Chapter 3
“Do you even realize how ridiculous you look, clinging to Rico like this?” Jane Harper sneered, her tone cutting through the silence like a blade. “What do you even bring to the table? Me? I have the backing of the most powerful company in the industry. Rico gets access to countless resources because of me. And you? What do you have? An entire orphanage?”
Jane laughed, covering her mouth delicately, as if the insult amused her.
Maddie froze, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t the same Jane Harper who appeared so poised and gentle on screen. This was someone cold, calculating and cruel.
“I… I didn’t mean…” Maddie
stammered, trying to explain, but Jane
waved a dismissive hand.
“Save it,” she snapped, her patience
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wearing thin. “I don‘ t care what your intentions were before, but here’s the reality: Rico is my boyfriend now. Do yourself a favor–pack your things and leave. Otherwise…” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t blame me for being unpleasant.”
Without waiting for a response, Jane turned on her heel and strode into Maddie‘ s bathroom, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.
Maddie sighed deeply, fighting back tears. She told herself it didn’t matter. She was leaving anyway. Soon, Jane‘ s harsh words. and accusations wouldn’t matter
anymore.
***
As Maddie sat on the edge of her bed that night, her thoughts drifted back to the past.
During high school, she had leaned heavily on Rico’s support. At the time, Rico was just starting his acting career, taking small
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ter 3
1 canes that barely paid the bills. Money was re, but ht, but Rico had never hesitated to make yfrien e Maddie had everything she needed.
k your
She pan
t blamen
en Maddie entered college, she wanted ase his burden. She started writing els, earning a modest income that
dually grew. From $200 a month to
a respon 900 and eventually tens of thousands, ind streddie became fully self–sufficient. But
n, learn then, Rico insisted on sending her ence.mney every month. She had tried to
ise, but he always found a way to ensure ly, fight accepted it.
in tran
- n. Jaretly, Maddie saved every penny Rico uldn und her, including what he spent on her ing high school. The money sat
ouched in a separate account, ready to eturned to him if he ever needed it.
e edhe ed
drits drifte
graduating college, Maddie planned ursue a job as an editor. But Rico asked shol she stay.
port. At th
ve never had a real family before,” niching said, his voice soft and vulnerable.
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“Now that I finally have one, I don’t want to lose it.”
Moved by his words, Maddie stayed. She took care of him, managed the house and wrote her novels. For a time, she thought she had built something unshakable with Rico–a warm, unbreakable bond.
But now, as Jane‘ s voice echoed in her mind, Maddie realized how naive she had
been.
Ask
The next morning, Maddie woke late. She glanced at the clock–it was already ten. Panicking, she rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Rico.
She cooked millet yam and red date porridge, made fluffy egg cakes and fried two simple vegetarian dishes. Rico had a sensitive stomach and Maddie always took care to prepare meals that wouldn’t upset
him.
As she finished setting the table, Jane
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sauntered into the kitchen wearing one of Rico’s oversized shirts. Her bare legs and confident smirk made Maddie feel even smaller.
“Good morning!” Jane chirped, her voice syrupy sweet. It was a far cry from the venom she‘ d spewed the night before.
Maddie forced a polite smile. “Morning.”
Jane scanned the table and pouted theatrically. “Oh no, it looks like someone forgot about me. No breakfast for the guest? Is this how you treat Rico’s girlfriend?”
Maddie blinked, realizing there were only two bowls of porridge on the table–one for her and one for Rico. Forcing herself to remain calm, she walked back to the kitchen and ladled another bowl for Jane.
As she turned to bring it to the table, she bumped into someone.
“Ah!” Jane shrieked, stepping back dramatically.
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WE The bowl slipped from Maddie‘ s hands, errashing to the floor. Hot porridge die plattered everywhere and the ceramic
hattered. Maddie gasped as the scalding quid splashed onto her feet. A sharp pain ollowed as a shard of porcelain sliced into he back of her foot, blood pooling
hirpe
mher
file. Mad
kine
stantly.
ane’s scream drew Rico into the room. Te rushed to Jane’s side, his eyes wide
ith concern.
at treat
Jane, are you okay? What happened?”
ng She just… bumped into me,” Jane said, center tone laced with accusation. “It’s fine,
Furdough. I’m not hurt.”
lked ba
ico turned to Maddie, who was crouched nother
the floor, clutching her bleeding foot. Eits brow furrowed as he noticed the injury. ne. “Maddie, are you alright?”
ed, stept m fine,” Maddie murmured, her
bice strained as she fought back tears. She
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tried to stand, but pain shot up her leg, making her wince.
Jane‘ s gaze flickered to Maddie’s foot, but her expression remained indifferent. “I mean, accidents happen,” she said breezily, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But Maddie, you really should be more careful.”
Rico helped Maddie to a chair, his concern genuine, but Maddie could see the way his attention kept drifting back to Jane. The dynamic was clear: no matter what happened, Jane would always come first.
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