before accepting the call

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

no way Madeline could not catch a word with how loud Meredith was

as she watched Jeremy frown with his lips apart, ready to respond. However, Madeline reached out to take

to sound from the speaker. “Jeremy, Jeremy,

your fiancé with me. You want to save them, don’t you? So how about you bring the ransom to my house? Oh, and

“…”

Madeline’s voice, slowly taking in the

Madeline

love of Mr.

waved Jackson goodbye with a warm

smiled and waved back. “Bye-bye, Big Sis

and quickly closed the

smile when she saw the grim expression Jeremy wore

Madeline by surprise as he found her working in the

divine

a beeline to speak to Madeline, going straight to

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

want to attract any more unnecessary issues, let alone be suspected from time to time by other people as your

lifted her gaze to stare into Jeremy’s bottomless eyes.

suspect it too, don’t you, Mr. Whitman? You, too,

forgotten, Mr. Whitman, but everyone is well aware of how 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 was

Sinner Wife

of unease wash over him when

his lips, his gaze drilled into Madeline’s

I

“It won’t happen again.”

say after a

he bent his head to lean closer

promise you, it won’t happen

to

remained silent under

Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy was the only one who

was, Jeremy had lost his mind the other day. He was not testing

that was all it was. A

Now, he was awake.

fantasize the woman before him to be the one

quietness as

scoffed. “With that being said, I shall accept your invite, Mr. Whitman. After all,

Corporations’ anniversary was an event she

other side of Meredith in front of the

invitation, Madeline quickly mailed it off anonymously to someone

to

entering the store, Madeline was met with the sight of Meredith who was being served enthusiastically by several assistants. She

are all the latest styles from last week, Miss Montgomery. Especially these few here, I’d say they match your aura very well.” The shop assistants praised

is too cheap for a person of my status. Don’t you

expensive outfits,

this

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

Mr. Whitman with

pedestal with the shop assistants’

gaze wandered until it fell on a mannequin as if she had been enraptured by

like its unique style. I want to

already been pre-ordered by another

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

The assistant was 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 her eyes

You should wrap this

“I…”

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

shared a glance before breaking out into fawning smiles

wrap it up for you now,” a shop assistant said

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

come from behind her as she waited happily for the shop assistant to wrap the dress up

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

you? I never thought you’d be able to afford something from such an expensive shop. Maybe selling jewelry does come with quite

after all, Miss Crawford. I don’t

corners of Meredith’s lips twitched as distaste settled on her face. The fake smile she put on disappeared instantly as she turned to glare impatiently at the shop assistants. “Wrap it up already!” She quirked an

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

glance at Madeline, Meredith reached out to receive the shopping bag only for Madeline to take it neatly

Vera

shocked as well, immediately standing on Meredith’s side to point fingers at Madeline’s behavior. “What are you doing, Miss? This belongs to Miss Montgomery!

The corners of Madeline’s lips quirked meaningfully. “Do you like

like it too? Just because you like it doesn’t mean it’s yours!”

“This is a six-figure dress, Miss. You’re not the only one who likes it. We like

Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

snobbish shop assistants and the arrogant Meredith, Madeline casually pulled out a card and threw it at the face of the shop assistant who had threatened to call

the card. Reading the words atop, her expression immediately shifted into an embarrassed one. She flushed red as she bowed and apologized to

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

salespeople came over to read the card

glance as they began apologizing to

the shop attendants suddenly apologize to Madeline, treating her

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

to take and read the card

her mocking words, doubt and unwillingness

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

the Montgomery family. She wanted to become one for this store

she hated so much to fulfill such

face Meredith’s fuming face. “So can

plucked the card from Meredith’s hands and turned

“So what if you have that card, Vera? Let me tell you, someone has already pre-ordered that dress long

selfishness in the face, Madeline’s lips tugged into a victorious smile. “I think you’re mistaken. The one who can’t

“What?” Meredith’s smile hardened.

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

“…” Meredith was speechless.

Madeline smiled at the sight of Meredith

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