Chapter 195 Your Brother-in-law
Dorian speculated whether Matthew had regained his memory, though his expression didn't confirm it. Brushing it off, Dorian reasoned that as a couple, Matthew and Madison were free to do as they pleased. Advising Madison to remember to charge her phone for future outings, he dismissed the matter.
Victor, however, watched Matthew closely, his expression tinged with concern. When would Matthew regain his memories? Having negotiated deals with both the Mystical Scholars Society and Bella, if Matthew chose not to return to Horizon City, what would they do?
Seeing everyone return calmed Dorian's nerves. "Alright, let's call it a night. Time to get some sleep," he declared.
However, Matthew was unsettled by Dorian's tone toward Madison. In an irked tone, he questioned, "Who is he?"
Madison was momentarily taken aback before realizing Matthew was referring to Dorian. Before she could respond, Dorian intervened with a half-smile directed at Matthew.
Unconvinced, Matthew frowned and exclaimed, "Impossible."
Dorian, suddenly animated, retorted, "How is it not possible? Madison is my sister, and you're her husband. Aren't I related as well?" His conviction seemed unwavering, as if he had already confirmed Madison's relation to him.
Matthew's brow furrowed deeper, casting doubt on the credibility of Dorian's claim.
Before Madison could interject, Dorian dashed off, followed by Victor. Matthew and Madison were left standing at the door.
Madison said sheepishly, "He must be joking." She didn't take Dorian's claim of being her brother seriously, feeling it was utterly impossible.
Turning away, Madison pulled out her room key and opened the door. "Well... I'll go in first."
Matthew nodded, preparing to watch her enter the room. Madison pushed the door open and took a couple of steps before turning back to ask, "Can we have lunch together tomorrow?"
"Sure," Matthew agreed, instructing her to get some rest. Both felt a sense of reluctance as they parted ways. Madison headed back into the room, closed the door, and sat down, leaning against it. She touched her flushed face and felt her heartbeat racing.
Matthew stood at the door for a while before finally walking away.
Returning to his room, Matthew was surprised to find Bella waiting for him. His brows knitted together as Bella asked him skeptically, "Have you regained your memory?"
Matthew tugged at his tie and shook his head, "No."
Bella wasn't upset; instead, she spoke with a hint of self-mockery, "It seems like you really are a loving couple after all. How else can you explain, you, who's usually so cold to everyone, actually going out shopping and having meals with someone?"
Matthew rolled up his sleeves, silently acknowledging Bella's observation. His inexplicable feelings for Madison remained unresolved.
Bella took a deep breath, standing up and smiling at Matthew. "Our cruise departs tomorrow. Are you coming with me? It wouldn't be so bad if you returned with me and played your role."
Matthew hesitated, uncertain of his response.
"Bella, I..."
"Never mind, no need to answer. I've known you wouldn't come," Bella interjected, unwilling to hear a rejection. "Besides, I'm not at a loss. I got connected to the Mystical Scholars Society, and that person from our gathering, the Asian man, must be someone you knew before, right?"
She had noticed his attentiveness toward the stranger during the negotiation, and the Godfather's reference to 'acting on someone's behalf' likely pertained to him. Matthew remained silent, unable to recall Victor's name, yet sensing a peculiar familiarity. Bella's assumption required further clarification.
Finally, Bella suggested, "Come see me off tomorrow, okay? 9 a.m., at the pier."
After Bella departed, closing the door with a lingering gaze, Matthew retrieved his jacket and left the room.
Returning to her room after a shower, Madison was drying her hair when the doorbell rang. Assuming it was either Victor or Dorian needing something, she threw on a robe before answering the door.
To her surprise, she found Matthew standing there.
"May I come in?" he asked.
"Sure." Madison stepped aside to let him in and closed the door behind them.
Matthew entered, noticing the room was laid out like his but filled with the fresh scent of post-shower fragrances.
"You..." he began, .
"I..." she also started.
Both spoke at the same time.
"You go first," Madison said with a slight smile, picking up the towel again to finish drying her hair.
"Bella's cruise ship is leaving Lunaria early tomorrow morning," Matthew revealed. Madison's expression paled, and she was frozen on the spot, her towel dropping to the floor.
Realizing he had come late to bid farewell, Madison's heart sank. Was he unwilling to leave with her, opting instead to return to their home country with Bella?
"It's... that soon?" she managed to say after a long pause.
"She's concluded her business here; there's no reason to stay any longer," Matthew explained, observing her pallor with concern.
Approaching her, Matthew picked up the fallen towel and handed it back to her. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" His concern was evident in his expression.
Clutching the towel tightly, Madison met his gaze,. The tears welling up she had been holding back in her eyes. began to fall uncontrollably.
She raised her hand frantically, trying to wipe away her tears, but they gushed out more fiercely, unrelenting like an opened faucet.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry, but I can't help it," she choked out. "Matthew, please don't go., okay? It doesn't matter if you can't remember, but could you stay where I can see you? Can't you stay instead of going back with Bella?" Madison pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.
Feeling his heart ache at her distress, Matthew pulled Madison into his arms, offering comfort. "Don't cry. It hurts to see you like this," he whispered soothingly.
As Madison looked up at him tearfully, Matthew wiped her cheeks gently, sighing softly. "When did I say I was leaving with Bella?" he questioned, surprising Madison with his response.
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