When Love Comes Late

The news reports showed William at the airport. He dressed in all black and his striking features were as eye-catching as ever. It wasn't just his appearance that drew attention, but the woman in his arms.

A swarm of reporters surrounded him, cameras flashing nonstop. "Mr. Loughlin, today marks your sixth wedding anniversary. Rumors say you took your wife on an overseas trip. Is that true?"

"That's right, Mr. Loughlin. People have also been speculating about why you and your wife haven't had children after six years of marriage. Do you have any plans for that?"

"Is the woman in your arms your wife or someone else?"

Just as a reporter tried to capture a more precise shot of the woman, William swiftly blocked the camera. His expression remained calm, a faint smile playing at his lips. "My wife has a cold and is not feeling well, so it's not convenient for her to meet people. As for the children you mentioned, they will be here this year."

His casual comment caused the audience around him to laugh. Still, Madison, who was watching him on TV, could not do so. William was her husband and the person he desperately protected in his arms was her twin sister.

She recalled how she had sent William a message just a few days ago, but none he never replied to. When she called him, he declined the call outright. It wasn't until today that he finally responded, claiming he had been busy with work.

Madison had believed him without hesitation. After all, he was always busy. Forgetting their anniversary was nothing unusual.

Now, staring at the screen and watching the two of them so intimately close, Madison felt as if she had been slapped several times in the face. Now, her face burned with pain.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that William hadn't been working these past few days. He had been with McKenzie and even openly brought her back. Dizziness overtook her as an overwhelming sense of helplessness surged through her chest. Six years had passed, yet here they were again.

A maid approached her. "Madam, Mr. Loughlin has landed. He should be home soon. Should I reheat these dishes for him?"

Just as Madison was about to answer, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. The caller was McKenzie. She hesitated before tapping the screen.

Her heart clenched the moment the call connected. Her breathing became labored as a piercing ache shot through her chest. McKenzie was wearing revealing lingerie on the screen, straddling William's lap. They were locked in a passionate embrace, their lips intertwined.

The intimate noises filled the room, making the maid gasp in horror. "Madam, isn't that … Mr. Loughlin?"

Madison did not respond. Her mind had gone completely blank. So, this day had finally come.

Six years ago, McKenzie was supposed to marry William. However, after getting caught in a gambling scandal and being arrested, she fled abroad. Back then, she had called Madison, begging her to take her place in the marriage.

Madison didn't understand why McKenzie had to be so extreme. She could have just told William, but McKenzie refused. "Madison, men can't be trusted. He won't wait for me to come back. You're my only sister and only you can help me!"

When Madison refused, McKenzie threatened to take her own life. "If you don't agree, I'll kill myself!"

Madison eventually gave in, but she never imagined that McKenzie would fake her death, leaving behind a suicide note that framed her as her sister's murderer.

Because of that, William saw her as a ruthless killer. He hated her with every fiber of his being. Madison had tried to explain countless times, but William never believed her. No one did.

Now, watching the video of the two so deeply in love, Madison felt her heart turn ice cold. McKenzie was back. That meant it was time for her to leave. That night, she didn't sleep a wink.

By the time William returned in the morning, they had crossed paths in the hallway. A strong perfume scent wafted from him. It was McKenzie's favorite fragrance. Even though she tried to control herself, her eyes still turned red. She stepped forward, blocking his way. "Where were you last night?"

William raised a brow indifferently. "Working, of course. Where else would I be?"

Madison lowered her sight. Her heart twisted terribly as she stared at his lifeless, icy face. She then realized that he didn't even attempt to give a reasonable explanation.

William suddenly let out a chuckle, his gaze sweeping over her. "We're going to my parent's house later. Do you really want my mother to see you like this?"

Madison froze. "Your parent?"

William's eyes were full of impatience as he sneered, "What? Every wedding anniversary, my mom would ask us to go to her house. It was something you snatched with your own hands. Don't tell me you've forgotten?"

His words struck her heart like a dagger. She forced a weak smile, her voice barely a whisper. "I understand."

Without another glance, William turned and walked away. As she watched his retreating figure, a dull ache spread through her chest. She would soon return to her original place, altogether leaving this place that didn't belong to her.