Madison's POV
Smack!
The slap landed the moment I stepped into the living room.
"You ungrateful girl! After everything my family has done for you, this is how you repay us?" my stepmother fumed, her face twisted in fury.
"What did I do now, huh?" I asked flatly, already exhausted.
Sophia, who had been sitting calmly on the sofa, suddenly stood and marched toward me.
"You slept with my fiancé!" she shouted.
"Oh! That's true. Forgive my bad memory … I almost forgot about it."
I smirked as I watched her crumble, but that satisfaction was short-lived — her palm connected sharply with my cheek.
"You really think you can get away with this?" she hissed. "I'll make sure to…"
I didn't let her finish. My hand struck back, hard and unapologetic.
"I may be the adopted daughter," I said coldly, "but I will not tolerate any form of disrespect from you."
Of course, my stepmother wouldn't let that slide. Just like always, I was dragged and thrown into my room like some criminal. This time, she even confiscated my cellphone.
Actually... I didn't even sleep with Richard.
Flashback
"Let's talk business," Richard said, his voice calm and steady.
"What?" I blinked, confused. I thought we were here to…
"What do you think we're here for?" he asked, raising a brow.
My cheeks flushed hot. Damn it. He caught me.
"Miss Madison, I'm not a playboy. I brought you here because I don't like discussing business in public. So... have a seat, please."
I sat awkwardly as he walked to a small wine cellar, pulling out a bottle and two glasses. He poured and handed one to me before settling in.
"So... why did you choose me for this deal?" he asked, genuine curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Because you're handsome," I blurted.
He choked on his wine, eyes widening as his cheeks turned noticeably red.
"Are you blushing?" I teased with a laugh.
"Of course not," he muttered, wiping his mouth.
"You are," I grinned. "But that's not the main reason."
I hesitated, unsure if I should reveal more, when my phone suddenly rang.
Sophia.
"Madison, what do you think you're doing?" she shrieked so loud I had to hold the phone away.
"What do you think I'm doing?" I replied, feigning innocence.
"Don't think you can get away with this. I just called William. He'll be here in a few minutes, and we'll both wait here until you come downstairs!" Her voice cracked — I could tell she was crying. Good.
"Well, I don't know who told you I'd be leaving tonight. But if I decide to stay until tomorrow... be my guest."
I hung up, chuckling softly.
I turned to Richard. "Would it be okay if I stayed here tonight? I... I feel safe around you."
He chuckled. "You didn't seem concerned about asking permission before. But sure, not like I have a choice now, do I?"
"Sorry," I said sheepishly.
"It's okay," he said. "You can stay."
He showed me to the guest room, and that was that — I stayed the night.
We agreed to postpone our meeting to the next day. Before I left, he gave me his number and said he'd send the location.
Back to the Present
Right. I needed to call him.
I'd been locked in this room all day with no food. Not that I ever trusted the meals they served me anyway.
Looking around, I spotted two of our servant's children outside, doing chores. Desperate, I called to them from the window.
"Hey! Hey!"
They looked up, surprised.
"I'll give each of you a hundred bucks if you lend me your phone for three minutes," I whispered.
"Really?!"
"Yes!"
"But how will we get it up there?" one asked.
I quickly tied my bedsheets together to form a line and lowered it down. They placed a phone in the makeshift pouch, and I pulled it up.
I dialed Richard's number. He picked up on the second ring.
"Who's this?" he sounded mildly annoyed.
"It's me. Madison," I said softly, glancing at the door to make sure no one was listening.
"Miss Madison? What happened? You're calling a bit late. I'm afraid we'll have to reschedule our meeting again."
"That's why I called. I'm sorry…"
"Why are you whispering? Where are you?"
"I'm at home. Sorry, I have to go."
I ended the call quickly, then returned the phone along with $200 for their trouble.
A few minutes later, the door burst open. My stepmother stood in the doorway, with Sophia just behind her — both looked far too smug.
"Who did you call? Richard?" my stepmother asked, crossing her arms.
Turns out one of the guards saw me giving the kids the phone and ratted me out.
"That's none of your business," I snapped.
She smirked, eyes glinting with malice. "Let me tell you something, Madison. He used you. Someone like Richard Benjamin would never marry an orphan. He's still going to choose my daughter."
"And who told you that?"
The voice came from behind her — calm, cold, and oh-so-familiar.
We all turned.
There he was.
Richard Benjamin, in a black suit that fit him like sin. His black shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a glimpse of his broad chest. His hair was slightly tousled, like he'd rushed over. A glinting Rolex on his wrist. Shiny black shoes. If I didn't already think he was hot before(and believe me, I did) he looked like a walking fantasy now.
"I will marry whoever I want to marry," he said, his gaze fixed on my stepmother and Sophia.
"No, Mr. Benjamin, it's not what it looks like" Sophia tried to explain, but he didn't even glance at her.
"Come out," he said to me.
I didn't move. I was too stunned to react. So he walked toward me, took my wrist, and pulled me past them both.
And for the first time in my life, I felt like someone had chosen me — not out of obligation, not out of pity... but because they wanted to.