Chapter104Return to the Homeland
Matthew subtly stole a glance at the petite woman next to him, completely absorbed in the TV show without blinking. Casually, he shifted his foot, unintentionally brushing against Madison's calf.
Unfazed, Madison continued to watch the TV intently, so Matthew finally set his phone down, disappointed, and muttered as he lay back, "I'm off to bed."
That finally got Madison's attention. She glanced over at him briefly. "Why so early? It's only 9."
"You go ahead, I'll finish the movie and then hit the sack," Madison said, returning her focus to the TV. With over thirty minutes left and no need to wake up early tomorrow, she planned to watch the entire thing in one go.
Matthew, however, couldn't fall asleep after lying down. Taking his phone, he sat up and announced, "I need to use the bathroom."
Madison thought to herself, 'Why tell me? Just go. Both Quentin and Hannah manage fine on their own.'
Watching Madison entirely absorbed in the movie, Matthew felt frustrated. He considered unplugging the TV, pretending it was broken—she might not even have noticed.
Once inside the bathroom, Matthew quietly sent a voice message to Hannah, asking her to quickly video call Mom.
Having arranged a little plan with his daughter, he came back from the bathroom, casually feigned lying back down as if to sleep, and almost instantly, Madison's phone rang. She reached for it on the nightstand.
It was Hannah's video call—hadn't they just finished a call with the two kids? Madison paused the movie and answered the call.
Hannah's voice came through, "Mom, are you asleep yet?"
"I'm still up. And you? What about Quentin and the godmother?"
"The godmother is in her room. Quentin and I are both on our beds. Wait, I'll go get brother."
The thud of footsteps quickly followed the shuffling sounds, and then Quentin appeared on the screen.
"Mom~"
"Is he asleep?" Madison saw her son looking drowsy and guessed his sister had woken him up.
"Hannah, time to sleep. Brother's going to bed, too."
"Mom, is Dad there with you?" Hannah asked unexpectedly, catching Madison off guard, not sure how to respond.
She had intended to share the news with the kids in person upon her return, so her recent calls and video chats had been individual with each child. How did Hannah come to suspect anything?
Madison glanced at the figure shrouded in covers, back turned to her on the bed, and suspicion gnawed at her. She had a hunch it was he who had talked to Hannah.
Two little angels were anxiously peering at her on the phone screen, awaiting her response. While she knew it was a conversation she would eventually need to have with them. She hadn't initially planned on revealing the news so soon.
Nodding affirmatively toward the camera, Madison confirmed, "Yes."
The kids' eyes sparkled with excitement, and in their thrill, they started bouncing on the bed.
Madison swiftly comforted them, coaxing them back to sleep before ending the video call. Setting her phone aside, she leaned back in bed with her arms crossed.
Matthew remained awake. He caught snippets of her farewells to Quentin and Hannah, felt her stowing away the phone, and then the room fell into complete silence.
His heart thumped irregularly. Why had she stopped watching the movie? Had she caught on that he'd sent Hannah a voice message? Was she angry?
Easing out from beneath the blankets, he sat up, giving a wary look at the woman next to him.
He'd managed to upset her. What now? He needed some advice.
Matthew got closer from behind.
"Honey, I'm sorry, okay? You were so engrossed in the movie and didn't pay me any heed. I swear I haven't told Hannah about us living together. I only asked her to video call you, nothing more," he pleaded softly.
Initially irritated, Madison hadn't anticipated falling asleep so quickly, and as a result, she didn't hear his apologies at all.
Having waited for a response that never came, Matthew recognized she was fast asleep. He cautiously moved closer, observing her steady breathing and closed eyes. She was in a deep slumber.
Matthew smiled, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek, then pulled Madison close in his arms, holding her tightly, and soon, he, too, surrendered to sleep.
The following day, before Madison could sit up in bed, Rachel's call arrived.
"Hey Madison, when will you be at the airport? We'll come pick you up."
Judging by Rachel's tone, it appeared that the kids hadn't revealed the secret yet.
Madison hesitated but finally spoke up.
"Rachel, there's no need for you guys to come. Just wait for me at home."
"Why? You take a cab?"
She glanced at the man still asleep beside her and said, "I... I'm coming back with Hannah's dad."
Rachel was a bit taken aback by the news. Although she had sensed something brewing, hearing Madison herself say it was still quite a surprise.
‘So it turns out Madison and Matthew have made up!’
The ones who were definitely happiest about the reunion were Quentin and Hannah.
With Madison having her reliable protector, it seemed like the perfect chance for Matthew to step up. Rachel intended to visit the supermarket early and gather supplies. They had contacted Madison on the day of her finals and learned she had won first place, so they were all set to celebrate her return.
Madison ended the call, glanced at the time, and decided it was too late to go back to sleep. She got up, freshened up, and started packing her bags.
She was almost done packing when she woke Matthew.
Matthew rose, still in a bit of a haze, with vague recollections of the previous night, uncertain if Madison was still upset. He refreshed himself in the bathroom and then came back to the room. He removed his white T-shirt, exposing his well-defined muscles, and stood there half-naked, searching for clothes.
Madison, who had been squatting down packing, stood up and saw him without a shirt.
Blushing, she said, "Put on your shirt quickly."
Matthew turned, saw her blushing, and acted all innocent. It wasn't that he didn't want to wear a shirt—he was just looking for one.
Finally, everything was packed, and they were ready to head home.
Horizon City, airport.
Brian brought the car around for his boss, handing the keys over to Matthew.
Matthew took Madison back to their place at New River Gardens. Opening the door, Quentin and Hannah rushed toward them.
"Daddy, Mommy, you're back!" Matthew picked up Hannah while Madison held Quentin's hand, and the family of four entered the house.
Madison handed gifts to everyone. Rachel's eyes sparkled with excitement upon seeing her new handbag, and she enveloped Madison in a warm hug and a kiss.
"Oh my gosh, thank you, Madison! I love you so much!"
Rachel made dinner for Matthew and Madison.
After enjoying the meal, Madison shooed Matthew away, saying it wasn't appropriate for him to stay with Rachel there. Matthew hadn't expected to be pushed into a separation so soon after returning. They might as well have stayed in Paris a bit longer.
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