Where My Love Could Not Reach

It was the fifth year of my engagement to Jake Zimmer. Just as we were preparing to get married, his first love came back. Suddenly, every promise he had made to me meant nothing. Because of her, he began to resent everything I did. That was when I realized I was nothing compared to the woman he truly loved. I was tired, so I let go. I gave them my blessing and walked away from Jake’s life for good. But then, he changed his mind. He came back in tears, begging me not to leave. Chapter 1 “Grandma, I’ve made up my mind. I want to call off my engagement with Jake. After your birthday, I’ll leave North City.” As soon as Madison Spencer spoke those words, Mrs. Cooper let out a long sigh. “I know Jake’s been out of control lately, and I know you’ve suffered because of it. I’ve seen everything you’ve done for him over the years. I truly believe he cares about you, deep down. He’s just confused. Maybe if you give it a little more time, he’ll come around. Are you sure you want to end the engagement? My birthday is in ten days. Why don’t you think about it a little longer?” Madison shook her head. Her voice was calm and firm. “The five-year promise I made to you is about to end.” She had been only seven when her mother married into the wealthy Henderson family, bringing her along like unwanted baggage. The Hendersons treated her terribly, and her mother only ever told her to behave and be understanding. On her seventh birthday, they forced her to eat a large amount of seafood, even though they knew she was allergic. Her reaction was severe. If Mrs. Cooper hadn’t rushed her to the hospital that night, she might not have survived. It was also Mrs. Cooper who later spoke up for her in front of everyone. After that, life in the Henderson estate became a little less unbearable. Madison never forgot that kindness. So when Mrs. Cooper asked her to get engaged to her grandson, Jake Zimmer, to look after him and help him pull through a difficult time, Madison didn’t hesitate. It was everything she had ever hoped for. She loved Jake. But now she finally understood that love could not be forced. She was tired, and she was ready to let go. Back in Jake’s sophomore year of college, his girlfriend, Xena Ford, had vanished without a trace. Even her identity records were erased. Jake couldn’t accept it. He used every connection he had to look for her, but it was as if she had disappeared off the face of the earth. When all his efforts failed, he broke down. His mental health started to decline. The Zimmer family couldn’t just stand by and watch their only son fall apart. That was when Mrs. Cooper came to Madison. “Please,” she had said. “I need your help. Get engaged to Jake. Be the one to bring him back. I'm not asking you to give up your whole life—just five years. After that, if you want to walk away, I’ll support you completely. Consider it a way of repaying me for what I’ve done for you all these years.” Madison had said yes without a second thought. Because she was in love with Jake, the eldest son of the Zimmer family. When Madison first arrived at the Henderson house, Zac Henderson forced her to kneel and fight a dog for food. Jake stepped in and stopped it. He stood up for her when no one else would. At school, when someone mocked her for being illegitimate, it was Jake who spoke out and told everyone that Madison was under his protection. Even when her own mother forgot her birthday, Jake remembered. He brought her a cake and a gift. Falling in love with Jake felt as natural as breathing. From the moment he pulled her out of that doghouse, he became the only light in her life. After they got engaged, Madison treated him like something precious. She took care of him every day and never left his side. She cherished him as if he were fragile, afraid he might get hurt. Whatever Jake wanted to do, she supported him without hesitation. She was most skilled at writing code, but in order to give him the best life she could, she followed the Zimmer family's wishes and pushed herself to study business and help run the company. To outsiders, she was nothing more than a burden. A calculating girl desperate to marry into wealth. But she didn’t care what they said. In the second year of their engagement, Jake began to recover. He met a live streamer who looked strikingly similar to Xena and started dating her in public. When his father refused to invest in the woman's career, Jake turned to Madison. And she agreed to help him. The entire city mocked her. People whispered that she was blind to the truth, clinging to a man who didn't love her. Madison still didn’t care. She believed that one day, Jake would finally see her for who she really was and be moved by her love. Eventually, he did break up with the girl. He promised Madison that he had finally figured things out. He told her he was done chasing the past and was ready to cherish the person standing right in front of him. Madison was overjoyed. She truly believed her years of devotion had finally paid off. For the first time, she thought she was the luckiest woman in the world. Then, without warning, Xena came back. From that moment on, everything changed. Jake took Xena all around North City, from early morning until late at night. He traveled with her and never even mentioned it to Madison. If she didn’t call, he could go ten or fifteen days without sending a single message. And when she did call, all she got was impatience and scolding. Eventually, Madison saw the truth. Everything she had done for him over the years meant nothing. No matter how long she stayed by his side, she could never compete with the woman he truly loved. So she made her decision. She stepped aside and gave them her blessing. Chapter 2 After saying goodbye to Mrs. Cooper, Madison drove home. The moment she stepped through the door, she heard unmistakable sounds of something intimate happening in the living room. Her entire body tensed. