Chapter 132 - My Neighbor

Madeline's POV

"Hello, Madeline!" Calixto exclaimed the moment he answered my call, and I smiled as I think about him, but I can also feel the tears that welled up in my eyes because Cal is always like a father to us, especially to Hunter. He will always be there for us, and there is no occasion or family gathering that Cal will not be around because he is part of our family. And Calixto will always remind my husband and me about our wedding anniversary. Even if Cal knew I will never forget that date because our wedding anniversary will always be special for me even if we are not together anymore. After all, I know deep in my heart I can't forget Hunter because my love for him will last for a lifetime no matter how much he hurt me.

"Cal, " I softly called his name because I became speechless.

"Madeline, are you okay?" He asked me, and my smile broadens as I can feel his concern in his voice, and I don't know what my reaction would be if I am going to talk with Hunter.

"Yes, I am, don't worry about me, Calixto. I am calling you because I want to ask a favor from you." I declared.

"You can ask me anything, Maddie. What can I do for you?" He asked, and I swallowed my saliva before I answer him.

"I know Hunter is always busy with his work, and do you think you can insert me with his schedule? Because I want to have an appointment with him tomorrow." I declared as I can feel my voice trembled, and I wish we are talking personally right now because I can't deny how much I miss Cal.

"Madeline, you are Hunter's wife, and you can talk to him anytime. I know I don't have any right to meddle with your affair, but I am so concerned about your marriage, and I hope you can work it out, and you can give your husband a second chance." Cal replied, and I half-laugh, I want to tell him what I feel as of the moment, and the image of Rebecca being pregnant with Hunter's child popped up on my mind, and I hope it would be that easy.

"Cal, I hope we can talk, but for now, it is very complicated, and I wish it would be that simple. Hunter hurt me, and it would be so hard for me to accept what happened. I want to talk with him, and if you can tell me what time I can come to his office, I would appreciate it, and I hope he will be around tomorrow." 

"Of course, he will be available tomorrow any time you want, and he is available for you for twenty-four hours, for heaven's sake, Maddie, you are his wife, and you have all the right to come and meet your husband. And I am asking you to go home to your house. Mr. Divenson needs you this time, Madeline." He said, and I became angrier because I couldn't believe he didn't even bother to look for me if he was affected by our situation, and I think he is waiting for me to come to him and beg him to take me back.

"Really? He didn't even bother to come and get me." I said as I tried to lower my voice.

"Believe me, Madeline, he was eager to see you; I am not in the position to talk on his behalf because this I a personal matter between you and him, as husband and wife, but I am very sure that he wants you to come home, Madeline." He declared.

"I need to go now, Cal. I will be there tomorrow." I said, and I said goodbye to him. After all, I don't want to talk more because I can feel my tears are about to fall. And I need to see my husband first and talk with him about my decision before telling Calixto about it since I am aware that they are very close with each other, and I am aware Cal knew all of Hunter's secrets than me.

I heavily sighed after I ended the call, and to be honest, I still want to talk with Cal because I miss talking with him, but I don't want to cry again because I am too tired of crying almost every night and day.

"I thought you don't want your husband to see you, and why do you suddenly want to see him now after days of hiding from him?" Gina asked me, and I looked at her for a long time before I answer her.

"Because I don't want to prolong my agony, Gina, and I admit even if I don't want Hunter to see me, I am still hoping that he will look for me and tell me that he was sorry, but he didn't come, and I can now tell he chose her over me." I said, and Gina shook her head.

"Madeline, I don't think so. I still believe that your husband cares for you, and he will never let you go. I am sure of that because I know how much he loves you." My best friend responded, and I shook my head as I sip my wine.

"We better stop talking about my husband, Gina, because I am going to face him tomorrow whatever it takes because I want to make a decision soon so that I can continue living my life even if I know it will wreck me because you know how much I love my husband." I replied.

"Exactly, that is why you should think about it carefully. It would be best if you didn't have regrets, Maddie. I know what you have been through in your life, and I don't want to see you in pain again. And I just can't let you suffer because I am your best friend, and every time you are hurt, I am also hurting." She said, and I moved closer to her, and she hugged me.

