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.

freshly baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table. Before

the caller ID,

not to look for you anymore, Miss Vera.” Jeremy’s alluring baritone voice sounded over the line,

the calls from your son’s class teacher before you called me back, Mr. Whitman? I understand that work is

silent

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

all, searching it up would be an easy feat for him if he

the address, she hung up the

wrong?

just as Madeline was about to call the two children over for

ran to

find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head between his knees. The boy’s

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

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

wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching out to touch his

touch and

strange reaction, her worry doubling. “Don’t

place

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

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

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 Vera. It’s alright, shh. It’s going to be okay. Aunty

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

Whitman’s Sinner Wife

Madeline could ever have expected was Jackson running into her arms, calling her

must have been

buried his tiny physique deep into her arms. It was as if the only way to lessen his fear was to hold her

signs of distress on his small cheeks. It had been a long while since she had felt such an intrusive stab of

lifted a hand to lightly pat the back of Jackson’s head, her

now, Jack. It’s

words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his

Lily walked

Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some

to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go eat some snacks together!

her words, Jackson seemed to finally pull himself out

his round eyes, his long eyelashes fluttering as he looked up to stare at Madeline Crawford. Slowly but surely, a red

“Sorry.” He suddenly apologized.

echoed with

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

as he took in Madeline’s gentle, kind smile. He envied Lillian for having such a warm and

an inexplicable breath of relief when she saw that the state of Jackson’s emotions

the two children sitting next to each

she watched Jackson caringly wipe off the butter smudged

clenched again, this time reminding her of the

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

he drank his orange juice, the light in his eyes slowly

question was

years ago, she had watched Meredith heartlessly

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

could such a woman who preyed on her own son for status and wealth exist in this

a weird manner. What had she done that warranted so much fear in

Jeremy left Jackson to deal with

on her

a lot like someone

her before he nodded. “I thought you

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

heard her words. Then, he started to shake his head

a horrible woman. She

and

feeling started

Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

so much despite his

you Big Sis Vera from now on?” Jackson looked at

her mind wavering at the memory of Jackson calling

“Of course.”

her reply, a smile finally graced

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

corners of Jackson’s mouth as he

flood into her

long

enter the house, but Madeline held

There was more to Madeline’s words that met the eye. Turning around, she fired Jackson a gentle and light smile.

slowly shuffled to stand

his father, Jackson remained

father-son duo gave her a strange

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

caller ID, he realized

spent a few seconds hesitating before

to pick Jack up from the kindergarten but the teacher told me a woman called Vera

could not catch a word with

ready to respond. However, Madeline

screams continued to sound from the speaker.

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 my house? Oh, and call the

“…”

Madeline’s voice,

Madeline smiled and returned the

of Mr. Whitman’s life. Quite the high maintenance,

Jackson goodbye with a warm smile. “Bye-bye, Jackson. See you next

and waved back.

nodded and quickly closed the

saw the

as he found her working in

a tailored suit, Jeremy’s divine aura attracted numerous

beeline to speak to Madeline, going

Madeline Crawford. As a result, he wishes that you could attend the 50th anniversary of the founding of Whitman Corporation. The anniversary

continued to draw without lifting her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to attract any more unnecessary issues, let alone be suspected

her gaze to stare into Jeremy’s bottomless eyes.

Mr. Whitman? You, too, suspect that I’m that damned ex-wife of

the club. You knew what you were doing when you held me and cried lovingly for Madeline. Perhaps you’ve 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 still alive, let alone speak

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

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

his gaze

it’d be great if you would stop looking for me, Mr. Whitman. I really don’t want

“It won’t happen again.”

to say after

her, he bent his head to lean closer to

promise you, it won’t

you admitting to testing me

silent under

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

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

that was all it

Now, he was awake.

would not fantasize the woman before him to

Jeremy’s quietness

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

Whitman Corporations’ anniversary was

to reveal the other side of

Madeline quickly mailed it

she went to the counter of a store to pick

was met with the sight of Meredith who was being served enthusiastically by several assistants. She did

styles from last week, Miss Montgomery. Especially these few here, I’d say they match your aura very well.” The

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

expensive outfits, the shop assistants immediately brought her to a

about this

limited evening gown, Miss Montgomery. Its price is also very fitting of your status! I’m sure you’d be the center of everyone’s attention should you wear this to the

Whitman with

on a pedestal with the shop

wandered until it fell on a mannequin as if

this dress before? I like its unique style. I want

awkwardly. “The gown has already

Desire was

not cheap. It had to be ordered from overseas half a month before purchase, so this was

fell slightly while the possessiveness in her

this dress. You can just tell the client their pre-ordered gown hasn’t arrived yet. You should wrap this dress up

“I…”

telling me a casual customer is more important than long-term ones like

a glance before breaking out into

you now,” a shop

sense how Madeline lost to you, Miss Crawford. How could she possibly match your bossiness? She was

not expected such a sentence to come from behind her as she waited happily for the shop assistant to wrap the

around. A few shop assistant’s gazes fell on her as

in the public setting. “It’s you? I never thought you’d be able to afford something from such an expensive shop. Maybe selling jewelry does come with quite the salary, huh?” She

really isn’t easy earning money. I’m not you, after all, Miss Crawford. I don’t get to spend

smile she put on disappeared instantly as she turned to glare impatiently at the shop assistants. “Wrap it up already!” She quirked an eyebrow at Madeline. “Jeremy’s still waiting for me for

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

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

Vera Quinn?”

shocked as well, immediately standing on Meredith’s side to point fingers at Madeline’s behavior. “What are

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

it too? Just because you like it

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

Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child]

out a card 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 me

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

I didn’t know you’re Miss Quinn! I’m

their colleague’s reaction, the other salespeople came over to

at a glance

to see the shop attendants suddenly apologize to Madeline, treating

you doing? Why are you so polite to her?” Meredith rolled her eyes in

reached out to take and

sells jewelry. What’s so great…” Meredith’s face fell amidst her mocking words, doubt

Meredith’s eyes were filled with suspicion

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 meet their requirements just

never expected the woman she hated so much to fulfill such requirements,

she turned to face Meredith’s fuming face. “So can

plucked the card

you have that card, Vera? Let me tell you, someone has already pre-ordered that dress long ago.” She crossed her arms

smile. “I think you’re mistaken. The one who

“What?” Meredith’s smile hardened.

Someone has already pre-ordered the gown half a month ago

“…” Meredith was speechless.

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

store members quickly stepped forward to form two lines as they bowed respectfully to bid Madeline farewell. “Have a nice day, Miss Quinn. Please