Faux Vows, True Desires

Madeleine watched as Nathan's expression remained unfazed, a sense of relief washing over her. What she feared the most was that once Janice recovered, Nathan might return to his old love. After all, back in the day, the couple was affectionate.

If it wasn't for Janice's mental breakdown and her inability to fulfill her duties as the matriarch, coupled with Madeleine's shameless pursuit of Nathan, he wouldn't have accepted her, allowing her to accompany him to various social events, assuming the responsibilities of a matriarch.

She had worked so hard and endured so much for so long she couldn't let all of it go to waste.

Seeing Nathan's expression, Madeleine felt slightly relieved, believing that it was impossible for Nathan and Janice to return to their old ways. Janice may have aged well, but she was nearing fifty. How could she compete with Madeleine's youthful twenty-six?

To Nathan, she was a flower in full bloom.

Compared to a wilting flower, everyone preferred a blooming one.

As Nathan opened the door to his room, Madeleine followed him in.

There was no scent of incense in the room yet.

The aphrodisiac incense was still in her purse.

And her purse was in her bedroom.

This wasn't Madeleine's first time in Nathan's room. She walked over to the wardrobe like a wife would, picked out some clean clothes for Nathan, and then proceeded to the bathroom, where she prepared a bath for him. Calling out, "Nathan, I've got your bath ready, go freshen up."

Nathan grunted in acknowledgment.

He stood at the bathroom door, watching Madeleine, his mind filled with images of Janice, who used to take care of him in the same way.

A sweet scent filled the air.

Snapping back to reality, Nathan found Madeleine already in front of him.

"What are you thinking about?"

Madeleine noticed him staring at her with a gentle gaze, a smile tugging at his lips. She involuntarily softened her expression, her eyes filled with tender affection.

She reached for his collar with both hands, ready to help him unbutton his shirt.

"Ma

Nathan reached out and held her hands, speaking gently, "You've been so good

"Only now, you realize?"

get some

his waist, softly

Nathan

makes me feel like I'm in

hit him, "In my eyes, you're still young. When you're with Keith, you look like brothers. Don't say you're old, and I don't like hearing it. We're the same

"Hahaha."

Nathan laughed heartily.

age. I'm not old. Now stop teasing and go get some rest. It's

Madeleine pouted.

was so

"Got it."

Nathan into the bathroom, saying, "Take your time. I'll go

She blushed and turned to

was gone, Nathan quietly locked the bathroom door to prevent her from barging in while

the first

no intention of barging into the bathroom. As soon as she left, she rushed back to her room, picked up her purse, and took out the aphrodisiac incense and lighter.

the doors and windows, even pulling the curtains shut. The incense under the bed burnt

smelled the incense. He sniffed a few times before walking over to Madeleine, who was sitting on the couch playing with her phone. "Madeleine, why haven't

You've been away for a few days. Didn't you

up, and wrapped her arms around his neck, coquettishly

away, but she stubbornly pulled him down to sit on the couch with her. She even pushed him down onto the couch, positioning herself

"Nathan."

the scent of the aphrodisiac incense longer. While waiting

she applauded the effectiveness of the

gaze becoming hazy. She lowered her head to close the distance, aiming to kiss

Nathan sat up. Caught off

"Madeleine."

quickly helped

I can't quite identify the

kiss him and her fall to the floor left her