Chapter 971

Dalton tugged on Madelyn’s sleeve, drawing her attention to him. He had finished his milk and was waving the bottle, indicating he wanted more. Madelyn glanced emotionlessly at Margaret.

Margaret noticed Madelyn’s glance and quickly came over to take Dalton. However, Zach spoke up, “I’ll take him.”

Margaret hesitated briefly before handing Dalton over to Zach. The usually restless Dalton sat quietly on Zach’s lap, content with some snacks given by Margaret to nibble on.

“Let’s eat,” Zach announced, cradling Dalton in one arm while serving fish onto Madelyn’s plate with his other hand.

Zach did not force Madelyn to accept the gift she was reluctant to take. Instead, he pushed it toward her and said, “You can open it later and take a look. Consider it my wedding gift to you.

Madelyn did not acknowledge the gesture, maintaining her silence throughout the meal. After they finished, the photographer for the family portrait arrived. At that moment, Madelyn’s face was preoccupied with red spots.

“Why does it have to be today? Can’t we reschedule?” Madelyn asked.

Zach removed Madelyn’s hand from her face and said, “Nowadays, we have technology to remove those red spots from your face. It’ll only take a few minutes. After the photoshoot, we can go get your medicine.”

Madelyn kept her distance from Zach and said, “Let’s just get it over with. I’m feeling dizzy.”

The photographer had already set up the backdrop. After the makeup artist gave her a brief touch-up, Madelyn sat, ready for the photo shoot. The photographer, sensing the tense atmosphere, hurried the process.

Only a few photos were taken before it was over. The photographer handed the finished product to Madelyn and said, “Mrs. Jardin, What do you think of them?”

However, Madelyn hardly glanced at it. She suddenly felt nauseous and rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

Zach followed Madelyn to the bathroom on the first floor. He opened the door and found her crouched beside the toilet, violently throwing up the soup she had just consumed. Zach looked on with concern.

He helped lift her long hair and gently rubbed her back. He asked, “If you’re feeling unwell, why force yourself and keep quiet about it?”

but you didn’t care.”

Madelyn breathed heavily and replied tearfully, “I told you, Zach’s touch on Madelyn’s back stiffened. He flushed the toilet and helped her stand. Madelyn, feeling weak, pushed him away and said, “Since the photoshoot is over, I’m going to rest now.

Madelyn stumbled out of the bathroom, supported by Margaret. Just then, the makeup artist, with a smile on her face, congratulated Madelyn, “Congratulations, Mrs. Jardin!”

Confused, Madelyn asked, “What for?”

Margaret quickly signaled to the makeup artist to be quiet. The makeup artist noticed Margaret’s signal and covered up, “I heard today is your wedding day. So, I came to congratulate you.”

“There’s nothing to congratulate,” Madelyn responded before heading to her room, visibly unwell.

Margaret sighed in relief, glad that the makeup artist did not mention the word “pregnant.” If Zach had heard, the consequences could have been dire.

Madelyn felt unwell, her stomach churning painfully. Margaret covered Madelyn with a blanket and said, “I’ll get you some soup.”

“No, bring me some grilled food,” Madelyn requested weakly.

“Grilled food? You can’t eat that now; it’s too greasy! Mr. Jardin would be furious if he found out.”

Madelyn looked like a fragile beauty who would easily be swept away by the wind. She had a feeling that the year was going to be anything but peaceful.