My Repentant Brothers (Madeline Larson)

Winslet observed Madeline as she lowered her head and consumed her oatmeal in a subdued manner.

Unconsciously, a strategic scheme took shape in Winslet's mind.

Considering the family's strong preexisting aversion toward Madeline, she orchestrated a plan to intensify their negative opinions about her. Then, even as she returned to school, Madeline could not affect her.

With those thoughts

in mind, Winslet could not suppress a surge of exhilaration, leaving her brimming with enthusiasm as

she ascended the staircase,

Only after her departure did Madeline set aside her spoon, casting a deep gaze at Winslet's retreating figure.

Madeline knew that Winslet would not grant her the slightest respite. She would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to push her into a corner. Madeline stood up and ventured out into the courtyard.

Layla's gaze held unwavering vigilance.

1. ou. You cannot venture beyond the Larson residence until the annulment and the school enrollment "Madeline, I'm telling you. are complete.

"Refrain from entertaining any inappropriate thoughts. You can study or do other things during this year at home," she continued. "We'll do our utmost to support you. You should not think that the family will harm you. Madeline's countenance remained impassive.

She directed her attention to the plants and trees in the courtyard, her contemplation serene. "It has been eight months. since my return, and I've yet to witness any support from you," she said softly.

Layla's eyebrows twitched involuntarily when she heard Madeline argue with her again. The family is preoccupied at the moment. I have no inclination to deal with you. Don't come over and make things difficult for me." Madeline neither confirmed nor refuted Layla's assertion.

Inwardly, she was diligently preparing for her imminent departure from the Larson family.

"This time, I will leave the Larson family in Winslet's way," she resolved internally.

Madeline did not believe the Larson family would ever entertain remorse or repentance toward her during this lifetime. That was why she intended to sever her ties with the Larson family entirely and without reservation.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Madeline had always been an adept performer.

There was only a mere 48 hours remaining until the engagement cancellation banquet.

Benjamin came by at noon.

After a short chat with Winslet, he saw Madeline, who was engrossed in weeding the courtyard. His demeanor appeared slightly unsettled.

"Maddie, you seem to be in a decent mood today," he commented. "Even if our compatibility is in question, and we dissolve the marriage arrangement, maintaining a friendship is plausible We can value each other's presence, and I'll hold you in the regard of a sister."

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With a deliberate pause, Madeline gently rested the hor she held "Is that so?"

"Actually, your feelings for Winslet have always been present. Doesn't your conscience twinge when you use me for mere amusement?" Madeline asked, offering Benjamin a smile that was neither sad nor joyful.

Since her discharge from the hospital, she rarely displayed such a composed demeanor toward Benjamin.

Benjamin looked at Madeline, standing in the sunlight, wearing a blue dress,

The dress' hem swayed gently in the breeze, unveiling her fair, straight calves. Nestled beside her were white daisies, blooming with perfect grace.

Benjamin suddenly lowered his head.

The realization dawned upon him. Madeline had been undeniably kind to him.

Tm sorry. My true intention was to share a meaningful life with you, he confessed with genuine remorse. "Yet, matters of the heart resist coercion. It's not fair for you to be with me."

Perhaps influenced by Madeline's continued rationality, Benjamin found himself desiring a further exchange of words. He hoped that Madeline's resentment toward him might become less intense after the marriage agreement was annulled. "Maddie, will you hold animosity toward me starting the day after tomorrow?" Benjamin inquired.

A faint smile appeared on Madeline's face. "No, I won't. I've made peace with the situation. I admit I once held genuine affection for you, but matters of the heart can't thrive unilaterally

Madeline was forcing herself to become an adept actress.

She brushed aside the strands of hair that had strayed near her cheek I beli care about you. If this path brings you greater joy, I should be content too

The weight of guilt in Benjamin's heart intensified.

When he first got to know Madeline, she was not so susceptible to jealousy.

She was intelligent, very hardworking, and had unique insights into many things.

you'll be happier with Winslet. In fact, I do

She performed just as well as the boys in competitions and, in certain aspects, did not seem like someone from the countryside at all.

Benjamin intended to extend the conversation, yet Madeline interjected.

"All right, let's not dwell on this any further. The excessive talk will only stir melancholy within me. You also want the wedding agreement annulment banquet to proceed as scheduled without a hitch, don't you?

