02
Rosamund brought the newborn monkey, the offspring of her pet monkey, into the Spencer Manor. She even gained access to Gawain’s study, a sacred space from which even I, his wife, was strictly forbidden.
Rumors whispered that Rosamund had twisted her ankle and was carried in by Edmund.
“Mr. Gawain Spencer and Mr. Edmund Spencer showered Ms. White with so much affection that they were even ready to claim her monkey’s child as their own son.”
1 overheard Mr. Gawain Spencer proudly declaring himself as the little monkey’s first adoptive father, with Mr. Edmund Spencer as the second, and Rosamund as the adoptive mother:”
“Isn’t it absurd to adopt a monkey as a son?”
Elena let out a sharp breath, squeezing my hand tightly. “It’s utterly ridiculous, treating animals like adopted children. Let those two lunatics keep Rosamund and her monkeys to themselves.”
I nodded calmly. “Let’s make haste and leave while they indulge in their study, playing at being the baby monkey’s fathers.”
Elena supported me, and together, we rose with heavy bundles on our backs.
Fate was not kind.
We encountered Rosamund and the Spencer brothers in the garden.
The three of them walked and laughed together.
In three years of marriage to Gawain, I had never seen him smile so tenderly.
It struck me then that he wasn’t inherently unkind; he was simply not gentle to me.
Edmund’s smile was radiant as he hinted at having enough wealth to make Rosamund the premier street artist.
I looked at Elena with concern, but her face was cold. Sensing my gaze, she spoke calmly, “Madeline, I don’t know why, but hearing him say that doesn’t make me sad at all. Since they love their threesome games, let’s hurry and leave, not to hinder their fun.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, let’s leave quickly. I can’t bear another second in the Spencer Manor.”
But Gawain caught our trail.
Seeing the bundle on my back, he was shocked and swiftly intercepted us, “Madeline Wells, why do you act like those village shrews, darting away on a whim? Coco endured nine close calls with death before she gave birth to the little monkey. Edmund and I have decided to adopt the baby monkey as our own. Please arrange a celebration, and ensure our monkey is treated well.
As I was about to speak, Rosamund whispered softly, “Gawain, if you accompany me back to pack up and then bring me into the house, can we still
11:42 AM
make it to the celebration dinner if we hurry?”
My heart ached with a sharp pain; the last vestige of my hesitation vanished.
Gawain’s expression turned flustered as he quickly explained, “Madeline, don’t get it wrong. Rosamund was performing on the street when she ran into a bandit trying to rob a civilian girl. I was worried for her safety, so…”
I coldly interrupted him, “No need to explain. We have already divorced.”
At that moment, I was grateful for being prepared, for having coaxed Gawain into signing the divorce agreement.
Elena had done the same.
Now, we were no longer bound by the Spencer brothers.
Upon hearing this, Gawain felt his anger and embarrassment flaring. “No wonder you can’t conceive. Who would dare to be reincarnated into your belly with such a foul temper?”
I stared at him in disbelief.
He knew how much I yearned for a child of my own, yet he struck me with such cruelty.
The person who understands you best always knows how to cause the deepest pain.
Gawain realized his mistake, but he dared not meet my gaze.
He cleared his throat, declaring, “Madeline, let’s not fight over what happened at your birthday yesterday; it was embarrassing enough. Just offer Rosamund an apology, and host a lavish dinner to celebrate adopting the baby monkey as my son, then I’ll disregard your divorce threats.”
I let out a cold, derisive laugh. “I won’t apologize, and you don’t need to play the magnanimous one here. My decision to divorce stands unchanged.” His expression soured; he had evidently expected me to accept the olive branch he was extending. But to his surprise, I was resolute.
Then, out of nowhere, Rosamund dashed forward, her knees hitting the floor as she clung to my leg. “Mrs. Madeline Spencer, Mrs. Elena Spencer, it’s all my fault! You’ve misunderstood. Don’t hold it against Gawain and Edmund. They were only moved by my plight, a weak woman trying to entertain with a monkey on the overpass. I’ll do anything if you’ll just forgive them!”
Even now, she played the victim.
She was also the very woman who had venomously labeled Elena and me as spiteful hags.
With a flick of my leg, I dislodged her. “Get out!”
I hardly had the strength to kick her, but Rosamund fell back with theatrical flair, clutching her chest as her wails cut through the air, yet there was a glint of triumph in her eyes.
I was momentarily taken aback, and in that second, Gawain shoved me with force. “Madeline, you’re heartless. Leave!”
The forceful shove sent me tumbling to the ground, darkness clouding my vision.
In the ensuing turmoil, Edmund’s shaky voice barely reached me, fraught with panic, “Gawain, Madeline’s having a miscarriage…”
