Madeline sighed softly, leaning back against the seat as the car moved steadily through the quiet streets. "Fine," she muttered under her breath. "I'll indulge my handsome husband… just for today."
Her fingers tapped lightly against her thigh, slow, thoughtful. Anyways she was quite curious about everything wrong with this body. She had now discovered that some of Madeline's memories were incomplete too. Earlier, that legal representative looked at her like they were familiar but she couldn't recall meeting her. Then there was her original memories from her past life
Which she also could not recall.
Her gaze drifted to the window, watching the passing scenery blur into streaks of color.
"Just what exactly are you hiding…" she murmured faintly. The car came to a smooth stop.
Before Madeline could even reach for the handle, the door on her side was pulled open.
Daphne stood there, slightly bent forward, her movements rushed, almost eager.
Madeline glanced at her, lips curving into a faint, mocking smile. "Such enthusiasm," she said Daphne followed quietly behind, Simon led her to the other wing of the house.
Madeline stepped in and took a moment to look around. The last time she had been brought here, she was unconscious. Now, standing under the soft glow of the chandelier, she took it all in.
The living room stretched wide, ceilings high enough to make the space feel almost endless. Normally, a place like this would feel cold. Empty.
But it didn't. The interior design softened it. Warm tones blended with carefully chosen furniture, subtle details that made the place feel like a home not just a house.
Her gaze drifted before stopping at the rear end. A beautiful piano sat there. She walked toward it, tiptoeing as if approaching something fragile. Her fingers twitched slightly at her side. This was her piano. She recognised it in an instant.
In her past life, there had always been a moment after missions where she would be filled with emptiness no matter how successful the job was and she would be left with… nothing.
Except this piano.
Her playing it had been the only thing that filled that emptiness even if just for a while. She had wanted to be a pianist once, before reality quickly reminded her what her hands were meant for.
Her fingers were filled with scars, calluses that no amount of care could fully erase and then a mission gone wrong which left her right hand partially paralyzed.
Her expression changed slightly and she reached out slowly very carefully feeling her name inscribed under the cover of the piano.
Just as her fingertips hovered inches above the polished surface to lift the cover…
"Madame."
A sharp voice cut in. Madeline's hand stilled mid-air. She turned her head slightly.
An old maid stood a few steps away, posture straight, looking at her with faint disdain.
"Forgive me," the woman continued, though her tone lacked any real apology, "but sir does not appreciate people touching this."
Madeline just stared at her without saying a word. The maid held her gaze for a second, then faltered. Her eyes dropped quickly.
"Please head upstairs," she added, voice tightening, "or return to the living area."
Silence stretched between them.
Madeline's gaze lingered on her face, but still nothing before turning and walking away without another word.
And walked away without another word.
The moment she was out of sight, the maid released the breath she didn't know she was holding before twisting her expression.
"Are you trying to lose your jobs?" she snapped harshly at the attendants nearby. "Why would you let her approach there?"
"I…I'm sorry, Madam Vera," one of them stammered. "We didn't expect her to come today… especially not when Miss Chloe is returning."
"Hush," Vera cut in sharply, her voice dropping instantly as if afraid the walls themselves might hear. She exhaled slowly, pressing her fingers to her temple before glancing toward the direction Madeline had left. Displeasure flickered across her face. She didn't know why this vixen was back today of all days. Then she turned and walked away, the others quickly dispersed, their whispers fading into the kitchen.
Madeline walked calmly, her expression neutral.
But her mind wasn't, she had heard all they whispered downstairs but her mind was still fixed on the piano and also "Chloe" who was that?
"...Why did Zachary call her back if he was bringing his mistress home." The sense of reverence the maids had when they called Chloe's name made her conclude that she must be someone of importance. A faint pressure settled in her chest which was uncomfortable and annoying. She exhaled sharply, imagining herself with a bright green cap. She shivered. She wasn't one to suppress her discomfort so she headed upstairs to go find Zachary.
She headed straight to his room but it was empty. Her brows furrowed, then she turned and caught sight of Simon entering another room.
Zachary's study. She followed but stopped just before the door. There was someone else in there so she didn't enter and just turned away and headed back to the bedroom.
Back in the bedroom, she paused again. This time, her gaze fell on the closet. It was filled with updated clothes from different brands, most still with their tags on them.
Madeline clicked her tongue softly. "Tsk… rich people and misplaced priorities."
Still, since she was here now, she was going to enjoy it to the fullest. Her fingers brushed through the fabrics before selecting a soft yellow spring dress. She changed, taking her time afterward with her skincare, smoothing out her hair, and restoring her polished image.
By the time she was done, she looked flawless.
When she descended the stairs, dinner was already set. At the table sat Zachary, another man, and Simon.
Madeline walked over without hesitation and took her seat beside Zachary. His gaze flicked toward her briefly, taking in her outfit before looking away
Indifferently. The maids began serving. Vera stood nearby, overseeing everything. Just then Madeline spoke….
"Who is Chloe?" Everywhere was still. The maid's hand slipped. The bowl tilted towards her, the hot soup nearly spilling on her before another maid quickly stabilised it. Zachary looked at her "Inquisitively." "Is she your side piece?" A violent cough erupted from the man across the table. Madeline didn't look at him.
Zachary didn't respond but she took that silence as confirmation. Her expression shifted instantly, her hand shot out, grabbing his arm. "Hubby," she said, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing, "you can't do this to me." She shook his arm dramatically. "How can you abandon such a beautiful, loving wife?"
The coughing worsened. Simon looked away, shoulders subtly shaking, he wasn't too surprised since he had experienced Madeline's narcissism first hand today. Zachary remained still, unmoved.
"If you put even ten percent of this effort into your acting," he said calmly, "you wouldn't still be stuck as a Z-list actress."
Madeline froze and glared at him. Simon turned red from holding it in. Zachary turned his gaze to Simon. "Who is Chloe?"
Madeline blinked, then looked at him like he had just committed a crime. "You don't even know?"
Men truly couldn't be trusted. She almost pitied this Chloe.
Simon hesitated, glancing at Vera, but before he could speak…
"Chloe is my daughter, sir." Vera stepped in quickly. "I don't know where Madam heard such a thing." Madeline lifted her head slowly from Zachary's arm. Her smile returned, soft but dangerous. Vera's heart skipped. "Miss Chloe is only sir's childhood playmate," she added hurriedly. Zachary frowned slightly.
"Playmate?" Madeline echoed, brows lifting. "Ah… childhood sweethearts, then?"
She turned back to Zachary instantly, grabbing his arm again. "Hubby, I don't want her here."
Zachary paused at that before looking up. "Arrange another place for her." Vera stiffened.
But she bowed. "Yes, sir."
"Oh, and those two attendants," Madeline added casually. "I want them gone too."
The two girls' eyes widened before dropping to their knees immediately.
"Madam, please…" Vera stepped forward, anger flashing. "They were sent from the old mansion. You cannot fire them." The room went cold.
Zachary's gaze shifted. "You should reconsider your tone." Vera froze then bowed quickly.
"I apologize, sir… Madam, please forgive me. I spoke out of turn, tearing up. She continued "I had just grown sentimental towards these two girls who had accompanied me since my husband passed".
Zachary's expression softened slightly at her words. Then he instructed…
"Simon," he said, "dismiss them. And deduct her bonus." Madeline exhaled quietly.
For a moment there…
She thought he might actually change his mind after the pity speech. Good, at least he wants stupid.