Chapter 170 It's Over So Soon

Although the soup was steaming hot, Willow somehow managed to devour a large bowl in just ten minutes. Perhaps she was truly famished, or maybe Jonah had cooked it, but either way, she slurped down every last drop.

"You can't skip meals, or you'll starve your stomach," Mitchell chided as he tidied up the spoon and fork, unable to stop himself from lecturing as he spoke.

Full and satisfied, Willow crossed her legs and sat on the couch, nodding vigorously, "Mhm, got it, Jonah."

Sitting on the sofa, she watched Mitchell washing dishes in the kitchen and felt a sense of surreal disbelief. There he was, dressed in dress pants and a rolled-up shirt, bringing an air of liveliness to Willow's cozy kitchen. Who knew that even a luminary like him could be so down-to-earth?

Mitchell dried his hands and walked over, reminding her, "If you're feeling sick, rest at home for a few more days. Don't skip eating. If you don't have the energy to cook, have someone deliver food."

Willow blinked her large eyes at him and replied, "Understood, Jonah."

Mitchell sighed helplessly, feeling like a nagging old mother, "I'm heading out."

"Oh..." Willow's tone was notably downcast.

Mitchell walked over and patted her head, "Don't 'oh.' What do you want for dinner? I'll bring it back for you."

Her spirits lifted instantly at the offer, "Ravioli."

"Ravioli?"

"Yes, it's from a trendy new spot that's been popular online, not far from the office. I'll text you the address later."

"Alright, you get some rest. I'm off," he said, then headed out.

Willow remained seated on the couch, lost in thought, feeling as if some extinguished ember within her was being rekindled, as though something was beginning to grow and thrive once more.

Should she keep waiting for a miracle?

*

Matthew had also been so busy lately that he hadn't had time to play games with his two children. Balancing communications with Dorian regarding future projects and handling company affairs meant that he was mostly secluded in his room, even when he was home.

The kids had been complaining to Madison that it had been ages since Matthew had played with them. Seeing him work so hard made her feel for him, and she took the opportunity to convey the little ones' wishes to him.

So, tonight, for the first time in a long while, Matthew was seen sitting on the living room couch, to the delight of both children.
"Matthew, aren't you going to the study to work today?" Hannah asked in a sing-song voice. Matthew had been holed up in his room the past few days, and Mrs. Jonah had said he was busy with work, insisting that they shouldn't disturb him.

"Yeah, how about Matthew plays games with you today?" Matthew picked up his daughter and placed her on his lap, kissing her small cheek.

"Matthew, let's play with the LEGO set Auntie gave us last time. We haven't finished it yet," Quentin suggested. The two kids took Matthew by the hand, ready to pull him into their room.

Quentin held onto Matthew with one hand and grabbed Madison with the other, "Let's have Mrs. Jonah join us as well."

Matthew looked affectionately at Madison and added, "Yeah, let's all play together."

"Alright then."

The family of four entered the room and sat down on the floor.

Matthew directed by looking at the instructions. Mrs. Jonah found the right pieces, and the two little ones were built. The division of labor was clear, and the atmosphere was full of joy. It took them nearly two hours to complete the project, and their creation was a beautiful Ferris wheel.

"Wow, we're so good, we really did it!" Little Hannah couldn't help but exclaim.

"It's all because Matthew and Mrs. Jonah helped," Quentin said proudly, feeling quite accomplished.

Indeed, the world of children is simple, where companionship is the best education.

Madison called the two kids to wash up, "Alright, today's mission accomplished. It's time for a bath. Ladies first, Hannah, you go ahead."

"Okay, let younger Madison go first; I'll help Matthew clean up the floor," Quentin said, showing his gentlemanly and thoughtful side.

Madison led Hannah to the bathroom for their routine, leaving father and son alone.

Matthew looked fondly at his son as they placed the finished LEGO set on the table, "We'll move it to the villa sometime soon; there's no more room here," Matthew said with a smile.

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking too, Matthew," Quentin replied obediently, then started to collect the leftover pieces scattered on the floor.

Matthew squatted down to help, "Matthew has got it; you sit down for a bit."
"Matthew, I'm not tired. I want to stick with you," insisted Quentin as they tidied up together. Remembering Matthew's years away, Quentin had undoubtedly been a great help to Mrs. Jonah.

"Quentin, I'll be going on a business trip the day after tomorrow, so Mrs. Jonah and your younger sister Madison will be counting on you to look after them," Matthew said as he placed the last building block into a bag and sat down on the floor with his son.

"Okay, Matthew, we'll be waiting for you to come back home."

"That's my boy," Matthew said, fondly ruffling Quentin's hair.

Just then, Madison came out with Hannah wrapped in a bath towel. Matthew quickly went over to take his daughter and lay her on the bed while Madison found her pajamas to dress her. "I forgot to grab her pajamas and just brought her out in a towel," Madison explained.

"Hannah is getting bigger; let her walk out next time with her shoes on. Holding her is still hard work," Matthew said, unwilling to see Madison strain herself. He decided it was a sacrifice worth making for the benefit of his daughter.

With pajamas in hand, Quentin declared, "I'm going to take a shower, Matthew, Mrs. Jonah. You guys should head to your room and rest, too."

After Hannah was tucked into bed in her pajamas, Madison turned off the overhead light, leaving only Quentin's bedside lamp on as she and Matthew left the children's room.

Back in their bedroom, Matthew received another phone call, and Madison went to take a shower.

She had just finished when Matthew finally hung up the phone. He turned and embraced Madison, "Madison, I'm flying out to Italy the day after tomorrow. Brian just sent me the ticket information."

His hands were ice cold, probably from the lengthy phone call he'd made on the balcony earlier. They were even more frigid than Madison's, who'd just come out of a warm shower. The chills ran through her body, causing goosebumps.

Surprised by the news, Madison stuttered, "So soon!"

"Yes, the sooner I get this resolved, the sooner I can come back to you all," Matthew consoled her, seeming reluctant to leave.

"You have to come back safe. The kids and I will be waiting for you at home," Madison said, turning to face him and speaking earnestly.

"I promise," Matthew replied, their eyes locked in a tender gaze, shining like stars in the night sky or the depths of a fascinating pool.

Their eyes radiated a soft tenderness, sincere and passionate, enough to make one's heart skip a beat.
Madison slowly closed her eyes and tilted her head back as a gentle kiss descended upon her. Suddenly, she was swept off her feet, causing her to let out a startled scream, "Ah!"

Matthew, holding Madison in his arms, carried her into the bathroom.

"What are you doing? I've already taken a shower!" Madison said, laughing while playfully hitting Matthew's chest.

With a mischievous smile, he replied, "Join me for another one."

The sound of running water drowned out the pounding of their hearts as the moon outside shyly hid behind the clouds.
True Love After Divorce
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