Chapter 2 - MADISON’S PERFECT WORLD
Madison Whitmore believed appearances were a form of power.
Her social media pages showed a flawless life: expensive restaurants, polished marble counters, designer shoes, luxury vacations, and carefully arranged flowers.
What the photographs did not show was that most of the house belonged to a family trust controlled by Eleanor.
The modern home where Kyle and Madison lived had originally been purchased by Thomas as an investment. After their wedding, he allowed them to live there without paying rent.
Madison told everyone Kyle had bought it for her.
Kyle never corrected her.
At first, Eleanor dismissed the exaggerations. Madison had grown up with very little, and Eleanor understood the desire to feel secure.
But over time, Madison’s insecurity became contempt.
She stopped attending family dinners because Eleanor’s home was “too old-fashioned.” She refused Thomas’s antique dining table because it looked “used.” She replaced family photographs with abstract artwork chosen by an interior designer.
Kyle apologized for her constantly.
“She’s under pressure at work.”
“She’s tired.”
“She wants the baby to have the best.”
Eleanor wanted to believe him.
After the pregnancy announcement, Madison became obsessed with creating what she called a luxury childhood.
The crib had to be imported.
The stroller cost more than Eleanor’s first car.
The nursery furniture arrived from Italy.
When Eleanor offered to sew curtains, Madison smiled as though speaking to a child.
“That’s sweet, but we’ve already hired someone.”
Kyle stood beside her and said nothing.
His silence hurt Eleanor more than Madison’s words.
One evening, Madison showed Eleanor photographs of the planned baby shower.
The decorations alone cost thousands of dollars.
“There will be important people there,” Madison said. “Please dress appropriately.”
Eleanor looked down at her simple blue cardigan.
“I always do.”
Madison’s smile tightened.
“And bring a gift from the registry. We’re trying to avoid clutter.”
Eleanor thought about the blanket waiting in her sewing room.
“It isn’t from the registry.”
May you like
Madison sighed.
“Then keep the receipt.”