A sigh seemed to escape Madeline as she retreated into the confines of the house.

Observing her delicate and fragile form, Benjamin noted a weariness in her demeanor. He speculated that the past few days had affected her spirits.

In an instant, Benjamin's heart softened toward Madeline.

He realized he should not have treated her so callously, especially considering her profound affection for him amidst the impending annulment Regardless of the circumstances, Madeline's feelings deserved recognition.

"Regarding the items I presented to you during the engagement banquet, you do not need to return them. Consider it my

@M.

way of providing compensation," he said.

Madeline's steps came to an abrupt halt, and she remained completely unresponsive.

She had grown disdainful of men like Benjamin, who were shrouded in hypocrisy.

If he continued to speak, she would probably vomit.

With her back now turned toward Benjamin, Madeline's lips curled into a mocking smile.

Throughout the daytime, Madeline dutifully confined herself to the house..Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

She methodically packed her belongings into trash bags, ready for disposal.

"Not a single strand of my hair would remain within these walls, she sneered inwardly.

Layla was a bit surprised. She had thought Madeline might try to escape or deliberately provoke Winslet. However, she did not expect Madeline to be so compliant.

Layla found herself immensely content. "Had she shown this side of herself earlier, could our disdain for her have been so strong?"

Thomas returned home in high spirits and at an unusually early hour.

Upon receiving Layla's account of Madeline's present disposition, he exhibited nonchalance. "After all, she's still a child, not yet fully matured mentally. When the family applies pressure, she understands the boundaries of her actions."

He added. "We shouldn't have been so kind to her in the past. Perhaps we wouldn't have wasted an entire month if we had been firmer from the onset. Oh, didn't Henry give Winnie a car? When can Winnie take the whole family out for a ride?" Layla wore a content smile. "Isn't that something we can arrange at any time? Winnie should spend more time with us now. In just a few days, she'll be off to school."

Alerted to her father's return, Winslet hurried downstairs and remained beside Thomas. "Dad, you've finally returned. I've missed you dearly."

Thomas affectionately patted Winslet's head, an air of indulgence accompanying his gesture. "You're all grown up, yet you still act like this every day? What are you going to do when you go to school? Cry your eyes out alone?"

"I've already said I don't want to stay in the dormitory. Mom mentioned renting a house for me so I don't have to endure any roommate bullying." Winslet sighed, her voice laden with resignation. "But all I really want is to remain at home. I can't bear to leave all of you." At that moment, all five of Winslet's elder brothers were home.

Upon catching wind of Winslet's childish words, Harley could not suppress a chuckle. "It's because we can't stand the thought of being apart from you."

The family was enjoying their time together.

Meanwhile, Madeline stood by the dining room, fetching water, ppearing like an inconspicuous outsider or perhaps just as indistinguishable from the air. Holding a disposable cup, she took a sip of water from it.

The peals of laughter emanating from the gathering grated against her ears,

Suddenly, Henry interjected, "Earlier, the people from my car dealership delivered the car Winnie had her sights on. Should we put Winnie's driving skills to the test? Give her a trial run?" M

Winslet rolled her eyes. "Absolutely, Maddie, come along too."

"Maddie, you can ride with me. We've got two extra seats, so let's have Joel and Lucas occupy them," Winslet proposed.

"Well, I have to disagree." Jacob chuckled. "The backseat can easily accommodate three people."

"Jacob, I wouldn't want you to feel cramped. You are the esteemed CEO, after all," Winslet remarked with a cheerful clap of her hands. "So, that settles the arrangement.

"Maddie, please hurry up and change into suitable attire. I acquired a camera specifically for this occasion. Later, we'll capture some delightful photographs together," Winslet suggested. Madeline's lips curled as she thought, "Winslet's conniving tendencies are practically overflowing. She's truly going above and beyond."

"Sure. I acknowledge my part in our previous strained relationship. I've come to terms with it, Madeline responded. "Who's to say we might even be in the same school a year from now." Winslet maintained a neutral expression

Thomas and Layla visibly eased upon hearing that. Their attitude toward Madeline improved considerably.

Thomas chimed in, "Exactly. Having you two sisters foster better rapport will undoubtedly make things easier for us as parents!"

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