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from walking in. On the couch, two people were wrapped around each other, kissing like the rest of the world didn’t exist. One of them was her fiancé, Jake. Madison froze, the pain cutting through her chest like a blade. Xena let out a soft laugh and murmured, “Hooking up in your house is kind of thrilling. But aren’t you worried your fiancée might get upset?” Jake pulled her closer with a lazy smile. “Why would I be? You have no idea how much she loves me. Even if we went further than this, she still wouldn’t get mad.” It felt like someone had torn open Madison’s chest. The air rushed in, sharp and cold, leaving her completely hollow. She let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. “So, because I love him, he thinks it’s okay to hurt me like this?” she thought. It wasn’t that she couldn’t get angry. She just couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him. But she was still human. And getting hurt still hurt. Madison took a deep breath, forced herself to stay calm, and walked into the room with deliberately heavy steps. The two on the couch didn’t even bother to separate when they saw her. Jake looked up and gave her an order, like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Xena’s been drinking. Go make her some ginger-infused broth.” Madison kept her voice calm. “We’re still engaged. If people see you with another woman like this, it could damage the Zimmer Corporation’s reputation. And how do you expect me to explain this to Mrs. Cooper?” Jake suddenly snapped. “Don’t throw Grandma and my parents in my face. If it weren’t for them pressuring me, I would’ve never gotten engaged to you. I would’ve waited for Xena no matter how long it took.” It felt like her heart had been crushed into a ball. The pain was so sharp she had to raise a hand to press against her chest. Jake shot her an impatient look. “You’re fine. Stop pretending. Just make the broth. Don’t make me say it a third time.” Madison laughed quietly to herself, bitter and numb. She didn’t say a word. She simply turned and walked toward the kitchen. After Xena disappeared, Jake had turned to alcohol. Madison had gone out of her way to learn how to make a soothing, ginger-infused broth from a chef. Every time he drank, she made it for him. However long his drinking lasted, she kept making that broth until her skills rivaled a professional’s. Jake had once promised her that after he sent that live streamer away, she would never have to make ginger-infused broth again. But now, he wanted her to make it for Xena. At least it would all be over in a few days. Madison tuned out the voices in the living room, prepared the ginger-infused broth quickly, and poured it into a bowl. Just as she was about to bring it out, Xena’s voice rang out behind her. “You didn’t actually think I’d drink something you made, did you?” Madison turned to see Xena standing there, wearing a smug, mocking smile. Before she could respond, Xena stormed over, snatched the bowl from her hands, and dumped the steaming broth all over herself. The bowl slipped from her fingers and shattered on the floor. She let out a sharp cry and clutched her arm, wincing in pain. A second later, Jake rushed in. “What happened?” He took one look at the broth on Xena’s clothes and the broken bowl on the floor, then turned to Madison with fury in his eyes. “If you didn’t want to make it, fine. But why would you go this far? Why would you throw hot broth on Xena? Madison, I never thought you could be this cruel.” Without another glance at her, he helped Xena up and led her upstairs to change. Xena looked back at him gently. “Jake, she is your fiancée after all. It makes sense that she’d be upset. Don’t be mad.” Jake’s anger only deepened. “She knew from the beginning that I loved you. What right does she have to be upset with you?” Madison stood silently in the kitchen, staring at the mess on the floor. She listened to their voices fading as they went upstairs. And in that moment, she finally understood. Mrs. Cooper had been wrong. Jake had never loved her. Not even a little. The moment Xena returned, Madison should have stepped aside instead of staying and becoming the person he despised. But at least it wasn’t too late to walk away. Once Mrs. Cooper’s birthday passed, she would leave North City for good and never look back. Chapter 3 After cleaning up the kitchen, Madison went upstairs, ready to rest. But when she opened the door to her bedroom, she stopped in her tracks. Xena was lying on her bed, wearing her pajamas. Jake sat beside her, gently applying ointment to her arm. When he saw Madison walk in, he didn’t even flinch. “You’ll sleep in the