Early in the morning. Layla got up early, Last night, she heard Madeline returning home. But she felt too embarrassed to face Madeline in the middle of the night. After wrestling with her thoughts all night, she got up early to buy groceries and some ravioli wrappers. By 6-30, she was
ready boiling water to make ravioll.
The kitchen wasn’t very spacious or comfortable; it was a bit cramped, but at least it was clean. The elderly were quite thrifty with he kitchen tools and seasonings were somewhat lacking. She spent over 150 dollars on stuff during her outing, just to ensure the family could enjoy
many things, so
warm seal of ravioli before the New Year.
Thomas was awkwardly mincing the meat beside her. “Madeline used to love ravioli, but we didn’t make them often at home; we uvally went out o ear” Whenever they went to restaurants, they rarely took Madeline with them. He sighed as he heard the water boiling and glanced at his wife. Madeline got back late last night. She’s probably still asleep and might wake up a bit later
Jucas came in from outside. “Mom, Dad, making ravioli? Let me help you.”
Go over there and wash the vegetables. We’ll make some chicken soup, Layla instructed Lucas.
Jucas no longer had his usual lazy demeanor as he took the vegetables to wash it
When Madeline woke up, she noticed the smell of chicken in the air. She sniffed and thought, ‘Are Grandpa and Grandma making Mew?” She got out of bed and went into the kitchen, but her smile quickly disappeared
Layla waw Madeline and gave her a friendly smile. “Madeline, you’re up! Go wash your face quickly. The water heater isn’t hot enough, so I had
up some water. After you’re done, you can eat some ravioli
Madeline frowned slightly
Layla was busy setting the ravioll on the dining room table.
Madeline turned to wash up and bumped into Jacob coming out of the bathroom. “Madeline,” Jacob said, pressing his lips together. Her cold expression left him unsure of what to say, “Quickly wash up so we can have breakfast. It’s really chilly this morning. You should wear something
warmer
Madeline gave a sarcastic smile and raised her eyes. “Since when did you b
become so nosy!” She didn’t need his care
Jacob’s smale froze for a moment, but he softened his expression ab
abit. “Go on in
The bathroom door closed with a bang, Standing at the doorway, Jacob glanced back at the closed door, feeling deeply hurt. Madeline seemed unbearably cold. He couldn’t understand why, as siblings, they had grown so distant..
Everyone gathered at the dining table. Wh
When Madeline arrived, the only seat leth was neat to Thomas. The Larson family all looked at her expectantly, hoping she would sit with them.
Madeline’s eyes flickered, and she went over to par Fugent on the shoulder. “Move over, I’m sining here.
Eugene smirked. “Sure. I won’t refuse your request.”
Madeline sat down. Thomas hesitated, then waved his hand. “Madeline, hurry and eat while it’s hot. Your mom made this early in the morning. Her hands were even numb from the cold”
Layla also looked at Madeline, hoping this meal could move her even just a little.
“When I was going to school during the winter, I had no choice but to take the bus. I had to cook for myself before leaving. My hands were always stiff. For almost the whole winter, my hands were covered in chilblains.” Madeline spoke slowly, her face emotionless, as if she were recounting someone else’s story.
Madeline continued, “You guys always had meals together away from home. You even drove Winslet to school every single time, never missing a trip
con always cost over a thousand dollars, while mine was a cheap one I
Madeline raised her gaze to meet Layla’s eyes. “In that place, Winslet’s winter cont always co wore year after year. Wasn’t I freezing and numb back then“”
Layla’s smile became tense and then faced leaving her at a loss for words, Berase anything she could say would just sound like an excuse “Madeline, I’m sorry, I’ve realized my mistake
Madeline scoffed, “Would a killer think they can just say Tm sorry‘ and be forgiven!”
Thomas sighed, “Madeline, we were fools, We owe you a lot. All we’re asking for is your forgiveness. We’re family, after all. We should stay together”
Madeline stirred the soup and said, “I was never part of your family. You and Winslet were the family, and we’re even less of a funily now”
Chapter 213
Madeline rested her chin in her hand and laughed. “You all really amaze me, conning here and saying these things now. Isn’t it a bit absurd?“–
Lucan quickly added. “Madehne, we were misled before. If I had known who you were from the start, I would never have treated you like that?
Harley speed, “Yeah, it was all Windler’s fault for deceiving us and taking credit for what you did….
““That’s right” Henry said, full of regret. “Tregret blindly trusting her back then.”
boob stayed silent and just looked at Madeline. He was willing to do anything if she would just forgive them
Joel dis speak, unable to bring himself to apologize. After some hesitation, he said. “Sorry for how I treated you before.
Helena and Frank listened quietly, feeling heartbroken for their granddaughter, Madeline. Now that the Larson family wanted to make amends, whether to forgive them or not was Madeline’s decision, and they wouldn’t interfere.
Madeline leaned back in her chair, her expression indiferent. 1 woth forgive you all, so stop wasting your time. If you really regret it, then leave, Don’t make me think of you as a transance.
Eugene nodded with a small smile, tapping his fingers lightly on the chair’s armrest, thinking this might just be a comedy.
Madeline seemed distant and unapproachable at the dinner table. The Larson family, however, looked like they were desperately begging and trying to please
Layla’s heart was weighed down with buttemess, almost to the point of nausea, yet she knew she was facing the consequences of her actions. She said earnestly. “Madeline, Im sorry. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. I’m willing to give you everything. Just give me a chance” Layla hung her head, looking pale and exhausted, but her eyes were filled with sincerity.
Thomas was genuinely touched by his wife’s sincere effort to change. She had always been quite stubbor and proud, so seeing her apologizing was truly unpressive.
Thomas looked at Madeline with a glimmer of hope, If Madeline softened her heart, they could be a family again–a happy one. Even if life was simpler, it would still be warm and peaceful enough
“Let me remind you” Madeline said, her brow furrowed with disdain. “You have nothing left now, When things were going well for you, you never considered giving me anything. Now, all you offer are grandiose claims and empty promises”
“Would you even feel regret if you hadn’t seen Winslet’s true colors!” Madeline sneered, her eyes flashing with cold sharpness. “You never would. Emotionally, you always loved Winslet more. It was only when the hurt and betrayed you that you thought of coming back to me Madeline sneered, if Winslet were still your perfect daughter, would you be apologizing to me now?”
