Chapter 116 The Meeting
Chapter 116 The Meeting
Madison held onto her phone, remaining silent. The caller insisted on a meeting and appeared to be waiting for her.
"I'm sorry, it might not be convenient."
"I'm just at the coffee shop next to your studio."
After ending the call, Madison picked up her bag and left.
Rachel caught her on the way out, noticing her pallor, and asked with concern, "Madison, are you going out? Is something wrong?"
Madison forced a thin smile. "Yeah, just need to step out for a bit."
"Just be careful, all right? Call me if you need anything," Rachel said, concerned, edging her voice.
"Will do."
Upon entering the coffee shop, Madison's attention was immediately drawn to the woman sitting by the window.
The woman had her back turned, with brown curls flowing down, and she wore an elegant black dress that caught the attention of passersby.
Madison approached. "Miss Smith, hello."
Brianna looked up. "Mrs. Johnson, please, take a seat."
She signaled the server with a wave of her hand. "What can I get for Mrs. Johnson?"
"Lemonade, thank you," Madison told the server.
They sat facing each other, Brianna stirring her coffee, and Madison sipping her lemonade.
"What's the reason for inviting me out, Miss Smith?" Madison set down her glass, her tone grave.
Brianna regarded Madison with haughty eyes. "How does it feel to reclaim your throne as Mrs. Johnson?"
"What kind of answer are you looking for, Miss Smith? I'm thrilled and truly content. Does that satisfy you? Besides, I see no need to share my joy with you," Madison replied with a slight smile, gracefully dodging the attack.
Brianna tightened her grip on her coffee cup, her face attempting to mask her anger.
Her face quickly softened as she donned a polite smile. "Thank God for Matthew taking care of me last night, or else..."
Madison's face turned pale, her hands clasped tightly under the table.
Noticing her reaction, Brianna smirked with satisfaction, purposely adding, "Matthew shouldn't have had so much to drink on an empty stomach. He'll be feeling it today. Taking care of him last night must've been quite the task for you."
Madison was flooded with memories—Matthew had gotten drunk last night to protect Brianna. It wasn't about others urging him to drink; it was to assist Brianna, the woman who had thanked him on Facebook.
"In marriage, it's only natural to look after one another," Madison said coolly, her face emotionless.
Brianna wasn't flustered, she had already accomplished her goal. She gracefully sipped her coffee.
"Is this why you asked to meet me?"
"Of course not. I just heard about your reconciliation and wanted to offer my congratulations. Here's to you keeping him firmly by your side this time."
After finishing her words, Brianna picked up her purse and walked away.
Madison sat alone at her table, unmoving, until noon. Rachel, noticing she hadn't returned, decided to give her a call.
"Hey, Madison, everything all right? Do you wanna come back and have lunch together?"
"Rachel, I might not be heading to the studio today; I've got some other things to take care of."
"No worries, take care of what you need to. Are you okay?" Rachel frowned, concern lacing her words as she recalled Madison's pale face that morning.
"I'm fine, really, don't worry. I'll be there tomorrow morning," Madison rallied her spirits and feigned ease, not wanting Rachel to sense anything was off.
"All right then."
Madison, upset and uncertain, walked down the street, debating whether to call Matthew and address the situation but hesitating due to her lack of courage.
Matthew had attempted to call earlier, but Madison hadn't answered. Subsequently, he sent her messages on Facebook.
[Babe, why aren't you picking up the phone? Did you leave early this morning? Why didn't you wake me? I missed my good morning kiss.
Babe, I'm off to the office. I'll pick you up Tonight.
"Babe, lunch was awful; I miss your cooking.
Babe, I have a headache; I don't feel like working.]
...
Reading each message, Madison's heart sank further.
The last message from Matthew read, [Babe, why aren't you replying? I think I'll ditch work and come find you now.]
As Madison walked along the main road, staring at her phone screen, she finally let out a deep sigh and sent a reply.
[I've got things to deal with today, not at the studio. Don't bother picking me up; I'll head home early. I'll pick up Quentin and Hannah.]
Matthew quickly responded, [All right then.]
Madison returned her phone to her bag and continued walking until she reached the downtown plaza. There, she found a bench to sit and rest on.
The square brimmed with life: street dancers performed with a gathered crowd, parents played with their children, some frolicked with bubble machines, while others splashed around a nearby fountain.
Surrounded by this beautiful and bustling scene, Madison sat quietly on the sidelines, taking it in.
Madison stayed on the bench until the crowd dispersed. Later, she hailed a cab to the nursery school, picked up her kids, Quentin and Hannah Garcia, and treated them to snacks. They all retreated to their room to play with bricks and LEGOs. Exhausted, Madison planned to rest on the bed but ended up falling asleep.
When she woke up, she realized it was already getting dark. She hurried out of bed, having forgotten to cook dinner.
As she stepped out of her room, Matthew had just come in through the front door.
"Honey, I'm home," Matthew said, dropping his briefcase, eager to wrap her in his embrace.
Madison sidestepped smoothly, turning her head away while pretending to look for an excuse.
"I overslept and forgot to start dinner; I'll go put the rice on."
Matthew followed her into the kitchen, suggesting, "Babe, don't worry about cooking. Let's order takeout or go out to eat."
Madison paused, the rice cooker in hand. She really wasn't in the mood to cook and sheepishly set it down.
"Okay, we'll order takeout for the kids and me. I'm not hungry and don't feel like going out."
After saying that, Madison made a beeline for her room.
Matthew now noticed her mood was off.
"What happened today?"
"Nothing, probably just tired because I didn't sleep well last night," Madison replied, still not ready to confront him about the previous night's events, wondering if he was sincere or just acting. She felt so drained.
"You go rest in the bedroom; I'll order the takeout. I'll call you when it arrives."
Madison nodded lightly without looking back and retreated to her room.
Watching her go, Matthew felt a vague unease.
Matthew called a nearby restaurant, chose dishes the kids and Madison liked, and arranged for a quick delivery. Later, he checked on the two little ones in their rooms.
He opened the bedroom door and found Madison curled up on the bed.
He walked over gently and softly, calling out, "Honey?"
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