guest room tonight,” he said flatly. Madison’s voice was tight. “This is my room.” Jake replied coldly, “Xena should have the best room. You poured hot broth on her. Giving up the room is the least you can do to make up for it.” He had already decided she was guilty. Madison gave a bitter smile. “So her wearing my clothes is part of the apology too?” Jake’s tone turned impatient. “I bought those pajamas. Why are you making a big deal out of one piece of clothing? You just don’t want her here, do you? You want to drive her out.” He let out a sharp laugh. “Well, too bad. She’s staying. She’s going to live here, every day.” Xena tugged at his sleeve. “Don’t be like this.” Jake’s voice softened immediately. “Don’t worry about it. She needs to be taught a lesson.” Madison looked at him as he leaned in toward Xena on the bed. The image stabbed through her like a blade. But she was so exhausted she didn’t want to say another word. “Did you hear me, Madison?” She nodded, her voice dull. “Okay.” Jake blinked, surprised. “What did you say?” “I’ll get a few things to change into,” she replied evenly. She walked into the closet. Jake followed her in, sounding slightly awkward. “Xena’s a guest. And anyway, you did pour hot broth on her.” Madison didn’t react. She gave a quiet, neutral “Mm.” Jake snapped, humiliated and furious. “So now you’re throwing a tantrum? I can’t stand it when you put on that dead look, just waiting for someone to beg you to feel better!” He stormed out of the closet and went back to the bedroom, where he plopped down on the bed and started chatting loudly with Xena, completely unbothered. “So, where should we go tomorrow? Want to visit the campus? It’s been five years. I wonder if that tabby cat we used to feed is still around.” Madison finished packing her clothes and stepped out of the closet. As she walked past the hallway, something caught her eye. Inside a glass display case sat a pair of sapphire earrings. Jake had given them to her for her birthday after he broke things off with that live streamer. At the time, he had made her a solemn promise that he would never hurt her again. If he ever forgot, she only had to take out those earrings and show him. He swore he would remember and change. But ever since Xena came back, he had broken that promise over and over again. She figured if she showed him the earrings now, she would only end up humiliating herself. Madison picked up the earrings and closed them tightly in her palm. As she passed by the bedroom, she glanced inside. Xena was leaning in close, whispering into Jake’s ear, one hand resting on his shoulder. The two of them looked like they were sharing a deep, intimate kiss. She ignored the sharp pain in her chest and walked away quietly. Without a word, she dropped the earrings into the trash and stepped into the guest room. Chapter 4 Early the next morning, Madison got up and began getting ready for work. As she passed the guest room, she noticed the door wasn’t fully closed. Inside, she could hear Jake murmuring in a daze. “Madison...” Without thinking, she pushed the door open. He was lying on the bed, half-awake, mumbling her name. Jake’s health had never been the same after the trauma of losing Xena. Searching for her had worn him down, and since then, he had gotten sick easily. Madison walked over and touched his forehead. Sure enough, he had a low fever. Just as she turned to get his medicine, Jake suddenly came to. “Madison, what do you think you’re doing?” The suspicion and hostility in his eyes pierced her like a knife. In that moment, she found herself hating her own weakness. Why was her heart still stirred the moment he called her name? She had given him her heart, and now it was only fair that he trample it. She closed her eyes for a second, then calmly said, “You have a fever. Don’t forget to take your medicine.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left the room, heading for her car as quickly as she could. But not long after, her phone rang. “Where did you go?” Jake snapped. “I don’t even know where the medicine is, and you just walked out and left me?” Madison’s tone was even. “The medicine’s in the first-floor storage closet, inside the emergency kit. I have work. And I’m sure Xena can take better care of you than I ever could.” Jake sneered. “Is that supposed to guilt-trip me? Even if Xena’s not around, the housekeeper could take care of me better than you.” “You’re probably right,” Madison replied quietly, then hung up. She spent the whole day at the office, busy with back-to-back meetings. When she finally stepped out of the conference room, her assistant was waiting, clearly hesitant to speak. “What is it?” Madison asked. The assistant looked uncomfortable. “Miss Spencer, during your meeting, Mr. Zimmer and Miss Ford attended a charity auction together. He bid an outrageous amount on a gemstone called “Heart of Sincerity” and gave it to her on the spot. The news is trending everywhere. It’s not reflecting well on you or the company. You once said that anything involving Mr. Zimmer should be reported directly to you.” Madison had already given up hope, and yet her chest still ached faintly. After a pause, she replied, “From now on, let the marketing department handle incidents like this.” Her assistant blinked in surprise, then quickly masked