Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 12:

In the grand halls of Carter Manor, the butler glanced quickly at Madeline, who had been closely trailing behind Derek, barely hiding his disdain. He considered Madeline a calculating figure, a stark contrast to the graceful Norah.

The entire family gathered around the dinner table. Juliana, eyeing the fragile-looking Madeline seated next to Derek with displeasure, burst out, “Derek, we’re having a family gathering today. What’s the reason for inviting strangers?”

Derek’s face tensed. Next to him, Madeline lifted her gaze, her eyes welling up with tears as she silently stared at Juliana, waiting for the words to fall.

Kathy stepped in, “Grandmother, Madeline is an old friend of Derek’s. How can you consider her a stranger?” While serving soup to Juliana, Kathy added, “Grandmother, anger harms the body. Please don’t hold any hard feelings.”

Regaining calm, Derek explained, “Grandmother, as you’re aware, my heart has always belonged to Madeline. My marriage to Norah was arranged when I was on my deathbed, with no emotional bond between Norah and me. Continuing that marriage would only cause us both misery. In case of a divorce, I’ll ensure Norah is compensated adequately…”

Juliana cut him off sharply, “Compensated? With your properties and vehicles? Can they match the years of youth Norah dedicated to you? She devoted herself to your care for two years. Your recovery is due to her efforts. Remember how you once chased after Madeline like she was your everything? And when you were at your lowest after the accident, she turned her back on you! Norah was the one by your bedside, not her! Having stumbled once, do you wish to make the same mistake?”

Sharon chimed in, “Madeline becoming part of the Carter family? That’s laughable! Not in this lifetime! Over my dead body!”

Madeline rose and knelt before Juliana, her tears streaming. “Juliana, Sharon, I apologize. I know I failed Derek. Since our separation, I’ve been in agony. I’ve missed him dearly every day. The past two years without him have been unbearable. This torment has made me realize I can’t live without him. Now that I’m back, I’m determined to dedicate my life to making things right with Derek. My actions will show my true feelings for him.”

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Derek deeply. He moved to Juliana’s side, imploring, “Grandmother, please. Madeline and I share a genuine

bracing for more conflict. Kathy quickly offered Juliana some

actions, couldn’t hide her irritation. “Kathy, have you forgotten the days Derek was confined to his sickbed? Defending Madeline—do you still consider yourself part of the Carter

ground, responded, “I am, without a doubt, part of the

Derek have a say in his marriage? Grandma, you were the one who insisted on bringing Norah into our home. Derek was too sick to understand this

the Carter family’s living room. Juliana, holding her bowl of

in their own thoughts, trying to decipher the others’ minds

Madeline’s innocent facade. Abruptly setting down her spoon, she demanded, “Derek, I need to speak with

haven’t finished eating. Can’t

anyone,” Juliana snapped, her sharp look

on his

private word with you. She’s just trying to protect us from the conversation. After all, you’re her favorite grandchild. She means

Madeline. I’ll try to convince my grandma to accept you. She’ll

her gaze. “That doesn’t matter. Being by your side is all I ask. I won’t hate your grandma

You bitch! How dare you talk about me like this in front of Derek?

the tension, Derek soothed both Madeline and

the woman I want to spend my life with. Also, the Powell family and the

a stern gaze, standing firm. “You were with Norah for two years, yet I’ve never seen you this committed to her. Why shouldn’t I have reservations about Madeline? Must I remind you of