"I am sorry, Gina, I never ask for this life, and if I have it my way, I want to be happy always, but it seems this is my life. And I think it is part of my destiny that I should suffer from my life, and I believe it is part of who I am. And all I need to do is to accept everything that is happening with me without complaining about it because if I am going to question everything, no one can answer me why I am suffering right now, Gina." I said, and I finish drinking my wine in one gulp, and I didn't let Gina answered me as I quickly got up from the dining chair, and I get a bottle of vodka from the cabinet because I want to drink more to forget my husband again.

"Hey, you should drink moderately, Madeline, if you don't want to have another hangover episode. This time I am alone, Cerila can't help me take good care of you, besides I need to come home tonight. And if you want to look beautiful in your husband's eyes, you better drink the wine, and we can consume that vodka after you meet your husband." Gina said, and I hate that her words get me, and I don't want to admit that I still want my husband to love me. Instead of drinking the vodka, I keep it unopened, and I continued drinking the wine. And I can see Gina is smiling at me, and we continue drinking our wine and eating cheese in silence.

Gina waved her hand at me as she drives away from my driveway, and I only get back inside my home when I could no longer see her car. Now that I am alone, I suddenly feel the emptiness. I take a shower and put on my nightdress, and this is the part that I hated the most, trying to get some sleep without thinking about Hunter. Still, no matter what I do, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about my husband and the pain that he had caused me. And it took me a long while before I finally fall asleep.

I wake up early, and I prepare my breakfast, and I know I need to eat nutritious food since I don't have enough sleep for how many nights now after I left home, after I found out Hunter's secret. I sliced fruits and some vegetables and made a smoothie. I know Hunter is always coming to his office early because he hates being late, and I want to see him in the morning because I can't stop myself from feeling so anxious. And after getting dress into a knee-length sleeveless dress, I get out of my house hastily.

"Maddie! Madeline?" I was about to get inside my car when I hear a familiar voice calling my name, and when I looked around, I am surprised to see Jack Morigan in his running clothes.

"Jack? What are you doing here?" I asked, and I couldn't believe all the people I will see Jack in my new place.

"I live in this neighborhood a few blocks from here." He said, and I realized he was living on the other side where the houses are more prominent, and the houses are bigger, from two-story to three-story homes.

"And what are you doing here, Madeline?" He asked, and his intense gaze made me blushed.

"I live here now." I replied, and his face lit up, but I can see the confusion on his handsome face.

"Really? So, we are neighbors now, but how come?" He asked, and I can't tell him yet what happened since I am in a hurry, and I don't want Jack to pity me.

"It is a long story." I replied.

"I always have time for you, Madeline, and I am a good listener." He said, and he gave me his sweetest smile that I know can melt anyone's heart, and if I wasn't only in love with Hunter, I am sure it wouldn't be so hard to fall in love with the handsome chef.

"Thank you, but I need to go now." I said, and he nodded his head.

"I am so happy to see you, Madeline." He said.

"Me too, Jack." I replied.

"I hope I can visit your place one of these days to welcome you properly, and I promise to bring you your favorite food." He said, and I can't contain my happiness.

"That would be great, maybe next time since I need to go now." I said, and I know I can trust Jack because we are friends even though I know he felt something for me. That is why I always make sure I didn't give him the wrong signal.

"Of course, I will be looking forward to it, Madeline." He said and waved his hand to me before he continued his early run. I was smiling as I drive away from my house because I realized it is nice to meet a friend when you felt so down. 

As I near the Divenson building, I couldn't stop the rapid beating of my heart. I parked my car on the parking slot intended for me, and I smiled when I saw the placard that has the plate number of my sports car. Still, I am driving my new car today, and I know it is less expensive and not a luxury car, but I love it since I bought it, I parked beside my husband's car, and I couldn't stop the rapid beating of my heart as I realized my husband is already on his office. I got out of my car, and get inside the main door, and walked to the lobby going to the elevator while I was controlling the pounding of my heart against my chest as I take my every step.. And I didn't inform Cal that I am already on my way because I want to come unannounced.