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 coffee table. Before

caller ID,

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

you realize the calls from your son’s class teacher before you called me back, Mr. Whitman?

grew silent at her

Jeremy’s voice sounded from the speaker again. “My son’s with you? Send me your address. I’ll be

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

she hung

What’s wrong? Jackie,

suddenly shouted just as Madeline was about to call the two children over

quickly ran to the storeroom where

find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head between his knees.

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

before walking over to squat in front of

asked kindly, reaching out to touch his

and

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

place a

and his expression looked

The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully

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

reddened as he watched Madeline comfort him. His small lips pursed as he dove into Madeline’s arms. His voice trembled as he shook. He called out

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

last thing Madeline could ever have expected was Jackson running into

must have been

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

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

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

now,

Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his previous

okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over

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

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

to finally pull himself out of

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

“Sorry.” He suddenly apologized.

with familiarity in Madeline’s

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

as fast as it came in Jackson’s eyes as he took in Madeline’s gentle, kind

found herself sighing an inexplicable breath of relief when she saw that

washed over her chest as she watched the two children sitting next to each other while eating the

caringly wipe off the butter smudged on the

clenched again, this time reminding her

got up to use the bathroom. Only when she was conveniently out of earshot did Madeline dare to ask,

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

the question was clear

she had watched Meredith heartlessly slash

any demon for being able to remain

on her own son for status

What had she done that warranted so much fear in him that he ran into her arms and called her

any attention? Had Jeremy left Jackson to deal with

had Madeline putting a hold on her questions. Ruffling his adorable head, she

that I look a lot like someone you know who’s

her words, Jackson’s gaze bore heavily into her before he nodded. “I thought you were

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

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

isn’t a horrible woman. She

were certain, and

an indescribable feeling started to bubble

Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child]

trust her so much despite his young age was something

Sis Vera from

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

“Of course.”

a smile finally graced

Madeline had seen Jackson smile, be it

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

flood into her

long after,

house, but Madeline held him off

precious child of you and your beloved.” There was more to Madeline’s words that met the eye.

and slowly shuffled to stand

father, Jackson remained silent

father-son duo gave her a strange

wanted to

at the caller ID, he realized that it was

hesitating before accepting

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

could not catch

frown with his lips apart, ready to respond. However, Madeline reached out to

sound from the speaker.

only did I kidnap your son, but I also have your fiancé with me. You want

“…”

she heard Madeline’s voice, slowly taking

pissed expression, Madeline

legendary love of Mr. Whitman’s life.

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

waved back. “Bye-bye, Big Sis

nodded and quickly

when she saw the

surprise as

tailored suit, Jeremy’s divine aura attracted numerous envious

a beeline to speak to Madeline, going straight to the

believes that you’re my ex-wife, Madeline Crawford. As a result, he wishes that you could attend the 50th anniversary

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

she lifted her gaze to stare into Jeremy’s

You, too, suspect that I’m

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

Mr. Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth Child]

when he

his lips, his gaze drilled into Madeline’s

me, Mr. Whitman. I really don’t want to be treated as the dead again.”

“It won’t happen again.”

lips to say after a moment of

his gaze fixated on her, he bent

you, it won’t happen

to testing me the other day,

silent under her inquisitive

in love Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy

other day. He was not testing her, no. He had fantasized

was all it

Now, he was awake.

not fantasize the woman before him to be

took Jeremy’s quietness as

Whitman. After all, offending you would do no

seemed, Whitman Corporations’ anniversary was an event she needed to

to reveal the other side of Meredith in front

quickly mailed

that, she went to the counter of a store to pick up the gown she had ordered from the

was met with the sight of Meredith who was being served enthusiastically by several assistants. She did not even

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

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

more expensive outfits, the shop

about this style, Miss

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

Whitman with

being put up on a pedestal with the

until it fell on a mannequin as if she had been enraptured by the outfit

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

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

another warehouse.” Meredith was displeased. Desire was

This dress was handmade, so it was not cheap. It had

while the possessiveness

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

“I…”

Are you telling me a casual customer is more

before

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

Crawford. How could she possibly

she waited happily for the

expression darkened as she whipped her head around. A

I never thought you’d be able to afford something from such an expensive shop. Maybe

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

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!”

One moment, Miss Montgomery,” the shop assistants

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

Vera Quinn?” Meredith roared in

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

of Madeline’s lips quirked meaningfully. “Do you like this gown,

it too? Just because you like it

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 have to

Whitman’s Sinner Wife [Sixteenth

Meredith, Madeline casually pulled 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

words atop, her expression immediately shifted into an embarrassed one. She flushed red as she

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

over to read

immediately at a glance as

attendants suddenly apologize to Madeline,

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

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

end, 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

Meredith’s eyes were filled with suspicion and doubt despite

become an honorary member of many luxurious stores ever since she became the oldest daughter of the Montgomery family. She wanted

had never expected the woman she hated

fuming face. “So can this jewelry seller

the card from Meredith’s

has already pre-ordered that dress long ago.” She crossed her

you’re mistaken. The one who can’t have it is you, Meredith Crawford. The gown has been

“What?” Meredith’s smile hardened.

pre-ordered the gown half

“…” Meredith was speechless.

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

quickly stepped forward to form two lines as they bowed respectfully to bid Madeline