the expression with a flash of sympathy. She gave a short reply and turned to relay the instruction. With just two weeks left before her departure, Madison wanted to settle all the company’s affairs properly. She owed that much to Mrs. Cooper. No matter what, she would leave the Zimmer Corporation in good shape. She worked late into the night. But when she returned home, she ran into Megan Henderson. The moment she saw Madison, Megan burst out laughing. “Still clinging, huh? Did you see the news? Jake gave Xena a gemstone that symbolizes true love. Looks like you’re getting dumped after all. How does it feel, being the pathetic girl who gave everything and got nothing?” Madison didn’t understand it. After her mother married into the Henderson family, her mother had worked hard to erase her presence, sending her to boarding school and never mentioning her in front of the Henderson siblings. She had been invisible in that house. She never posed a threat to anyone, never expected anything from the Henderson family. So why did they hate her so much? From the bullying and humiliation when she first arrived to the open hostility now, it never stopped. There had been a time when she fought back. And the result was a slap from her mother and a look of bitter disappointment. “Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to survive in this family with you around?” her mother had hissed. “How could you raise your hand to Zac and Megan?” That was the moment Madison learned her place. Living under someone else’s roof, she didn’t even have the right to defend herself. And so she endured for more than ten years. But now she was about to leave. And suddenly, she didn’t feel like enduring anymore. Her voice was cold. “Did you finally land that Jackson family heir?” Megan’s expression turned vicious. “You must be asking for it!” She raised her hand to slap Madison across the face. But Madison stepped aside and grabbed her wrist mid-air. Then, without hesitation, slapped her back. “You vixen! How dare you hit me!” Megan screamed, flailing wildly. But she was pampered and spoiled, used to luxury, not real fights. Madison, on the other hand, had been disciplined since she was young, and even now, despite her long work hours, she never skipped a workout. Once she got serious, Megan didn’t stand a chance. She was soon curled up on the ground, shielding her head and wailing. Madison was about to strike again when headlights suddenly swept across the driveway. Jake and Xena had returned. “What’s going on?” Jake asked, stepping out of the car. Megan scrambled up and pointed to the red mark on her cheek. “I came home late and ran into Madison. All I said was that Xena was back, and she completely lost it and attacked me!” Madison opened her mouth to speak, but before she could get a word out, a sharp sting exploded across her cheek. Jake had slapped her. His hand was still in the air, his eyes dark with disappointment. “Madison, you know how much I hate women who throw tantrums and act hysterical.” Chapter 5 Madison lowered her eyes. Strangely enough, she didn’t feel sad. What came to mind instead was a memory from childhood. When Megan had falsely accused her, and her mother had slapped her across the face. Jake had rushed out, shielding her with open arms and shouting, “Madison would never hit anyone! She’s a good girl!” Back then, he had believed in her without hesitation. But now, he didn’t even trust her that much anymore. Jake felt a strange flicker of panic in his chest. He quickly pushed the feeling aside and stared her down. “Apologize.” Madison didn’t bother struggling. There was no point. She turned to Megan and said quietly, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit you.” Megan turned her back to Jake and smiled at Madison with open contempt, though she kept her tone composed as she said, “Let me hit you a few times, and we’ll be even.” Both she and Jake clearly assumed Madison would never agree. But to their surprise, Madison lowered her head and replied calmly, “Alright.” Jake’s sense of unease deepened. He hated this feeling. It felt like things were slipping out of his control. He turned to Xena and hurriedly said, “It’s freezing out here. Let’s go inside.” Hand in hand, he and Xena walked toward the villa. The moment their backs were turned, Megan stepped up and drove five hard punches straight into Madison’s stomach. Madison gasped, her face going pale. “Is that enough?” she asked in a soft voice. Megan burst out laughing. “That’s enough. I’m feeling generous today. But just wait—Xena’s already moved in. It’s only a matter of time before you get thrown out. Honestly, what did you expect? A lapdog is still just a dog. Once he’s done with you, he’ll kick you out without a second thought. You’re nothing.” Still laughing, she walked away. The pain triggered a flare-up of Madison’s chronic stomach condition. It was so intense she could barely breathe. She took her medicine, washed up quickly, and went to bed. But in the middle of the night, the pain woke her again. She sat up abruptly and vomited a mouthful of blood. Clenching her jaw, she forced herself to call the doctor and prepared to head to the hospital. As she stepped out of the guest room, she noticed the master bedroom door was slightly ajar. Light spilled into the hallway, and from