Chapter 16: The Choice of the Heart

Two weeks passed peacefully.

For the first time in years, there were no threats, no lies, and no misunderstandings.

Jeremy continued visiting Ethan only when Madeline invited him.

He never appeared unexpectedly.

He respected every boundary she had set.

One afternoon, Madeline was preparing documents for the Paris Luxury Expo when her phone rang.

"Ms. Crawford," her assistant said excitedly.

"We've received another invitation."

"From whom?"

"Whitman Corporation."

"Mr. Whitman wants Crawford Design to become their exclusive jewelry partner."

Madeline looked at the proposal silently.

"Schedule a meeting."

"Yes, ma'am."

The following day, she arrived at Whitman Corporation.

It was the first time she had entered the building since returning to Glendale.

Many employees recognized her.

Years ago, they had whispered about the unwanted Mrs. Whitman.

Now they greeted her respectfully.

"Welcome, Ms. Crawford."

"It's an honor to meet you."

Madeline simply smiled.

Jeremy was already waiting in the conference room.

"Thank you for coming," he said.

"Let's discuss business."

For the next hour, they negotiated as equals.

No personal topics.

No emotional conversations.

Only professionalism.

When the meeting ended, Madeline stood to leave.

"One more thing," Jeremy said.

He handed her a small envelope.

"What's this?"

"Open it after you get home."

She accepted it without asking another question.

That evening, after Ethan fell asleep, Madeline finally opened the envelope.

Inside was a divorce agreement.

Already signed by Jeremy.

Along with a handwritten note.

"Five years ago, I forced you to remain in a marriage that brought you nothing but pain."

"Today, I want to give you something I should have given you long ago... freedom."

"If signing these papers helps you smile again, then I'll sign them a thousand times."

"Whether you choose to remain my wife or not..."

"Thank you for giving me Ethan."

Madeline sat quietly, staring at the documents.

Tears slowly filled her eyes.

Jeremy had finally done the one thing she never expected.

He had stopped fighting for himself.

Instead...

He was fighting for her happiness.

The next morning, Madeline visited Jeremy's office.

She placed the signed documents on his desk.

Jeremy looked down.

"You signed them."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"Because I couldn't give you a happy marriage."

Madeline smiled faintly.

"Neither of us could."

Jeremy picked up the papers.

His hands trembled slightly.

"I hope you'll find someone who deserves you."

Madeline quietly replied,

"Maybe I already have."

Jeremy looked up in surprise.

"But he still has a lot to prove."

Before he could ask what she meant, she walked toward the door.

"See you in Paris, Mr. Whitman."

A week later, the International Luxury Expo opened in Paris.

Business leaders from around the world gathered to celebrate innovation and design.

Crawford Design won the award for Best Emerging Luxury Brand.

As Madeline accepted the trophy, applause echoed throughout the hall.

Jeremy stood among the audience.

His eyes filled with pride.

After the ceremony ended, Ethan ran onto the stage.

"Mom!"

"You won!"

"We won," Madeline corrected, hugging him.

Jeremy approached slowly.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Ethan suddenly grabbed both of their hands.

"Take a picture together!"

"Please!"

Neither adult refused.

The photographer smiled.

"Closer together."

Jeremy hesitated.

Madeline quietly stepped beside him.

Flash.

The picture was taken.

It was the first family photograph they had ever willingly shared.

That evening, they walked along the Seine River.

Paris glowed beneath thousands of lights.

Ethan had fallen asleep in Jeremy's arms after an exhausting day.

"He's getting heavier," Jeremy laughed softly.

"He's growing up."

"Just like his father."

Madeline looked at Jeremy.

It was the first time she had called him Ethan's father without hesitation.

Jeremy stopped walking.

"Madeline..."

"Don't misunderstand."

"I'm only accepting the truth."

"Ethan deserves to know who his father is."

"And his father deserves the chance to be part of his life."

Jeremy's eyes became moist.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet."

"Why?"

"Because being Ethan's father..."

"And becoming my husband again..."

"Are two completely different things."

Jeremy smiled.

"I understand."

"I'll wait."

"However long it takes."

Madeline looked toward the sparkling river.

This time...

She didn't ask him to stop waiting.