waking up with my nemesis' baby novel

But she didn't dare snap at Madeleine . Instead , she waved over a waiter to take over the camera duties . She insisted on finishing her little photoshoot before letting Madeleine touch her food . " Just a few more shots , " Mary said , adjusting her hair . " It's gotta look perfect . " Madeleine crossed her arms , her irritation bubbling up . " Seriously ? " " Alright , alright , I'm done !" Mary laughed awkwardly , snatching her phone back and flashing a placating grin . " Sorry to keep you waiting , Maddie . Let's dig in . " Madeleine didn't respond .

She picked up her fork and knife , slicing into the food . The dishes were decent enough , though a couple had gone cold , their flavors dulled . As she ate , she decided to fish for some answers about the past few years . Chapter 26 " Mary , we ... " " Call me Leticia ! " " So , Leticia , " Madeleine started , the name feeling clumsy on her tongue . " When did we become friends ? " Mary glanced up , surprised . " Why are you asking that all of a sudden ? " " Just came to mind ," Madeleine said with a shrug . Mary smirked , leaning back .

" What , is your head so full of your husband you forgot everything else ? It was , like , four or five years ago . We ran into each other at a golf course . You saw me nailing my swing , came over to chat , and then we realized we went to high school together ! " She conveniently left out the messier details . That day , Mary had been at the golf course with a wealthy playboy , only to get caught by his furious wife . The woman had pounced , leaving Mary battered and bruised until Madeleine stepped in , smoothing things over and saving her from further humiliation . Chapter 26 " Golf ...

" Madeleine muttered , poking at a delicate bubble of molecular gastronomy on her plate . " I don't even like golf . " " You don't , but your husband does , " Mary said with a knowing grin . " You pulled out all the stops to win Edward over . " Madeleine's fork slipped , hitting the plate with a sharp ring . " My husband ... you mean Edward? " she asked , her voice barely concealing her shock . " Yeah ," Mary said , rolling her eyes . " That's what you've always called him in front of me . " Madeleine's gaze drifted to the perfume bottle on the table . No wonder the scent felt so familiar .

She'd caught a whiff of it that night at Phelrania , when she'd crossed paths with Edward . Her thoughts began to spiral , pieces clicking into place . If her suspicions were right , her body had been taken over- hijacked by someone else with a purpose she couldn't yet grasp. Chapter 20 Mary was probably just a pawn in this stranger's game - an NPC in whatever bizarre mission had been set in motion . Approaching Edward , obsessing over him ... that must have been her goal . But why ? Why use her body to get close to Edward , even to obsess over him ? Had she succeeded ?

And if she had , why was Madeleine- eighteen - year - old Madeleine - here now , trapped in this unfamiliar life ? Her head throbbed , a dull hammering pulsing behind her temples . The more she tried to untangle the mystery , the worse it got . She pressed a hand to her forehead , her face paling . Only when she forced her mind away from the thoughts did the pain finally ease . " Maddie , you okay ? You look like you're about to pass out , " Mary said , her voice tinged with concern . Chapter 26 " I'm fine , " Madeleine murmured , shaking her head .

She excused herself to the bathroom , splashing cold water on her face to dull the pain . When she returned , she felt steadier but no less wary of Mary . She didn't like Mary - never had , really . But over the years , it seemed she'd spilled her secrets to her , and today , that loose tongue was proving useful . Mary had let slip plenty : how Madeleine had quit ballet because Edward once sneered at her " ugly " dancer's feet and how she'd started wearing pink because Edward had ogled a starlet in a pink gown at some glitzy event .

Edward's name clung to her past like a shadow , shaping every choice she'd made . It made Madeleine's blood boil . She couldn't understand . Why had she let herself revolve around him ? Why had she bent so far to please him ? " You're acting weird today , Maddie , " Mary said , tilting her head . " What's with all the nostalgia ? " Chapter 26 Madeleine forced a smile . " My memory's been fuzzy lately . Just trying to jog it , you know ? Keep the past from slipping away . " Mary's face lit up , and she reached for Madeleine's hand , her grip a little too eager. " Don't worry , I've got you .

I'll help you remember everything . " Madeleine pulled her hand back , her smile tight . " Thanks . You done eating ? Let's get out of here . " " Cool , you grab the bill , " Mary said breezily . Madeleine raised an eyebrow . " Me ? " Mary's expression shifted to a pitiful pout , her eyes wide and pleading . " Maddie , you know my family's broke . I can't afford it ! You always said I'd never have to pay when we're out together .

" Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.