The following morning, Madelyn awoke from an exhausting sleep. She was dressed in a black blazer dress that draped elegantly down her flawless thigh, her hair tied into a neat, tight ponytail. She held a small luxury brand handbag in her hand that matched her outfit.
As she carefully descended the staircase, her gaze swept across the spacious living room, as if searching for traces of the people who had stood by her side during the past five anguished years.
The lingering aroma of something delicious teased her empty stomach, drawing her toward its source. She followed it until she stumbled into the dining room.
There, she spotted Margaux with her child sitting side by side, while Augustine sat across from them, all quietly eating their breakfast. Seeing how peaceful and lovely they looked in that moment, a faint smile graced her lips.
"Mommy!" Aiden called out, the first to notice her approaching.
He jumped down from his seat and ran toward her. Madelyn, striding forward with arms open wide, bent down to catch her five-year-old son in a warm embrace. She showered his cheeks with tender kisses, noticing the rosy blush that colored them.
"How was your night, darling?" she asked, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she ruffled his black hair.
"Fine, Mommy," Aiden replied sweetly. He planted a kiss on her forehead, making her giggle as she hugged him even tighter.
As he pulled away, Aiden's eyes caught on the elegant silk designer scarf tied around her neck. It wasn't often that she wore one.
Intrigued by its beauty, he gently tugged it down a little.
Madelyn's heart skipped a beat.
"I like it, Mommy. It looks pretty. Can I get one like it?" Aiden asked, his round eyes sparkling with the innocent desire to match her.
Madelyn nodded, smiling. "I'll get you one. Just like mine."
She began adjusting the scarf, hoping to cover the bruise on her neck before he noticed—but Aiden's sharp little eyes had already caught sight of it.
A deep frown formed on his face. He pointed at it, his voice laced with concern. "Mommy, your neck is red and ugly. Did you get hurt?"
Madelyn's gaze swept briefly toward Margaux and Augustine, both of whom were now watching silently.
She didn't want to tell her son how cruel his father had been. She didn't want his heart to grow filled with resentment, the way hers had grown heavy with painful memories.
He was still too young to understand the turmoil surrounding her. She didn't want to scare him.
Returning her gaze to Aiden, she softened her expression. "It's just a small bruise. Mommy will be fine soon." She carefully adjusted the scarf, covering the mark more securely.
"Get well soon," Aiden said softly, lowering the scarf again to blow a gentle breeze on the bruise.
Madelyn closed her eyes briefly, feeling the comfort of her son's innocent gesture. His breath, tender and pure, felt as healing as the ointment she had applied.
"Does it still hurt?" Aiden asked, his brows knitting together in concern.
Madelyn shook her head sheepishly, stroking his hair. "No, the pain is gone. Thank you, darling."
Even if she regretted everything she had with Rafael, she never once regretted having Aiden. Even if his veins ran with the blood of that cruel man, Aiden was a blessing—a reason she still lived after the past's rumors almost pushed her to take her life.
Luckily, he had inherited her features—everything except for the cold blue eyes that came from Rafael.
"Aiden," Margaux called, drawing both mother and son's attention.
"Yes, Auntie Margaux?" Aiden replied, curious.
Margaux wore a stern expression, a flicker of jealousy hidden behind her tone. "You forgot to give me a morning kiss. How am I supposed to feel better when I'm the one taking you to school today?"
With a radiant smile, Aiden left his mother's side and ran toward his aunt. Margaux leaned down to his level, and he kissed her cheek.
Her jealousy melted instantly, replaced with a smile. "That's my cutie," she said warmly, kissing him back.
Though deep down, it pained her like hell that her nephew bore the features of that despicable man, she found joy in how little of Rafael's coldness had passed into the child. That made her love him all the more—for being so much like his mother.
Margaux stood, taking Aiden's small hand in her own. "It's time to go to school. We can't be late." She grabbed his backpack from the chair beside her and slung it over her shoulder.
Aiden turned back to his mother, waving. "See you soon, Mommy!"
"Take care, darling. Have fun learning," Madelyn called back, waving. "I'll come pick you up after school."
Margaux shifted her gaze toward her sister. "We're leaving now. Be careful."
She shot Augustine a death glare before turning to leave with Aiden.
Madelyn offered a reassuring smile as she watched her sister walk out with her child.
Now that they were back in the country, Madelyn had enrolled Aiden in a prestigious kindergarten, strictly concealing his identity with the school head.
She couldn't imagine what might happen if Rafael ever discovered Aiden's existence. No matter what, she wouldn't allow their paths to cross.
"Good morning, Madelyn," Augustine greeted, pulling her attention toward him.
Madelyn remained still for a moment, watching as he approached.
"Good morning, Augustine," she replied softly.
As he came closer, she noticed the weariness in his eyes. A pang of guilt pierced her chest, knowing he must have stayed up to watch over her, ensuring she felt safe through the night.
"Sorry I made you worry last night," she said quietly.
Though her face was lightly masked with makeup, Augustine could still see the exhaustion in her eyes.
"You don't need to apologize, Lynn. You just needed someone to hold on to last night," he said, his tone gentle and resolute. "And I had to stay back to take care of your fever."
"How's my health? Was there something different last night?" she asked, curious but worried.
Her concern stemmed from her therapist's warnings. Augustine had told her that confronting her trauma would trigger disturbing flashbacks and nightmares—just like what she experienced after seeing Rafael again.
Since the incident in the past, she had been plagued by nightly terrors and had been diagnosed with intrusive syndrome.
Augustine nodded. "Your heart rate and blood pressure spiked beyond the usual range. It's not a good report."
He referred to the data on the medical tablet, synced to the BioWare wristwatch she wore to monitor her health.
Madelyn sighed. As she feared, the results weren't good. Her mental state still showed no signs of improvement.