Chapter 163 Out of Town for a Month
Melissa and Willow were still a bit perplexed. Was Liam that easygoing? There were no consequences for Ophelia running off to see young, handsome men. He really must have changed.
Mitchell, ever considerate, arranged for each of the three ladies to be served a glass of juice and even ordered some meals to be brought in. Initially, they were indignant about not being allowed to drink alcohol in the bar.
But when they saw a variety of meals being served, they quickly compromised. Alcohol was not important; food was what mattered. They weren't heavy drinkers, after all; how could alcohol compare to delicious meal?
Hence, the three of them found themselves thoroughly enjoying their time in the bar, realizing they were having a nice time.
Aurora Heights.
The Matthew family of four finished their dinner and were nestled together on the couch, watching an animated movie. Of course, Quentin and Hannah were mainly entranced, while Madison and Matthew were only there to accompany them.
On the couch, Matthew wrapped his arm around Madison, and they sat close together. Hannah was seated next to Madison, and Quentin was next to Matthew. The scene was warm and picturesque.
Madison's hand was clasped by Matthew's, his fingers gently caressing hers.
Casually, Madison asked, "Why didn't you go out with Patrick and Willow tonight?"
"I didn't want to go out," Matthew replied, holding Madison close and resting his chin on her forehead, his voice muffled. "Wanted to stay home with Madison and the kids."
Madison could sense something was preoccupying Matthew because he seemed unusually distracted that evening. Concerned, she asked, "What's wrong? Is there something happening with the company?"
Matthew embraced Madison, and after a moment of silence, he replied, "I might have to go on a business trip next week."
"Oh, for how long?"
"It could be for a month."
"That long!" Madison thought it would be at most a week. She hadn't expected a whole month. Since they had reconciled, they hadn't been apart for such an extended period, which left her feeling a slight sense of loss.
"I'll try to come back early. It's hard for Madison to look after our two little ones," Matthew soothed her. Then he turned to Quentin and instructed, "When I'm away on business, help take care of your mom and Willow, okay?"
Quentin nodded with a serious expression beyond his years, "Sure, dad. You can count on me. I'll take good care of mom and Willow. Have a safe trip."
Matthew patted his son's head in a gesture that signifies a silent understanding between the two men.
Hannah, with her big innocent eyes, asked, "dad, are you going to be gone a long, long time? Like when I lived with mom and big brother before?"
Matthew picked up his daughter and put her on his lap. "Of course not, Hannah. I'll be back by the time you and your brother start summer break." With one more month of preschool before vacation, he hoped he would be back by then.
"So, how long is that?" Hannah still seemed to lack a concept of time as she continued to stare at Matthew with her big eyes, demanding a definitive answer.
"Not very long at all," Madison reassured her. "If Hannah counts to 30 once a day, by the time you reach 30, Matthew will be back."
"Oh! So, it's like 1, 2, 3..." Hannah started counting on her own, quickly reaching 30. "mom, I've counted to 30, so is dad coming back this quickly?"
Matthew and Madison looked at their adorable daughter and couldn't help but laugh at her actions. Matthew smiled and said, "Yes, just like that. I'll be back before you know it, Hannah."
Seeing that it was getting late, Madison took the two little ones to wash up and get ready for bed while Matthew returned to their room ahead of time. When Madison came back to the room, she saw Matthew standing on the balcony, his silhouette oddly sad and lonely, which made her want to give him a big hug and offer some comfort. He was still wearing the coat he had on earlier, which indicated he hadn't taken a shower this whole time.
Something was definitely off. Ever since he came back from the office today, he wasn't himself, and he even mentioned he had to go on a business trip for a whole month—there must be something going on.
Madison walked over and wrapped her arms around Matthew's waist from behind. "Matthew, is there something bothering you?"
Matthew turned around and led Madison back into the room. It was raining that evening, and the temperature had dropped. He was worried about her catching a cold on the windy balcony. "You're wearing so little; let's go inside where it's warmer."
Madison followed him back inside obediently. Once Matthew closed the balcony door and ensured it was secure, the two sat on the bed hand in hand, like a couple in the throes of a passionate romance, unwilling to let go.
Madison patiently waited for Matthew to speak. She looked serious, like the most attentive and top-performing student during study time, sitting upright on the edge of the bed, her posture hinting at her nervousness.
Matthew turned his head to look at Madison's earnest appearance and couldn't help but laugh. "Madison, don't be so tense."
Madison had indeed been quite anxious. Her body tensed involuntarily. His laughter broke the mood, and she raised her small fist, playfully punching his chest.
"Madison, take it easy." Matthew joked, clutching his chest and pretending to be hurt.
Madison couldn't stand his teasing, especially at a time like this—it was hardly the demeanor of a CEO. She turned her back to him, refusing to engage, "Hmph."
Realizing he had pushed her buttons, Matthew quickly became serious again and got up to move to the other side of Madison. "Madison, don't be mad; I was just joking."
Madison wasn't truly angry; she was just concerned he might be trying to gloss over things and hide some dangerous activities from her.
"So where exactly is this business trip taking you for so long?" she inquired.
Matthew sighed softly. "To Italy."
"Italy, that's far, isn't it?" Madison had yet to expect him to travel internationally, especially for such an extended period. She remembered the last time he went on a business trip abroad; he ended up getting shot.
"The flight will be quick," Matthew said, trying to sound casual.
"It's a serious matter, isn't it?" Madison guessed although he had yet to speak directly about it. There must be danger involved; otherwise, he wouldn't be acting so out of character.
"There might be danger, but I'll make sure you're safe," Matthew didn't want to deceive Madison by claiming there was nothing to worry about. There were too many unknowns about the future, and he didn't know what might happen, but he was certain that he would do everything in his power to protect her this time.
Seeing Madison's silence, Matthew chatted away uncharacteristically, sharing the story of how his parents had passed away, what he had been investigating in recent years, and what this trip was about. He told Madison everything.
"Don't worry, Madison. For you, Quentin, and Hannah, I'll be okay. The death of my parents has been a thorn in my side. If I don't go and deal with it myself, I'll never get over it."
Madison hesitated but finally spoke up, "Matthew, I want to go with you."
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