CHAPTER 6

Daisy turned to Andrew Davis and said lovingly, "Dad, I'm just playing with my sister!"

Madelyn smiled at Andrew Davis and tacitly replied, "Yes, Dad, I'm going back to my room to rest."

"Madelyn!" Andrew Davis stopped Madelyn. He walked up and said, "You're going to The Byron family tomorrow. Go buy some clothes. All this time you can buy things as much as you like, it's your dowry!"

"No, dad. We're having a tough time financially. I don't need anything!"

"That's what you deserve! And…" Andrew Davis was about to say something, but he stopped himself and looked at Madelyn with a loving look on his face.

Madelyn nodded and said softly, "Well, I'll go out and see what I can buy and come back later!"

Andrew Davis said "Okay", looked at Madelyn's back, sighed, and went upstairs helplessly.

Beep…

Madelyn walked out the door. It might be hard for her to hang out with her best friends, as she was about to marry into The Byron family and take care of her vegetative husband.

The call was soon picked up by a cheerful voice.

"Madelyn, why are you calling me today? How rare is that?" Carina quipped.

Carina was Madelyn's best friend in junior and high school. The two of them are on good terms. Madelyn went to art school after college, and Carina went to fashion design.

Hearing her teasing tone, Madelyn felt a surge of warmth. Since her mother died, her father and Carina were the only people in the world she felt warm to.

Madelyn decided not to think about anything today. She just wanted to have a crazy day with her friend.

"Come on. I'm really busy these days. Well, I called you right after I got out of school. Isn't that enough?"

Madelyn chuckled into the phone.

Carina was so happy to hear Madelyn say that.

"One o'clock, see you at the usual place!"

"Okay!"

Madelyn hung up the phone, feeling a little relieved.

It was a nice day and the sun was shining brightly. Pedestrians were hurrying to and from the streets, while some couples were cuddling arm in arm.

Madelyn got on the bus and sat down by the window. As she watched the scene flash through the window, her mind slowly recalled the good old days in high school.

If only time could stop at that moment! What a peaceful time that was!

"Dear passengers, the Sunny Road is here, please get ready for the passengers getting off…" The graceful voice of the announcer rang out from the bus.

"Wait! I'm getting off here."

Madelyn exhaled softly as she got off the bus. "I almost missed my stop."

"Madelyn!" A beautiful shadow flew over. Carina jumped up and hugged Madelyn.

"Carina, I missed you so much! You just keep getting prettier and prettier. I hardly recognized you."

"Well, thank you. You are much prettier."

The two of them talked and Madelyn forgot all about her unhappiness.

"Let's go Shopping today. I haven't hung out with you in a long time." Carina took Madelyn's hand and walked toward the pedestrian mall.

"Okay!"

"Shopping is gone!"

Madelyn was demure, and Carina was bubbly. Their classmates used to wonder how two people with totally different personalities could become such good friends.

…

"Well, I'm exhausted." Carina went to the lounge, threw her things away and threw herself on the sofa.

"Madelyn, why didn't we feel so tired after shopping before? Now after shopping a while I feel like my legs are out of control."

Madelyn looked at her, frowned, and gently said, "Miss, is it that exaggerated?"

"Look, most of what we bought today was yours. Why did you complain about being tired before I did?" Madelyn snapped.

Hearing her friend's words, Carina's smile deepened.

"Well, dear Madelyn. Thank you for your hard work today."

"Yeah, yeah! You were right about everything, okay?" Madelyn glared at her.

"You've done a lot of shopping today, but I'm starving."

Carina stuck out her tongue. "Come on! Let's get something to eat."

Caroline Cafe.

Arm in arm, they walked into the cafe, talking and laughing, and sat down in a quiet corner.

"What can I do for you, miss?" The waiter asked politely, coming up respectfully with the menu.

"Madelyn, what would you like to eat?" Carina pushed the menu in front of her.

"I'll take the steak medium rare. The rest is up to you." Madelyn turned and looked out the window.

Carina took a deep look at Madelyn, picked up the menu and ordered two of their usual favorites.

"That's all." Carina closed the menu and smiled at the waiter.

"Madelyn…"

Carina called out softly. Madelyn turned her head and smiled at her friend. "What's up?"

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Madelyn's face lit up with grief as she asked. But it disappeared soon and Carina didn't see it.

"No. It's just that my dad's company is having a little bit of a cash crunch. But my dad said he aleady took care of it."

Madelyn put on a brave face and smiled at Carina.

"I'm glad it's okay! By the way, my dad helped me with the paperwork to go abroad. I'm leaving in three days." There was a sad look on Carina's face.

"Madelyn, I really can't bear to leave you."

"Isn't it your dream to go abroad for further study? You should be glad he's letting you go now!"

Carina looked at Madelyn and moved her lips, but she didn't say what she wanted to say.

Neither of them said another word, but just sat there quietly.

The quiet dining room was filled only with beautiful piano music.

A cold voice came from somewhere in the restaurant.

"It's better to keep things clean, let her…" The man's sinister smile made his originally handsome face more ferocious.

"Alexander Byron, don't blame me, blame you for lying in a hospital bed and hurting others."

…

"Madelyn, let me take you home!"

"No, I'll take a cab. You go ahead. You're going abroad in a few days. You must have a lot on your plate. I'll take a cab myself."

Madelyn did not want to go back so early, so she politely refused Carina's kindness.

Carina didn't force her. She asked Madelyn to take care and left.

At night, Cornshire was full of flowers and colorful things. The road was packed with traffic. Standing high, it seemed to be a resplendent palace.

"Honey, we're getting married the day after tomorrow. I'm so nervous!"

The young man poked the young woman's nose and said,

"I'm here, you little fool!"

The woman nestled happily beside a man.

"Yes. It's so nice to have you around!"

Madelyn's heart ached. Everyone could get married with the one they like, so why was I supposed to marry someone I didn't even know?

As she walked, Madelyn suddenly found herself in a lonely alley. By the time she realized she was in danger it was too late.