Chapter 175 Rome
Madison put her phone down and lay in bed for a while before falling asleep. She finally slept well and didn't wake up until the morning light streamed in.
As soon as she awoke, she eagerly grabbed her phone to check for messages. Sure enough, Matthew replied on Facebook.
He had written: "Madison arrived safely, missing you."
It was just one sentence, but it calmed Madison's heart, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. Knowing he was safe was a relief. The mutual longing was enough to make her heartbeat quicker.
Rome, Italy.
After Matthew and Victor landed, they found a hotel to stay in.
As soon as Matthew got off the plane, he turned on his phone, eager to check for messages from Madison. She hadn't said or asked much, only mentioning his name. He couldn't wait to reply, to alleviate her worries. He had only just arrived, and he had already missed her.
Italy, with its Mediterranean climate, was in the south of Europe and, even in winter, wasn't very cold, making it perfect for travel.
Standing in front of their hotel room's floor-to-ceiling window, Matthew gazed at the city's landscape, which differed from Horizon City. He thought about how he might bring Madison and their child on a future trip. They could see the sights of Milan, the beauty of Venice, the mysteries of Rome...
Victor walked in, "Matthew, we've got a message from Dorian. Meeting tomorrow."
"Good, let's gather our people in Rome, just in case," said Matthew. Though the primary purpose of this trip was to collaborate with Dorian, Matthew's nature wouldn't allow him to rely solely on others without making his preparations.
"Will do, Matthew," Victor replied and left the room.
Matthew continued to stand in front of the window, lost in thought. His gaze rested on the towering skyscrapers outside. Watching the bustling city, he wondered if, this time, it was finally over.
The next day, Dorian's chosen meeting place was a mansion. As Victor drove Matthew to the location, he was puzzled - was this a direct invitation to Dorian's own home?
A person sent by Dorian greeted them and led them inside. They walked through a long corridor lined with roses of various colors, a beautiful display.
With Victor following, Matthew entered the living room with an impassive expression and a slight furrow in his brow, noting Dorian's taste for leisure and elegance. Upon entering, they saw Dorian in casual attire, sitting on a sofa in the mansion's very Western-style decor.
When Dorian saw them, his face broke into an exaggerated smile. "There you are. Please have a seat and have some water first."
Matthew took a seat with an expressionless face and got straight to the point. "How is everything going with the arrangements? When do we meet K?"
"Don't rush; have some water first, and taste. How is it? I bought it from Henderson. You guys just got here yesterday. Did you get used to the hotel? You're staying at my place tonight. Don't worry, I'm more eager to catch him early than you are," Dorian said with a playful grin, talking about everything but the thing Matthew asked about.
Matthew and Victor sat opposite him, stern faces, unable to read this man who seemed to have many faces. Matthew picked up the glass of water in front of him and took a sip. "Tastes good, better than Italian coffee."
"Hahaha, of course," Dorian laughed heartily and then agreed seriously for a rare change.
Victor followed Matthew, carefully sipping from his glass as well.
Dorian put his cup down and spoke earnestly, "The day after tomorrow, we will go to K's stronghold together. You two will pose as buyers for the arms deal, and Interpol will have everything set up in advance. Although we've made preparations, it's not a guaranteed success, so be mentally ready for any emergency. In the end, your lives are the most important. If anything unexpected happens, make sure you stay safe. Nothing else should matter."
Dorian was serious because he was a cop, always ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. Still, they were different, just ordinary citizens, and the man across from him could become his brother-in-law. In case of any unfortunate incident, it wouldn't be easy to explain.
Matthew and Victor exchanged a significant look. Before departing, they knew this mission wouldn't be simple, and they never went into a battle unprepared.
After finishing their water, lunch was ready. After eating, Dorian had someone take them back to their rooms to rest. As soon as Matthew returned to his room, he called Madison - they should still be awake at this time.
The phone was answered after just one ring, Madison's cheerful voice on the other end, "Matthew~."
"Madison, did you sleep yet?"
"Not yet, just finished cleaning the kitchen."
"You've been working hard."
"It's nothing. Rachel has been coming to help for the last few days."
"Could you thank her for me? How are Quentin and Hannah?"
"They're in the room. Wait a sec, let me call them."
Matthew listened to the footsteps on the other end; soon, the voices of two little ones came through, "Matthew, did you arrive?"
"Yes, did you both listen to Mrs. Jonah today?"
"We were very good today," said Hannah with a heartwarming, childish lisp.
"Quentin and Hannah, you both did great."
Matthew had exchanged a few words with the kids when Rachel came over to take the little ones away, leaving Madison and Matthew some alone time.
"What time is it over there? Have you eaten?" Madison held her phone, the sound coming from the other side bringing her a lot of comfort.
"It's still early here. Dinner hasn't happened yet."
"Oh," she said.
"Madison, I miss you."
Hearing him say he missed her made Madison's face flush and her heart race, and she felt the same way.
"I miss you too, waiting for you to come back."
"Alright, get some rest early. I'll call you again when I'm free tomorrow."
"Okay."
Their conversation was casual, yet it felt incredibly warm and intimate.
*
That evening, after dinner at Dorian's estate, he walked with Dorian across the lawn.
"Want to go out and explore tomorrow? It's not every day you're here." Dorian seemed to be in good spirits, even in the mood to invite him out. Matthew's face turned serious, and there was a marked change in his usual demeanor. "Dorian seems eager."
"Should I start with a good cry, brother-in-law?"
Ha—Matthew actually laughed at that, surprised by Dorian's teasing, "Calling me 'brother-in-law' is a bit premature. Nothing's set in stone yet."
"You know Madison will be my younger sister, Madison. That sense of kinship won't be wrong," Dorian said confidently.
Matthew snorted coldly, dismissing the conversation.
"Just be ready to adapt the day after tomorrow. K is a sly old fox, which is difficult to deal with. Make sure my sister doesn't become a widow."
Matthew was left speechless.
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