inside, she could hear unmistakably intimate sounds. She had told herself she was ready for this—ready for Xena to move in. But in that moment, she couldn’t tell what hurt more: her body or her heart. To get downstairs, she had to pass the master bedroom. She bit her lip until she tasted blood and forced herself to keep walking. Inside, she heard Xena’s husky voice, “I think that’s Madison outside the door…” Jake’s voice followed, thick with desire. “She’s insane. Ignore her. Xena, I want you…” The pain was so overwhelming, it almost became numbness. Madison hurried past the door, went downstairs, and climbed into the hospital car. She had a serious gastric hemorrhage and was admitted immediately. The doctor urged her to contact someone to stay with her, but when she picked up her phone, she realized that there was no one to call. When she had agreed to marry Jake, her mother had assumed she was trying to challenge the Henderson family and had demanded she call it off. When Madison refused, her mother had cut ties, acting like she no longer existed. As for Jake, there was a time when one phone call would have brought him to her side without hesitation. But now, everything was different. In the end, Madison called her personal assistant and offered five times her regular pay to come stay with her at the hospital. Once the medication took effect, she finally managed to fall asleep. But it didn’t last long. The constant buzzing of her phone pulled her out of sleep. Jake’s name lit up the screen. Madison hesitated, then picked up the call. She first heard Xena’s voice, faint and unclear. “Jake, please don’t be upset. Madison only did this because she loves you too much.” Then came Jake’s voice. It was familiar, but it no longer felt like his. “Madison, have you completely lost your mind? Getting up in the middle of the night to eavesdrop wasn’t enough? Now you’re staging something with fake blood? What is this—pig’s blood? Who exactly are you trying to scare? If you ever pull something like this again, pack your things and get out.” Chapter 6 Madison let out a faint, bitter laugh. Her voice was unusually calm. “That wasn’t pig’s blood.” Jake was silent for a beat before snapping, “Are you done? The cook, Mrs. Norman, said it was pig’s blood. She’s in the kitchen every day. Do you really think she’d mistake it for something else? I’m changing the locks. Don’t come back. Go wherever you want.” Madison stopped him. “Wait.” Jake cut in sharply, “It’s too late to apologize now—” But for the first time, Madison interrupted him. “I’m going back today to pack up my things. You don’t need to change the locks. I won’t be coming back.” Jake paused again, then let out a cold laugh. “You’ve got one day.” And with that, he hung up. Her assistant, who had been listening nearby, spoke up quickly. “Miss Spencer, your condition is serious. You can’t be discharged yet. Let me go pack for you.” Madison shook her head. “You don’t know what I need.” To be more accurate, she knew exactly what needed to be dealt with. She removed her IV and went home. Once there, she began going through all of her belongings. Anything that could be burned, she burned. The rest, she sorted carefully. There was the hairpin he gave her for her birthday, and the pendant from their engagement anniversary. The bracelets, the luxury items, the little gifts he had given her over the years during holidays and special occasions. She packed them all away, piece by piece. Then came the things she had given to Jake. He had always been forgetful, constantly misplacing things. So after they started living together, he began entrusting her with the items that mattered most to him. Madison gently packed the scrapbook she had spent weeks creating for him, the watch she had bought after saving for years, and the ceramic mug she had shaped and painted by hand for him. She boxed them up too. When she finished, there was nothing left in the house that bore any trace of her. This had been her home for five years. Now, it was just a place she was ready to leave behind. She walked out with the boxes in her arms. She gave the belongings that once meant everything to her to a homeless man sitting by the road. Then she got in her car, ready to return to the hospital. But her phone rang. “Miss Spencer,” a cheerful voice said on the other end, “the custom rings you ordered are ready. Do you have time to come by and take a look? Or would you prefer we deliver them?” She and Jake had originally planned to set a wedding date this year. She had been so excited that she met with the designer herself, finalized the ring sketches, and arranged to have them custom-made overseas. But the rings weren’t ready before Xena came back. Madison thought for a moment. They were just meaningless pieces of metal now. There was no need to trouble anyone else over them. She drove to the shop and picked up the rings herself. On the way back to the hospital, fireworks suddenly lit up the night sky. One explosion after another burst overhead, painting the city in color and drawing crowds of people to a stop. A giant digital screen outside a shopping mall flickered on, displaying Jake’s face. He was holding an open velvet ring box, looking into the camera with carefully rehearsed sincerity. “Xena,” he said, “life kept us apart for so many years, but we