Chapter 1140

Ryan was shocked at Madeline’s sudden visit. “Did something happen, Eveline? How can I help you?”

Madeline placed her compiled and signed divorce papers in front of Ryan.

“I’ve already compiled the documents, Rye. You just need to sign at the bottom.” Madeline handed him a pen. “I’m grateful to the IBCI for taking care of their worker’s family. However, my family should be Jeremy.”

Ryan’s calm features froze for a second.

“Jeremy already told me that his condition for joining this international criminal investigation organization was for you to protect me and the kids.”

Madeline watched Ryan’s face for any shift in expressions.

“Marrying me must’ve been an order from your superior, and now that the mission is over, I think we should end this relationship that was never meant to be at all. Thank you for protecting us over the past half a year, Rye.”

Ryan listened calmly and took the divorce papers in his hand.

“There’s no way the mission can be considered over the moment feelings got involved.” Ryan glanced at the papers and looked up. “Could you grant me a request, Eveline?”

Madeline gave it some thought and replied, “As long as it’s within my capabilities, I’ll try my best.”

“I’m sure it is.” Ryan smiled as hope tinted his eyes. “It’ll be my 30th birthday in two days. I’d like to spend time with you during such an important moment. Take it as a beautiful way to end this marriage that was in nothing but name.”

It was hardly an outlandish request and Madeline could not think of a reason to decline. “Sure. I’ll bring the divorce papers over again on that day, then.”

“Alright.” Ryan agreed without trying to hold her back.

Madeline did not dwell and left Jones Manor soon after.

Sitting before the French windows in the study, the corner of Ryan’s lips quirked subtly as he stared at Madeline’s retreating figure.

…

Upon returning home, Madeline told Jeremy of her compromise with Ryan as well as Ryan’s birthday.

Jeremy did not seem displeased. In fact, he even suggested sending her there himself.

Madeline’s heart calmed. Under the midnight blue sky, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders as they watched the stars.

“Hey, Jeremy? Do you know what three words I want to hear most from you out of all the loving things couples tell each other?”

Jeremy wrapped an arm around Madeline’s shoulder and leaned to whisper by her ear without thought, “I’m with you.”

Madeline gave a small smile. Indeed, those were the three words that she longed to hear the most.

‘I’m with you.’

Regardless of what they were to face, all she wanted was to be with him till the end of the world.

When Jeremy went to take a bath, Madeline decided to call Ava who happened to call her at the same time to ask if she was free the following day.

Madeline wanted to meet Ava the following day anyway, so the call came just in time.

The two met at the mall the next day and began to chat as they shopped.

Ava was lamented when she came to know of what Jeremy had suffered. “I used to think that Jeremy didn’t care about you at all, Maddie, but I think I’m starting to envy you now.”

“What’s there to envy about? How he used to torture me until I wanted to die?” Madeline joked.

Despite knowing that Madeline was joking, Ava emphasized with a serious expression, “I believe it now, Maddie. That the person who would bring you the most pain is definitely the person you love the most. I mean why else would it affect you so much, right?”

Madeline thought the logic was sound. “Anyway, you said you needed to do something here today?

What is it?”

Ava sighed hopelessly. “That woman bought a set of accessories from a luxury store counter the other day. I said I didn’t want it, but the clerk said that since it has already been paid for, I’ll need to come and deal with it in person.”

“By ‘that woman’, you mean your mom?”

“I don’t have such a mom.” Ava’s expression darkened. “Do you have any idea what they did to me back then, Maddie?”