finally found our way back to each other. Tonight, I lit up the entire sky for you. Will you accept this ring and give me another chance?” He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “I know you’ve been trying to get the patent from MZ Company. I’ll make sure you get it. And when I do, just promise me one thing in return.” The crowd erupted in cheers, swept up in the romance of the moment. MZ was the company Madison had founded two years ago. Back then, if Jake had asked, she would have given it to him without hesitation. But now, everything had changed. She gave a faint smile, one filled with quiet irony. As her car crossed the river bridge, she rolled down the window. Without saying a word, she tossed the custom-made rings, paid for with months of care and savings, into the churning water below. She was leaving North City. And she was finally walking out of Jake’s life for good. Chapter 7 Madison returned to the hospital. Not long after, Mrs. Cooper called. “Madison, Jake went way too far this time! I just gave him a good scolding. Please don’t take it to heart.” Madison’s voice was calm, without a hint of emotion. She even managed to comfort her. “It’s alright, Grandma. He’s in love with Xena. We’ve all seen that for a while now.” Mrs. Cooper let out a weary sigh. “That foolish boy. He won’t listen to me. One day, he’s going to regret this.” Madison didn’t respond. After a moment, Mrs. Cooper changed the subject. “My birthday’s coming up in a few days. You’ll be there, right?” “Of course,” Madison said. “We agreed. I’ll celebrate your birthday with you before I leave.” Mrs. Cooper hesitated, then added, “The day after my birthday is Jake’s birthday. You’ve been by his side every year.” Madison spoke softly, but without any hesitation. “He has someone new he’d rather spend it with now. Even if I wanted to be there, he wouldn’t welcome me. Grandma, we’ve both made our decisions. It’s time to let it go.” Mrs. Cooper seemed to realize that Madison hadn’t mentioned Jake’s name once. She didn’t try to change her mind. Instead, she quietly ended the call. But just before the call ended, Madison heard her murmur, “One day, he’s going to regret this.” Whether Jake would regret it or not, Madison didn’t know. But she knew one thing for sure, she wouldn’t. After she was discharged from the hospital, Madison threw herself into preparations for her departure. The days went by quickly. On the eve of Mrs. Cooper’s birthday, she wrapped up all her responsibilities at the company and handed everything over to her successor. The next day, she arrived at the birthday banquet alone. Jake and Xena showed up together, hand in hand. Most of the guests were relatives and close family friends, with only a few business acquaintances in attendance. Everyone there knew about Madison and Jake’s engagement. Seeing Jake bring another woman home without even trying to hide it, and introducing her to his family right in front of Madison, sent a quiet shock through the room. Guests all around kept casting uneasy glances at the three of them. Madison stayed composed. She knew this would be her final appearance in North City. She let them look all they wanted. Jake, however, couldn’t handle the pressure. He suddenly grabbed the microphone from the emcee. “I want to officially end my engagement to Madison.” Mrs. Cooper’s smile disappeared. Jake’s father, Tim Zimmer, stared at him, his expression growing darker by the second. Jake clenched his fists. “I finally have Xena back. No one is going to tear us apart again. If anyone tries, I’ll end my life.” A wave of gasps swept through the crowd. Tim’s voice turned cold. “What kind of nonsense is this? Today is your grandmother’s seventieth birthday. You chose her banquet to make this announcement? Do you have any respect for her at all?” Jake turned toward Mrs. Cooper with a wounded look. “But Grandma, I’m your only grandson. Don’t you want me to be happy? Isn’t it a blessing to end a marriage that never should have happened in the first place on your birthday?” Mrs. Cooper looked at Madison. “Madison, what do you think?” Her voice was calm and even. “Let him decide.” The room broke into hushed whispers. Jake’s expression changed, but then he smiled with relief. “See, Grandma? She agrees too.” Mrs. Cooper lifted her hand, silencing her son before he could speak. She gave a faint smile. “Very well. I’ll honor your choice. From this day forward, your engagement to Madison is over.” Jake’s first reaction was to look at Madison. She smiled at him, gently, as if giving her final blessing. But that only made him angry again. He shot her a fierce glare, then turned to Xena with a bright smile and began chatting like nothing had happened. Madison went through the motions. She handed over her gift, had a slice of the birthday cake, and then quietly slipped out. She got into the car heading for the airport. Her phone began to buzz. It was a string of texts from Jake. “Good. At least you know your place. I’ll let everything slide this time. “My birthday’s tomorrow. You can come. What did you get me this year? “Don’t act all high and mighty now. You think you’re better than me? “Answer me!” Madison stared at the screen in silence. Then she blocked him. Without looking back, she passed through security and boarded her flight out of North City.